St Martin’s History
Thompson is an ancient settlement dating from the 10th century and the church of St Martin dates from approximately 1300. Our timeline shows a fascinating history since its endowment as a Collegiate Church in 1349 and the building of the college in which six priests resided. Several influential people have been associated with the church, including John Pory, who was born in Thompson in 1572 and became the first Speaker of the first Legislative Assembly in Virginia, and Prince Frederick Duleep Singh who helped save the church 100 years ago.
Our church is once again in need of help. The work to the nave roof was much more extensive, complex & unfortunately more expensive than we expected and as a result we have had to postpone works to the chancel roof, which is likely to be suffering from the same issues as the nave, and also the below ground rain water drainage system, without which the fabric of the church will not fully dry out. This is before we start on the interior....
Letter from Vanessa - May 2025
There’s a buzz in the air!
The sun has been shining and there’s a buzz in the air which brings a sense of expectation. Some are planning to travel, and others to unleash their long-suppressed ideas for the future.
Now, none of this is to ignore the deep-seated anxieties that are very real for many people. The future will indeed bring further challenges, struggles and needs. Pulling together and practising consistent generosity of attitude and behaviour will always be vital as we adapt to change, but we should never forget that we have so much to be thankful for.
Since moving to Wayland, I have felt a greater sense of welcome and a willingness to help one another, volunteering in the community and in church, a sense of neighbourliness and an awareness of the vulnerable in our villages. I’m grateful to those who step up and put others before themselves, running errands, visiting the sick, shopping, and supporting those in need.
As I write, the air is also a buzz with new growth, not just for young wildlife but with the stunning colours of spring. I love to see the cherry tree blossom, the buds on the trees, and the freshly tilled fields, which should never be taken for granted.
Did you know that the flowers associated with May are Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn? Lily of the Valley, with its delicate white, bell-shaped blooms and sweet scent, is a real favourite for many, certainly it was for the late Queen Elizabeth II, and for my own grandmother. It symbolizes humility, sweetness, and the return of happiness. Hawthorn, known for its fragrant pink and white blossoms, is associated with hope, happiness, and faith.
May is commonly known as the month of Mary the mother of Jesus too. In the Catholic Church, it’s a time dedicated to honouring and praying to Mary.
As we continue the Easter season, Christians have been remembering the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And, as a mother myself, I have been reflecting on Mary’s own suffering as she watched her son dying on the cross. Yet, we mustn’t forget that Christ’s resurrection brings new life for all people, and we should always look towards him to bring hope, joy and love into the world, a love and light that shines so brightly from all those who work tirelessly to care for and support others, just as Jesus taught us. Thank you. For it is people like you who add to that buzz in the air!
With every blessing.
Vanessa.
Why is St Martin's so important?
It has a rare 5 cant scissor-braced nave roof which we have recently restored.
It is a unique and largely unmodernised gem of historic importance; a Grade 1 listed mediaeval building, said to be the finest example of the Decorated style in East Anglia.
It has many unusual medieval and Jacobean features which need to be preserved.
The problem
for this unique building...

The roof structure is a rare example from the first half of the 14th century of a scissor braced roof and consists of 40 pairs of rafters. Sadly the rafter ends had rotted away and only thin clay lump walls prevented the roof from spreading. Luckily we caught the problem just in time and have repaired each of the 80 rafter ends using traditional techniques and new materials to match existing. The work was far more extensive than originally envisaged and although we had a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund we also managed to secure extra funding from many generous donors.
Your donations will:
• Help to re-focus religious and community activities in the church and its immediate surrounds.
• Enhance community cohesion and outreach (local, national and international).
• Using the church as backdrop, enable the PCC to deliver hands on experience to visitors of archaeology, history, heritage, education
and enactment.
• Secure the mediaeval fabric and associated artwork.
• Protect the environment, ecology and wildlife.
There is a lot to do, enable and deliver.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS
How you can donate
Just Giving Page
Revitalising St Martin’s Church, Thompson, Norfolk
Cash or cheque
Cheques and cash can be sent/delivered to:
The Treasurer, College Farm, College Farm Lane, Thompson, Thetford IP24 1QG
Online banking transfer (BACS)
Bank account name: Revi St Martin’s
Sort Code: 20 28 20
Account Number: 9391.4356
Latest News
Blossom and Yarn a great success!
Blossom and Yarn proved again to be a spectacular success as the knitting Festival returned to raise much needed funds for our local churches. Although the inside of St Martin’s was not available for the event the team made the best of the situation by brilliantly decorating the porch and the churchyard using the theme of…
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History timeline

Contact us
If you would like more information about the renovations or would like to discus making a donation then please write to The Treasurer St Martin's Church, c/o College Farm, Thompson, Thetford IP24 1QG, get in touch by phone on 01953 483.318 or fill in the form below.