ST MARTIN’S CHURCH
THOMPSON\n\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\nThompson is an ancient settlement dating from the 10th century and the church of St Martin<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Our church is once again in need of help.\u00a0 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….<\/p>\n It has a rare 5 cant scissor-braced nave roof which we have recently restored.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\t 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\t It has many unusual medieval and Jacobean features which need to be preserved.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\t 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Help to re-focus religious and community activities in the church and its immediate surrounds.<\/p>\n \u2022 Enhance community cohesion and outreach (local, national and international).<\/p>\n\u2022 Using the church as backdrop, enable the PCC to deliver hands on experience to visitors of archaeology, history, heritage, education \u2022 Secure the mediaeval fabric and associated artwork.<\/p>\n \u2022 Protect the environment, ecology and wildlife.<\/p>\n Revitalising St Martin’s Church, Thompson, Norfolk<\/p>\n\n\t\tLetter from Vanessa – May 2026\n\t<\/h1>\n\t
“Praying many blessings for our farmers, our community and <\/strong>its sustenance….” <\/strong>
\nI have found living and working in a rural benefice, particularly one centred around farming, is defined by a deep connection to the land, a strong sense of community, and the rhythmic, seasonal nature of agricultural life. Farmers I come in to contact with often describe a rewarding, albeit demanding, way
\nof life that offers a unique sense of peace and purpose. Did you know that this year, May 10th is Rogation Sunday, which always takes place on the fifth Sunday after Easter. But what exactly does it mark? Rogation is an ancient church festival which seeks blessing for a community and its sustenance. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask”, reflecting the beseeching of God for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s
\nblessing on agriculture and industry.”
\nSince mediaeval times there has been a tradition of “beating the bounds” of the parish, praying for God ‘s blessing upon the crops and thus the well-being of that particular settlement. It is still observed by some parishes today – with a procession, prayers and a sharing of hope in God ‘s goodness to nourish
\nevery endeavour which enables people to flourish. So, the Sixth Sunday of Easter (the fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday) is traditionally known as “Rogation Sunday” in the Church of England’s calendar of festivals. This is because the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week are known as the “Rogation Days,” days for fasting and prayer. The Thursday of that week is the feast of the Ascension, a major Christian festival commemorating the bodily ascension of Jesus into heaven 40 days after his resurrection on Easter, marking the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry. Rogation invites people to ask for blessing – for a particular place, for all its inhabitants, for every endeavour to promote the common good. It is totally inclusive – joining everyone in seeking sustenance and a commitment to play their part in its provision. May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of all goodness and growth, pour his blessing upon our farmers, our communities, and all things created, that we may use his gifts to his glory and the welfare of all peoples. <\/h1>\nWith love and many blessings <\/h1>\n
Vanessa
\nx<\/h1>\n\tWhy is St\u00a0Martin’s so important?<\/h1>\n\t
The problem
\nfor this unique building…<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t![\"Screenshot_3\"](\"http:\/\/www.stmartinsthompson.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Screenshot_3.jpg\" "\\"Screenshot_3\\"")
\n\t\n\t\tIf we are to continue with our restoration project we still have a shortfall of at least \u00a3150,000 and still need YOUR HELP.\n\t<\/h2>\n\tSo far the PCC has engaged with the HLF, architects, cost consultants, archaeologists, churchyard wildlife and internal fabric experts. Despite all their expertise the shortfall remains very real but we are determined to meet it head on with YOUR assistance.
\nSt Martin’s history is local, national and international (especially through Prince Frederick Duleep Singh and John Pory’s association with the first Virginia Legislative Assembly).
\nThese prestigious links must never be lost. Your donations will ensure this historical gem in the beautiful Norfolk countryside will attract visitors from home and overseas. \n\n\t\tYour donations will:\n\t<\/h2>\n\t
\nand enactment.\n\n\t\tThere is a lot to do, enable and deliver.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS
\n\t<\/h1>\n\n\t\tHow you can donate\n\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\tJust Giving Page\n\t<\/h3>\n\t
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