One of Thetford’s last surviving medieval churches is a step closer to being brought back into community use, following a significant funding boost to support its restoration.
St Peter’s Church, known locally as the “Black Church” for its distinctive flint chequerboard exterior, dates back to the 14th century and is a Grade II* listed landmark. Empty for many years, the building sits at the heart of an ambitious project led by Thetford Town Council to restore and reopen it as a space for culture, learning and community activity.
Earlier work on the project saw the Town Council submit an expression of interest to the National Heritage Lottery Fund as part of its wider Heritage Masterplan for the town. That initial step has now been strengthened by new funding agreed by the Thetford Pride in Place Board, which has allocated £120,000 from the town’s £20m government award to move the project into its development phase.
The funding will support essential surveys, design work and specialist assessments needed to fully scope the restoration. It has also enabled the Town Council to submit a full application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which, if approved, could unlock several million pounds of external funding for a project expected to cost more than £3m.
“I am delighted that this funding has been able to unlock the next stage of the journey to restore and reopen St Peter’s Church,” said Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk and Thetford Town Councillor. “This is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in Thetford, and it is just full of potential.”
Built in the 14th century, St Peter’s is one of only three medieval churches still standing in Thetford. Years of underuse and neglect have taken their toll, with urgent work needed to stabilise the roof, repair damage to the tower louvres and tackle an infestation of death watch beetles. Despite this, the building has continued to capture local interest, hosting Heritage Open Day events in the past and several attempts to ring a full peal with its historic bells.
The Town Council is working closely with conservation specialists Tricolour Associates and Historic England to develop the funding bid, with the long-term aim of restoring the building and reopening it as a flexible community venue.
“St Peter’s Church is woven into the fabric of Thetford’s history. It is a building that holds stories from across the centuries and deserves to be safeguarded for future generations,” said Councillor Annie Blackburn, Chair of the Heritage & Events Committee. “Our hope is that it will once again serve as a community hub, as churches always have done.”
Jo Pearson, Chair of the Thetford Pride in Place Board, added that the project reflects what residents have consistently said matters most: “The people of Thetford have told us that the protection and preservation of our unique heritage, and the regeneration of our town centre, are key priorities,” he said.
Alongside essential repairs, the project will explore how the restoration can be carried out sustainably, including the potential use of green energy. The work will also help preserve traditional heritage skills, and it is hoped the bells in the tower will one day ring out again. A public consultation is planned as the project develops, giving residents the chance to help shape how the space is used in the future.
For updates on the restoration and information about upcoming heritage events, visit:
www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
