Great Yarmouth Minster

Gt Yarmouth Minster

A stained glass window

Gt Yarmouth Minster is no doubt a magnificent and highly popular place for locals and visitors alike.    It is the Parish Church of St Nicholas and is the largest Parish Church in Gt Yarmouth.  It was founded in 1101 AD by Herbert De Losinga.  The Church was finally completed in 1119.  This was also the last year of Herbert De Losinga's life.  He was the Bishop of Norwich.    In Medievil days, Gt Yarmouth was the fourth richest town in the Country, and the Minster had 19 guilded chapels, tapestries and stained glassed windows.

In 1649 the Church was divided into three sections.  This was because the Puritons demanded the use of the Church.  The Anglican Church used the south side, and the Puritons and the Presbytarians made use of the north aisle.  The Puritons was led by Rev Bridge.  All three demoninations held their services at the same time.  You can only imagine what this would have been like for the congregation, can't you?

The Church was enlarged in 1190.  This was largely due to replacement of Norman work with 8 arches each side of the Nave.   In 1286 the chancel aisles were added.  This was during the reign of Edward I.  And thirdly the transepts were build.  The Church was completed in 1332.  This was in the reign of Edward III.  Work began on a further enlargement in 1330 to a western transept.  The walls were 4 foot high when the work was stopped.  This was due to the outbreak of the black death in 1348.

From the birth of the Church up until 1536 the Church was used as a Priory of the Benedictine.  This was established by Bishop Losinga.  But sadly, under the reign of Henry VIII the monasteries were dissolved.

During WW2, the roof of the Minister and all the interior furnishings were destroyed when there was a fire caused by enemy bombing.  The current restoration began in 1957 with the help of the War Damage Commission.  There were 53 men from the Yarmouth area who aided in the restoration of the Church.  The Minster has since been restored to its original shape.  The Bishop of Norwich reconsecrated the Church in 1961.

On 9 December 2011 St Nicholas Church was designated a Minster by the Lord Bishop of Norwich.  It's official title now is The Minster Church of St Nicholas.

Great Yarmouth Minster Official Website