Time Capsule Unearthed During Church Restoration

A hidden time capsule has been just one of the discoveries made at one of our churches as it undergoes restoration.

The residents of Wighton will be celebrating the 600th birthday of the building of the Nave at All Saint’s Church this year and have marked the event with a four-year restoration project. All Saint’s is also one of Norfolk’s oldest churches

So far the project has seen a pre-1917 Nave roof line discovered in church’s west wall, as well as a small glass time capsule hidden in the roof by two builders in 1973.  Restoration has also included preserving the south aisle, porch, nave roof and electrics of the listed North Norfolk Church.

The initiative has been funded by the Norfolk Churches Trust, the Weston Garfield Foundation, and generous individuals.  A huge boost was also give to the project after a grant was announced in June this year which saw £231,000 awarded to the Church by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sophie Trend, grants coordinator for Wighton’s parochial church council (PCC), said, “With generous support from funding bodies, particularly National Lottery players, our PCC has done its bit in helping ensure that our wonderful Church will serve our community for the next 600 years and more.”

Project Architect Mr Iain Walker with Mr Ashley Banester of Phoenix Build celebrating the 600th anniversary of All Saints Church, Wighton.