Our mission is the conservation and promotion of Norfolk's built heritage. we achieve this by being:
A CATALYST for building conservation initiatives, working in partnerships with others
A CHAMPION for conservation through campaiging, fundraising and raising public awareness
A CUSTODIAN for important buildings where no independent economic and sustainable use exists
Historic Norfolk is the operating name of Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust, which was established in1977, and has been instrumental in saving more than 20 historic buildings in Norfolk that might otherwise have been lost.
It has an active board of trustees and one part-time employee.
We currently cares for five historic properties.
Waxham Great Barn
The longest ancient barn in Norfolk, dating from the late 16th century. The barn is Grade 1 listed and the site is a Scheduled Monument, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is owned by Norfolk County council and leased to the Trust. The barn is open to visitors and is available to hire for weddings and other events. We work with an independent company to manage these activities and one wing of the barn is leased to the Dunes Café who run a busy and popular café on site.
Oulton Chapel, Manse and Burial Ground
Located a few miles from Aylsham Oulton Chapel was a non-conformist chapel built between 1728 and 1731. It is Grade II* listed. It is used for local council meetings and as a polling station and is available to hire for meetings and other events. In 2023 we opened a natural burial ground on the site which is managed by the Aylsham office of Paul Fisher Funeral Services. The chapel is open on the second Sunday of the month from April to October, thanks to the Friends of Oulton Chapel. The Manse, built in 1784 to accommodate the minister, is grade II listed and is privately rented.
Becket's Chapel
Becket's Chapel in Wymondham is a Grade 1 listed building, the earliest parts of which date from the 12th century. It reopened in July 2023 following a programme of restoration and repair by Historic Norfolk, thanks to grant funding of around £700,000. It is available to hire for meetings, receptions and other activities. From May to October each year it is home to Wymondham Arts. Phase 1 of the restoration (October 2022 to July 2023) involved repairs to the fabric of the building to make it watertight, structurally sound and in a usable condition. We are now actively planning the second phase of this project, subject to planning and funding.
We also care for Thurton Lodges and Homersfield Bridge.
