TG2308 : Church of St Simon & St Jude
taken 11 years ago, near to Norwich, Norfolk, England
Grade I listed buildings and structures are of exceptional, even international importance. There are over 6,000 in the country. Only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I listed.
In Scotland the classification is Category A
Index: Link
In mediaeval times, Norwich boasted 56 churches within the city walls. Thirty-one of these remain today. Five were lost during the Second World War in German bombing raids. Some remain as ruins others were completely demolished. Still in existence today are: All Saints, St Andrew, St Augustine, St Clement, St Edmund, St Etheldreda, St George Colegate, St George Tombland, St Giles, St Gregory, St Helen, St James, St John Maddermarket, St John Sepulchre, St John Timberhill, St Julian, St Laurence, St Margaret, St Martin at Oak, St Mary the Less, St Martin at Palace, St Mary Coslany, St Michael Coslany, St Michael at Plea, St Peter Hungate, St Peter Mancroft, St Peter Parmentergate, St Saviour (to give it its proper name ‘The Transfiguration of our Saviour’), St Simon and St Jude, St Stephen, St Swithin and the tower of St Benedict and remains of St Bartholomew and St Peter Southgate.
They almost all suffered some damage during the war but have been repaired or the remains consolidated, with the exception of St Michael at Thorn, which was completely demolished. The Eastern Daily Press offices now stand on the site. The name Thorn Road is the only reminder of its whereabouts.
Many are no longer used for religious purposes but have been converted into offices, welfare centres and community resources.
Grade I listed. Link
The twin dedication of St Simon and St Jude is to two Apostles who, according to some accounts, preached the gospel in Persia and were martyred. A church almost certainly stood on this site before the Norman Conquest of 1066.
After becoming redundant, the church was used by the Scouts until 1997.
Further detail see: Link