Posted by The fire left the thatched roof of the Grade 1 listed church entirely destroyed
Locals ‘devastated’ after fire rips through 11th century Norfolk church
Residents have described being left “devastated” after a fire ripped through an 11th century church in Beachamwell, Norfolk, which left the thatched roof of the Grade I listed building destroyed.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said that six fire engines had attended the blaze, which was now “under control”.
“We will have a presence on scene for the rest of the day at least,” the spokesperson said.
John Sanderson, an 87-year-old man who lives in the village, said that residents were “devastated”.
“All the roof is gone. I think just the walls are left,” he said.
“I just came back from the supermarket and saw police cars tearing down the road. When I got back I was told the church was on fire.”
Historic England, the public body, said it was “saddened” by the news, adding that the building is “a rare surviving example of a medieval, thatched-roofed church”.
“We are liaising with the church and local authority and will look to support them,” it added.Advertisement
It is understood the church was closed for repairs at the time of the fire.
The fire service later said they were “scaling down” their response, and thanked residents for their patience.