St Margaret's, Cley

St Margaret's is a medieval church in Cley Next the Sea distinguished by its ornate interior fittings and stonework. Inside, an octagonal font, carved wooden bench ends, and decorated tracery demonstrate the fine craftsmanship that went into creating such buildings during the Middle Ages.

Work on the church began around 1320 and was sponsored by the prosperous merchant family de Vaux who held significant influence in the area. The construction spanned decades, reflecting the substantial investment these patrons made in the building.

The church holds meaning for the local community through war memorials that line its walls, telling stories of residents who left the village to serve in conflicts. These tributes reveal how deeply the place is woven into the lives of people here.

The church is actively used for regular worship services and welcomes visitors to come explore its architectural features. It is wise to check opening times before your visit and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on stone floors.

A window in the church commemorates an unusual event from 2008 when a rare bird sighting near the building sparked donations that funded restoration work. This detail connects the church to an unexpected moment when nature and conservation efforts intersected.