Thetford buildings [29]

Image: © Michael Dibb Taken: 8 Sep 2020

The redundant church of St Mary the Less has fragments from the 11th century but is mainly late 14th century. The tower was rebuilt in the 15th century and the chancel was rebuilt in the late 19th century as part of a restoration. One of only three medieval churches in the town, it has undergone periods of dereliction and restoration, being used as a stable during the 17th century. The tower was shortened in the mid 20th century. The church became redundant in 1987 and became derelict. Repair work is currently in hand and there are plans to convert the church into apartments. Listed, grade II*, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1297899 Once the ancient capital of East Anglia, Thetford is a market town established at a crossing of the River Little Ouse. A major centre of Boudica’s Iceni tribe with an Iron Age fort. Later came a Norman castle and an important priory. Thetford is the birthplace of 18th century radical Thomas Paine, whose thinking encouraged American independence and the abolition of slavery. After World War II, Thetford became an "overspill town", taking people from London.

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