Like most medieval churches, St Mary’s has undergone many changes during its long history, as people of different periods and Christian traditions have altered it.  The building we see today is, therefore, a glorious mixture of craftsmanship from several eras.

Before 1066 It is very likely that a Saxon church stood on this spot.  In the masonry beneath the blocked northwest chancel window are some large pieces of conglomerate, a material often found in Saxon churches.

C1200 - 1220    St Mary’s chancel was erected.  It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship in the Early English style, of which not a great deal remains in Norfolk.  This work extended some distance westwards.  It has been suggested that it may have encompassed part of the present nave, and may have been a complete single celled Early English church.

C1400               The western section of the Early English work was taken down and a new nave built, at the time when the Decorated style, seen in the blocked northwest chancel window was evolving into the Perpendicular style which can be seen in the tower.

The late 1400s   The church received its present handsome tower.  Other modifications took place.  About this time the beautiful seven sacrament font was added.

The 1520s           In 1524 and 152, money was left for re-roofing.  About this time the original east end of the chancel was taken down and shortened.  The new east wall was given a three light Perpendicular window.

The 1600s           After the Reformation in the mid 1500s the church interior was re-ordered to meet the new liturgical requirements of the Established church. These were turbulent times for the building and church liturgy.  St Mary’s survived remarkably intact during this period.

The 1800s           Despite the painting by F B Russel in 1862, which portrayed a picture of attractive rustic antiquity, the church was by now in a state of grave disrepair. By the 1870s through the enthusiasm and generosity of the Rev’d Edward Telfer Yates who was Rector here from 1873-9, the chancel was restored and extended eastwards and its north chapel re-built.

1903 The nave received a thorough restoration and parts of it were rebuilt to the designs of J. B. Pearce of King Street Norwich, the work being carried out by Mr. Blythe of Foulsham at a cost of £509.  The unsound walls  (particularly the south wall) were rebuilt and the stonework of the windows and doorways was renewed.  The thatched roof was taken down and replaced by a new roof of pitch-pine, covered with Broseley tiles.  A new north porch was built.  It was hoped that the Dean of Norwich would re-dedicate the restored church on St. Matthew's Day 1903, but illness prevented him from doing so, and services resumed on Sunday, Sept 20th.