St Clement, Burnham Overy

Having visited St Clement's at Burnham Overy on the north Norfolk coast on a number of occasions I was excited to be back. Entering the graveyard I paused to look at the church elevated on its hillock. Fringed against a lovely blue sky interspersed with roaming clouds, it looked like a permanent part of the landscape. However, as we know, churches - like everything else - are subject to change. So, in Norman times it would have been a cruciform church with transepts. The substantial squat tower dates from that period. 

Walking up the path I was pleased to note an early 18thC gravestone memorialising Isaac Overman in the most rustic of lettering. I had to wonder if it was a palimpset; possibly previously part of a medieval mensa (altar slab)?

Walking into the church my eyes fell upon this - presumably 15thC - St Christopher. 

The chancel is a wonderful space, full of golden sunlight and atmosphere. On the right is the narrowest of aisles. 

Stepping over some cherubic angels my graffiti radar went off as I noticed a lovely dedication etched into the glass.

From where I stood I could hear fragments of a conversation taking place between my travel companions, Mr Many Coats and Aunty Gary, followed by sniggers and guffaws.

Curious, I ambled back into the nave and looked up at the object of their amusement - a lascivious, leering lion and its privvy part. This is, we assume, what is meant by a Lion Rampant!

Stepping back into the sunlight I enjoyed a slow walk around the church and looking up, noticed the fossilised gable with the steep pitch characteristic of a thatched roof of the long demolished Norman transept.