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A
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
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Although there have been churches
probably on the current site for at least 1000 years (one is recorded in the Domesday
Book of 1079), the present church building was begun in 1290. The church dominates
the town from a slope above the Market Place, and the tower is visible from miles
away across the fields. The Tower, Nave (where the congregation sit), Arcades
(the arches between the nave and aisles) and porch doorways all date from 1290
and are in the Gothic Decorated style. The actual porches are in the decorated
style and date at around 1430-40. The Chancel was restored and extended in 1850
in Victorian times. |
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Inside the church the font was
made by local craftmen in 1857 and the oak wooden screen (between the nave and
chancel) was erected in 1909. The box pews (they all have little doors to enter)
replaced earlier similar ones in 1850. The stained glass windows date from the
early 1850’s to 1882. |
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The most famous Rector of Diss
was John Skelton (Rector from 1504 to 1529) tutor to the young Prince Harry, later
King Henry VIII, and Poet Laureate from both Cambridge and Oxford Universities.
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We have a small colour booklet
entitled 'The Abiding Glory', which details the history of the Church. Copies
are available at a cost of £1 by contacting the Parish Secretary. |
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For the past three year our Church
has been awarded the Certificate of Five Star Excellence for the ‘Visitor
Church of the Year’ in the Diocese of Norwich. |
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The Organ in the church dates
back to at least 1877 and we have compiled a brief history of it's life since
then for those interested... |
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