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Holy Trinity and The Old Vicarage

Holy Trinity Church

Charles St Denys Moxon the curate at Fakenham, was responsible for getting Holy Trinity Church built and its Vicarage.

Charles was an advocate for the education and support of the poor. He noted in his recollections (1875) that the poor of Hempton, despite it being a parish in its own right, had to pay for a seat at the Fakenham Church. The building of a church in their parish would correct this.

Charles St Denys Moxon as a young man was a keen geologist and published author. He even translated technical papers from German. His father encouraged him and his other sixteen siblings to follow in his footsteps as a stockbroker. Charles recounts “that this suited neither [his] health nor [his] inclination”. He married his childhood friend Ann in 1844 and it is at this point, it seems, that Charles abandoned his scientific pathway and turned to the Church.

Charles attended Cambridge (1848-1850) where he studied law and whilst at Cambridge became aware of the Camden Ecclesiology Society. Although never a member of the group they were advocating, like the more well-known Oxford Movement, for the restoration of Churches to their pre-Reformation state. This was part of the Gothic Revival.

Charles was active, whilst in Norfolk, in the restoration of around 10 Churches to include more Catholic ways.

The laying of the first stone of Holy Trinity was a big event detailed at great length in an article by the local paper, the Norfolk Chronicle of September 1855.

The architect for the project was John Henry Hakewell of London. However, the design of the church has many early English, pre-Reformation features which reflects the style that Charles Moxon was a keen advocate. Charles made no secret of his intentions and aims for the church, he donated chalice and patten, alms dish, candle sticks, sanctuary lamp and processional cross to name just a few.

The costs for the project were at Charles Moxon’s own expense, aided by a few personal friends, and a grant of £80 from the Incorporated Church Building Society.

Named for The Holy Trinity, Hempton Church has its roots and origins amidst the ruins of ecclesiastical buildings associated with St Stephen (Priory), St Andrew (Parish Church), St Margaret and St Michael.

The Church opening ceremony took place on Monday 6th October 1856. The Church was not formally consecrated but licensed by the Bishop of Norwich.

White’s Directory (1864) describes the new church as only partially built, the chancel alone being completed.

Norfolk Chronicle: Saturday 24 March 1855

The population of Hempton grew to such an extent after the war that seating for the Sunday congregation became a problem. In 1952 the Parochial Church Council decided unanimously to extend the Church. Plans were drawn up by Mr J P Chaplin. The ‘Hempton Church Centenary Fund’ opened with a donation of £1,500 and the parish raised the rest of the money. Incorporated Church Building Society gave £100 for the extension. The total cost with heating, lighting, furniture and a new organ came to £4,700.

The fund raising to pay for the work had the whole community involved. Many gave regularly, others gave donations and all supported the various money-raising efforts made which included fetes, sales of work, concerts, dances and the annual gymkhana. Over eight tons of newspapers and periodicals were carried to the vicarage, to be sold as wastepaper, bringing in over £40. In every way this Centenary Fund became the responsibility of the whole parish. Members of the congregation also donated gifts of an altar crucifix, silver candlesticks, altar frontals and linen.

Bishop of Norwich consecrated the extended church in October 1955.

Bishop of Norwich consecrated the extended church in October 1955.Vicarage

A deed dated 17 June 1856 by the Most Noble John Marquess Townshend freely and voluntarily and without any valuable consideration conveyed to the Ecclesiastical commissioners a parcel of land 65 by 36 yards for the Church of Hempton.

A second deed dated 6 December 1860 by the Marquess Townshend gave a further piece of land adjoining and being bounded by the Church enclosure on the North side, 1555 square yards for a site for a house.

Charles Moxon wrote himself that he moved in to the Parsonage in 1860 and the infant school was a later addition.

According to White’s Directory (1864) the parish school was in the Vicarage.

The school outgrew the Vicarage and the Church Hall, originally a school room, was built for Moxon in 1871 before he moved parish to Devon. Fr. Moxon died in London in 1881.

The church sold the second parcel of land in 2003.