Upwell village, Norfolk

A sister parish to Outwell, with whom it shares the ministry team. Both parishes are on the Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border. In fact the county line used to run through the middle of both villages.

Historical bits

Recent archaeological evidence suggests that there has been Christian worship on the site of what is now St Peter’s since Roman times. During Roman times there was probably a house-church, then later a Saxon church was built on the site. Parts of the present church date from the 13 th Century, such as the carved wooden angels. The font is 15 th Century. The church also has what is reputed to be the largest coat of arms in Norfolk.

Literary references

St Peter’s is listed in Simon Jenkins’ book England’s Thousand Best Churches , (2001), Penguin Books, England. St Peter’s was also one of the inspirations for Dorothy L. Sayer’s mystery story "The Nine Tailors" (1959), New English Library, USA.

Punch unearthed

The recipe for Norfolk Punch was discovered in the 1970s in the Leet court records of Welle Manor in Upwell. It was unearthed by Eric St John Foti. The non-alcoholic drink is believed to have been first created by Benedictine monks 700 years ago, as a tonic. The names Welle and Upwell come from the well from which the monks drew the spring water used in the tonic.

The recipe is still made with natural spring water, honey and a mixture of herbs and berries (including Alchoof, Alder Cone, Angelica, Basil, Bay Leaf, Blackcurrant Leaf, Camomile, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove, Comfrey, Daisy, Dandelion, Dill, Dock, Elderberry, Elderflower, Fennel, Feverfew, Ginger, Grape, Hop, Lemon, Liquorice, Lime Flower, Meadowsweet, Melissa, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Poppy, Privet, Rock Parsley, Rosemary, Samphire, Thyme and Vervain!). It is now produced by Britvic and is available from many health food stores .

Things to do

St Peter’s holds an annual flower festival at the end of June each year, to celebrate St Peter’s feast day.

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