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St Margaret's Church ruin in Hopton could face closure
24th June
by Daniel Hickey, Senior Reporter, Great Yarmouth Mercury
Hopton church ruins have suffered repeated acts of vandalism over the past few years (Image: Archant © 2018)
A medieval church in a coastal village may have to close due to repeated acts of vandalism which have damaged the site
St Margaret's Ruined Church, a 13th century structure in Hopton, opened to the public seven years ago and is supposed to be a site for quiet contemplation
But over the past two years, vandals have dug lime mortar out of the ruin and thrown 1000-year-old stones across the grounds
This has created an 'overhang' on the north inside wall of the ruin which now needs repair
St Margaret’s Ruined Church in Hopton dates from the 13th century (Image: Archant 2018)
READ MORE: Dig helps unearth history of ruined Hopton church dating back to 13th century
Hopton Parish Council has asked Darren Barker of the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust (GYPT) to assess the ruin and decide what works are needed to destabilise the north wall
In the meantime, the parish council will install CCTV cameras around and inside the ruin in an attempt to prevent further anti-social behaviour
Julie McNair, parish clerk, said that notices have been in place for some time but these are being removed on a regular basis and discarded
The ruin remains open to the public for the time being but may have to close should the vandalism continue, she said
Norfolk Police are aware of the incidents
The walls of the old Grade II listed ruin were stabilised seven years ago, with assistance from Mr Barker and the GYPT who organised heritage funding for the two-year project
The ruin was then officially re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich in a ceremony that was enjoyed by residents and dignitaries
In 2019 a motorbike was set on fire at St Margaret’s Ruined Church in Hopton (Image: Archant)
READ MORE: Vandalism at medieval church ruin
In 2019, police were called after stones had been gouged out of graves and people had reportedly walked along the ruin's walls, causing flint from the building to fall to the ground
One month later, firefighters rushed to the church following reports a vehicle was on fire under the building
On that occasion, flames torched the building's wall
this article first appeared in the Great Yarmouth Mercury online and is used with permission
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