The hidden history of St Mary the Less church in Norwich

The church of Saint Mary the Less, also known as the “French Church,” is located on Queen Street in Norwich, wedged between two estate agents. Built in the 13th century to accommodate the rapidly growing population, the church remained in use until 1544 when its parish was combined with nearby Saint George in Tombland. Only the top of the tower and a gated door can be seen from the street.

In the 1500s, with the influx of Flemish refugees to the city, Saint Mary the Less was leased to “the Strangers” to be used as a cloth hall. The Strangers occupied the building for nearly 70 years before the French-speaking Walloons were given a 40-year lease from the city to use it as a church again, earning it the nickname of the “French Church”. In subsequent years, the church changed hands multiple times, being leased to the Swedenborgians and briefly serving as a Protestant church before fading again in the 1800s. It was then used by the Catholic Apostolic Church until 1959, when it was bought by furnishers Robertson and Coleman to use as a warehouse and store.

After the closure of the store in 1985, the church was sold to a private owner and gradually forgotten. Concerns have been raised about its future and preservation. Conservation group SAVE Britain’s Heritage listed Saint Mary the Less as an “at risk” building and access was last gained by Historic England and Norwich City Council in 2014. Preservation organizations have rallied to ensure the appropriate conservation of the church, which is seen as a hidden treasure in Norwich.

Cathy Eden, project coordinator of The Forum’s Open Heritage Days, expressed the cultural significance of the church and the need to protect it from further disrepair. With its limited visibility from the street and its historical significance as a place of worship for different groups of people throughout the centuries, Saint Mary the Less holds a unique place in the city’s history. Its preservation will not only maintain an important cultural landmark but also serve as a reminder of the diverse communities that have called Norwich home over the centuries.