St George, Eastergate

The first record of Eastergate Parish is believed to be that in the Domesday Book, where it is called Gate. Opinions differ as to whether the church mentioned is the present building, but parts of the Chancel lead experts to conclude that this part may be pre-Norman. In the exterior south wall are Roman bricks, set in herringbone pattern.

It is thought that at one time a tollgate stood between Eastergate and Westergate, hence the origin of 'Gate'.

There are some fine examples of stained glass windows in the Church, one of which is the Arundel window on the south side;  this glass is over 630 years old, and bears the arms of the Fitzalan family, the forebears of the present Norfolk family. The west window is a memorial to Earl Kitchener who was killed in 1916  when his boat, HMS Hampshire, struck a mine. 

In the north wall of the chancel there is a little Saxon window which is probably the earliest evidence of a place of worship in Eastergate since records began.  Also in the chancel are two lancet windows dating back to the 13th century.

The Church has one bell, inscribed to the memory of John Boniface, and dated 1737. 
Eastergate Church is a Grade II* listed building, and is situated in a Conservation area in the grounds of Manor Farm, which is owned by the Church Commissioners, who also own the adjoining farmland.  St.George's is the smallest of the three churches in the parish.
The church was reordered during the year 2000 to provide toilet and kitchen facilities in the vestry, and a "welcome area" at the west end of the Church, and the pulpit removed to provide a clear area at the front of the church, this has meant that the seating capacity has been reduced to approximately 80 people. Heating and lighting were also improved.

If you are interested in reading further fascinating details of the history of St. George's Church and Eastergate Village from 1100 to 1959, an illustrated book entitled "The Story of Eastergate" is available, price £5 + postage,  from The Parish Office.