St Michael Coslany, Norwich Explained

St Michael (St Miles) Coslany, Norwich
Coordinates:52.6329°N 1.2914°W
Location:Norwich, Norfolk
Country:England
Denomination:Church of England
Heritage Designation:Grade I listed

St Michael (St Miles) Coslany, Norwich is a Grade I listed redundant parish church in the Church of England in Norwich.[1] The building is located on Coslany Street, between Oak Street and Colegate.

History

The church is noted for its remarkable display of flushwork of white stone against black flint. The south aisle retains it from the fifteenth century and was added in 1500, by Alderman Gregory Clark.

The chapel at the east end was added by Robert Thorpe as his chantry chapel. The north aisle was built by Alderman William Ramsey in 1502–04. The nave was rebuilt by the Stalon brothers in the early sixteenth century.

The south porch was demolished in 1747. A restoration was carried out in 1883 to 1884 when the flushwork on the chancel was rebuilt, and a new east window added.

The bell tower dates back to the 13th century.[2]

Inspire Discovery Centre

During the mid 1990s to mid 2011 the church building was home to a charity called INSPIRE,[3] a children's activity attraction dedicated to the exploration of science through hands-on techniques. The charity has since closed.[4]

Organ

A Norman and Beard organ was installed in 1885 but has been transferred elsewhere. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Notes and References

  1. The Buildings of England. Norfolk. Nikolaus Pevsner. p.248. First Edition. 1962. Penguin Books Limited
  2. News: Norwich Inspire Discovery Centre to re-open on Monday. 18 August 2017. Norwich Evening News. 29 January 2010.
  3. News: Grant of £70,000 lottery cash to celebrate Norwich’s medieval churches with ‘Flintspiration’ festival. 18 August 2017. Eastern Daily Press.
  4. News: Inspire Discovery Centre in Norwich to close. 18 August 2017. BBC. 24 March 2011.