North Creake Church and Abbey

6. North Creake Church

Despite the delay I'd caused at Wells, Roger took us on a pleasant route, and when we arrived

at North Creake, we were exactly on time.

Triptych in North Creake Church 2004

(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

Upon entering the Church, we all had a wonderful welcome from not only members of the

Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.), but also from the Vicar (Revd. Andrew Thompson) who had

managed to come despite some earlier appointments, and we also had a lovely welcome from

his Churchwarden, Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson (who had at one time, lived in Creake

Abbey Farm).

Left to Right (in background): Roger (Coach Driver); Pamela Powditch;

Dr Nick McIver; Bryan Harman; Maureen and Don Jones;

Left to Right (in foreground):

Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson; Pam Clatworthy; Shirley Smith

(Photo © John C Algar 2006-2007)

Dr Nick McIver - who is the Hon. Secretary of the P.C.C., was the first to welcome us into the

historic Church, following which we were introduced to all the other Church members, and then

we were invited to look around, to see, and to ask questions.

Wooden panelling and affixed pews at the back of the north aisle had been removed so that

family members could view the Powdich graveslabs sited there, all in varying degrees of wear,

Graveslab

John,

son of Thomas Powdich

Died 1717 in his 53rd year

(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

Powditch graveslab

John Powdich of Wells,

Mariner

Died 1722 aged 28

(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

Powditch graveslab

Thomas Powditch

Died 1714

aged 75yrs and 6mo

(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

whilst further down the same aisle, were two other graveslabs for the Powdich family, but those

had been made from black granite, with history-worn smooth surfaces; the carving of letters still

clearly showing names and details almost as clear in 2006 as in the mid-1700s when they had

first been carved.

Thomas Powdich of Creak Abby [sic] (c1691-1747 ae 56)

(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

Prisilla [sic] Powdich (nee Clayton) of Creak Abby [sic] (c1665-1735 ae 70)

(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

'Angel' Roof supports

in North Creake Church

(Photos © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

The same aisle and the memorial by its altar are to the memory

of one of the sons of Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson and

his wife Patricia, who tragically died many years ago. At the

Church this afternoon and with us to share in its history, was the

same Brigadier (Peter Stewart-Richardson) whose other son

had recently suffered from rather a bad heart-attack, although I

understand that he is now recuperating.

After family members had looked around the Church and seen

not only the wonderful items etc which are there, but also the

many parts of its fabric which need urgent attention, John spoke

to everyone about the need for much needed funds (money!) to

undertake the various work, and he invited Powditch family

members to support the Church through donations and gifts.

An appeal form was also available for those family members

who wanted to help in other ways (Click here to access and

print a copy of the North Creake Church's Appeal Form, and

through same, help to maintain your Powditch ancestors' place

of worship).

Before we took our leave of everyone, many family members bought Jams, Jellies, Chutneys and other items from the display table, and after we'd all left, (The old fire-engine)
I hope that support had moved from the table (which was now much lighter) to the Church, for every jar sold, raised money for theChurch and for all its much needed repairs etc. (Bell-tower) mmm
Having left behind our new found friends at North Creake, we drove out of the village, heading towards the Burnhams until we saw to our right, and drove down to the ruins of Creake Abbey mm (Window) (All Photos of North Creake Church © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

Notice Board

7. Creake Abbey where Roger parked the Coach as

close as he could, outside the Abbey, and we all walked through

the metal gate and on towards the far end of the ruins.

Creake Abbey, Norfolk
(Photo © Pat Powditch 2004-2007)

By this

time the

afternoon

had got a lot

colder, and

although we

wanted to

stop at the Abbey to

look around

and have some

photographs taken, we were also looking forward to going

somewhere a bit warmer!

PFG2006 Group Photo of Powditch Family in Creake Abbey
(Photo taken by John C Algar © 2006-2007)

Left to Right (as numbered);									(Photo taken by John C Algar © 2006-2007)
1	2	3	4		5	6		7
Jim Cook	Jacky Cook	Pat Saye	Pam Clatworthy		Shirley Smith	Maureen Jones		Don Jones

8	9	10		11		12		13
Pamela Powditch	Bryan Harman	Anne Willoughby		Fiona Buchanan		Cameron Buchanan		Carole Smith

14			15				16
Angela Algar			Haydn Powditch				Georgina Powditch

Whilst the group photos were being taken, our host, Mrs Diana Brocklebank Scott, together with her little boy (Arthur) came across the lawn to welcome us, and not long afterwards, we all walked from the Abbey and through the side gate and into the grounds of Creake Abbey Farm for Afternoon Tea.

Please click Here to go to the next part of our Journey.