Welcome to St Helen’s, an ancient church, which has been a place of worship for the Great Hospital community for hundreds of years. The Great Hospital was founded in 1249 by the then Bishop of Norwich to care for elderly homeless people. The first to be helped were “decrepit priests”. When the church was originally built it was a hive of activity giving solace to the inmates of the hospital who could see from the wards into the chancel as Mass was celebrated.
It is still the focus for a worshipping community who are mostly elderly. Although using Anglican services we are fortunate to welcome Christians from other denominations who cannot any longer get to their own churches.
Many testify to God’s faithfulness during their long and eventful lives. The parish now includes people who live in Cotman Fields development, between the Great Hospital and the river Wensum. They help to remind us to look beyond the walls of the Great Hospital.
There are two treasures in this place the people and the building and both point to the love of God as demonstrated in the life and death of his Son Jesus Christ.
Visitors are always welcome
How to find us…
