Further information on date

The Village
The place name indicates that the village is of Danish origin: the suffix “-by” is common in these parts and denotes a ‘settlement’: “Fil” of “File” was probably a proper name or, if it originally was “Fell”, it could mean ‘on a hill.’ The Norsemen must have found this sheltered bluff overlooking what was then a freshwater estuary, an excellent wintering camp with access to the North Sea and easily defended against Saxons from the West.

The Church
Filby was an important village in Saxon times and the original church which stood here was one of the earliest in the district. The present building and is dedicated to All Saints. It has been described as “the most beautiful in East Flegg.” John de Wykelwode is the first known Rector: he was presented in 1315 by Robert de Fileby whose family were then lords of the manor.

The Tower
This, together with its West door and window, is a fine example of the Perpendicular style (c.1400-1575). The fact that even a small community could boast such a magnificent church is due partly to the prosperity of the mediaeval wool trade in East Anglia. The unusual figures on the top corners represent the four Latin Doctors of the church. There are five 17^th Century bells with chiming apparatus.

Tower Door
Why are there seven locks on the doorway to the belfry? One suggestion is that the tower, with its iron clad door, was used as a strong-room for the village valuables and as a refuge against marauders from the sea and other disturbers of peace. Alternatively, the door might once have been the lid of the parish alms chest?

The Font
The octagonal font in Purbeck marble is from Early English period (c.1200-1275). Despite a modern appearance, it is the oldest item in the church and was probably transferred from the earlier building.

Stained Glass
None is earlier than the Victorian period. The medallions in the North Aisle (left hand side) are an imitation of the 13^th century style.

The Pulpit
The ‘wine glass’ pulpit is the original mediaeval one dating from the Perpendicular period: the stem probably used to be 15 inches longer.

Side Chapel
The altar in the South Aisle is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The Aumbry was a gift from members of The Filby Association and was dedicated at the unique Filby Homecoming in September, 1968. We traced our descent from Roger de Fileby and others who were lord of the manor in the 13^th and 14^th centuries

Rood Screen
    The lower part of the screen dates back to c.1450 and is one of the few surviving pre-Reformation painted screens. It is accounted second in quality only to Ranworth and was the work of the same school of Norfolk craftsmen. Although its beauty is faded, it reminds us of the power of colour and symbolism in an illiterate and bookless age.
    Why should four of the figures depict Virgin Martyres of the 3^rd Century? From left to right, the panels portray:-
    1. St. Cecilia (AD 230) with wreath of flowers.
    2. St. George and the dragon.
    3. St. Catherine of Alexandria (AD 250) holding a sword and book and standing on a wheel.
    4. St. Peter with keys.
    5. St. Paul with sword and book.
    6. St. Margaret of Antioch (AD 278) piercing a dragon with her crozier.
    7. St. Michael the Archangel weighing souls.
    8. St. Barbara (AD 235) with a tower in her hands.

Monuments
    The “Lucas Angel” on the south wall of the chancel is a fine work of its kind and was executed by Hermann of Dresden in the 1830’s. Near the altar steps, there are stones to commemorate three Rectors who between them ministered here for 140 continuous years. They are:-
    James Wace 40 years (1681-1722)
    Thomas Whaites 48 years (1722-1770)
    Christopher Taylor 49 years (1771-1820)

Church Treasures
The chalice and paten are of solid silver and the former is quaintly inscribed: “1636 R.L. E.D. Churchwardines for the Towne of ffilby.” These Communion vessels have been in constant use since the reign of the Royal Martyr, King Charles 1. Edward Boys, Rector of nearby Mautby, had been his chaplain.
The registers date back to 1561, in the reign of Elizabeth 1, and are well preserved. Strangely enough, the only reference to the Filby's is an entry concerning the marriage of Elizabeth Filbye to Thomas Mantrope in 1661. The oldest registers have been deposited with the Norfolk Records Office.

Other Features
    By the North and South doors are well preserved Stoups for the holy water with which the faithful crossed themselves on entering. The rim has been worn by the fingers of many generations.
    On the right of each altar there is an opening which serves double purpose: the bread and wine for Communion are placed on the Credence shelf and the Piscina is a soak away used in cleaning the vessels afterwards.
    By the North and South doors are well preserved Stoups for the holy water with which the faithful crossed themselves on entering. The rim has been worn by the fingers of many generations.
    On the right of each altar there is an opening which serves double purpose: the bread and wine for Communion are placed on the Credence shelf and the Piscina is a soak away used in cleaning the vessels afterwards.

The Roof
One of the few remaining thatched roof churches in Britain and was re–thatched in 2006/7.