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St Bartholomews Heigham, 1942 a42_03745
Filename: aa42_03745.jpg
Size: 5423 x 4168 (7.0MB)
Date: 24th June 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
St Bartholomews Heigham, 1942 a42_03745
St Bartholomews Church, St Bartholomews Close, Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk. St Bartholomews Church viewed from the south showing bomb damage.
The medieval church of St Bartholomew was destroyed in a German bombing raid on the 27th April 1942. The raid was the first Baedeker Raid on the city of Norwich. The Baedeker raids or Baedeker Blitz was a series of air raids undertaken by the Luftwaffe in a tit for tat exchange initiated by the RAF bombing of Lubeck in March 1942. The name derives from the popular pre-war tourist books known as Baedeker Guides, which listed British sites of cultural or historic interest. Only the church tower now remains
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 22135339
© Historic England Archive
Bomb Damage Church Derelict Or Ruin Destruction Flint Loss And Medieval Second World War Tower Wwii 2nd World War Graveyard
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant print captures the haunting aftermath of the devastating bombing raid on St Bartholomews Church in Heigham, Norwich during World War II. Taken in 1942 by George Bernard Mason, it showcases the church viewed from the south, revealing the extent of bomb damage inflicted upon this medieval architectural gem. Once a symbol of spiritual solace and community unity, St Bartholomews Church fell victim to one of Germany's first Baedeker Raids on Norwich. These retaliatory air raids were triggered by RAF bombings in Lubeck earlier that year. The name "Baedeker Blitz" derived from pre-war tourist guides that highlighted British cultural treasures. In this photograph, we witness a somber scene where only the church tower stands as a resilient testament to its former glory. The ruins serve as a stark reminder of the loss and destruction caused by war. The crumbling flint walls and abandoned surroundings evoke feelings of sadness and desolation. The image also offers glimpses into history with its inclusion of an overgrown graveyard nearby—a silent witness to countless lives affected by conflict. This powerful visual encapsulates both the physical tolls endured during WWII and serves as a tribute to those who suffered amidst these turbulent times. George Bernard Mason's photograph not only freezes a moment forever but also preserves an important chapter in Norfolk's history—one marked by resilience, tragedy, and ultimately hope for rebuilding what was lost.
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