England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Gorleston St Andrew

The Parish

The parish of Gorleston lies in the extreme northeast of the county of Suffolk, indeed it not only forms part of the border with neighbouring Norfolk but also Suffolk's North Sea coast. Gorleston is located just across the River Yare's mouth from the Norfolk port of Great Yarmouth, with which it is contiguous today, and with its centre about 2 miles south of that port. Gorleston is located on the A12 (recently renumbered to A47) road from Lowestoft to Great Yarmouth. Gorleston today is a significant industrial, maritime & seaside town in its own right but due to their geographical twinning almost synonymous with its larger neighbour. At the time of this transcript Gorleston would have been growing from small port, supported by largely pastoral farming, into today's town. Whilst much of the maritime occupations have declined (notably fishing) they have recently been growing as a result of the North Sea Oil & Gas industry and more recently Offshore renewables in particular wind-farms. The River Yare borders Gorleston on its eastern side for most of the town's length draining to the North Sea. Gorleston is sited at between sea-level and 20 metres above that level with St Andrew's church being on the higher ground. Gorleston parish was reasonably large for a Suffolk parish, covering 2,300 acres it would have supported a population growing to almost 4,000 parishioners. In Domesday times Gorleston was held directly by the King, himself. It could offer 11 ploughs as well as small meadows & woodlands but also boasted 3 salthouses.

The Church

St Andrew's church once stood facing open fields on the western side of the town, nowadays it is engulfed by modern development. The church stands at the junction of Church Lane & Church Road in a large churchyard. St Andrew's is a big church as befits its sizable volume of parishioners. The earliest dates noted are of the late 13th century where the western tower shows the Early English Gothic style characterised by lancet windows. Much else is of the 14th century and in the Decorated style albeit the church was extensively renovated by the Victorians and the external shell is of that period. Internally the 14th origins are clear visible. To complete the picture the Octagonal chapter house was added in the late 20th century albeit in slight contrast to its mediaeval host. The churchyard is extensive and surrounded by a head-height brick wall. Entrance is at the northern end of the site from Lovelock Road. The churchyard has been largely denuded of memorial stones and is open and offers unrestricted photographic angles.