Fakenham which lies in northwestern Norfolk is one of the main market towns of the county. A substantial settlement alongside the upper reaches of the River Wensum, Fakenham was granted a market in 1250 and although this has moved location it is very much still the primary focus of the town. At the core of the town the Market Square with its shops, businesses, inns and taverns is bustling particularly on market day. Two factors primarily influenced the growth of Fakenham, the presence of Hempton Priory to the west limited growth in that direction, the coming of the railway gave Fakenham a spurt which with the closure of the line under the Beching Act has seen some tempering. Despite these factors Fakenham remains very much the capital of this area of Norfolk with a population to match.

As befits a market town St Peter & St Paul's church is large and sits in a large graveyard to the north of the market square although hemmed in to the south. The church has an impressive western tower, 115 feet tall, and dominates the town. The church has features early for a Norfolk church with Early English and Decorated styles to the fore. However there is also much restoration and addition from later periods including as recent as the mid 20th century. The whole ensemble represents the epitome of a market town church, solid and dependable in support of its thriving community.