The parish of Titchwell lies in northwestern Norfolk on the north coast roughly midway between the seaside resort of Hunstanton and the market town of Burnham Market. Titchwell is one of a string of settlements that lie on the A149 coast road, a road that follows closely the break of slope between the coastal saltmarshes and the former line of Norfolk's Coast. Titchwell village is spread over almost a mile of the road but has little north/south depth to it. In common with most parishes along this coast Titchwell parish was elongated in a north/south direction such that all parishes had access not only to the light sandy soils of the hills to the south (for arable farming) but also to the salt marshes (for pastures). Nowadays Titchwell is probably most famous for its RSPB bird reserve, one of the charity's flagship reserves protected for the bird and other natural wildlife. This wonderful area for nature attracts many visitors and Titchwell makes its living very much in the tourism trade today. Despite its coastal location it is evident from the occupations of the fathers in this transcript that Titchwell turned its back largely to the sea, there being no convenient harbour on this stretch of coast.

St Mary's church sits at the eastern end of the village accessed by a short track to the north and standing overlooking the saltmarsh. St Mary is a rather ancient church for Norfolk with several features dating from the Norman period. The round tower, usually indicative of an early church, dates from the 12th century and the chancel is of a similar age. The nave was clearly later or modified during the Perpendicular period of the typical Norfolk church building period but was restored when raised. The setting of the church, dominating the marshland is very atmospheric and the tower with its twisted lead spire is a landmark for miles.