Knapton: SS. Peter & Paul, Knapton

The church of SS. Peter & Paul is mainly 14th century although there is evidence of an earlier church which no doubt housed the impressive 13th century font.
The plain exterior gives no clue to the treasure of mediaeval carving which lies within. Knapton has one of the finest and most handsome of double hammer beam roofs in the country constructed in 1503.We do not know why this magnificent roof should have been added to such a plain church. The fine workmanship and superb carving is probably the work of London carpenters and may have been transported along the coast to nearby Mundesley. This would give some credence to local tradition which claims that the roof was built from a shipwreck at Mundesley.
The cemetary at Knapton contains the gravestone of Commander Jeafferson Miles, RN, inscribed with the legend "the vindicator of Nelson." Commander Miles strenously refuted claims made in Parliament in 1799 that Nelson had mistreated Republican prisoners while at Naples.

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