Burgh St Peter Church

Waveney River Centre is located adjacent to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, renowned for its unusual tower said to be inspired by Ziggerat temples of Mesopotamia (Iraq).

The Boycott mausoleum was the work of Samuel Boycott, who in 1793 obtained a faculty to repair and build up the steeple which had "long been in a ruinous condition". The base is very late medieval, probably early 16th century, and it is likely the tower was never completed before the Reformation intervened.

Beyond, the full length of nave and chancel are thatched, probably from the reed beds that extend across to Suffolk to the east of the church. It is relatively new, the previous roof having been destroyed by fire as recently as 1998.

Inside, all is fairly typical of a high church 1880 restoration, retaining the medieval font with its typically local peasant heads, and, fortunately, the extraordinary pulpit of 1811, again the gift of the Boycotts, emblazoned with their memorial plates in brass. The Marian dedication of the church was probably a result of 19th century enthusiasms. The screen is 20th century. Of more interest are the decalogue boards, once at the east end but now suspended against the west wall - they are huge.

If you were wondering how the word 'boycott' originated, then you need look no further than the Boycott family of Burgh St Peter. Samuel's grandson, Charles, was a land agent in County Mayo, Ireland, famously (and ultimately unsucessfully) attempting to enforce rent rises on behalf of absentee landlords. Shunned by everyone in the parish, he returned to Burgh a broken man and gave his name to the English language.

Further details on Burgh St Peter church and the Boycott family can be found on the Norfolk Churches website.