The quiet unspoilt Broadland village of Belaugh is situated on a hill forming one edge of the Bure valley. The history of this riverside village can be traced back to the Domesday Book at which point it was known as 'Belaga'. It has remained a compact settlement with no shops. The Church of St Peter is one of the main focal points of the village. Set in a beautiful position with a lovely view of the Bure Valley, this 15th century church, in the perpendicular style, is one of the most charming to be found in Norfolk. It may also be visited by boat from the church's own mooring.
Through the generosity of a medieval benefactor the church has been well maintained through the years. The south wall of the church clearly shows the variety of architectural styles used to maintain and extend the building over time. The original thatched roof was replaced with slate in 1861. The church boasts an ornate medieval rood screen which depicts the Twelve Apostles. In medieval times the screen served to divide the religious purpose of the chancel from the secular use of the nave. Unfortunately in the 17th century Cromwell's puritan soldiers vandalised the faces of the saints. A letter sent to Sheriff Tofts of Norwich reported "the screen hath the Twelve Apostles, their faces rubbed out by a godly trooper".
The saints can be identified by their symbols which often relate to their manner death:
St Batholomew - killed with a knife, St Paul - stabbed with a sword & St Andrew - crucified on a cross
William Butterfield, the great Victorian architect, designed the pews, communion rails, pulpit, desk and lectern in the late 1800s.
To protect several species of rare wild flowers part of the graveyard has been designated as a Norfolk Naturalists Trust Conservation Area.
There is a pretty staithe, and a boatyard.
