Old Buckenham - Church of All Saints

All Saints Church is unusual as it has a thatched roof and an octagonal tower. On the North wall of the chancel is a memorial to Lionel Robinson, a wealthy businessman who lived at Old Buckenham Hall from 1906 to his death in 1922. One of his most celebrated achievements was the arranging of the 1921 Australian touring team to play a representative England XI on the cricket ground he had lovingly created from turf he had brought from Australia. Although England declared at 256 (Hobbs 85 returned hurt), rain stopped play and the match ended in a draw. The cricket ground remains today. The church also houses a bier which is thought to be one of the oldest in the country. It is oak and has collapsible handles and 1655 is carved on the side.