Houghton-on-the-Hill nr. North Pickenham No. 2 / Houtuna

Blomefield (1805-1810) writes: "H[oughton] [...] is called Houghton on the Hill, to distinguish it from the other Houghton in this county. [...] The Church is a single building of flint, &c. dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin; in length about 27 feet, and about 18 in breadth, and is covered with reed. At the west end stands a small four-square tower of flint and brick, and on the top is a little cap of wood covered with lead; in this tower hangs one bell: at the east end of this nave is the chancel, separated by a gable or wall, near a yard thick, through which is an arch about 12 feet in height, and 6 in breadth, which leads into the chancel; which seems to be much more antique than the body and tower; it is in length about 26 feet, and of equal breadth with the body." Blomefield (ibid.) names "Robert de Neville" as first recorded rector "in the 34th Henry III", i.e., 1250. The stoup is noted in St Mary's Houghton-on-the-Hill web site [wwwsaintmaryschurch.org.uk/index.htm] as a holy-water stoup that is part of the original -8th - 9th-century- flint church. [NB: it is not clear from this source whether or not this is the same "holy water stoup from the nave [...] found being used as a bird bath in another local garden".