St Peter Parmentergate

St Peter Parmentergate stands in Norwich as a medieval church, rebuilt in the 15th century and now a Grade I listed building. The structure closed as a place of worship in 1980 when the congregation moved to St Julian’s Church. After years of changing uses, the building became home to a martial arts centre in 2005. In 2019 it reopened specifically as a medieval combat training arena. The church’s former organ, built by Norman and Beard, now belongs to Norwich School. The building is worth visiting for its layered history and adaptable spaces. The Norwich Historic Churches Trust leased the vestry to the Magdalene Group in 1994. In 2021, the long-standing Norwich skate shop Drug Store chose this site for its base. A new indoor skatepark opened here in December 2022, run by Community East. The church’s Grade I status recognises its architectural importance. Inside, visitors find a skatepark with ramps and rails under medieval arches. The former nave now hosts skate sessions throughout the year. The vestry area houses the skate shop, linking past and present uses. Outside, the church sits among Norwich’s streets, its stonework contrasting with modern activity. The building’s interior echoes with the sounds of wheels and movement.