Thurne parish lies in the north-west corner of the former island of Flegg in East Norfolk. The parish is bounded to the west by the river that bears its name. The River Thurne is one the key Broadland rivers that drains through the port of Great Yarmouth. Thurne parish has over the centuries absorbed the smaller mediaeval parishes of Ashby and Oby. The village is a straggle of houses along the lanes leading to the dock or staithe. Most of the parish is characterised by grazing meadows alongside the river but rises to higher ground in the east on Flegg Island as sandy agricultural land.

St Edmunds church seems to have the characteristic date of many Norfolk churches e.g. early 14th century. It is a fairly typical example of the Perpendicular style that dominates much of the county. As can be seen the church tower seems to have collapsed at some time and been rebuilt, whilst during my visit roof repairs were in full swing. The church stands on the higher ground to the east of the settlement.