The parish of West Tofts lies in south-western Norfolk, a few miles to the north of the market town of Thetford. The parish lies in the sandy heathlands of the Norfolk Brecks where agriculture was often hazardous as winds removed the light soils from the open fields; as a consequence large sheep pastures and rabbit warrens abounded. Nowadays the parish is sadly out of bounds to normal folk, lying as it does within a restricted access battle training area. The village was commandeered in the Second World War and all the residents removed so that there was adequate uninhabited land for realistic battle practice. The land has never been returned by the Army since that date.

St Mary's Church is very much an oddity; at its heart is a typical Norfolk 14th century Perpendicular church but this has been overlaid by an ornate transept, chancel and north aisle designed by the Victorian architect Pugin. Pugin's style is very much of its age and something you either like or dislike. For those who wish to see pictures the web site Simon's Norfolk Churches has a comprehensive range - sadly visits are now the exception rather than the rule. The sketch below of West Tofts was prepared from various images available on the web by local artist Vanna Bartlett, Vanna likes to document the wildlife of Norfolk and many of its churches form a backdrop to her art. For those who wishes to see more her website can be accessed at Vanna Art.