The vast skies we are so fortunate to enjoy here in Norfolk mean that landmarks - manmade or natural - tend to stand out in our corner of the East Anglian landscape.

And whether you're ambling along cobbled streets in Norwich, hiking along muddy paths in north Norfolk or gliding along rural roads in the Broads by bike or car - our countryside is dotted with some beautiful churches.

Today we are celebrating some of Nelson County's finest round tower churches with a collection of photos from the Eastern Daily Press archive.

Eastern Daily Press: A peaceful setting for Bawburgh's Saint Mary and Saint Walstan church with its round west tower dating back to Saxon times. Date: September 29, 1977.A peaceful setting for Bawburgh's Saint Mary and Saint Walstan church with its round west tower dating back to Saxon times. Date: September 29, 1977. (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: All Saints Church at Intwood in Norfolk. Date: February 1963All Saints Church at Intwood in Norfolk. Date: February 1963 (Image: Archant Library)

According to the Round Tower Churches Society, there are 186 round tower churches in England - including ruins and visible remnants.

The majority are medieval and date from the 11th to 14th centuries with some predating the Norman conquest.

Eastern Daily Press: The Church at Forncett St Peter, Norfolk with its round tower. Date: June 29, 1961.The Church at Forncett St Peter, Norfolk with its round tower. Date: June 29, 1961. (Image: Archant Library)

Where can you find round tower churches in England?

  • Berkshire: 2
  • Cambridgeshire: 2
  • Sussex: 3
  • Essex: 7
  • Suffolk: 41
  • Norfolk: 131

Figures according to architect and round tower church expert Stephen Hart.

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.

Eastern Daily Press: One of the Norfolk round tower churches at Moulton St Mary. Date: December 1968One of the Norfolk round tower churches at Moulton St Mary. Date: December 1968 (Image: Archant Copyright)

Eastern Daily Press: A beautiful scene with one of Norfolk's round tower churches at the All Saints Church in Runhall. Date: 1960s.A beautiful scene with one of Norfolk's round tower churches at the All Saints Church in Runhall. Date: 1960s. (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: Aslacton church, with its embattled round tower, occupies a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside and in summer sunshine completes a beautiful corner in one of the quieter quarters of Norfolk. St. Michael's Church is mainly Norman, but the tower is believed to be Saxon. Date: August 10, 1962.Aslacton church, with its embattled round tower, occupies a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside and in summer sunshine completes a beautiful corner in one of the quieter quarters of Norfolk. St. Michael's Church is mainly Norman, but the tower is believed to be Saxon. Date: August 10, 1962. (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: A tranquil photo of another round tower church in Norfolk, the St Margaret and St Remigius Church at Seething. Date: November 1955A tranquil photo of another round tower church in Norfolk, the St Margaret and St Remigius Church at Seething. Date: November 1955 (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: Hassingham Church with its round tower and thatched roof. Date unknown.Hassingham Church with its round tower and thatched roof. Date unknown. (Image: Archant Library)

Eastern Daily Press: The round tower at Howe church of St Mary the Virgin in Norfolk. Date: February 1983The round tower at Howe church of St Mary the Virgin in Norfolk. Date: February 1983 (Image: Archant Copyright)