Church of the Month:Little Waldingfield and Risby

Little Waldingfield St. Lawrence: Friday 22nd June

The structure of this church reflects the parish's wealth, as one of the centres of the cloth trade. The entire church was rebuilt in the 15th century and has two distinctive turrets. The interior is impressively large with arcades, windows and doors all of the same style and with elaborate decorative surrounds.

The font is 14th century and has carvings
of the Evangelists alternating with seated
monks.

There are also two 16th century brasses in memory of local clothiers

Risby St. Giles: Friday 29th June

St. Giles has a fascinating details from the Norman period through to the 15th century. The round tower and nave are Norman.

      15th century rood screen, looking
      towards the 14th century
      chancel and east window
        with reticulated tracery.




                                                               15th century font,with pelican carving

      Detail of screen, in
     the 15th century the
     painted niches
     formed the reredos
     to the nave altars.

    Detail from the
    series of 13th
    century wall
    paintings.
    Christ and
    Mary Magdalene.

Church of the Month: Ufford, Little Waldingfield and Risby

Not to be missed this June are three church exploration evenings in the SHCT annual 'Clive Paine Let Loose' series during which well known historian Clive Paine will bring the history of each church to life in his lively and entertaining style. These evenings are for Friends, parishoners and guests alike, all are welcome. More details in the events section.

Ufford, St. Mary Friday 15th June 7 p.m.

St.Mary of the Assumption is tucked away down a quiet lane in Lower Ufford and sits amongst the trees in a lovely churchyard.   There is evidence of Norman and 13th century work. The nave and aisles were extended in the 14th century and work on the tower was begun.The 15th century saw the completion of the tower and the addition of an exceptionally fine porch. Famously sought out for its magnificent14th century font cover there is however, a great deal more to discover inside this fascinating church.

The font cover, a breathtaking example
    of medieval art towers over the nave, where
    there are also 15th century benches with
    poppy heads and carved figures

The lower part of the rood screen and the rood beam survive.
There are excellent roofs in the nave and the aisles that retain a great of detail and original colouring. Every corner of this exceptional church has something to interest the visitor.

Church of the Month:Burgate&Stutton

Churches of the Month: Burgate St Mary and Stutton St Peter

These are some of the churches we visited as part of our ‘Clive Paine Let Loose’ performance history evenings in 2011. The evenings are open to all and are an excellent way to learn more about some of our fascinating parish churches. The churches for June Friday evenings in 2012 will be lised on the News & Events page of this website very soon.

Burgate, St. Mary Friday 17^th June 2011

Burgate is large church which rises impressively above the rural north Suffolk landscape that surrounds it. It was built by Sir William de Burgate in the 14^th century but has a surprising number of features and survivals from several periods. One of the most unusual is a most poignant First World War shrine created from munitions.

The tomb of Sir William de Burgate who died in 1409 is the most outstanding feature and the brass on top is possible the best in Suffolk.

The 14^th century doorway has new dripstones carved in the likeness of two members of the local community.

Stutton, St. Peter Friday 24^th June 2011

Stutton church lies in a secluded setting within the Shotley peninsular with a fine view of Holbrook from the churchyard. Some Norman work survives and it is one of a select group of churches, mostly to be found in south east Suffolk, where the tower is to the south and doubles as the porch.

The interior has some high quality 19^th century restoration including some interesting stained glass. The benches date from 1842 early examples of the work of Henry Ringham the celebrated Ipswich woodcarver. More recent work includes the spectacular west window commissioned to celebrate the millennium

There are also interesting 17^th century memorials to the Jermy family who were Lords of the Manor here for generations.

Church of the Month:Little Waldingfield and Risby

Church of the Month: Ufford, Little Waldingfield and Risby

Church of the Month:Burgate&Stutton

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