St John's, Saxmundham
St Mary and St Peter, Kelsale
St Peter's, Carlton Photo credit: Victoria Vearer
St John the Baptist Church, Saxmundham
The church is much changed from the original which was recorded in the Domesday Survey of 1086. Little evidence of this Norman or possibly Saxon Church remains, although some masonry can be seen in the lower stage of the tower which may be of this date. There is a crisp 19th century feel to this church now in the sea of headstones.
It was subject to an 1870s restoration at the hands of Diocesan architect, Richard Phipson. However, Phipson was more sensitive to the need to preserve medieval survivals than his successor Herbert Green, and so the church is also full of interest.
More recently, at the start of the 21st Century, there has been a splendid reordering and restoration of the Nave, with wooden flooring and modern chairs set sparingly and flexibly in the light. A new roof covering (slate and lead) to the Nave, Chancel and South Aisle has been possible thanks to a major Lottery award.
Information about booking the church hall at St John’s can be found here.
The Church of St Mary and St Peter is admired and appreciated by many visitors for its large, light interior, the ‘Arts and Crafts’ rood screen, septych, pews and windows, and especially our two pre-Raphaelite windows.
It is set above the village and its extensive open churchyard (about four acres) makes for a haven of peace. The building is Grade 1 listed, and is in reasonably good order.
The Lych Gate, which is a unique Arts and Crafts structure, is the first sight as you approach the Church up the hill from the village, and is Grade 2* listed – this was fully restored in 2014 and is in excellent order.
The organ is very special indeed, Grade 1 listed, and is rated in the register of the British Institute of Organ Studies as being an instrument of national importance and one deserving of careful preservation for the benefit of future generations.
St Mary and St Peter’s Church, Kelsale
St Peter’s Church, Carlton
The Church was originally a 14th Century chantry chapel, being a place of prayer and rest for pilgrims and monks travelling between Leiston Abbey and Framlingham Castle. The earlier chapel was extended and the existing Church restored in the 19th Century.
St Peter’s is set among fields, approached either by public footpath or by car down a private track. It has no lighting or other utilities.