Ordnance Survey Grid Ref | |
---|---|
Listed | Grade I |
Historic England Registration | 1037230 |
Tower | unknown |
Post Code | no details |
Machine Tag | HCofGB:id=21709 |
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This has to be among the best churches in Suffolk. Perched on high ground and its 141 feet high tower dominated the landscape. The Domesday book mentions a Saxon church on this site. The oldest part of the church is the chancel, built around 1340. In 1485 the Earl of Richmond defeated King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in the final battle of the war of the roses. To celebrate this victory John de Vere, the thirteenth Earl of Oxford approached the burgesses of Lavenham and suggested that a new church should be built as a thanksgiving to God for the victory. The people of Lavenham agreed.
With money from local clothiers, who the wool trade made them the richest people in the country at the time, all bar the chancel was demolished and the new tower, nave and side chapels were built from 1486 onwards.
The font is 14th century and made from Purbeck Stone. The carvings on the pulpit and screen are a joy to behold. Look out too for the baby brass on the floor between the alter and the choir. Unfortunately my photo of it did not come out.
The font is 14th century and made from Purbeck Stone. The carvings on the pulpit and screen are a joy to behold. Look out too for the baby brass on the floor between the alter and the choir. Unfortunately my photo of it did not come out.