St Mary

Round tower: the lower three-quarters is C11 or earlier, with various semi- circular headed slit windows and a range of larger blocked openings denoting the former belfry

early C16 west window in brick.

The upper part of the tower has an admixture of red brick and is probably C15: lancet belfry openings and crenellated parapet.

Nave originally C12 but rebuilt

widened in C14: only the south wall was re-aligned, leaving the tower asymmetrical.

The nave windows are mainly C14, with reticulated tracery motifs

to the south there are also 2 C15 windows.

3-light west window, apparently late C13.

The C14 south nave doorway incorporates 2 upside-down C12 colonnettes.

Restored C15 porch.

2-bay chancel with tall 2-light C14 windows similar to those in the nave.

Simple Cll-C12 tower arch.

The nave roof is in 2 bays: the main trusses appear to be original (C14) and rest on C14 stone corbels carved as human heads.

C12 font, originally square but now octagonal, on an octagonal stem surrounded by 8 detached octagonal columns.

There has been a church in Blundeston village since St. Fursey, an Irish Missionary, first preached Christianity in this area in the 7th century. Nothing remains of the original church. The round tower of St Mary's church > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510544 - http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510597 was built around 988 and a century later nave and chancel were built onto the tower. A larger building replaced the Norman church in the 14th century, the widened nave offsetting the tower to the north. The font dates from this time. A second font - it can be seen outside by the priest door on the chancel south wall - was brought here from St Andrew's church in neighbouring Flixton. [St Andrew's church was destroyed in 1705 in a gale but the ruins can still be seen.] The rood screen dates from 1490, its faded panels depicting Angels of the Passion > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510603. The royal arms are to Charles II > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510624. St Mary's was extensively restored in the 1850s when the oak pews were fitted. Some of the pews have 14th century poppy heads > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510620 attached to the bench ends. The church is open every day. Blundeston is the birthplace of 'David Copperfield', in the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. Despite local legend, it is difficult to tell whether Dickens actually visited here, or stayed at Somerleyton Hall > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1506718 in the neighbouring village.

© Evelyn Simak

Good late C15 rood screen with crocketted ogee- arched lights and pierced tracery

There has been a church in Blundeston village since St. Fursey, an Irish Missionary, first preached Christianity in this area in the 7th century. Nothing remains of the original church. The round tower of St Mary's church > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510544 - http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510597 was built around 988 and a century later nave and chancel were built onto the tower. A larger building replaced the Norman church in the 14th century, the widened nave offsetting the tower to the north. The font > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510643 dates from this time. A second font - it can be seen outside by the priest door on the chancel south wall - was brought here from St Andrew's church in neighbouring Flixton. [St Andrew's church was destroyed in 1705 in a gale but the ruins can still be seen.] The rood screen dates from 1490, its faded panels depicting Angels of the Passion. The royal arms are to Charles II > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510624. St Mary's was extensively restored in the 1850s when the oak pews were fitted. Some of the pews have 14th century poppy heads > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1510620 attached to the bench ends. The church is open every day. Blundeston is the birthplace of 'David Copperfield', in the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. Despite local legend, it is difficult to tell whether Dickens actually visited here, or stayed at Somerleyton Hall > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1506718 in the neighbouring village.

© Evelyn Simak

the dado has 16 traceried panels painted with Angels of the Passion.

The mid C19 poppyhead nave benches incorporate C15 ends against the walls.

2 other detached poppyhead benches are entirely C15.

A considerable amount of mid C19 carved chancel woodwork, including oak panelling, choir stalls and sedilia.

In the chancel floor there are 2 early C17 brass inscriptions and a number of ledger slabs.

Over the south door are the Arms of Charles II dated 1673.