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St Mary

St Mary

Mid Suffolk

Suffolk

GREAT BLAKENHAM STOWMARKET ROAD TM 15 SW 3/55 Church of St. Mary 9.12.55 - I Parish church, mediaeval.

Architectural Features

The nave walling is largely Norman and has sections of coursed flint rubble.

The north and south nave doorways both have plain round arched heads of C11 or early C12 form, but are not opposite

By the south doorway is a Norman lancet.

Other windows are of c.1200

the east window has 3 separate pointed lancets with a vent above, but the centre light was re- introduced in 1877 to replace a C14 window.

2 small pointed lancets in the chancel side walls of c.1200 and another in the nave.

The plain 2-stage tower was added in mid C14

The nave roof, of C14 or C15, is of coupled-rafter type with double collars, the lower set with soulaces (the last couple against the tower, with single collars, remain from an earlier roof).

A roodloft stair and doorway of c.1500 in south wall.

The south porch is also of c.1500, open, timber-framed and standing on a high plinth.

The doorway has a 4-centred head with rose-carved spandrels.

The mountant above is carved with an image of St. Mary in a buttressed niche.

The moulded inner south door may be of this date, but the cinquefoiled framing at the head suggests C14 work.

A 3-light window near the south door is of c.1500.

C15 octagonal limestone font

on the bowl are carved emblems of the passion and on the stem are traceried buttresses with sunk panels between - an unusual design.

Fine mid C17 pulpit with arcaded panels and a sounding-board with acorn drop finials.

In the tower is a tombchest of Richard Swift , with carved achievement

In the tower floor is a marble slab dated 1663.