Places of Worship

St Peter’s Church

“The church of St. Peter, situated a quarter of a mile west of the town, is an ancient structure, built of flint and stone, in the Early English style; it consists of chancel, nave, south aisle, with a Norman porch, containing a holy water stoup, and tower surmounted by a small spire, with 6 bells: the east end is ornamented with two cupolas: the church consisted originally of only a nave, built about 1050, and assumed its present dimensions about 1420: a new roof over the chancel was placed by the late rector in 1842; in 1873 a roof of higher pitch, was erected, and the church thoroughly restored, and seated with open benches at a cost of £2,100: the east window of five lights is stained, representing the Adoration of the Shepherds, the Baptism, the Lord’s appearing to the Apostles on the Sea of Tiberias, the Crucifixion, and the Women at the tomb: at the west end there is another memorial window, of two lights, illustrative of Our Saviour washing St. Peter’s feet, and the Baptism of Cornelius, placed by the family of the late George Wood esq.: during the restoration, some portions of a tesselated pavement were found; there is some carved seating, the lower portions of a rood screen of 1560. The register dates from the year 1653. The living is a rectory, with that of Wangford annexed, joint yearly value tithe rent-charge of £707, with 147 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of and held since 1865 by the Rev. William Foord Crocker M.A. of Trinity Hall, Cambridge….”

Extract from Kelly’s Directory for Suffolk, 1883

The Porch

“In the corner of the porch is a stoup for Holy Water, which, although very much worn, yet retains features of interest, whilst the door itself is massive and imposing, iron-studded and tremendous.”

Pocket History of Suffolk Parishes, c.1930

The Sundial

“…a rare example of a direct west facing dial on the tower. Although it is slightly cracked and weathered – not surprising since it dates from 1725 – it carries the names of the churchwardens, as well as the hours along the top. The hour lines, together with those for the half- and quarter- hours, are parallel with each other and run diagonally across the face, which must have made it particularly easy to read in its original state.”

from Suffolk Sundials by John Davis, 1996

Best seen in the afternoon the names of the churchwardens are still very difficult to read but I think I spotted Caesar Life!