Hawstead, Suffolk

This is just south of Bury St Edmunds. When we visited the church was open. It has been described as the Westminster Abbey of Suffolk. It has many monuments, especially in the chancel. When we went it was very dark and over the light switch (no doubt to deter visitors from turning on the lights and for "health and safety" ) was a warning.  It was the seat of the Drury family who were very important in Suffolk. The population of the village peaked in the mid 1800s. There are no clerestory windows. It was extensively rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, but probably had origins in Norman times.

See http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/hawstead.html .

Hawkedon, Suffolk

We must be going gaga! There is a much earlier entry for Hawkedon, so we went here before, although neither my wife nor I remember it!!  Anyway, see that entry too (January 2016).

This is a delightful church in a quiet village not far from Bury St Edmunds. It is built in a valley with lovely views. Most of the church dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, but the porch is 16th century. According to something I read, the tower was struck by lightning in the late 1800s. It has some famous bench ends amongst its simple gems. Unlike many churches, it has a gallery.

Hessett, near Bury St Edmunds

We visited this church in summer 2024.  It was open  It is dedicated to St Ethelbert. It is mostly in the perpendicular style. It has a famous wall painting of the seven deadly sins painted in the 1300s at a time when most could neither read nor write. Much of the church dates from the 14th and 15th century.

Dullingham St Mary the Virgin

This church is best approached by walking up Church Lane that is about 300m long. It goes into the churchyard. 

The present church dates from the 12th century.

Its bells are not ringable in the conventional way. Instead they are rung by pulling on ropes that come down together allowing them to be rung by one person.

There are hatchments on the walls and boards about the local charities as well as lots of memorials to the Jeaffresons who lived here. It is possible the one time USA president was related even though the spelling is different.

The font is 15th century.

This gargoyle was near the entrance.

St Ives (Cambridgeshire) - All Saints

We have visited this church twice recently, but it was always locked.  Sadly I cannot give details of the interior as I have never seen it!

St Ives (Cambridgehire) is a good ride on the guided bus from Cambridge that runs on the route of the old St Ives branch line. 

See https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/2652/ .

Fulbourn, St Vigors

This is a delightful church in which the bellringers can be seen from the nave. My grandson, who is now 14, rang the bells there recently. It has at least Norman origins and a Saxon cross-head was found under the floor of the nave.

See https://www.fulbournandthewilbrahams.org/our-churches/st-vigors-fulbourn/ .

Bottisham Holy Trinity

Most of the church is 14th century with a Norman typanium.

There is an ancient stone tomb in the chancel.

The nave has a wonderful collection of hassocks which are on display above the pews.

There is a toy corner at the back of the church as well as an ancient bier for carrying coffins and a small chapel with a modern altar.

This is now right next to what was an Italian restaurant in what was the old village school.  It is pretty central in the village.

Nearby is Anglesey Abbey owned by the National Trust.

See https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7380/ .