This photo of the outside is from internet
Stepping inside all is light and bright, there were several people there cleaning and they always have a steward on duty for information. I spoke to a lady who had also been visiting all the churches in the 100 churches book until she had to give up driving. We both agreed that Thornham Parva is The most perfect small church and Blythburgh is amazing for it's original features.
The reason this church gets it's place in the book is because of the tomb of Mary Tudor, Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk. The favourite sister of Henry VIII. Mary became queen of France after her marriage to Louis XII and on his death married Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. She died in 1533 and was buried in the Abbey in Bury. When the Abbey was dissolved in 1539 during the Reformation her body was transferred along the road to St Mary's.
More info about Mary is displayed by her tomb
As befits this big church there are some fantastic stained glass windows. This one below tells the story of Mary Tudor and was paid for by Queen Victoria.
Incredible colours and bosses on the chancel roof over the altar
This window above the chancel arch depicts the martyrdom of St Edmund and is based on a medieval pilgrims badge
One of 3 paintings showing scenes from the past. This is The Friday Dole - bread for the poor
There is so much more about this church on the Suffolk Churches website HERE.
Thank you for all the lovely comments about the grandchildren.
Back tomorrow
Sue
It's more like a Cathedral than a church, it's huge. The ceiling and stained glass windows are wonderful, especially the blue one above the chancel roof pic. I do enjoy your churches tours, Sue, thank you.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to find a kindred spirit as far as visiting churches is concerned. It's a huge place and the chancel roof is just gorgeous.
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Great Yarmouth has the largest parish church in the country, St Nicholas, an interesting church because it was destroyed by German bombers in 1942 and had to be rebuilt with money after the war in the late 1950s. The architect who designed the rebuild is also responsible for the 'Gothic' tower of St James in Bury, that looks old but isn't, the church/cathedral you went to before. An interesting connection. This big St Mary's has a finer interior than plain big St Nicholas in Yarmouth.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly there are several claims to largest parish church, just as there are claims to smallest pub. I mention the latter because Bury St Edmunds has a pub that claims to be smaller. I believe Hull has a parish church that is larger than Great Yarmouth.
DeleteLet us pray Norwich can beat Hull in the Championship tomorrow night.
DeleteIf you feel like travelling slightly further afield, may I suggest visiting Prior Crauden's Chapel in Ely. It's in the college grounds, but is open to the public. Ask any schoolboy or girl where it is, and they'll show you. It's only tiny, but really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI would like to Ely again, only been once but it's not really very far away
DeleteI have a niece in Bury. St.Marys is so colourful and the ceiling is beautiful. We are so lucky in our country to have so many interesting churches that we can go to.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. I've only been to the cathedral in Bury.
ReplyDeleteArilx
Those windows are just breathtaking and I love the angels in the roof.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
Another lovely one. Are there any churches in the Cotswolds in your 100 church book? I'm wondering if some of the ones we saw there in our walk in 2014 may qualify.
ReplyDeleteThe book is 100 Treasures in Suffolk, so no Cotswolds Churches.
DeleteLove your church pictures. What I love about any church is the peace inside which if you are lucky sometimes follows you home. Your grandchildren are wonderful but it is so sad that they won't know their grandfather.I only knew one out of three grandparents so you are doing the right thing. I have a "granddad" still with me but of our four children three have no partners and don't look like having any and our daughter who is married can't have children. It is an ironic world.I console myself with the thought that I had 36 years of teaching 3- 8 year olds which I really enjoyed so I guess I have had my share.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a lovely church. Your pictures and history of each of the churches you visit makes me want to spend months traveling just to see those exact sites in person. Thank you for sharing these with all of us.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Another beautiful church, the stained glass is stunning. What skill and patience to be able to do that.
ReplyDeleteI love Bury St. Edmunds. It's one of my favourite places to visit. The abbey gardens are just gorgeous. I don't think I've been in this church though. I'll have to go next time I visit - in July!
ReplyDeleteI have a question. How did those stained windows survive WW2? Were they protected with wooden forms? Someday I hope to go on a church tour. I did that in France in the early 70's. Amazing how the structures survived.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
Bury St Edmunds did not suffer bomb attack from the Germans during WW2. Norfolk was more badly hit than Suffolk.
DeletePerhaps they were taped and covered just in case. Very few bombs fell on Suffolk although 1 destroyed a modern church in Stowmarket.
DeleteBeautiful jewel colours it must be lovely to see in the flesh with the sun streaming in.
ReplyDeleteAll I could think of when I saw that photo looking up the length of the church was, my goodness, what a terribly long walk for a bride! I love the stained glass story of Mary Tudor. The figures are drawn beautifully. Also like the painting very much. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful church! The stained glass are stunning.
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