Wednesday 15 February 2023

All Saints Church, Wickham Market

 Another church visit and although it isn't, I really think this one should have been in the 100 treasures in 100 churches book as it the only church in Suffolk with an octagonal tower.









I visited on my way home from the Bygones sale and found it a very welcoming church. It sits in the centre of the small town of Wickham Market which is just off the A12.

It was especially welcoming as when I went in I found they were having a regular coffee morning and I was able to have a cuppa and chat to a lady about the church. She said that up until a few years ago the way in had been through the tower door but when they were having all the pews removed and the building painted someone decided the bottom of the tower would make a perfect kitchen and would open up the church to be used more often.

Comfortable chairs have replaced the pews and just to the right of where I was standing there were tables and chairs for the coffee morning. I didn't take a photo of the tables, kitchen etc as there were so many people enjoying a cuppa.



Colourful East window with the beautiful gilded reredos behind the altar.


The organ has this lovely plaque remembering the people who helped raise money for it in the late C19




Unusual painted ceiling in the chancel





The quote above the chancel arch comes from the book of Genesis



The South Aisle is in the process of repair. It was built in Tudor times as a chantry chapel to Sir Walter Fulbourne.



Simon Knott's visit to the church, with more photos and description is HERE in the Suffolk Churches Index

Back Tomorrow
Sue

27 comments:

  1. WintersEndRambler15 February 2023 at 08:32

    The church looks so well cared for. x

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  2. That is a lovely church, so colourful and well cared for.

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    1. Lots of people there for a cuppa - a really good use of a church on weekdays

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  3. That's a very impressive tower, isn't it? How lovely to see a church so used. xx

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    1. This is a village that is bypassed so I'd never really looked at the church before - a very unusual tower

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  4. Why do they take the pews out of churches? I wish they wouldn't.

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    1. I'm glad they do - then the church can be used for other things except Sunday service!

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  5. Your header picture - was it a misty day? I like it anyhow. Very unusual church tower, don't think I've seen an octagonal one. I do love stained glass windows.

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    1. It was foggy and very cold - the blog post from a few days ago

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  6. The church has been brought into modern times with the needs and wants of the parishioners, so well done to whoever saw the potential and possibilities. I'm sure the church will be much loved and cared for in the future because of this.

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    1. I totally agree. A really good use of a building for the whole village

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  7. Another beautiful church. This one has an eye on future use. And a weekday coffee well attended sounds like it will be used often.
    Cathy

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  8. I like the idea of bringing the church into daily use in people's lives. This is much nearer to the original concept of banding together in a group. And it sounds hospitable. Nice find. Suffolk seems packed with churches!

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    1. 700 + churches in Suffolk - I wont be visiting all of them!

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  9. Always nice when you get a warm welcome in a church - as it should be!
    Alison in Wales x

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    1. Exactly right - should be for everyone and not just on a Sunday

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  10. A good idea to remove the pews and make the space more adaptable. With any luck they managed to sell the pews as they're now popular as kitchen benches.
    What a warm and welcoming place.

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    1. The base of the tower was perfect for a kitchen and plenty of room for a coffee morning

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  11. This is a beautiful and unique church. I've never seen an octagonal church tower. Creating a nice kitchen space works well and brilliantly supports social gatherings and community. The church members seemed to warmly welcome your visit and enjoy a coffee with you.

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    1. I'd not seen an octagonal tower before either - very unusual

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  12. That is a beautiful church. I love the tower. Looks well worth a visit. Thanks for taking us around!

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  13. A beautiful old church that you visited. I like the fact that people were friendly and welcoming. Granny Marigold

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    1. Everyone was curious about me taking photos and very friendly

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  14. Well, that tower is certainly striking. Although I find the placement of a kitchen there peculiar - but if it actually serves the congregation better, that is great. The windows are lovely as well.

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