Combs is a village divided into two parts. Combs Ford is huge - with large older and even bigger new housing estates and is now usually thought of as a suburb of Stowmarket, Upper Combs is the older part of the village a couple of miles away. The Church is halfway in between, out on it's own down a little narrow lane. That's why I found it locked when I went to look a few months ago, so when I noticed on the local facebook page that they were having a coffee morning it seemed a good opportunity to look inside.
The only downside is I felt like I had a half a dozen pairs of eyes on me wondering why I wanted photos! I joined them for a coffee and explained about my blog - not sure anyone knew what a blog was.
The last time I was in the church was for one of Colin's cousin's weddings in the mid 80's and before that in 1980 Eldest Daughter was Christened here at the same time as a friend who lived in Combs had her son Christened. We lived just over the 'border' in Stowmarket and didn't go to church but that wasn't a problem back then.
The church is now entered through the North porch but years ago the entrance was at the back through the large red brick South porch dating from C15. (Should have asked about the chimney)
The west end of the church is right against the boundary fence so the tower has doors on either side to allow for medieval processions circling the church to stay on consecrated ground
What fabulous pew ends! The friendly driver of our mobile library van is called Mark. So obviously he's nicknamed Bookmark!
ReplyDeleteWonderful carvings. Little details make a place unique.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting church that is…love the figures on the pew ends. I’ll have to read up more on them.
ReplyDeleteChurches though built to a prescribed formula, often show individuality in their design as both these churches do. Belated congratulations on reaching your 2000 blog post. May there be many more.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely craftsman made details in such a small country parish church.
ReplyDeleteClerestory windows do make a church beautifully light. Our church has them too, added by the Victorians when they rebuilt the middle section between the tower and chancel. Pevsner (the architectural historian who never minced his words) was very rude about the windows but when I go to the church in the evenings for film society or events I think the lit windows make it look like a very welcoming old Manor House. Our rector hatches, matches and despatches anyone regardless of whether they are churchgoers. The important part is that they are parishioners and therefore part of the parish. Congratulations on your 2001st post Sue! Sarah in Sussex
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting church - lovely unusual font and beautiful pew ends. The "broken bits" window stands testament to that dreadful loss of life with the gun-cotton factory exploded.
ReplyDeleteA rather lovely church - I particularly like the carvings. Here's to your next 3,000 posts :-)
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Beautiful. In such places, I always feel aware of the thousands of long-forgotten lives that have passed through; people all very like ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI shall have to put that one on the list.
ReplyDeleteMy mobile library is supposed to come every three weeks. It is not unusual to get a phone call to tell me it won’t be coming because driver sick, van broke down, or leaves on the line! Luckily it is a backup library for me. I am a member of two libraries as I live very close to a county boarder
This church has many unique features. I wonder if the parish leaders had a say in the features. The floral carvings in the marble font are lovely. The carvings at the end of the pews look to be full mini replicas - they are delightful. The row of seats for the priests are elaborately carved. Carving in the ceiling beams is lovely too.
ReplyDeleteI would want to sit in the pew with the owl on the end. Silly of me but a little pleasure goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church and the carvings at the end of the pew are amazing.
ReplyDeleteCathy
What extraordinary carvings on the end of the pews. That church is so bright and inviting.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.