Daughter in Law took a different route to Sutton Hoo when we went than I do and we went down a road that was unfamiliar to me.
I spotted something beside the road that needed a second look.
This is the font that was once in Debach church, covered by something similar to a lych gate that was actually built from money left to the village by some residents - the metal plaque gives details.
The font and little building and a small part of the graveyard is all that's available to see of All Saints Church in Debach which was sold off during the 1970s to be turned into a house. It's now privately owned , and only just visible from the driveway.
On the Suffolk Churches Index Simon Knott last visited in 2008 and the font has been put there since that visit - he writes a short bit of history HERE
(BTW Debach is pronounced Debbidge)
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Sue
Had to smile at the pronunciation - not phonetic then!! I hope that this pretty church has made a nice home for someone and at least that good font is under cover!
ReplyDeleteBit of an un-guessable pronunciation really
DeleteI also echo Jennie's sentiment. It is good to think that churches can end up as housing someone, there are enough conservation laws to protect the buildings.
ReplyDeleteThere's a little Methodist chapel in this village which still looks good from the outside - I'd love to see what they've done inside! Thanks for the link to SKs piece. Good that the graves are preserved - and the font!
DeleteI know of one other locally that is up for sale but most are saved now
DeleteI wonder if anyone ever asks for a baptism at that font. People do ask the strangest things at times. If you want some strange pronunciations, come here! Try Tretio, Croesgoch, Carew, Manorbier, and Eglwyswrw for starters!
ReplyDeleteAh, but that's a foreign language!
DeleteIt was interesting to read about Debach. It's quite fitting that the war memorial can be seen beyond the font - the passage of life in one glance.
ReplyDeleteI had to go back to look after going passed and wondering why it was there
DeleteWe have a place called Slebech fairly near us and I've heard all sorts of ways to pronounce it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the font and church
Alison in Wales x
Slebbidge?
DeleteAgreed :-)
DeleteAlison in Wales x
Debbidge from Debach? Too bad you couldn't see how the church became a house. Does that happen often to old churches?
ReplyDeleteA few churches but many chapels. Yes Debbidge from Debach!
DeleteI recently streamed a program titled "Restoration Man" and it showed people buying and renovating mills, churches, and schools. Most had been empty for years and they fell to disrepair. The exteriors were always protected but internally the make-overs were quite remarkable.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see buildings used rather than left to fall down
DeleteThat's good new about the pronounciation. I'd be nervous about attending a debauched church!
ReplyDeleteI've no idea why it's pronounced as it is.
DeleteWhat a wonderful building for a home and I love how the font has been preserved.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd never, in a million years, guessed that pronunciation. xx
Always wondered how that one was pronounced, now I know. Whether I remember or not is another matter!
ReplyDeleteOh nice! Glad for the pronunciation tip
ReplyDelete