It was about time I visited another Suffolk church and I'd read that this one is always open during the day in summer.
This is a tiny church in a small parish south west of Stowmarket, there is no proper village, just farms and houses dotted in the middle of undulating arable land..
To get to the church you have to park at the gateway of the neighbouring farm house and follow the track to find the church hidden among the trees.
A Simple two-celled building with a bell-cote with origins in the C14 but it's been restored as so many were by the Victorians
Very Simple font and cover
This large panel below showing The Lord's prayer came here from the redundant church at nearby Wattisham.
About 20 years ago part of an original 14th Century wall painting was uncovered, it's impossible to see but it's a figure in red and yellow ochre with one arm raised
Thankfully there's a description
Up above where nave and sanctuary join is the coat of arms of George III. Royal arms were set in this position by decree of Elizabeth 1st but usually they were moved to the back of the church during Victorian restoration
The church is only used for a service once a month in winter and twice a month in summer but there are colourful kneelers for the worshippers.
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A simple little church still in regular use. Tucked away as it is, it could so easily fall into disrepair without careful oversight.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising how often it's used considering there is no actual village of Little Finborough and Gt Finborough - a proper village is only a mile away
DeleteWhat a shame more of those interesting wall paintings have not been recovered. I did wonder if it was an angel? Two yellowy wings as remains of 2nd one just showing? I am glad it is still being cared for, despite being well away from the village.
ReplyDeleteI was pleased to know it was open with it being situated right down a track away from the road
DeleteSimple and intended for worship. As always, I am amazed at the work that goes into the kneelers. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI love the colours of the kneelers in the often plain churches
DeleteYes, women have made those kneelers as so many women over the centuries have sewn, embroidered and knitted their way through life.
ReplyDeleteSo much work must have gone into making them probably many years ago - and probably by very few people
DeleteHi Sue, Do you watch the Salisbury Organist on YouTube? He visits lots of little village churches and plays the old organs. I think one reason I like it so much is because I’ve read your interesting descriptions of churches for many years. This is real arm chair travelling for us, as we live in Perth, Australia.
ReplyDeleteJosie
I'm glad you enjoy the visits to the Suffolk churches - I've learnt so much since I started
DeleteThat's a lovely little church, I should imagine the walk down the farm track to the church is lovely in both Summer and Winter.
ReplyDeleteMaybe bleak in winter with open fields all around and the wind whistling across!
DeleteA little church hidden away among trees sound amazing to me. The church is well cared for and carries lots of wonderful history. The kneelers add the true only color, and they are beautiful. The needlework shows lots of skill.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing there is a sign at the end of the lane pointing in the right direction
DeleteHave you read A Month in the Country? It's a wonderful short novel whose premise is an artist hired to uncover a medieval mural.
ReplyDeleteYes many years ago. I read another book by same author more recently.
DeleteLovely
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
A curious little church, well hidden
DeleteWhen you described how you have to get there, I thought it would be a redundant church. I'm surprised enough people are willing to park some distance away and walk to the church to warrant keeping it open! But I'm glad it's still in use. The medieval painting is interesting -- I do see it.
ReplyDeleteI guess people are able to drive along the track for services . There are gates, and footpath only signs but the track is good enough for driving and those posts on the right would stop anything driving into the ditch!
DeleteI love the Lords Prayer plaque with the Holy Communion verses on either side
ReplyDeleteOften these big wall text things are the 10 commandments - I thought this was until I looked properly
DeleteThese pictures brought tears to my eyes, Sue....good ones. How magnificant this church is! I'm soooo happy it is being cared for. Thank you for sharing it with us. Love, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I've learnt a lot with my Suffolk church visits
DeleteOne of my mothers sisters lived for many years in Great Finborough, but I had not heard of Little Finborough. The family lived in Stowmarket, and apart from my mother who moved to Sussex, the other 4 sisters stayed local - GT Finborough, Bacton, and two within a few doors of each other in Stow.
ReplyDeleteLittle Finborough is just the church and a few farms dotted about - nothing else!
DeleteWhat years were your relatives in Bacton. I was there and in next door Cotton between 1981 - 1991
My aunt lived in Bacton from 1940s (I think) until the 80s. My cousins had very 'Suffolk' accents from attending the village primary school, I had trouble understanding them, but they lost those accents once they moved to secondary school in Stowmarket. One of those cousins ended up working with David Bellamy for a time, around the time that he was presenting TV programmes.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous little find - and those kneelers! Unfortunately over here mice would find them a tasty treat.
ReplyDeleteOh that wouldn't be good at all!
DeleteThat's a wonderful old church. I could stare at those old painted walls. Below the figure seems to be a woman in wide long skirts. Do you suppose the being above her might be an angel?
ReplyDeleteImpossible to tell, but amazing to imagine that most churches were once full of wall paintings like this so many 100 years ago
DeleteA lovely and simple church. Thank you for visiting and sharing with us all.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
You are very welcome
DeleteWhat rich history! I always love the old stone buildings too.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many old churches in Suffolk
DeleteWhat a beautiful little church. It always amazes me just how many churches there are in Suffolk!
ReplyDelete