Now this is a strange one! All the history is HERE on the Suffolk Churches website
The church as it is now, is the third church in Walberswick and was built in the ruins of the second huge Catholic church that became much too big for the congregation after Henry VIII changed the country's religion. The tower remains from the original church which was one of the biggest in the country when it was finished in the 1490's. But just 200 years later the congregation asked for permission to rebuild the smaller church.
The altar has something I'd never heard of before .......... a Supermensa - which is a consecrated stone slab from medieval times, rescued from the ruined church.
Remnants of stained glass from the large church have been used in this window.
In among the ruins you can see just how big the church was originally.
It's always interesting to see how far back the names of the Vicars were known. The current Team Rector - Russell Gant was at primary school at the same time as eldest daughter and was one of my Cub Scouts. I had no idea he was a vicar but looked him up online and yes he is the Russell Gant from all those years ago.
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Gosh that was big - the size of an Abbey. I was intrigued to read of Mr Nathaniel Flowerdew (intruder)!!! in 1652. Checking out your link, the Font looks absolutely amazing. Love that little figure set into the porch as well.
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully preserved the ruins are and how lovely to find a name you know on the Vicars Board. Catriona
ReplyDeleteHow nice to come across a name you know well. The stained glass mosaic is unusual and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very impressive church and intriguing ruins, thank you
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I love the old ruins. Myself and my ex-husband used to spend lots of happy Sunday afternoons with our sons in the ruins of Furness Abbey when we lived in Barrow in Furness. Being residents in the town we had free passes to visit as often as we liked. Nothing beats a free afternoon out when you have active boys.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing history, Sue!! Love, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting to come across someone you knew many years ago as a scout. Scout to Vicar.
ReplyDeleteThe old church ruins provide some good history. The new smaller church looks more intimate and hopefully meets the needs of the parish. The church stonework is great. The vertical patterned lead frame for the stained-glass window is unique, unusual and to me somewhat original. Someone got creative.
What an interesting history. I agree with Susan above - finding an unexpected connection is marvelous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a large Catholic church. Amazing how one of the Vicars was in your Scout troop.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.