Parham is a small, rural village in Suffolk, situated near the A12 dual carriageway. Despite its proximity to this busy road, Parham is a peaceful and quiet village with a strong sense of community. The village does not have a pub, but it does have a fascinating church, which is located in a dip surrounded by ancient houses. The church dates from the late 14th century and was refurbished a century later. The churchyard is bumpy and uneven and contains many graves.
The exterior of the church is notable for a large niche on the western face of the tower, which is thought to have held a rood group. The tower is severe in appearance, with no battlements, and the nave windows are tall and stately. The church is surprisingly spacious inside, given that it has no aisles. The building is full of light, and the dado panels of the rood screen were removed in the 1880s, leaving just the tracery painted in bright colors. The reredos beyond is a simple structure, with a picture of the Last Supper in the Russian style.
The church contains several interesting artifacts, including a dedication plaque for a village school built by the Corrance family, who were the people at the Big House. George Corrance provided a bequest to replace the roofs and pews of the church, and another Charles Corrance was the vicar at the time. The church also contains a good set of Restoration royal arms and a set of 17th-century communion rails that have had alternate balusters removed.
Overall, Parham is a charming and peaceful village with a fascinating church that is well worth a visit. The church contains many interesting artifacts that provide a glimpse into the history and culture of this small Suffolk community.
Posted by Simon Knott on 2016-09-05 18:35:59