The St. Mary’s Church in Great Bealings, Suffolk sits in a beautiful rural setting amidst rolling, wooded fields surrounded by open land on all sides. The tower dates back to the 15th century, and the nave and chancel stonework are predominantly modern, having been updated by the Victorians and Edwardians. The large north porch is made of 16th-century brick and contains iconography that honours the Seckford family, while the inner doorway retains an original, carved door.
Inside the church, stained glass from the late 19th and early 20th centuries offers a range of colours and scenes, including the Works of Mercy and the Raising of Jairus’s Daughter. The carvings throughout the church, made by Henry Ringham, are some of the best 19th-century woodwork in the east of the county. The church contains two grand monuments, one in the chancel and one in the nave, as well as a late 19th-century brass honouring the memory of Charlotte Allen, the granddaughter of the man who carved the chancel finials.
All in all, the St. Mary’s Church in Great Bealings is a beautiful example of traditional church architecture and design, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
Posted by Simon Knott on 2016-10-30 14:06:15