St Andrew’s Church in Bramfield, Suffolk is a fascinating medieval church with an interesting exterior and an even more striking interior. The church’s exterior comprises of a detached round tower of Norman origin and a main building that has been rendered and limewashed in medieval style. The rood-screen, one of the most impressive and best-preserved examples of late medieval woodwork, stands at the end of the nave. The delicately crafted miniature vaults above the rood-loft are still visible, and the screen still bears the paintwork of five of the original eight saints located along its base. The quality of the painting dates back to the early 16th century.
Beyond the screed, the chancel houses a magnificent 17th-century memorial for the Coke family by renowned sculptor of funerary effigies Nicholas Stone. The memorial depicts Arthur Coke, the husband, kneeling in prayer, while his serene-smiling wife Elizabeth reclines with their baby in her arms. The monument to Arthur and Elizabeth Coke exemplifies Stone’s sensitivity and exemplarily craftsmanship.
St Andrew’s Church at Bramfield is a must-see for anyone who loves English history, medieval architecture, and English country churches. Visitors can enjoy the stunning history of the church and its distinctive Norman features. The church is open to visitors and attracts crowds of tourists and pilgrims alike. It remains one of the most remarkable examples of medieval churches in Suffolk, affording visitors a keen sense of the country’s rich history and culture.
Posted by Aidan McRae Thomson on 2019-04-18 20:29:47