Little Saxham is a beautiful village located near the Ickworth estate in Suffolk. Its church, St Nicholas, sits at the eastern end of the village and is highlighted by Suffolk’s finest round tower, which is of historical and architectural significance. The church was mostly left untouched by the Victorians, and its outside body remains as it was on the eve of the Reformation. The Lucas chapel, now known as the Crofts chapel, on the north side of the chancel was built in the 1530s, shortly before it became theologically unacceptable.
Upon entering the church, visitors are greeted by two unique archways: one is a low Norman arch thought to be the old north doorway; the other is a breathtakingly beautiful tower arch filled with panels of rood screen featuring lions, squirrels, and eagles.
Moving towards the chancel, visitors will notice the medieval woodwork, which is striking considering the church’s humble size. The newer benches from the 19th century are on the south side, while the medieval bench ends feature interesting designs such as a lady at a prayer-desk possibly portraying the Annunciation, a heraldic dragon biting its tail, and what is likely a lion.
The chancel itself is both plain and beautiful. The communion rails were rescued from the abandoned church at Little Livermere, and were reset here. Of particular note is the memorial on the north side, which features heraldic devices that are blocked up entrance to the Lucas chapel, which now serves as the vestry. The shields on this memorial originate from the tomb of Sir Thomas FitzLucas, which once stood inside.
The vestry is kept locked, but it is worth contacting the keyholder listed on the door to gain access to the impressive tomb of William, first Baron Crofts, which is still preserved in its 1670s Restoration glory. Outside of the church, visitors will notice the gravestones are limited due to clearing by lawnmower enthusiasts in the 1960s. However, a few of the older headstones have been reset in a line to the south of the nave, with some good 18th century ones near the porch.
Overall, St Nicholas in Little Saxham is a small church with a great deal of history and unique features that make it worth visiting for anyone interested in architecture, history or religion.
Posted by Simon Knott on 2017-08-20 09:18:02