The church of St Mary in Great Bealings, Suffolk, is situated in a rural and wooded area to the northeast of Ipswich. The tower of the church, which dates back to the 15th century, features a good image niche. The church has undergone numerous renovations over the years, with much of the stonework in the nave and chancel being new, especially on the south side. The north porch, built in the early 16th century, is made of brick and carries the iconography of the Seckford family. The inner doorway retains the original door and is carved with standing figures. The chancel seems high above the nave, with the eye being drawn to it by the coloured light.
The church features some striking late 19th and early 20th century glass, with the Works of Mercy in the west window being particularly impressive. The nave contains remarkable carvings by Henry Ringham, which are considered to be some of the best 19th century woodwork in the eastern part of the county. The medieval image of the pelican in her piety is almost identical to the one at nearby Tuddenham St Martin, suggesting that they were likely carved by the same artist.
The church is home to two grand monuments, one in the chancel to John and Jan Clench, and the other in the nave to Thomas and Margaret Seckford, descendants of Thomas Seckford who built the porch. The most moving monument is a late 19th century brass by the north door to Charlotte Allen, the granddaughter of Edward Moor who carved the chancel finials. She died at the age of 38 and was laid to rest in the southeast corner of the churchyard.
Overall, St Mary in Great Bealings is a beautifully located rural church that contains impressive features such as 19th-century woodwork, exquisite glass, and fine monuments.
Posted by Simon Knott on 2016-10-30 14:05:52