Holy Trinity

An Augustinian priory was founded here in 1130, which probably accounts for the size and splendour of the church. In 1412 Henry IV granted permission for it to be rebuilt, transforming it into one of Suffolk's finest Perpendicular churches.

The tower remains from the earlier building. The exterior is an amazing mix of flint and glass, with intricate decorative stonework and carving along the parapets of the porch and south aisle. Set into the east end below the window are enigmatic carved letters. The two storey south porch has a modern sculpture of the Trinity, to which the church is dedicated.

Inside, the aged wooden roof, still with its original faded paintwork, stretches the entire length of the church. On it are the 12 famous wooden angels that are celebrated in Blythburgh's town sign. There used to be more, and some of those that remain have been repaired or renewed. One story tells that they were shot at by Puritans, trying to dislodge them. Shot has been found in some of the roof timbers, but this probably dates from the 18th century, when people were paid to shoot at the jackdaws who inhabited the church. By then it was in a poor state, and by the late 19th century the congregation sat in their pews under umbrellas as the roof leaked so badly.

Restoration began in the 1890s and continued for nearly a century, but was all done with a light touch, so that the church feels both ancient and loved, and without the 'scraped' and polished feel that many restored churches have.

The interior is light and airy, largely due to the clerestory windows which, like the roof, extend the whole length of the nave and chancel. The font has detached stone stools surrounding it which are unusual. It is a seven sacrament font, but the seven scenes that would have been carved on it have been entirely scraped away. There are marvellous 15th century poppyhead bench ends depicting the Seven Deadly Sins, the four seasons and the Seven Acts of Mercy.