St Mary
Pakenham, Suffolk
St Mary's was built by one Walter in 1100 AD.
Its benefactor, Robert de Ashfield, is buried in the chancel, having died in 1401.
The interior is a rare and very varied gallery of woodcarving: most of it medieval, but with some Victorian detailing that competently emulates the original. There is a wonderful collection of bench ends with poppyheads and choir stalls with misericords, a 15th century screen, and a series of Flemish panels of the same period, to either side of the altar.
These were stolen in 1977 but eventually returned to the church. There are also wall paintings of a faded St Christopher in his customary spot on the north wall.
