SuffolkBRENTELEIGHStMary(davidCC-BY-SA2.0)1 David

St Mary

Just one mile east of the tourist hotspot of Lavenham, St Mary’s possesses hidden gems with the earliest and finest set of altar wall paintings in England (according to experts).

Brent Eleigh, Suffolk

Opening times

Open every day 10am to 4pm.
Services are held approximately once every 5 weeks. We welcome enquiries from groups wishing to have a guided tour, possibly including refreshments, at an agreed fee, with at least 14 days notice.

Address

Hall Street
Brent Eleigh
Suffolk
CO10 9NP

View map

52.098312, 0.8327108

A peaceful rural medieval church, St Mary’s was built around 1250.

Possibly the finishing touches being the creation of a set of three paintings on the east wall, between 1275-1325. These remained hidden behind panelling until rediscovery in the 1960s. The nearest in style is a single figure in St Margaret’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey, of around 1350.

We also have many box pews formed in the Stuart period, some above existing medieval pews; and a rare example of an altar rail of U shape, and fine memorials.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Café within 500m

  • Car park at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Parking within 250m

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Details of events are placed on the Brent Eleigh (One Suffolk) website.

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Peter & St Paul

Lavenham, Suffolk

Town and church are world famous for their beauty and that there is a breathing space of countryside beyond the church adds to the pleasure of the setting. Photo credit: John Fielding CC-BY 2.0

All Saints

Hitcham, Suffolk

A stunning hammer beam roof greets visitors to our medieval church, built as a statement of wealth by the Bishops of Ely but there is so much more as your eyes become accustomed to the light.

St Mary the Virgin

Edwardstone, Suffolk

Beautiful medieval church in open Suffolk countryside, birthplace of John Winthrop, Pilgrim Father and First Governor of Massachusetts.

We do not own or manage any buildings

The information on this page is provided by the church and is correct when made live. Opening times and contact details may have changed, we recommend you check before making a special trip.

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