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.