St Peter

A church building full of atmosphere that clearly demonstrates its complex development and many associations through its 800 years existence.

Sibton, Suffolk

Opening times

Normally open during daylight hours.
The phone number of the key holder is posted clearly on the noticeboard in the south porch of the church building.

Address

Yoxford Road
Sibton
Suffolk
IP17 2NB

Sibton church is set in a wildlife diverse churchyard in a rural location. The earliest visible work is the south doorway surviving from the 12th century.

Much of the exterior of the building underwent restoration in the 19th century by EC Hakewill. The result is all of a piece with the occasional delightful idiosyncrasy. The 15th century tower remains, and the interior reveals a medieval building, which has evolved through the centuries. The nave has a beautifully decorated seven bay single hammer beam and arch braced collar roof.

The ruin of Sibton Abbey, privately owned, lies across the valley. Some of its stonework was used for building the church’s north aisle in the 16th century; an extension that included a part of the 13th century arcade and pillars and a 13th century doorway used as the north doorway. A noticeable gargoyle, a roaring lion has been used as part of the parapet of the north aisle. The chancel, rebuilt in 1872 is a sensitive restoration by EC Hakewill paid for by a local family two years prior to the wedding of their eldest daughter to a mill owner from Halifax.

There is good 19th century stained glass in east window and south nave windows by Hughes. Other stained glass of the same date awaits reinstatement following its discovery after being hidden away in the vestry for almost a century. The organ, which has an Historic Organ Certificate, is a noteworthy single manual instrument by Bishop & Starr, and was donated by another local family at the time of the Victorian restoration.

There is a fine set of monuments to two families associated with the church during a period of four hundred years. It includes early brasses and excellent 17th century monument with marble busts on north wall of chancel.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • On street parking at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Andrew

Bramfield, Suffolk

It is clear from the first glimpse that this is a church out of the ordinary.