St Mary
Bentley, Suffolk
A 12th century church, located down a leafy lane, a short journey from the centre of the village and just 5 miles from the heart of Constable Country.
The church has a chancel, nave, west tower and north and south arches. The south porch and tower are of the decorated period. The list of Rectors and Patrons goes back to 1277 AD when Thomas Meron was appointed by King Edward I.
Enter the church by the 15th century north porch. The south porch is from 14th century and was renovated as a vestry in the 19th century. The roof is 14th century and typical of many Suffolk churches was damaged in the mid 17th century by parliamentarians who destroyed the carvings on the hammer beam heads. The font is octagonal and stands in the nave close to the tower. It dates from 13th century but mounted on a more modern stand. The chancel and sanctuary date from 15th century. A piscina stands in the south wall. The tower dates from 14th century, is embattled, and has two dragon gargoyles keeping watch.
