St Mary's Church

About

St Mary's Church is a historic Anglican church in the village of Akenham, Suffolk, England. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building, and is under the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. It stands in an isolated position in fields 3 miles (5 km) north of Ipswich.

History: The church dates from the medieval period, the earliest fabric dating probably from the late 13th century. The tower was built during the next century, and more additions and alteration followed in the 15th century. The south chapel was added in the 16th century. The church was restored in the middle of the 19th century. During the second world war, in 1940, it was damaged by a mine dropped from a German bomber. It remained derelict until it was restored by local people assisted by the Friends of Friendless Churches in the 1960s. The church was declared redundant in 1976, and vested in the Redundant Churches Fund, the forerunner of the Churches Conservation Trust.

Architecture: St Mary's is constructed mainly in flint with limestone dressings. The wall of the chancel is rendered. The chapel is in brick. The nave and chancel have tiled...