EssexMOUNTBURESStJohnBaptist(sludgegCC-BY-SA2.0)1 SludgeG

St John the Baptist

Set high above the Stour Valley in North Essex, surrounded by rolling fields and an ancient Mount, St John's dates from the 12th century and is a place of simplicity and beauty.

Mount Bures, Essex

Opening times

Open daily from early morning until 4pm.

Address

Hall Road
Mount Bures
Essex
CO8 5AR

The church is largely of 12th century construction with later additions.

The walls are coursed flint rubble with Roman brick quoins, dressed with limestone and clunch. The chancel has Roman brick, a 14th century window of three cinquefoiled lights with modern tracery in a triangular head. In the south wall are two windows, one modern except for the splays and rear arch, which are of the 14th century; one 14th century window partly restored and of three trefoiled ogee lights in a square head.

The nave has 3 round headed 12th century windows. The 14th century south doorway has moulded lambs, a two centred arch and a moulded label with head stops.In the west wall is a late 14th century window of three trefoiled lights with net tracery in a two centred head.

The south porch is late 15th century, of mixed brick and flint rubble with moulded and shafted jambs and two centred arch in a square head with a moulded label, head stops and spandrels carved with vine foliage and shields; above it is a small pointed light. The side walls have each a partly restored late 15th century window of three cinquefoiled lights in a square head. The roof of the porch is of the 15th century and has moulded wall plates and tie beams with king posts.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Wildlife haven

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Car park at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Services at 9.15am each Sunday. We hold a Coffee Morning 'Mount Bures Connections' at the Village Hall every Thursday morning from 10am to noon. For other events, please see our website.

  • Church of England

  • Cornerstone Grant, £8,000, 2019

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary the Virgin

Wissington, Suffolk

A small, charming 11th century Norman church standing near the River Stour in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a notable ornamented south door, fine Norman chancel arch, 13th and 14th century wall paintings and unique 15th century font.

St Matthew

Leavenheath, Suffolk

The church is notable for its collection of seven rare WWI wooden battlefield crosses, gifted to the families when replaced by permanent stone memorials.