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.
St Peter’s stands at the highest point of the village, proudly set against the skyline and beautifully compliments the Tudor barn opposite. It is a grade II* listed building.
A church existed on the site of St Peter’s since the 11th century, with the present church being built in 14th and 15th centuries. The stonework, which was mainly built from stones collected from surrounding fields, includes some interesting stones reflecting the effects of the glacier that went through this area.
The main entrance is through a south porch, the stepped gable of which was added in the 18th century, with a sundial erected in 1935 to commemorate the Jubilee of George V.
It is a simple one aisled church with a later chapel to the north and its greatest external feature, the fine tower with its attractive west door, was built in 1478. This tower holds a peel of six bells, the earliest of which was made in 1614. As part of the installation of the new toilet in the tower, the beautiful 15th century font, with its elaborate Victorian wooden cover, is proudly displayed in the north chapel.
The north door also dates back to 15th century. The north transept wooden roof still retains the 15th century leaf and flower trusses. Down the main isle on the end of each pew are fine quality 19th century poppy heads (all different), believed to be the work of Henry Ringham; a notable Ipswich wood carver.
The gallery was built in 1901, the same time as the organ chamber. It has five small carved 16th century panels that have been preserved and are now displayed across the front. Whilst redecorating the church in 2020, an arch and stairs leading to the old rood screen was discovered. This has now been restored to its original state.