SuffolkNETTLESTEADStMary(adriancableCC-BY-SA2.0)1 AdrianCable

St Mary

This church doesn’t give away its secrets easily, but with a bit of detective work there is so much to discover!

Nettlestead, Suffolk

Opening times

Open daily, you are most welcome to visit us.

This idyllic countryside church sits in a valley and is reached by traversing narrow, sunken lanes where, set back from a bend in the road, you come upon the tree lined churchyard. Parking is limited to a grassed area outside the churchyard. This church is a true hidden gem!

Address

Hall Lane
Nettlestead
Suffolk
IP8 4QS

St Mary’s sits in a tranquil setting in mid Suffolk and dates mainly from the 14th century but with substantial fabric and features going back to the 12th century. Its Grade I listing reflects the quality of the church building and its contents.

It is a small church with a simple, elegant interior and despite stripping during the reformation it retains treasures from every period of its history, some of regional and even national importance.

The church was nearly lost in in 1940 when a stray bomb blew off its roofs and cracked its walls. Exploring our church you will find many beautiful features and a jigsaw puzzle of history.

Will you be able to find the carved face sticking out his tongue? How many pieces of decorative Norman stonework can you find hidden in the outside walls of our tower out? Will you be able to work out what is unusual about our George IV royal arms? What wildlife can you spot in our churchyard, with its large pond on the south side? We do hope you will make the journey to discover for yourself all we have to offer!

A bomb fell in the area during the second world war, causing significant damage to the church building, contents and roof. Thankfully the church was saved and restored, along with many of its key historic features. The roof is now once again in need of repairs, and we are actively fundraising to once again secure the future of this wonderful church.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Parking within 250m

  • Dog friendly

  • Church of England

  • Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant, £7,500, 2021

  • Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants are awarded for urgent repair projects, based on our recommendation, to help keep churches open.

  • Cornerstone Grant, £17,500, 2021

  • 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

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Rural 13th century church set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.