St Mary

Dennington's large 14th century flint church is imposing enough, but the outside gives little clue to the rare treasures inside.

Dennington, Suffolk

Opening times

The church is open daily and conducted tours are available.

Address

Dennington
Suffolk
IP13 8AA

An immediately striking feature is the parclose screens, complete with their lofts, which separate the two side chapels from the body of the church. The effect of their painted and gilded tracery is astonishing, both from a distance and in close up.

In the south chapel are wonderful monuments, notably the beautiful 15th century effigies of William Bardolph and his wife.

Every detail of the interior of St Mary's is noteworthy, from the three decker pulpit to the 16th century font cover with its charming finial, and from the chancel windows to the medieval pyx canopy, a carved wooden spire shaped cover hanging above the altar. This rarity (one of only four in England, it is said) was used to store consecrated bread and wine for later use in administering communion to the sick. Above all, spend some time with the menagerie of extraordinary creatures carved on the many medieval bench ends.

Key features