About our Church
The church was most likely built around 1250 AD, with the main entrance originally located through the tower. The chancel appears to have been added in the 13th century, followed by the addition of the south aisle in the 14th century. The porch was added in the 15th century, and in the 18th century, the south aisle was extended to create what is now known as the Jennens Chapel (currently used as the Vestry).
A notable feature is the canopied tomb on the north side of the chancel—sometimes referred to as the Easter Sepulchre—which is believed to be the resting place of Sir Andrew de Bures and his son Robert. The tomb once had a brass cross set into it.
In 1385, at the request of Lord Howe, a Mr. Thynne inspected the tower. He famously declared that his "life was not sufficiently insured to go up it in that state", so the tower was partially dismantled. When the rest of the building was later restored, the tower was left as it was.
A major restoration took place in 1886 under the direction of architect William Milner Fawcett. The entire church—except the tower and porch—was restored. Oak from Acton Park was used to reconstruct the roofs, though some older timber work was preserved.
Inside the Church
Inside the church, you'll find many medieval poppy heads carved into the pew ends—around 40 in total. During the Victorian era, the tops were cut off in the centre pews to make space for candles. Other surviving medieval features include floor tiles and stained glass in the de Bures Chapel.
The wooden blocks laid in the aisles also date from Victorian times. A local parson wrote with approval in the Acton Parish Magazine that they helped "deaden the sound of our honest countrymen’s boots." At the time, men sat on one side of the church, while women and children sat on the other. A man was even hired to patrol the church and wake up any sleepy parishioners.
We also have a unique set of Victorian tiles, alongside a few remaining medieval ones.
The tower was rebuilt in 1923 by Browns, the local builders, and the five bells were rehung in 1926 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The new oak bell frame was made by Browns, following a Whitechapel design. The total cost at the time was £150.
For more images of the inside of our church, please see the Gallery page.
Memorials in the Church
Among the memorials are the brasses of Sir Richard and Henry de Bures, Dame Alice de Bryene, members of the Daniels family, and the Jennens monument.
Ongoing Care
Maintaining a historic building like this is a constant challenge. The interior was redecorated in 2015 by a team of village volunteers, at a cost of approximately £800.
Opening Hours
Unfortunately, we are unable to leave the church unlocked. If you wish to visit, please contact our Churchwardens or phone 01787 377374 or 07732 700104 to arrange a convenient time to visit.
Location
Melford Road, Acton, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 0BA