UNITED KINGDOM
Churches of Suffolk © MICHAEL GARLICK/CC BY-SA 2.0
April 26–30, 2021 from £1075 per person | with Imogen Corrigan
St Nicholas’s Church
• Delve into Suffolk’s prosperous past at the churches of Holy Trinity in Long Melford and St Peter & St Paul in Eye • Encounter some hidden medieval treasures – from bench carvings to wall paintings – in less frequented churches • Stay in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, a stone’s throw from its fascinating cathedral Like its neighbour Norfolk, the undulating landscape of Suffolk possesses one of the highest concentrations of churches in the UK. Many are famous for their magnificent stained glass, celebrated nationally “for the people they depict, the stories they tell and their famous designers” (National Churches Trust, 2018). Yet these churches also help to reveal important religious, architectural and economical developments: rising on the back of the 15th century woven cloth trade, many owe their life and character to the region’s burgeoning wealth, as well as changes that came later, from the Reformation to 19th century revisions. Encasing some fine 15th century stained glass, the parish church at Stratford St Mary boasts a beautiful exterior, characterised by flint flushwork and medieval inscriptions. A similar impression awaits us at Eye, where one of East Anglia’s grandest churches – St Peter and St Paul – offers a striking reflection of the region’s medieval prosperity; it is particularly famous for its late-15th century rood screen depicting saints and monarchs beneath graceful, gilded arches. 30
Churches of Suffolk is one in a series of more gently paced tours, ideal for those who prefer a more laid-back, less physically demanding itinerary while enjoying the same high level of academic content. Walking and travelling distances are typically shorter, and time is dedicated to the gradual appreciation of, and explorations within, our immediate surroundings. Hotels will usually be situated in central locations to allow for ease of access to major amenities. Participants should meet ACE’s usual fitness requirements.
Among the most renowned wool towns of the county, Long Melford boasts a fittingly spectacular parish church in Holy Trinity, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country. Perched at the village’s highest point, it entrances visitors with its medieval stained glass, including the famous depiction of the Trinity as three interlocked hares, and its light-filled lady chapel. St Nicholas’s Church in Denston is a prime example of late Perpendicular architecture and a treasure trove of original features, including misericords, a panelled font and medieval benches topped with animal carvings. Originally a parish church, St Edmundsbury attained its cathedral status in 1914. Following 19th century restorations by George Gilbert Scott and James Wyatt, this fascinating and multilayered structure has since undergone significant modern expansions.
This tour will be led by medieval historian Imogen Corrigan, BA, MPhil. Following almost 20 years in the army, from which she retired in the rank of Major, Imogen obtained a first-class degree in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval History from the University of Kent and subsequently an MPhil from the University of Birmingham. Her book Stone on Stone: The Men who Built the Cathedrals was published in 2019. A proficient lecturer, Imogen has run ACE’s perennially popular Churches of Norfolk tour for several years and is delighted to be able to offer this brand new exploration of Suffolk. Our base for the tour will be the four-star Angel Hotel, a stylish and charming boutique establishment set among the cobbled streets of Bury St Edmunds. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: While we do not expect this tour to be especially strenuous, some of the sites visited will contain uneven flooring, steps, ramps and dimly lit interiors. The visit to St Gregory’s Church in Sudbury will involve a walk of around one mile, and the visit to Holy Trinity Church in Long Melford will require a short walk up a shallow slope. Day 1 Tour assembles 1330 at the Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds, for four nights. Welcome lecture followed by a visit to St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Day 2 Morning visits to St Mary the Virgin Church, Bergholt and Stratford St Mary. Afternoon: St Mary’s Church, Combs. Day 3 Morning: St Nicholas’s Church, Denston and Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. Afternoon: St Gregory’s Church, Sudbury and St Mary’s Church, Brent Eleigh. Day 4 Morning visits to St Mary’s Church, Thornham Parva, St Mary the Virgin Church, Yaxley and the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Eye. Afternoon: St Andrew’s Church, Wingfield and St Mary’s Church, Dennington. Day 5 Morning: St Mary’s Church, Bacton and St Andrew’s Church, Cotton. Afternoon visits to St Ethelbert’s Church, Hessett and St Mary’s Church, Woolpit. Tour disperses 1630 at Bury St Edmunds Station followed by the hotel.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time.
Cost of £1075 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £120. TOUR CODE: CHUS21
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