St Bartholomews Church

St Bartholomews Church is a medieval church in Orford, built with stone walls displaying architectural features from the 12th and 14th centuries. The building shows several construction phases from different periods, revealing how it developed and adapted across centuries.

Construction began in 1166, with major additions taking place around 1350 when new architectural elements were incorporated. These two building phases reflect shifts in design practices that occurred between these dates.

The church remains the spiritual center of Orford village and continues to serve its community through regular worship and gatherings. Its medieval stonework connects local residents to generations past who built and maintained this building.

The church remains an active place of worship while welcoming visitors interested in exploring its medieval stonework and architectural details. Both the interior and exterior can be viewed during daytime hours, and it's worth examining the structure from different angles to appreciate its construction.

The original construction was overseen by Alnoth, an architect whose name rarely appears connected to other medieval churches of this period. His distinctive approach to proportions and details makes this building a valuable reference for understanding the craftsmanship of medieval builders.