St Mary le Tower, Medieval church in Ipswich, England
St Mary le Tower is the main parish church of Ipswich, identifiable by its 176-foot (53 m) spire towering above the town center. The building contains a three-manual pipe organ and a full set of twelve bells, reflecting its importance in the community.
This location appears in the Domesday Book from 1086, showing its importance to Ipswich from early times. The town charter was granted in 1200 and its document was kept in the churchyard, linking the building to major local milestones.
The church hosts regular choral performances by trained singers during services and special occasions throughout the year. Music remains an important part of how people experience worship here.
The church is open daily and offers morning prayer as well as multiple Sunday services in different styles. Visitors are advised to check opening times in advance, as these may vary seasonally or for special occasions.
In 1865, this church became the first tower in Suffolk to install a complete set of twelve bells, a rare achievement for that time. This distinction set it apart from most other parish churches in the region.
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