St Mary's Church, Redgrave

St Mary's Church in Redgrave is a parish church built in the 14th century with flint rubble walls and five bays separated by pointed arches. The tower was refaced with red brick in the late 18th century, and the decorated east window features medieval tracery above the altar.

Construction began between 1280 and 1350, placing the church within the period when English Gothic architecture spread across the countryside. The tower underwent red brick refacing in the late 18th century as part of maintenance work to preserve the aging structure.

The interior displays thirteen funeral hatchments belonging to the Bacon, Holt, and Wilson families, representing the largest collection of its kind in Suffolk. These painted heraldic shields tell the story of those buried here and connect visitors to the families that shaped the local community over time.

The church sits on elevated ground roughly one kilometer east of Redgrave village with parking available along the adjacent lane. Being somewhat isolated, it is best reached by car, though the countryside walk to reach it offers nice views of the surrounding area.

A burial vault was discovered beneath the church in 2010 containing a tunnel with historical coffins that opened for public viewing in 2011. This underground chamber offers a rare look at the burial practices and traditions of the families who were laid to rest here.

Location: Redgrave

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/St-Marys-Church-Redgrave-Suffolk

GPS coordinates: 52.36330,1.01970

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09