Polstead Parish Council Header
Search
St Mary's Church, Polstead

Furnishings

Seating in the church is mainly pews, mostly of late nineteenth century design, but substantial and blending well with the atmosphere of the church. Modern chairs augment the seating in the side aisles and at the back of the church. Armorial shields of past patrons are on the end pews in the nave. There is a late nineteenth century reredos behind the seventeenth century holy table, which is surrounded on three sides by a very fine seventeenth century altar rail. The oak pulpit is of twentieth century design. Around the South aisle panelling up to window height seems to be all that remains from pine box pews, presumably removed during the nineteenth century repairs. In a few places, small areas of medieval wall paintings, of archaeological rather than aesthetic significance, have been uncovered. There is a fifteenth century brass on the floor in front of the chancel. The most notable wall monument is a stone monument to the Brand family, then owners of Polstead Hall. There are also late eighteenth and early nineteenth century family hatchments and two mid nineteenth century charity memorials. The organ was installed in 1838 and is well suited to the acoustics of the church.

Churchyard

St Mary's PolsteadThe churchyard, which surrounds the church is bordered by the grounds of Polstead Hall and the "horsecroft" or old deer park, contains a number of eighteenth and nineteenth century tombs to the north. To the east are mainly nineteenth centurytombs and the fine war memorial (a copy of the cenotaph in Whitehall); and to the south and west more modern tombs stretching down the hill towards grazing land. Entrance to the church is now by the South door, which provides a level approach and enjoyment of the magnificent view and avoids awkward steps at the North door. A toilet is available in the churchyard shed adjacent to the South entrance.


Sunday Services        Architectural Notes         Friends of Polstead Church

© Website developed and supported by www.suffolkbiz.co.uk | all rights reserved

Copyright Disclaimer Publisher: OneSuffolk Expiry Date: 31/10/2009