Dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, it is one of the largest and finest churches in Suffolk, with a history stretching back to the 10th century, but refashioned in the Perpendicular style by the Howards, Dukes of Norfolk, in the late 1400s.
Its tower dominates the landscape of Dedham Vale, and can be seen for miles around. Its outstanding treasure is the 15th century carved oak doors in the south porch, unique in Suffolk, but the font is very fine, and no less a person than the artist John Constable has said that “the lofty and slender proportions of the tower arch are the crowning beauty of the whole interior.”
The brass of Sir William de Tendring (d.1408) is held to be one of the first portrait brasses, and there are two major 17th century memorials, to Lady Anne Windsor and Sir Francis Mannock.
Music at St Mary’s Church
Primary School Children Rehearsing for 2015 Roman River Festival (www.romanrivermusicorg.uk)
Our church is fortunate in having excellent acoustics which have led to its being frequently used for concerts and recordings.
It is noted for being acoustically kind to both voices and to instruments, and to soloists as well as large choirs and orchestras. Additional benefits are the lack of traffic noise and clock chimes, and, of course, the many facilities to be found in both church and village.
If you are interested in making musical use of the church, details of availability, hiring costs, parking etc., please contact one of the church wardens in the first instance.
For more information and details of our upcoming services please use the following link: St Mary’s Church, Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk
Church Wardens
Andrew Norman-Butler
Address: Chapel House, Scotland Street, Stoke by Nayland, CO6 4QE
Telephone: 01206 263186
Email: thenormanbutlers@gmail.com
June Smith
Address: 5 School Street, Stoke by Nayland, CO6 4QZ
Telephone: 01206 263225
Email: june.smith1@live.co.uk
You are invited to make a donation to support the work and upkeep of St Mary’s Church:
Stoke by Nayland Area Churches 