Church of St Mary, Huntingfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Mary, Huntingfield |
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| 52°19′02″N 1°25′35″E / 52.3171°N 1.4264°E | |
| Location | Church Road, Huntingfield, Suffolk, IP19 0PR |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Central |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | St Mary the Virgin |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 7 December 1966 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Huntingfield |
| Deanery | Waveney and Blyth |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Suffolk |
| Diocese | Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a special old church in Huntingfield, Suffolk, England. It's a Church of England parish church, which means it's the main church for the local area. This church is famous for its amazing, highly decorated ceiling. It's also a grade I listed building, meaning it's a very important historical building.
Contents
A Look Back at St Mary's Church
This church has been around for a very long time! It was built during the Medieval period. The oldest part is a window opening in the nave (the main part of the church where people sit). This window dates back to the 12th century.
Building Through the Centuries
The chancel, which is the area near the altar, was built later. It dates from the 13th or 14th century. The church's tall tower was added in the 15th century. Each part tells a story of how the church grew over hundreds of years.
The Famous Painted Ceiling
The arched ceiling in the nave is truly special. It is covered in beautiful paintings! A talented artist named Mildred Holland painted it in the 19th century. Her husband, William Holland, was the church's rector (the main priest).
Between 1859 and 1882, a lot of money was spent on the church. It was changed and updated during a time called the Victorian restoration. This happened in two main periods: from 1858 to 1859, and again from 1896 to 1906.
A Protected Historic Building
Because of its history and unique features, the church was given a special status. On December 7, 1966, it became a grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.
St Mary's Church Today
Today, St Mary's Church is still an active place of worship. It is part of a group of churches called the Benefice of Heveningham with Ubbeston, Huntingfield and Cookley. This group is part of the Archdeaconry of Suffolk and the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. The church follows the Central tradition within the Church of England.
