St Andrew's Church, Westhall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church, Westhall |
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| OS grid reference | TM4232580434 |
| Location | Church Hill, Westhall, Suffolk IP19 8NU |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Churchmanship | Central Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 1 September 1953 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Westhall |
| Deanery | Waveney and Blyth |
| Archdeaconry | Suffolk |
| Diocese | St Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Andrew's Church is a historic building in the village of Westhall, close to Halesworth. It is an active Anglican parish church, meaning it's a local church for the community. It belongs to the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
Contents
Discovering St Andrew's Church Layout
This church is built from flint stone. It has a main area called a nave, a side section known as a south aisle, a chancel (the area around the altar), and a tower.
What makes St Andrew's Church special is its unusual design. The tower, which was built in the 1200s, has a bell section added later. This tower splits off in two directions: north and east. The eastern part is from the original Norman church. To the north, there's a large 13th-century nave with a thatched roof and pews from the 1800s. Beyond the nave is the 14th-century chancel.
This unique layout happened because the church was expanded over time. The very first Norman building became what is now the church's south aisle. The eastern entrance, dating back to around 1100, still shows old stone carvings. You can see pictures of people, animals like bird-headed monsters, and even unfinished faces.
Exploring the Font and Screens
Inside the nave, you'll find a special stone basin called a font. It has eight carved panels. Seven of these panels show important religious ceremonies, known as sacraments. One panel, showing the Eucharist (a special meal), was even featured on the cover of a famous book called The Stripping of the Altars by Eamon Duffy. The eighth panel shows the baptism of Jesus.
The nave also has a beautifully painted screen. This screen shows pictures of different saints. On the south side, you can see Saints Etheldreda, Sitha, Agnes, Brigit of Kildare, Catherine of Alexandria, Dorothy, Margaret of Antioch, and Apollonia.
On the north side of the screen, there are images of Saint James, St Leonard, Saint Michael, and Saint Clement. Next to these, there are pictures of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This scene shows Jesus on a mountain with Moses and Elijah. It's the only medieval screen painting of the Transfiguration still left in England! The last panel on the north side shows Saint Anthony of Egypt.
Discovering Ancient Wall Paintings
On the north wall of the church, there's a painting of Saint Christopher and other figures, including Moses.
Other old wall paintings can still be seen. Near the south door, there's a cross surrounded by flowers. This is a "consecration cross," marking where the church was blessed. There's also a painted alcove in a window on the south wall. Alongside this alcove and cross, you can still see parts of a large painting. It has seven big round shapes surrounded by leaf designs.
Monuments and Metalwork
In the church's south-east corner, you'll find the tomb of Nicholas Bohun, who died in 1602. It has a special brass plaque. On the south wall, there's a coat of arms belonging to King George III.
In the chancel, there are pieces of two "chalice brasses." These were metal plates showing a special cup used in church services. The chancel ceiling has a painting of the Holy Trinity. It shows God the Father holding Jesus on the cross.
St Andrew's Church: A Grade I Listed Building
St Andrew's Church is very important, so it was given a special status called "Grade I listed" on September 1, 1953. This means it's a building of exceptional historical or architectural interest. It's protected to make sure it stays preserved for many years to come.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Suffolk
