St Mary the Virgin's Church, Cavendish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Cavendish
St Mary the Virgin's Church
52°5′14.69″N 0°37′59.26″E / 52.0874139°N 0.6331278°E / 52.0874139; 0.6331278
OS grid reference	TL 80513 46549
Location	Cavendish, Suffolk
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Dedication	St Mary
Architecture
Functional status	Parish church
Heritage designation	Grade I listed
Administration
Parish	Cavendish
Deanery	Clare
Archdeaconry	Suffolk
Diocese	Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

St Mary the Virgin's Church in Cavendish, Suffolk, is a very old and important church. It's a parish church, which means it serves the local community. It's also a Grade I listed building, meaning it's considered a special historical site in England.

A Look Back in Time

This church has a long history! A Saxon church was mentioned here way back in the Domesday Book. Most of the church you see today was built in the 1300s and 1400s. Some parts were also added or changed in the 1800s.

The oldest sections, from around 1300, include the Tower and the Porch. The lower parts of the side walls (aisles) are also from this time. In 1350, the walls of the South aisle were made taller, and new windows were put in.

Outside the Church

The outside of the church is decorated with flint stones. Above the roof's edge, there's a small tower with stairs. The main tower, built in the 1300s, has a lantern-like top.

The building of the church's main altar area (chancel) was helped by money from Sir John Cavendish in the 1380s. During the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, Sir John's son was involved in the death of Wat Tyler. Because of this, Sir John was attacked by a mob. He tried to find safety by grabbing the church door handle, but he was taken away. He was later beheaded in Bury St. Edmunds. His gift to St Mary's was made to make up for these events. The main part of the church (nave) was likely designed by Reginald Ely. He also designed the famous King's College Chapel in Cambridge.

Inside the Church

Inside, the church has a special 1500s artwork called a reredos in the North aisle. It shows the crucifixion scene. This artwork is set in a frame designed by Sir Ninian Comper.

Long ago, there might have been a special altar in the church for a guild (a group of people). There's a small opening called a squint. This allowed the priest at that altar to see the main altar. A carved space next to a chest now holds a modern statue of the Madonna and child.

In the South aisle, there's a large round memorial for Sue Ryder and Leonard Cheshire. They are known for their important work helping people after World War II. At the east end of the south aisle, there is a tomb for Sir George Colt, who passed away in 1570. The church's inside is now a clean, bright, and comfortable place for worship.

The Organ

The church has a pipe organ that was built in 1884. It was made by Henry Jones and Sons. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Church Bells

The church has several bells. They were made by different companies over many years.

How the Church is Managed

The Parish of Cavendish is part of a larger group called the Stour Valley Team Ministry. This group includes several other churches in the area:

• St Peter and St Paul's Church, Clare
• St Mary's Church, Poslingford
• St John the Baptist's Church, Stoke-by-Clare
• St Leonard's Church, Wixoe
• All Saints Church, Hundon

Images for kids

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  The church porch

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  The reredos inside the church