St Michael and All Angels' Church, Cookley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Michael and All Angels
52°19′33″N 1°26′47″E / 52.3259°N 1.4465°E / 52.3259; 1.4465
Location	Cookley, Suffolk, IP19 0LW
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
Previous denomination	Roman Catholic Church
History
Status	Active
Architecture
Functional status	Parish church
Heritage designation	Grade I listed
Designated	7 December 1966
Administration
Parish	Cookley
Deanery	Waveney and Blyth
Archdeaconry	Archdeaconry of Suffolk
Diocese	Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

The Church of St Michael and All Angels is a special church in Cookley, Suffolk. It is part of the Church of England and serves as a local parish church. This building is very important historically, so it is protected as a Grade I listed building.

History of the Church

This church is very old, built during the Middle Ages. The tower, which is the tallest part, dates back to the 12th century. The main part of the church, called the nave, was also built mostly in the 12th century. However, its windows were updated in the 15th century. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was likely built in the 14th century.

In 1894, the church was changed during a time called the Victorian restoration. This was when many old churches were repaired and updated. On December 7, 1966, the church was officially named a Grade I listed building. This means it is one of the most important historic buildings in England.

The Church Today

Today, St Michael's Church is part of a group of churches called a Benefice. This group includes churches in Heveningham with Ubbeston, Huntingfield, and Cookley. These churches are all part of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

Because of certain beliefs, this church receives special guidance from a different bishop. This is called alternative episcopal oversight. Currently, this guidance comes from Bishop Norman Banks.

Inside the Church

The church has a very interesting piece of history inside. An original screen from the 15th century, called a rood screen, was found in the 1930s. It was discovered by Munro Cautley, who worked for the church, being used as part of a chicken shed in Huntingfield! He brought it back to the church. Now, it is attached to the wall on the south side of the chancel arch.

At the west end of the nave, you can see a typical 15th-century font. A font is a large basin used for baptisms. This one has angels holding shields and lions carved around its bowl.

The 15th-century font

Church Bells

St Michael's Church has three bells in its tower. Two of these bells were made by John Taylor & Co in 1893. The third bell was made much earlier, in 1720, by Thomas Gardiner of Sudbury. People who ring the bells at this church are part of the Suffolk Guild of Ringers.