St Mary's, Somersham
St Mary's at Somersham sits in a green area on the eastern edge of the village (not large but a bigger settlement than many in this area). It is an attractive building of mainly 14th century date following the form of many of the area's smaller churches with west tower followed by an aisleless nave and chancel, a continuous vessel with little structural break. Much of the exterior is rendered and limewashed, which lightens the tones and cheers it up somewhat.
Within it is one long integrated space but contains much of interest in its furnishings, with two royal arms and 18th century paintings of Aaron & Moses flanking the altar. The easternmost of the wooden tie-beams of the ceiling even retains fixings that likely once supported the sanctus bell used for mass, a rare vestige of pre-Reformation worship. A more recent addition is the bold display of modern stained glass in the lunette formed at the head of the otherwise blocked north doorway, a splash of colour designed by Suffolk-based glass artist Surinder Warboys.
Somersham church is a place of great charm, and whilst it is normally kept locked outside of services a keyholder may be sought nearby (thankfully Simon already knew where to find them and was on the case the moment we arrived).
St Mary's, Somersham
St Mary's at Somersham sits in a green area on the eastern edge of the village (not large but a bigger settlement than many in this area). It is an attractive building of mainly 14th century date following the form of many of the area's smaller churches with west tower followed by an aisleless nave and chancel, a continuous vessel with little structural break. Much of the exterior is rendered and limewashed, which lightens the tones and cheers it up somewhat.
Within it is one long integrated space but contains much of interest in its furnishings, with two royal arms and 18th century paintings of Aaron & Moses flanking the altar. The easternmost of the wooden tie-beams of the ceiling even retains fixings that likely once supported the sanctus bell used for mass, a rare vestige of pre-Reformation worship. A more recent addition is the bold display of modern stained glass in the lunette formed at the head of the otherwise blocked north doorway, a splash of colour designed by Suffolk-based glass artist Surinder Warboys.
Somersham church is a place of great charm, and whilst it is normally kept locked outside of services a keyholder may be sought nearby (thankfully Simon already knew where to find them and was on the case the moment we arrived).