St Mary's, Kersey
St Mary's commands the high ground above the pretty village of Kersey, a delightful landmark seen from afar, beckoning the visitor onwards. The village itself sits in the valley, so to reach the church one must climb beyond it, but it is worth the effort (not the easiest of bike rides, the steep ascent to the church had me back on foot again rather quickly (to the amusement of some visitors) whilst Simon patiently waited for me up top).
St Mary's is a grander edifice than most we had visited that day, asserting its presence with its majestic west tower, its parapet adorned with pretty flushwork as is the impressive south porch. The church itself consists of the 14th century nave and spacious north aisle whilst the chancel beyond was rebuilt in Victorian times. The north aisle's proportions in fact match those of the nave in width, most likely as a result of accommodating the shrine of Our Lady of Kersey prior to the Reformation (it seems likely an equally grand south aisle would have been planned but was never realised).
Within the light interior reveals itself to be a rather complex and unusual one, the nave and aisle being divided equally by a delicate arcade whose moldings are adorned with tiny carvings of lion-heads issuing foliage. The nave itself is otherwise somewhat austere, though originally would have been enlivened by an angel roof. The medieval roof is still there but shorn of its ornamentation, the eight angel figures carved into the hammerbeams have sadly been mutilated by the puritans and reduced to headless draped bodies. The ancient font survives but has also suffered some damage to its carving. The wooden eagle lectern however also appears to be genuine medieval work and in fine condition.
The north aisle is the more inviting space, lighter and full of interest. On the north wall is a large niche which is presumed to have been the site of the ancient shrine and now contains fragments of medieval sculpture. This was originally a very richly adorned space, the east end has remains of heavily mutilated niches that once towered either side of the east window, one of which contains a beautiful fragment of medieval sculpture, a headless figure of St Anne with preserved polychrome. All around the aisle at ceiling level is a carved frieze that must have once been heavily populated with figurative imagery and angels, but it has been so ruthlessly butchered by iconoclasts as to be impossible to read.
More inspiring survivals can however still be enjoyed. The sedilia adjoining the eastern most arch is a delightful piece of mid 14th century work, pierced so as to communicate with the chancel. The niches contain delicate miniature vaults with some interesting carved heads (easily missed) though the work was never entirely finished (likely cut short by the Black Death). Adjoining this is displayed the last remaining section of the lower part of the rood screen with six painted figures in colourful late medieval dress (St Edmund, two kings and three prophets).
This is a church of great interest in an area of great beauty and well worth visiting (I am so glad we came here as this was a last minute addition to our itinerary and a lovely surprise) . The renown of Kersey as one of Suffolk's most attractive villages ensures it remains popular with visitors and thus is normally open and welcoming on a daily basis.
St Mary's, Kersey
St Mary's commands the high ground above the pretty village of Kersey, a delightful landmark seen from afar, beckoning the visitor onwards. The village itself sits in the valley, so to reach the church one must climb beyond it, but it is worth the effort (not the easiest of bike rides, the steep ascent to the church had me back on foot again rather quickly (to the amusement of some visitors) whilst Simon patiently waited for me up top).
St Mary's is a grander edifice than most we had visited that day, asserting its presence with its majestic west tower, its parapet adorned with pretty flushwork as is the impressive south porch. The church itself consists of the 14th century nave and spacious north aisle whilst the chancel beyond was rebuilt in Victorian times. The north aisle's proportions in fact match those of the nave in width, most likely as a result of accommodating the shrine of Our Lady of Kersey prior to the Reformation (it seems likely an equally grand south aisle would have been planned but was never realised).
Within the light interior reveals itself to be a rather complex and unusual one, the nave and aisle being divided equally by a delicate arcade whose moldings are adorned with tiny carvings of lion-heads issuing foliage. The nave itself is otherwise somewhat austere, though originally would have been enlivened by an angel roof. The medieval roof is still there but shorn of its ornamentation, the eight angel figures carved into the hammerbeams have sadly been mutilated by the puritans and reduced to headless draped bodies. The ancient font survives but has also suffered some damage to its carving. The wooden eagle lectern however also appears to be genuine medieval work and in fine condition.
The north aisle is the more inviting space, lighter and full of interest. On the north wall is a large niche which is presumed to have been the site of the ancient shrine and now contains fragments of medieval sculpture. This was originally a very richly adorned space, the east end has remains of heavily mutilated niches that once towered either side of the east window, one of which contains a beautiful fragment of medieval sculpture, a headless figure of St Anne with preserved polychrome. All around the aisle at ceiling level is a carved frieze that must have once been heavily populated with figurative imagery and angels, but it has been so ruthlessly butchered by iconoclasts as to be impossible to read.
More inspiring survivals can however still be enjoyed. The sedilia adjoining the eastern most arch is a delightful piece of mid 14th century work, pierced so as to communicate with the chancel. The niches contain delicate miniature vaults with some interesting carved heads (easily missed) though the work was never entirely finished (likely cut short by the Black Death). Adjoining this is displayed the last remaining section of the lower part of the rood screen with six painted figures in colourful late medieval dress (St Edmund, two kings and three prophets).
This is a church of great interest in an area of great beauty and well worth visiting (I am so glad we came here as this was a last minute addition to our itinerary and a lovely surprise) . The renown of Kersey as one of Suffolk's most attractive villages ensures it remains popular with visitors and thus is normally open and welcoming on a daily basis.