Aerial view of St Peter’s Church, Blaxhall — a small, isolated medieval parish church standing amid open Suffolk farmland east of Woodbridge. The flint and stone building dates mainly from the 13th century, though parts of the nave may be earlier, with later additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its simple plan — comprising a west tower, nave, south porch, and chancel — is typical of Suffolk’s rural churches.
The square west tower, now enveloped in scaffolding, is currently undergoing major restoration work. The project includes repointing, structural stabilisation, and repairs to the ancient flintwork and roof timbers to ensure the church’s long-term preservation. The tin sheeting at the tower base provides weather protection during the works.
Inside, St Peter’s retains a number of notable medieval and Victorian features. The 14th-century octagonal font, carved with quatrefoils, stands near the entrance. The nave windows contain a mixture of medieval glass fragments and striking 19th-century stained glass by O’Connor and Ward, installed during the Victorian restoration. The east window depicts Christ in Majesty surrounded by angels — an excellent example of late-Victorian craftsmanship that complements the building’s medieval character.
The south porch, added in the later Middle Ages, features flint and stone dressings with an arched doorway. The interior includes timber pews, a carved pulpit, and memorials to generations of local families, reflecting centuries of village life.
The churchyard, still used occasionally for burials, contains headstones dating back to the 1600s. Many are carved from local stone, now gently leaning under the passage of time. Set among mature trees and bordered by arable fields, the church captures the quiet endurance of Suffolk’s landscape and the enduring role of its parish churches.
This photograph shows St Peter’s in autumn 2025, its tower under conservation, standing as a symbol of resilience and continuity on the ever-changing edge of the East Anglian countryside.
Aerial view of St Peter’s Church, Blaxhall — a small, isolated medieval parish church standing amid open Suffolk farmland east of Woodbridge. The flint and stone building dates mainly from the 13th century, though parts of the nave may be earlier, with later additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its simple plan — comprising a west tower, nave, south porch, and chancel — is typical of Suffolk’s rural churches.
The square west tower, now enveloped in scaffolding, is currently undergoing major restoration work. The project includes repointing, structural stabilisation, and repairs to the ancient flintwork and roof timbers to ensure the church’s long-term preservation. The tin sheeting at the tower base provides weather protection during the works.
Inside, St Peter’s retains a number of notable medieval and Victorian features. The 14th-century octagonal font, carved with quatrefoils, stands near the entrance. The nave windows contain a mixture of medieval glass fragments and striking 19th-century stained glass by O’Connor and Ward, installed during the Victorian restoration. The east window depicts Christ in Majesty surrounded by angels — an excellent example of late-Victorian craftsmanship that complements the building’s medieval character.
The south porch, added in the later Middle Ages, features flint and stone dressings with an arched doorway. The interior includes timber pews, a carved pulpit, and memorials to generations of local families, reflecting centuries of village life.
The churchyard, still used occasionally for burials, contains headstones dating back to the 1600s. Many are carved from local stone, now gently leaning under the passage of time. Set among mature trees and bordered by arable fields, the church captures the quiet endurance of Suffolk’s landscape and the enduring role of its parish churches.
This photograph shows St Peter’s in autumn 2025, its tower under conservation, standing as a symbol of resilience and continuity on the ever-changing edge of the East Anglian countryside.