Great Thurlow, Suffolk

All Saints was locked with no keyholder listed. This was a real disappointment as I was keen to see the collection of brasses and the church is surrounded by houses which should deter unwanted attention.

ALL SAINTS. The chancel is structurally Norman; see the nook-shafts at the E end. But the impression of the church is entirely Perp. W tower with higher stair-turret and a pretty lead spirelet. The arcade has lozenge-shaped piers, the arches die into them. - FONT. Square, with pairs of blank arches of curious detail, perhaps C17 imitation Norman. - PULPIT. Jacobean. - SCREENS. The dado of the Perp rood screen now stands against the E wall of the chancel. - Screen to the S chapel; only the top beams remain. Dated 1610. -TOWER SCREEN. Jacobean or mid C17, with balustrade. - PLATE. Cup and Paten, the cup 1567; Paten 1632. - BRASSES. Knight and Lady, c 1460, 2 ft figures; Knight and Lady and children, c. 1530, 18 in. figures; Headless Lady, c. 1460, 1 ft 7 in. figure (in safe).

* Much recent refurnishing, so Mr McHardy tells me.

GREAT THURLOW. Its church, into which we come by a door with two lizards on the old handle, is ringed about by tall chestnuts. Mostly built by 15th century men, it treasures a Norman font bowl carved on each side with two arches, and a chalice made by an Elizabethan craftsman. Two cornices from a 17th century screen have been set up in the south aisle. There are well preserved brasses of two 15th century people, a man in armour and a widow. The man has a sword and a dagger, and a lion at his feet; the widow has a dog on the folds of her dress. The brass portraits of Thomas Knighton and his wife belong to a few generations later. A small tablet tells of William Wayman, who was vicar for over half of last century.