Church history and architecture

Welcome to our ancient church building

The 14th Century Grade 1 listed church is, at 36ft wide, one of the widest single-aisled churches in East Anglia. A scissor- braced trussed rafter nave roof spans the nave, the arched braces spring from posts supported by short hammerbeams, at the end of which are carved heads. The tower is faced with stone, which is unusual for churches in this part of England.

The porch is likely to have had a 2nd storey, but this either fell down or was removed. The chancel was rebuilt in white brick in the 19th Centur.

A notable feature is the Seven Sacrament Font, portraying the sacraments of marriage, baptism, confirmation, ordination, mass, penitence and unction (death) and an eighth panel portraying the baptism of Christ; all the panels were defaced during the Reformation. The font is on an unusually imposing base with spaces for the priest and three godparents.

There are some 15th Century carved pews, some of which are hidden behind the plainer 18th Century box pews. There is also a tiered gallery of box pews for the young men and boys of the village who were expected to come to church as part of the condition of receiving a free education. Other interesting furniture are the pulpit (possibly the remains of a 3-decker pulpit), the carved reading desk, the poor box and the 15th Century wooden parish chest.

The large west window allows light from the window in the ringing chamber through into the nave.

Our building has benefited from a number of improvements in recent years, most notably the provision of a toilet and kitchen and new LED lighting.

More information can be found at http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/laxfield.htm

https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101180967-church-of-all-saints-laxfield