Our church is special. Those looking for a classic Suffolk church will be stunned by the magnificence of the building that they find. Described by Simon Knott as one the finest in Suffolk, and on a par with Blythburgh, it comprises three churches in one with the south aisle being the basis of a Norman church with main nave C13 and the chancel C14. This combination leads to church with some special attributes – un-weathered Norman doorway hidden in the tower, the famous font still with gesso work, wall paintings (including a 'horned' Moses), the screen with the unique panels of the Transfiguration.
The church was originally built by the side of substantial stream, or even river, with the village to the East. This site was abandoned following the Black Death in the late C13 and the current village grew up on the higher land to the north where farms and windmills were sited. The arrival of the railway in the C19 brought labouring men for its construction and some settled here.
Our parish of St Andrew's, Westhall is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO, Ann Hastings-Payne or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, using the link below. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.
