Mendham Parish Council
Mendham and Withersdale: Two villages, one parish bringing the community closer together
Mendham and Withersdale: Two villages, one parish bringing the community closer together
Mendham and Withersdale: Two villages, one parish bringing the community closer together
The church is situated in the village of Mendham, in the county of Suffolk (near the Norfolk border), with postcode around IP20 0NH. Wikipedia Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
It lies on the edge of the river River Waveney, giving it a picturesque setting. A Church Near You
The church is part of the benefice known as the Sancroft Benefice, alongside neighbouring parishes. Wikipedia
All Saints’ Church is Grade I listed, meaning it is of exceptional historic interest. Historic England
The building as we see it today has its origins in the medieval period, with significant structural work in the 14th and 15th centuries. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust 2suffolkchurches.co.uk
Example features:
A 14th-century west tower (square tower) with crenellations. Historic England
Nave arcades and aisle additions from the 14th century. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
A 15th-century clerestory, roof, and south porch added during the Perpendicular Gothic phase. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
A very fine east window depicting the Ascension, designed by Thomas Curtis and made by Ward & Hughes (1886) in memory of a past vicar’s wife. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
The site’s Christian use goes back more than a thousand years. A church (or minster) is referenced around AD 950 in Theodred’s will. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
The parish was historically supported by a priory nearby (Mendham Priory) in the 12th century. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
A Victorian restoration took place in the 1860s–1870s, especially rebuilding the chancel and renewing roofs and furnishings. suffolkchurches.co.uk
The church is active in parish life. It offers informal “village services” (first Sunday of each month, 10:15 am) and a more traditional Holy Communion on the third Sunday (10:30 am). Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Beyond worship, it contributes to the community: for example, it hosts a “larder” where food donations can be made and collected for those in need. A Church Near You
Architectural richness: Because of its long history, you’ll see building phases spanning Norman, Decorated Gothic, and Perpendicular elements.
Historic features: The wooden chancel arch (pair of moulded arch-braces) from the mid-15th century is rare. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
The east window is a highlight – for its style, craftsmanship and memorial story.
Setting: The tranquil riverside location makes it a peaceful place for reflection.
Community touch: The church is not just historic—it is lived in and used by the local parish.
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