St Peter and St Paul's Church, Lavenham is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in Lavenham, Suffolk. It is a notable wool church and regarded as one of the finest examples of Late Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England.
A church has existed on the current site, in a prominent position to the west of the town, since Anglo-Saxon times. The original church, which was probably wooden, was rebuilt in stone in the 14th century. The chancel is the oldest part of the current church, having been constructed in c. 1340 and decorated with money from wealthy citizens, including Thomas Spring II. In the decades following the Black Death the town of Lavenham grew rich as a result of the booming wool trade. The 14th-century church was added to and modified several times in order to convey the new wealth of its religious community. The eastern vestry, built in 1440, is the only other remaining part of the previous church building. Following the victory of Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, the Earl of Oxford, a major local landowner and commander of Henry's army, suggested that the church should be rebuilt in the latest style to celebrate the new Tudor king. However, it is likely that plans were already underway to rebuild the church in order to reflect the growing prosperity of Lavenham.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Lindsey Ambrose | Jan 21, 2018
Delicate decorative style throughout. Particularly ornate wood-carvings. Dog-friendly. Car parking available nearby including almost opposite the church.
Tom Bowen | Apr 14, 2018
An impressive church inside and out. Well maintained
Stephen Jupe | Sep 17, 2017
Traditional & Historic Church built in 1300's is a testament to the wealth the Wool Trade generated at that time. Warm welcome to all overseas visitors, especially those from USA, as memorials to The Mighty Eighth Air Force remember those stationed nearby during WW2.
Michael Twinn | Jul 28, 2017
An interesting church, with some nice glass windows, inside is also a 2nd hand book stall & shop. if the shop isn't open then there is an honesty box for money. The church is a quite a large church, but when you realise that the money to build it must of come from the wool trade in Lavenham.
pamela harris | Oct 14, 2017
Visit on a regular basis and always find it a tranquil place and find peace for prayer.
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