St Mary the Virgin Churchyard in Great Bradley, Suffolk

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Get directions Great Bradley, Suffolk, England

Coordinates: 52.15162, 0.44578
Cemetery ID: 2292324

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The parish church of Saint Mary is one of which any village could be proud. It is not a large building but it contains several treasures and much of beauty and interest to reward the visitor. Parts of this church date back to the 12th century, the time of the Normans. Two doorways and the jambs of the chancel arch were built at this time, as was probably the core of the nave and chancel. Most of the windows in the body of the church were inserted during the Decorated Period of the early 14th century.

The fine western tower appears to date from the late 14th century and was further beautified during the 15th century, in the Perpendicular style. The south porch was built during the reign of Henry VIII, probably about 1530. The chancel (which was several feet longer at one time) was repaired in 1864 and the church was further restored in 1896 and in 1911

In the churchyard, near the chancel are some good examples of 17th-century gravestones, which have been preserved because of their sheltered position. The earliest legible gravestone in the church yard is of "Walter Derisley, Gent, who died on October AD 1681 aged 85". There are a number of skeleton graves near the south porch

For more information on the church then visit the village web site and select 'Church' from the menu.
See http:www.great-bradley.suffolk.gov.uk