St Mary, in common with nearby Combs, is one of Suffolk's grander churches.
Until the 20th century, it was also one of the county's more populous parishes, including as it did the whole of the town of Needham Market, where St John the Baptist church was just a chapel of ease. All the dead of Needham Market came here to be buried, conveyed the mile up the hill on a bier along The Causeway. This is a journey you can still make today, albeit under your own steam. Local legend has it that the word 'causeway' is a corruption of 'corpseway'.
The grand south porch protects a door with some medieval carving, despite a considerable restoration. There is another one on the west side of the tower, and a smaller, 19th century porch on the north side. The tower is in perfect proportion to the nave and chancel. In fact it's a bit too perfect; which isn't surprising, since it was rebuilt in 1870. The grand 15th century clerestory and 14th century gargoyles are terrific; and although the whole thing is cement-rendered, there is still a very pleasing harmony about it.
This is a large church, and the eye is drawn eastwards to one of the best screens in the county, retaining a rare survival, the coving that supported the roodloft. It is intricate and beautiful. This on its own would be worth coming to see. On either side at the east end of the north and south aisles are two gorgeous parclose screens, which once surrounded chantry chapels.
The nave roof is one of the sturdiest of all Suffolk roofs. It was probably built with oak from nearby Priestley Wood.
The above text contains excerpts from Simon Knott's excellent website www.suffolkchurches.co.uk , with grateful thanks.
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