All Saints' Church, Chevington.
(Description from Suffolk churches website.) Chevington is one of those fat, comfortable villages, of which west Suffolk has so many. The church is away from the centre at the end of a long lane which once, I assume, led to the Hall. Now, this is not a well-known church, but I think it is a remarkable one, a building that it is as beautiful as it is interesting. It is one of the loveliest interiors in Suffolk. All Saints is a large church, in a wide, trim graveyard, and rather fortress-like with its red brick battlements. The south side appears stark, though not unpleasing. The spirelets on the 15th century tower were later additions, intended to provide a 'view' from Ickworth House, as at Westley St Mary. The true age of the nave is obvious from the south doorway, which is a grand Norman affair. It was obviously considerably heightened in the late medieval period. Was an aisle intended, and even a clerestory? The chancel appears low and functional beside it. You step into a stunning whiteness. Everything is perfectly arranged, everything engages the eye and lifts the spirit. The use of whiteness and space creating a sense of the numinous. The interior of this church was completely refurbished in the 1980s. No punches have been pulled in creating a fitting and purposeful space for late 20th century worship. It reminds me of many Catholic churches in the way it has dispensed with clutter and created a sense of openness, and although this is a CofE parish church, the spirit of Vatican II has been warmly embraced. The whole piece feels devotional, and prayerful. This is one of the few Suffolk churches that was not thoroughly restored in the second half of the nineteenth century. This is due to an accident of history. A restoration here in the 1820s took away the roodloft stairs, as well as the remains of the rood screen, and was therefore probably structurally necessary. A major restoration then took place in 1910, at which time a heavy wooden screen was put across the chancel arch. This, thank goodness, has now been removed, and one of the most delightful chancel interiors in the county is revealed. The chancel was reordered in 1984; the floor had been lowered at the end of the 17th century, and now a horseshoe of bricks was built up as a communion platform. A new altar was put in place, along with a reservation pillar, affirming the Anglo-catholic tradition of this parish. The east window, an unusual date of of 1697, contributes to this sense of simplicity and lightness. Stepping back into the nave through the narrow chancel arch, you come into a clear space in front of the benches, many of which have medieval ends. The lightness of this space is enhanced by the openings either side of the chancel arch. Something similar exists at Gedding. These are furnished with flowers now, but would once have had altars in front of them, giving a view of the high altar. These date from the 13th century, so would have pre-dated any rood system. You can still find a piscina beside the southern one.
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