St Mary's church - view east

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 2 Jun 2009

St Mary's church > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1337060 - which at some time in the past was dedicated to St Peter - is situated about 2 kilometres from the centre of Burgh St Peter village, on the edge of Burgh Marshes > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1337013. All traces of a chapel that once adjoined it have disappeared. The church is believed to stand on an ancient site which has been used as a place of worship for at least 1000 years. The unusual pagoda-style tower > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1337079 serves as a mausoleum to members of the Boycott family, many of whom are buried in the sealed brick vaults at its base storey. Interestingly, the involvement of one of the Boycotts - Charles Cunningham Boycott (1832-1897) in the Irish 'troubles' in the mid 19th century resulted in the introduction to the English language of the word 'boycott'. Another unusual feature of this church is its great length > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1337107 which is further enhanced by chancel and nave being of the same height. The thatched roof dates from the 15th century but was restored after a fire in 1998. The north and south doorways date to around 1200. The octagonal font > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1337122 is C14 but both pulpit and rood screen > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1337098 are more recent. This church is open every day.

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