St. Margaret's church, Westhorpe, Suffolk

Image: © Derek Voller Taken: 1 Sep 2016

This church, although dating from the 14th Century, looks from the outside quite fresh and much restored. But enter through the ancient weathered 700 year old oak door and you find that the interior is delightfully untouched and musty. The original block floor is worn and sunken in places and covered in green mould in others. Ancient painted panels and memorials together with a wooden screen that was carved many centuries ago, it all gives one the feeling that the rich history here is a tangible thing. It is there for the visitor to just soak it up. Much more history than I have described is here to discover. Perhaps it is the pervading presence of Mary Tudor, Queen of France and sister to Henry the 8th who worshiped here whilst living at Westhorpe Hall that gives this church its aura. In 2013 the funeral service of one of our finest 1940's and 50's actresses took place in this church, that of Jean Kent, who lived locally.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0