All Saints Church, Sutton Courtenay

Image: © Christine Matthews Taken: Unknown

Sutton Courtenay Church is full of fascinating history. The 14th century nave is reminiscent of the great wool churches of Norfolk. The interior shows bizarrely reused Norman zig-zag work as well as later carved capitals. On the tower door, there are crusader crosses inscribed by soldiers either hoping for or given thanks for a safe return from the Crusades. The main south door is surrounded by a fine brick porch built with money left to the poor of the parish by the 15th century Bishop Thomas Bekynton of Bath & Wells. Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and author, George Orwell (actually called Eric Arthur Blair), are buried in the churchyard. Fittings include a nice 17th century wineglass pulpit (installed in 1901) and a beautifully carved mid-12th century font with fleur-de-lys decoration. The whole building was nearly destroyed during the Civil War when munitions stored by the parliamentarian vicar exploded in the church.

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