IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Elwes Close, SUDBURY, CO10 8FF

According to a notice by this pulpit it states it as being dated to the 1400s and it is said to be one of the smallest in England at only 20 inches in diameter. St John the Baptist, Stoke by Clare, Suffolk.

Under the window of one of the cottages near the church is what I believe is the base of an old cross. The 14th century tower dominates the church building. Round the back is a door to the stairs leading upwards. The outward appearance of this low squat-looking church is deceptive. Inside, it is nothing of the sort. It is tall with lofty arches and plenty of light from the clerestory. The octagonal font is nothing out of the ordinary. The small 15th century pulpit however, is quite exceptional. The tracery is quite different from any other and is arguably the finest in the county. A glimpse behind the organ pipes will reveal a painting of The Doom, and although not as spectacular as that at Wenhaston, it is still in reasonable condition. There is a fine parish chest and some of the carved bench ends are quite elaborate.

The church of St John the Baptist Stoke by Clare Suffolk; for more info on the church see http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/stokec.htm

The recreation ground in Stoke by Clare.

You can see a close up of the sign in Adrian's picture Image A shame about all the cars but in 40 years they will all be classics!

The sign has a background of oak leaves, upon which is a mitre representing Stoke College, below is Stoke Bridge flanked by a Suffolk Punch and a Suffolk black face sheep. The ears of corn represent the farming community and the agricultural heritage. In the centre is one of the country’s meanest men, John Elwes the renowned Georgian miser MP and reputed role model for Dickens’ Scrooge character from A Christmas Carol. He lived at Claret Hall, east of the village. The River Stour is represented by the wavy lines beneath the bridge. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4294726

Looking northwards opposite Ashen Lane

The sign has a background of oak leaves, upon which is a mitre representing Stoke College, below is Stoke Bridge flanked by a Suffolk Punch and a Suffolk black face sheep. The ears of corn represent the farming community and the agricultural heritage. In the centre is one of the country’s meanest men, John Elwes the renowned Georgian miser MP and reputed role model for Dickens’ Scrooge character from A Christmas Carol. He lived at Claret Hall, east of the village. The River Stour is represented by the wavy lines beneath the bridge. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6782070

The village sign sits on the small green, north of the church. In the background you can see the parish church of St. John the Baptist.