St Mary Magdelene Church Bildeston

Beautiful church well worth a visit

The church of St Mary Magdalene at Bildeston is a Grade 1 listed building and was presumably built on the site of presumably a wooden church which was recorded in the Doomsday book in 1066. At some point in the 12th century a stone church was built to replace the wooden one again from a document which records the building of the tower. The roof was raised in the 15th century by addition of a clerestory and a north & south chapel presumably from the proceeds of the wool trade. Much of the church's beautiful interior was stripped out during a 19th century restoration.
The south chapel formally dedicated to St Catherine was rededicated to St Nicholas and furnished with items from the redundant local church at Wattisham in 1977.
The church is normally open daily for viewing and well worth a visit.

Very decorative church

Bildeston church is quite easily overlooked because it's not only located down a farm track quite far from the town square, but its tower once collapsed. St. Mary Magdalene is built on the scale of other Suffolk wool churches, but as with East Bergholt, the tower failed to ascend & was replaced by a wooden boarded spire. The replacement tower gives the building it's most distinctive feature from outside, but it's a very interesting structure all around. Due to its rural isolation, bildeston churchyard always feels tranquil & secluded...

Beautiful church, visited as they were holding a festive fete. Well worth a visit. Many friendly locals, lovely selection of homemade goods plus the usual stalls with 2nd hand items etc. Interior of church is lovely, heated and has plenty of pews. Some stained glass windows still in situ, which is nice to see.

I was able to visit your beautiful church 2 August, very much enjoyed the visit and seeing the HMS Bildeston Ships Bell proudly displayed. Having served on HMS Bildeston twice in my Naval career.
Clive Egginton

Beautiful historical place