St Peter's Church, Sudbury, Suffolk

Address:
Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2EA
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
St. Peter's Church is now known as Sudbury Arts Centre. Please visit www.sudburyartscentre.com for information
  • St Peter's stands proudly at the head of the Market Hill, overlooking Sudbury's historic market which is more than 1000 years old, mentioned in a charter dating back to 1009.
  • The unusual 15th century nave ceiling at St Peter's was restored in 1685 and again in the 1850s. © Copyright Mike Quinn, used under a Creative Commons licence.
  • The stained glass dates from the 19th century, mostly the work of Messrs. Hardman of Birmingham. © Copyright Mike Quinn, used under a Creative Commons licence.
  • A carved angel over the tiny door leading to the upper room above the porch at St Peter's, with its unusual forked beard. © Copyright Mike Quinn, used under a Creative Commons licence.
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

A magnificent medieval church with stunning interior

This vast, magnificent medieval church dominates the town of Sudbury from the top of Market Hill. It is largely a fifteenth-century rebuilding of a much earlier structure. Butterfield restored the stunning Victorian interior in 1854-1858.

Special things to see include: the carved oak doors; a gorgeous altar screen; the font; stone carvings; two paintings of Moses and Aaron by Robert Cardinal. Bodley redecorated the chancel in 1897 but in 1968, tragically, a large part of his original wall paintings were covered over with lime wash. Following the removal of a light switch, a tiny patch of this rich work was tantalisingly rediscovered. Outside is a statue of Sudbury's most famous son, painter Thomas Gainsborough.

We and our local partners, the Bridge Project, have developed this magnificent Grade I church into a vibrant and welcoming cultural centre for the people of Sudbury. You can find out more at www.sudburyartscentre.com

This church costs £2104 a year to maintain. Please make a contribution towards it's upkeep at our donate page: http://bit.ly/31Vj601

A contribution can also be made by texting "SUDBURY" to 70970 to donate £5 or 70191 to donate £10.  Thank you.

  • Access information
    The church is located at the top of Market Hill in town centre. There is a small step into the west door, but there is a portable ramp in place when the church is open.
  • Disabled access information
    There is wheelchair access into and around the church. Toilet facilities are available.
  • Facilities & Hire

    St Peter’s is now known as Sudbury Arts Centre and is managed by The Bridge Project (www.thebridgeproject.co.uk). 

    There is a café, toilet facilities and full sound and light facilities in the church. Please contact Sudbury Arts Centres for information about bookings and use of the building (www.sudburyartscentre.com).

  • Directions
    Parking is available in and around the town - all a short walk away from the church.
  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Sudbury (0.2 miles)

  • History & Further Information

    Useful information:

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Suffolk County Guide 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Suffolk. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Volunteering Opportunities

    To volunteer at Sudbury Arts Centre, please contact them directly (www.sudburyartscentre.com).

     

  • Community information

    The Bridge Project

    A major development and conservation project was completed in 2023 and the church is now managed for the CCT in partnership with The Bridge Project. Find out more about the work they do in and around Sudbury (www.thebridgeproject.co.uk).

    The Friends of St Peter's Sudbury

    The Friends of St Peter's Sudbury is an independent charity formed in 1976, the same year the church came into the care of The Churches Conservation Trust.

    As part of the development programme, the Friends are now assisting with fund raising for the infrastructure of the church.

    Day to day management of the church is the responsiblity of The Bridge Project.

    Other local links

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