St Margaret's Church, Ipswich
Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BE
Dating from around 1300, with major additions in the C15th and further embellishments throughout succeeding centuries, St Margaret’s amply justifies its Grade I listed status. Still in active use as a parish church, St Margaret’s encapsulates the architectural, social, religious and political doctrines and events of its 700-year history. The chief glory of the church is the late C15th, double hammer-beam nave roof. Some of its most decorative features were destroyed by radical puritans in 1643, but 50 years later the ceiling was covered with painted panels to celebrate the reign of William and Mary and with shields of the leading families of the parish. Other delights include a C13th coffin lid, fine stone carving and window tracery, decorated timber pew-ends and numerous memorials, especially to the Withipoll and Fonnereau families of Christchurch Mansion. A major refurbishment of the bells was completed in 2019, together with a new bell ringing gallery and improvements to the visitor facilities. In 2024 self-guiding leaflets are available for both adults and children, whilst tour guides will be on hand to answer any questions. There will be an exhibition of old prints of the church, showing the changes made during its long history.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 0900-1700
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1300-1700
Location & directions
Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2BE
- Directions:
- St Margaret's Church is situated at the south-east corner of Christchurch Park, a few metres from Christchurch Mansion. The Church entrance is on Soane Street.
- Contact on day:
- John Grierson
- Telephone number:
- +447801278943
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
St Margaret's is a 'family friendly' church, well-used to visitors of all ages. Visitors are welcome to walk around the church with a self-guiding leaflet or ask questions of the guides.
