Mendlesham - Church of St Mary

St Mary's Church contains a unique collection of parish armour which has been here since 1593.

This beautiful church lies at the eastern end of the main street on the site of an earlier church. The wooden font cover was made in 1630 by a local man, John Turner, who also made the pulpit. The poppy head benches flanking the nave are thought to date from 1858, and unfortunately many were badly mutilated during the Cromwellian period. Beside the altar are two Mendlesham chairs made by Daniel Day who had a workshop in Front Street in the 18th century.
These uniquely styled chairs were traditionally made of yew or fruitwood and the seat was elm.

The church is a grade I listed building