St Peter's Church, Sudbury, Suffolk

Address:
Market Hill, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2EA
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Visit St Peter's website www.stpetersudbury.co.uk for more 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 Friends of St Peter’s, are working to develop this magnificent Grade I church into a vibrant and welcoming cultural centre for the people of Sudbury. In March 2018 we were awarded a first round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund in support of this £2.5 million pound project.

Read more about this project in our Regeneration pages

Please click here for a free audio tour

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 "SUD" to 70970 to donate £5 or 70191 to donate £10.  Thank you.

  • Access information
    Church is located next to the Market Place 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.
  • Facilities & Hire

    St Peter’s has a regular programme of community activities and arts events and is available to hire. The building has electricity, lighting and a kitchen area.

    Please contact the Friends of St Peter’s for hire enquiries (see community information tab)

  • 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.

  • Community information

    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. Since then, they have assisted us in keeping the building open, in good order and enabling its use for the benefit of the community.

    Other local links

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