The spire is the most dramatic feature of the church, being a landmark for miles around.
Below it is a conventional square tower, above which is an octagonal belfry with its peal of six bells, which are frequently rung by the Suffolk Guild of Ringers and visiting bands. This is topped by the elegant octagonal spire of decorative bands of red and whitish sandstone, incorporating the stars that are found on the Pettiward coat of arms. Village folklore has it that the squire added the spire to the tower so that his wife could find her way home from hunting! In fact, Lady Frances Pettiward died in 1877 and the spire was added to the tower and dedicated to her memory.
At first glance, the church seems to date from perhaps the 15th century, but in fact there was a complete Victorian rebuild in 1875 in the ancient style, which is quite remarkable.
The south porch is the main entrance to the church and is all that remains of the previous medieval structure. It has high quality flushwork panels on either side of the entrance and along the lower section of the side walls, with a chequer board pattern and ornate arches similar to the tracery in the windows. The walls of the porch were raised when the rest of the church was rebuilt in 1875 and additional decorations were added - ornate pinnacles, carved birds, animals and plants beside the door and windows. Similar carvings can be seen elsewhere around the outside of the church.
Many of the monuments that adorn the walls of the north chapel are said to be of national significance.
People have worshipped on the site of Finborough church for over 1000 years. St. Andrew's is in the former grounds of Finborough Hall and it is at least the third church to stand on this site.
The above text contains excerpts from Simon Knott's excellent website www.suffolkchurches.co.uk , with grateful thanks.
If anyone would like to expand this Church Micro numbered series please do. Please contact sadexploration via www.geocaching.com, so that he can keep track of the church numbers and names to avoid duplication.