FTF GWPs - Well Done !
Suffolk is a county of exciting and beautiful churches, but Athelington is a small, plain building which is put in the shade by most of its neighbours. More literally, it is also put in the shade by its tree-filled graveyard, a slightly raised, small cushion at a wide bend in the road, suggesting that this is an ancient site.
Externally and internally, the church is largely a Victorian remodelling. Apparently there was a 1463 bequest for a new tower here; either it was never built, or the addition was demolished later, for what survives here is very much earlier, and is capped at a low level. The 19th century topping out is rather striking, particularly the finial atop the stair tower roof. The bare-faced 19th century flint porch bears a memorial inscription, but generally it isn't a memorable exterior.
This is a small church, and the frosted quarry tiles make it rather dark inside, but despite its undistinguished appearance, St Peter is home to a fine collection of bench ends. These include some 15th century representations of the apostles, some 19th century replacements, and across the nave to them some of Suffolk's favourite female saints, mostly 19th century: Margaret, Barbara, Agatha, Catherine and Agnes.
This is a plain, simple, pretty church. The simplicity of the east end in particular is lovely, the trees swaying beyond the glass creating a more luminous effect than any coloured glass.
This listing 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 by contacting sadexploration via www.geocaching.com so that he can keep track of the church numbers and names to avoid duplication.