The original church was built along the line of the high street and is one of the most interesting in Suffolk. It also houses one of England’s greatest medieval treasures in the form of a spectacular angel roof.
What’s special?
The famous 15th century roof is very, very special – a triumph of medieval engineering at a time when no metal fixings were used – only tongued joints and wooden pegs. Accolades have come from Pevsner, Munro Cautley and Simon Jenkins, no less. Widely regarded as one of England’s finest hammerbeam roofs.
How old is it?
St John’s started life as a chapel of ease, making it ‘easier’ for residents to attend services rather than trekking the mile or so to neighbouring Barking. It dates at least as far back as 1277 and may have been a place of prayer for pilgrims en route to the shrine of Edmund at Bury St Edmunds. Look for the Coat of Arms on the narrow priest’s door facing the High Street. They are for the Bishop of Ely who paid for the rebuilding from 1458 to 1500. Bequests included three from wealthy local women. Get the guidebook on sale in the church for a compelling and remarkable story, including the gem that the roof was once concealed, then revealed by the Victorians who meticulously restored every detail.
Best quote from the church guide
‘Compare the fat, happy Victorian angels with the pinched medieval miseries on the cornices.’
Other highlights
- The inscriptions on the outside – read these medieval holy words with the help of the church guide
- The ‘pierced’ buttress at one corner apparently for the beating of the bounds to take place on consecrated ground. At just 14 inches wide, it must have been a tight fit for some!
- Stained glass window in the sanctuary made up of medieval fragments
- Carved ends of the choir stalls – find the Bishop with his mitre
- Pilgrim figures in the porch – probably 15th century but installed in the 21st
- Moving set of Stations of the Cross by Francis Hoyland
And today?
The Parochial Church Council of Saint John the Baptist Church in Needham Market started the process of raising funds in 2015 for the project to carry out vital repairs to Needham Market’s medieval masterpiece.
The roof repair was completed by September 2018 with thanks for the donations and help from many individuals and organisations. We celebrated with a number of events. Displays can be seen in the church of the work carried out to restore the medieval roof. The church is open during the day, all are welcome. Find out more about the Medieval Masterpiece campaign that has been taken up by the East Anglian Daily Times and ITV Anglia.
Read reviews of the famous roof on Trip Advisor.
The roof appeal is not the complete story of what happens at this church which is increasingly becoming a real hub of the local community as you can see from the church’s own website.
What’s nearby?
- The ancient town of Needham Market is worth exploring for its many buildings of historic interest.
- You are never short of good venues to eat and drink in this town. In the High Street, try the Angel Coffee Shop. Knapps Bistro is also worth a visit. Not far away is the Barn Café at Alder Carr Farm with its award-winning ice-cream for sale.
- The award-winning Museum of East Anglian Life is in the neighbouring town of Stowmarket
- Needham Lake is a great family countryside attraction and local nature reserve
Facilities
Food and Drink Available Locally
Parking Nearby
Wheelchair Accessible
Church Location
Post Code: IP6 8DG
Heritage Trails
Discover Suffolk’s medieval churches by bike or on foot so you can savour the delights of the countryside at close quarters.
