Rede

All Saints, Rede

This thoroughly Victorianised little building must be one of Suffolk's least-visited churches, isolated as it is with its pretty village in the gentle hills between Bury and Haverhill.

There is, perhaps, not much reason to come here; except that it is rather lovely, and the tower, of about 1300, is pleasing of proportion.

Inside, it is easy to imagine that the last century hasn't happened, and that the villagers still make their way to morning and evening prayer every Sunday. But nowadays, the benefice maintains just one service a month here, alas.

The restoration was in the mid-century, so is not as sombre as some from a few decades later.

My favourite touches are the painted pipe organ, and the pretty little misericord-like seats on the east end of the chancel stalls. There are four of them, and they seem to be at toddler height. I wonder what they were for.

The key holder here was obviously very proud of her church, and pleased that I was interested. She deserves more visitors, if only those who would catch a fleeting glimpse of 19th century ghosts.

All Saints in its quiet, neat graveyard.

Left, the painted pipe organ, which sits on the south side of the chancel. Also in the chancel (this photograph taken looking west from the altar) a set of four mysterious lift up seats. They aren't really misericords (nothing to prop people up with) but have intricate carvings underneath. This one shows an Agnus Dei.

All Saints, Rede, is located about 2 miles east of the A143 Bury to Haverhill road, near Chedburgh. A keyholder can be found about 3 houses north of the church.