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The two Rickinghalls are non-identical
twins, half a mile apart. Down in the middle of this
large village, Rickinghall Inferior
is feminine and gorgeous. Rickinghall Superior is more
masculine, and rather reserved. This arises partly
because it is redundant, but also because of the way the
Rickinghall bypass thoughtlessly cuts it off from its
community. 
Not, perhaps, one
of the Medieval mind's finest moments. St Mary's lean-to
chancel.
Approaching from the east,
it would be hard to find this church attractive. The
broad 15th century east nave wall spreads bleakly around the narrow 14th
century chancel. I have seen
the Victorians blamed for a lot, but here we see two
medieval architectural periods that are simply not
speaking to each other.
Looking
east. The font has perpendicular tracery
patterns, as with its sister in the village. Note
also the upper roodloft stair entrance.
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Some redundant churches still
have their graveyards maintained, but this one
doesn't. The brambles and nettles are taking
over. The fine 15th
century tower lifts its head imperiously, not
wholly approving, one suspects.
But, like all Churches
Conservation Trust churches, this one is
maintained beautifully inside.
It is a supreme irony that
churches which fall into disuse should be cared
for so lovingly, and this is in no small part due
to the work of Roy Tricker, field officer for the
CCT. He is an unsung hero.
The interior has been cleared
of clutter, and the vastness is accentuated by
just how wide the nave is; this is a big
church.
Huge Perpendicular windows let
the light flood in; I was here on a gloomy day,
so goodness knows what it is like when the sun is
shining.
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| A low stone bench lies
beneath, which the guidebook claims as the origin
of the expression 'the weak can go to the wall',
which I don't believe for a moment. If you have children with you, you might
want to keep them away from the rood
loft stair, which is
the most precipitous in Suffolk, and emerges
alarmingly about 12 feet up in the east nave
wall.
The keyholder for this church
was listed on the door; the one at Rickinghall
Inferior wasn't.
However, they are both the same person, so you
might like to come here first.
There is much of interest here,
and even a little drama; but I think you will
prefer the prettier sister.
Right:
those huge windows. Note the stone ledge below
them, and believe the story if you want to.
St Mary,
Rickinghall Superior, is to the south of the
village, just beyond the bypass. The church is
locked, with a keyholder listed.
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