St Mary's Church, Hawkedon
A Brief History
Surrounded by its churchyard and enclosed by a brick and flint wall, the church is located in the middle of the village green - a situation said to be unique in Suffolk.
That there has been a church in Hawkedon since Norman times is evident from the Doomsday records of 1086/7 but the present church dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. Built from flint with a square tower and stepped angled buttresses, it has a simple plan of nave and chancel similar to many other Suffolk churches. But its central position is unusual and gives a focus to the houses around the green.
It is relatively recently that the dedication is to St Mary Magdalene as has been suggested by Clive Paine who discovered references to the patronal day as 22nd July.
Externally the castellated brick porch parapet is of note whereas internally the diverse and unique set of “poppy head” pew ends are fine examples of 15th century woodcarving. Also to be found are wood carvings of a bear and a beaver (or is it a pig?) at the end of the chancel choir stalls.
The fine Norman and Beard organ was installed in the new loft in 1912 under which is the font, probably of Norman origin.
A full description of the church and its contents can be found in the guidebook written by Judith Wilson and published in 2012 which is available in the church.
