Playford Church
Approached
through an imposing lychgate, steep flight of steps and avenue of limes,
the church stands high above both village and valley below. In the south
churchyard lie Thomas Clarkson (d. 1846), slavery abolitionist of Playford
Hall and George Biddell Airy (d.1892), 7th Astronomer Royal. An obelisk
stands to Clarkson’s memory near the south tower-porch which was
built by Sir George Felbrigge (d.1400), a descendant of the Bigods - the
Norman family who became Earls of Norfolk in the C12th.
Although recorded in Doomsday Book, no visible evidence of the original structure remains. The nave, of random flint rubble construction, dates from c.1300 with fine later-C14th south and west windows though the chancel was entirely rebuilt in 1873-4 in Early English style. The interior is light and airy with a tall and elegant chancel arch of c.1370 but drastic re-ordering during the Victorian period removed all earlier fittings with even the whitewashed barrel ceiling being replaced with the present open trussed roof at the time of Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
In the nave is a marble plaque with bust of George Biddell Airy and in the chancel, where the Felbrigge brass is set in the north wall, is a medallion and profile of Thomas Clarkson. There are also ledger slabs of the Felton family, resident lords of the manor here from 1512 to 1719, after which time the estate passed by marriage to the Bristols of Ickworth. The plate, kept in a bank safe, includes a pair of fine Charles I pewter flagons and a beautiful standing cup of 1619, bequeathed by Lady Elizabeth Felton, a photograph of which appears in Munro Cautley’s Suffolk Churches.
Playford Church forms a benefice with the parishes of Great Bealings, Little Bealings and Culpho, under the priest in charge, The Revd Pauline Stentiford. Services are on a rotational basis throughout the benefice and parishioners are encouraged to move between churches. Most services are led by a benefice choir and organist and in Playford are mainly Eucharistic. 8am services are traditional and 10am services use the modern rite. On the 4th Sunday of the month there is a well attended Family Communion, which moves, between Playford and the Bealings
Playford church welcomes newcomers and enjoys meeting parents with children who are made welcome at all services. Coffee is served after 10am services. Times of services and special events can be found on the church website. The church is open daily during British Summer Time and on Sundays from November to March 10am -4pm. When locked a key can be obtained from Lanterns, Church Lane near the lychgate.
To make arrangements for Baptisms or Weddings to request a visit or for general inquiries please contact the Revd Pauline Stentiford. 01394 41469 , Sheepstor, Boyton, Woodbridge Suffolk. IP12 3LH