Art & Heritage of Suffolk

First established as a monastery by St Etheldreda in AD673, it’s fair to say there is a lot of history at Ely Cathedral! Prepare to be impressed by the painted wooden ceiling in the Nave and the truly stunning stained glass in The Octagon, a wonder of the medieval world, whilst the Lady Chapel, once alive with colourful glass and statues, is now a place of light and wonder.

Dating back to about 1520, Gainsborough’s House is appropriately located on Gainsborough Street in Sudbury and was the artist’s childhood home. Opened in 1961, it has at its heart, a beautiful historic garden, whilst its exhibits include many of Thomas Gainsborough’s finest works along with a number of his possessions including mourning rings paint scraper and importantly, his mahogany studio cabinet. There are various independent exhibitions throughout the year.

This romantic, redbrick mansion dates back to Tudor times, and gives a grand impression with its fine walled gardens and tranquil moat. The grounds around the property combine ancient features and beautiful landscaping with more contemporary planting.

Standing on a hill in the village of Long Melford, the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church, which was constructed between 1467 and 1497, is one of the great Suffolk medieval wool churches, acknowledged as one of the most magnificent parish churches in the country. It boasts many original features, a 152.6 feet (46.5 m) nave and medieval stained-glass windows.

With an ancient ruined abbey sitting amongst lovely gardens and alongside fine Regency architecture, the ancient pilgrimage town of Bury St Edmunds is picturesque as well as rich with history. With local breweries and a foodie scene, it’s also a great place to sample local flavours.

In the heart of the ancient town of Bury St Edmonds, lies the impressive St Edmundsbury Cathedral covering the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

Originating in the 11th century, it become a Cathedral 100 years ago. Surrounded by ornamental gardens, the spectacular stain glass windows and ornate vaulted ceiling made of European oak are particular highlights to look out for.

Charmingly situated, this Georgian palace was commissioned to house the treasures collected by the 4^th Earl of Bristol on his tours around Europe. The elegant Rotunda showcases an exquisite collection of artefacts accumulated by the Hervey family over 200 years, as well as portraits by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Reynolds. Within the tranquil grounds of the property is the earliest Italianate garden in England.

Built by Edmund Withypoll in approximately 1547, the Grade I listed Christchurch Mansion is located in Christchurch Park in Ipswich. The substantial Tudor brick mansion houses rooms set in period fashions, from the Tudors to the Victorians, and collections including musical instruments, toys and glassware ceramics. However the main focus is the incredible collection of paintings by Gainsborough and Constable, found in the Suffolk Artists Gallery.

Dating back to the 16^th century, this striking timber-framed monument dominates the centre of pretty Lavenham. Its situation in the heart of the village is testament to the historic importance of this once wealthy wool town.