Bell Tower - St Peter - Thorington, Suffolk - Bell Towers on Waymarking.com

Round bell tower of St Peter's church, Thorington.

"There is not much to the hamlet of Thorington beyond a few farms and the pretty Norman church of St Peter. The church dates to the 11th century, with a striking round tower of flint, and an aisleless nave and chancel.

How old is the tower? That question seems to evoke disagreement amongst historians. It has been variously described as middle Saxon, late Saxon, Saxo-Norman, and Norman. That's a span of roughly 300 years. The base of the tower certainly appears to be 11th century, with courses of flint laid in a herringbone pattern.

The three stge tower has a Neo-Norman window on the first stage, but a blind arcade of 11 arches decorates the middle stage. These certainly appear to be either late Saxon or early Norman in style. The third stage has 12th century double-arched openings at the belfry level. In the belfry is a single bell, cast in 1596. It was intended for Wansted church, but was given to Thorington in 1598 by Edward Coke, Attorney General under Elizabeth I, and his wife Bridget. The Cokes gave the bell on condition that it should never be sold, and it is still here some 420 years later. The rounded tower is topped by an odd 16th century octagonal parapet made of brick."

SOURCE - (visit link)

Address of Tower: St Peter Thorington , Suffolk England IP19 9JG Still Operational: Not Listed Number of bells in tower?: Not Listed Relevant website?: Not listed Rate tower: Not listed Tours or visits allowed in tower?: Not listed

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