St. Bartholomew's Church is a magnificent medieval Grade 1 listed building with a large churchyard, thought to have been built in 1175, possibly by the constable of Orford Castle, Bartholomew de Glanville, and the chaplain, the vicar Wimar.
It was originally constructed in the form of a cross with a central tower. Today, the fine ruins of the original Norman arches stand outside in the churchyard. Inside, the tall columns which once supported the tower are on either side of the high altar.
The church has a fascinating social, musical and cultural history, a wonderful sense of space and light, and many exceptional and unique features.
St. Bartholomew's hosts events with and for the community, including concerts, drama performances, lectures and bazaars. It attracts visitors from far and wide, and is open to anyone for tranquil reflection.
Music and culture are rooted in the church's history, from notable art and artefacts to arts performances. The soaring space, outstanding acoustics and magnificent Peter Collins organ make it ideally suited to a wide range of music
Benjamin Britten, one of Britain's best known composers, lived in the Suffolk coastal area for much of his life. The world premieres of his compositions
Curlew River, The Burning Fiery Furnace,
The Prodigal Son and Noyes Fludde
took place in St. Bartholomew's, which has also hosted concerts, recordings, BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, and drama performances by local schools.
In the years from 1220, when it was rebuilt and extended, the church has acquired a rich collection of significant artefacts from different periods.
Among the many intriguing pieces is the 15th century octagonal font. The bowl is finely carved with biblical figures and mythical creatures and the stem with lions and, typical to Suffolk, woodwoses (wild men of the forest).
There is a painting by Bernardino Luini, a famous Milanese painter of the early 16th century.
The exceptional Victorian furnishings include a screen that is unusual for stretching across the full width of the church.
The eagle that stares into the nave from the lectern was made in incredibly fine detail by Jones & Willis in 1891.
The church regularly hosts community and public events.
Events in 2022 included Fumble in the Jumble, a bric a brac sale in aid of an Orford local charity the Thomas Marshall Education Fund; the popular annual Orford winter Bazaar, taking place on Saturday 3 December 2022; and an exciting recital by the Halle Youth Choir as part of their summer 2022 concert series around the country.
Events in 2021 included performance of a dramatic Suffolk folk tale, The Marsh Demons of Iken. A collaboration between Orford and Bawdsey schools, the Rust and Stardust puppet theatre company and the Thomas Marshall Education Fund, this project enabled school pupils to develop puppet-making and acting skills.
Support from the Friends of St. Bartholomew's will help sustain and continue the future of the church and its musical and cultural heritage. Find out more: