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The
Church
This little church an be found down a small lane,
not really large enough to take a car down, and far away from all
major roads. The lane runs between Stowmarket and Woolpit.
Dedicated to King Charles the Martyr, it is one of
only five which bears this dedication in England. Originally
there was a small chapel here, ca. 1330, but it was not until the
time of the Civil War that it was rebuilt by Thomas Cropley and
re-dedicated. It was virtually rebuilt again in 1767 for Richard
Ray, the local landowner, whose coat of arms and date are over the
east window. The church was under his patronage, and he held
the right to appoint whatever priest he thought fit to the
living.
The interior is pure 18th century, with a simple
three-decker pulpit and box-pews. The Sanctuary is in the 'gothick'style,
complete with flock paper forming a dado under the pastel green
walls.
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The Bryceson Barrel Organ at the west end of the
church has three
cylinders.
It plays 36 different tunes, and was
until the 1970s the only surviving instrument to have
been regularly played every week in England.
Built by Bryceson Bros., ca.
1810. There are three barrels, each of twelve tunes.
Overhauled 1956 by Noel Mander. There are 6 stops of 31
notes. Unusually it has a
tierce. It is believed that the
parishioners have ordered a fourth barrel, with more
up-to-date dunes and harmonies.
The tunes are as follows (where known):-
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CYLINDER 1 |
CYLINDER 2 |
CYLINDER 3 |
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Listed name |
Recorded name |
Listed name |
Recorded name |
Listed name |
Recorded name |
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Hotham, double |
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Morning Hymn |
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Evening Hymn |
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Doncaster |
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Kent |
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University |
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Easter Hymn |
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Portugal |
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St David's |
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Old 100th Psalm |
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Portuguese Hymn |
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St James's |
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Haydn's Hymn (eight lines) |
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Burnham 148th. |
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St Anne's |
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Islington |
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Rockingham |
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St Stephen's |
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Helmsley |
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Hanover, proper 149th. |
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Warwick |
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Sicilian Mariners |
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Manchester |
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Shirland |
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Falcon Street |
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New York |
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Peckham |
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Weston Favel |
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Wakefield |
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German Hymn |
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New Sabbath |
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Bedford |
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Hymn (sic) |
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"Creation", (double) |
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Lincoln |
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Glory be to Thee, O Lord. |
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