Hessett village is blessed with a church, St. Ethelberts described by Simon Jenkins as 'a classic Suffolk church, wealthy and well mannered.' The building dates from the first half of the 14th century but in the latter part of the 15th century the nave and tower were greatly enlarged and embellished. In the early 16th century the porch was added.
Inside the church are several rare medieval wall paintings and much medieval stained glass. Do not leave before you have seen the iron bound chest which defied Cromwell's men when they came to rob it. As a result the unique pyx cloth and burse survived. They are now in the British Museum and good colour photographs of them can be seen at the back of the church.
Our Rector Nick Cutler lives in Rougham and is shared by Hessett, Beyton, Rougham and Rushbrooke. We have a service almost every Sunday morning at 9.30am in Beyton or Hessett and you will, of course, be most welcome.
Friends of Hessett Church formed in 2006 to raise money for the restoration of the church- please come and join us.
The church is open every day, so please come and visit.
Churchwarden
First World War Memorial Cross stands in the Church Grounds facing the road.
The Memorial was originally build and dedicated in October 1920.
It was restored and redidicated in November 2015.
Funding for this project was supplied by Friends of Hessett Church and donations from individual villagers.
For further information about the church or one of the associated committees please click on the links in the left hand column.
St. Ethelberts is one of many Suffolk Churches that are mentioned on Suffolk Churches of East anglia. To view the information on this site - CLICK HERE
Updated November 2016