Lavenham is celebrating its famous church tower with a rich history spanning centuries.
The tower, one of the tallest in the UK at 140 feet, was built in 1525 when the village was among the most wealthy places in the country thanks to its booming trade in woollen cloth. The church community has a host of events taking place over the coming months to mark the anniversary – including inviting surviving family members of a Lavenham man who helped fund its construction five centuries ago.
The Revd Canon Simon Pitcher said: “This wonderful church tower has been here for the highs and lows of people’s lives over the last 500 years. All the joys and struggles of life have been celebrated and marked between these walls throughout all these years. It’s a permanent and reassuring presence in the village.”
The tower was funded by John de Vere, the 13th Earl of Oxford and commander of Henry VII’s armies, and Lavenham cloth merchant Thomas Spring, whose family’s coat of arms decorate the church to this day. Relatives of Thomas Spring, many who now live across the globe, have been invited to attend a special service of thanksgiving at the church on Sunday, June 29.
“It could be the largest gatherings of Springs in 500 years,” said The Revd Pitcher.
The celebrations include a Tudor day, choral concerts, historic lectures and family fun days while a special beer, from Roughacre Brewery, has been brewed to mark the anniversary. On June 8, the church tower will be opened to the public, offering spectacular views of the village.
“The church tower has been a beacon of hope in Lavenham for 500 years,” said The Revd Pitcher.
“It’s such an important part of the village and we hope the whole community will come along to mark this occasion.”
For the full programme of events, see www.lavenham.church/500-years-of-lavenham-church