Look up to the spire of St. Mary-le-Tower rising high above Ipswich’s town center. This church and landmark building features a perpendicular Gothic design and a richly ornamented interior. First recorded during the 11th-century reign of Edward the Confessor, St. Mary-le-Tower is one of the four remaining of six churches in Ipswich dedicated to St. Mary. It was rebuilt three times following its beginnings in the late Saxon era.
Today’s church is the design of the diocesan architect Richard Phipson and dates back to the mid 19th century. Phipson was responsible for the restoration of about 100 churches in the East Anglia region. Notice its 197-foot-tall (60-meter) tower festooned with gargoyles. Rose windows dominate the façade. It was one of the first church towers in Suffolk to successfully complete a peal of 12 bells.
Step inside and look down to see floor tiles decorated with the image of a boar, the family emblem of the church’s benefactor. Other highlights include a 15th-century font adorned with lion sculptures and an elaborate Victorian sedilia, where clergymen sit during services. The stained-glass windows are also from the Victorian period. Look for a commemorative painting dedicated to William Smarte, a town politician in the 1500s.
In December the church is the setting for the annual Grand Christmas Tree Festival, when an exhibition of real and artificial Christmas trees adds color to the nave. The children’s area has interactive trees and a treasure hunt. Admission to the festival is free. Attend other free events at the church, which include choir concerts and performances of works by famous composers such as J.S. Bach.
St. Mary-le-Tower is open daily and admission is free. View the schedule of events available on the church’s official website. Centrally located, it’s a short walk from major town attractions such as the Ancient House and Christchurch Mansion. The church itself has no parking but you’ll find metered car parks less than a 5-minute walk away.
