St Mary at the Elms Open Weekend
Elm Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2AA
First mentioned in 1204 as a possession of the Augustinian Priory of Holy Trinity the present church building was probably from the early 12th century, the date of south door. It was known as St Mary at the Elms by the 14th century.
The south porch was added in the 14th century, the north aisle in the late 15th century and the tower in the early 16th century. Restoration work was carried out in 1848 and 1860. In 1883 the east end of the church was demolished and extended. A new chancel with organ chamber was build and the north aisle extended. The north vestry was added a few years later.
The church is also home to the ecumenical Shrine of Our Lady of Grace of Ipswich. The original shrine to Our Lady of Grace at Ipswich received its first recorded mention in 1152. In 1297 Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of Edward I, married the Count of Holland in the shrine.
Between 1517 and 1522, Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon paid separate visits to the shrine, as did Sir Thomas More and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who was born in Ipswich. During the Reformation the shrine was destroyed and its famous statue was taken on the 20th September 1538 to Chelsea to be burnt. The statue is a millennial copy of the medieval one.
There will be many displays to see including one of church vestments through the year and elements of our sacramental tradition.
Visitors are welcome to attend said mass at 9.00 am on 12th September and sung mass at 10.45 am on 13th September
Timings
- Saturday 12 September:
- 09.00 am to 5 pm (please note there is a said Mass at 9.00 am; visitors are very welcome to join us)
- Sunday 13 September:
- 11.45 am to 4 pm (please note there is a sung Mass at 10.45 am; visitors are very welcome to attend)
Location & directions
Elm Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2AA
- Directions:
- The church is located on the corner of Elm Street and Museum Street
- Contact on day:
- Fr John Thackray
- Telephone number:
- +447780613754
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
On Saturday 12th September we will also be welcoming visitors taking part in Ride and Stride. We will also be decorating the church for our patronal festival and for Harvest.
