Benhall Street

Settlement in Suffolk East Suffolk

England

Benhall Street

St Mary's Church The west tower is of brick with the lower stages faced in stone. The huge buttresses (obscuring a small Norman window) were added in the 18th century to counter the outward lean of the south wall due to subsidence on the hilltop site, the dramatic effect of which can be seen inside the church. — St Mary's Church Credit: Tiger

Benhall Street is a small village located in the county of Suffolk, England. Situated approximately 3 miles east of Saxmundham, the village is nestled in a picturesque rural area, surrounded by beautiful countryside and farmland.

The village itself is known for its charming and traditional English character, with a collection of quaint cottages and houses lining the streets. Benhall Street is home to a close-knit community, with a population of around 300 residents.

One of the notable features of Benhall Street is its historic church, St. Mary's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. This medieval church showcases stunning architectural details and serves as a focal point for the village.

The surrounding landscape offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including scenic walks and cycling routes, with several designated footpaths and bridleways passing through the area. The nearby Benhall Low Street Nature Reserve is a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting diverse flora and fauna.

Despite its rural setting, Benhall Street benefits from good transport links, with the A12 road providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The village is also within a short distance of Saxmundham, which offers a range of amenities including shops, schools, and a railway station.

Overall, Benhall Street offers a peaceful and idyllic setting, ideal for those seeking a tranquil countryside lifestyle, whilst still being within easy reach of urban conveniences.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Benhall Street Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.197392/1.450794 or Grid Reference TM3561. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Mary's Church

The west tower is of brick with the lower stages faced in stone. The huge buttresses (obscuring a small Norman window) were added in the 18th century to counter the outward lean of the south wall due to subsidence on the hilltop site, the dramatic effect of which can be seen inside the church.

Tiger

Fragment of a rood screen

Two panels of tracery from the upper part of the medieval screen are displayed on the wall of St Mary's Church.

Tiger

Inside St Mary's Church

Looking west down the nave, the tremendous outward lean of the south wall is obvious. The central window is Norman and is matched by a similar one on the north side. Between the windows huge external buttresses counteract the outward thrust of the walls. The roof has a scissor truss construction and the Georgian box pews are richly varnished.

Tiger

Chancel of St Mary's Church

Pevsner, visiting in 1961, commented that this end of the church "seems all renewed". The roof trusses echo those of the nave on a smaller scale. The altar is flanked by Victorian decalogue boards.

Tiger