The church is open daily and entrance is FREE.

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The Church of St Edmunds is considered by many to be the chief glory of the town. But who exactly was Edmund and how did he become a saint?

Just under two hundred years before William the Conqueror invaded England, Edmund was the King of East Anglia. In 896AD, a great army of Danes attacked from the North. After the battle, it was reported that his victorious attackers tried to force Edmund to renounce his beliefs in Jesus Christ, His Lord and Saviour. He refused and so was martyred by the Danes. According to Edmunds earliest biographer, Abbo the Fleury, He always called between the blows with belief in truth to Christ the Saviour. Abbo also depicts in his vita how Edmund was decapitated and his head thrown into a nearby forest. It is reported that his followers searched day and night for his Head and finally found it being guarded by a wolf. It is said that although the wolf was starving, it had not eaten the head as it had been sent by God to protect it. He was soon after buried in a shrine in what is now the town of Bury St Edmunds, and was later canonised for his Christian martyrdom. He was to be the last King of East Anglia.

The figure of the St Edmund above the church porch

Though a place of worship has stood on the site in Southwold since around 1200 AD the current church was built in 1460 and dedicated to St Edmund. Its most striking feature is its bell tower, which soars 100 feet above ground. The stone used to construct the church was shipped from Caen, France, and local flint was then used for the more detailed patterns.

Detailed stonework

The bell tower contains an impressive peal of 8 bells, which can still often be heard, distinctly resounding across the towns rooftops. Inside the church there is an impressive font with an elaborate cover 24 feet in height!! The cover was remade in 1935 after the original was destroyed in the reformation. The church also has a stunning roof above the altar, a sea of blue guarded by golden winged angels. Southwold Jack also makes the Church of St Edmund his home. Jack, an oak statue, represents a solider from the War of the Roses, clothed in armour and battle axe in hand. In unique fashion, this axe is used to ring a bell signalling the start of the service! Finally, the magnificent east window depicts the martyrdom of King Edmund and was designed by Scottish architect, Sir Ninian Comper. It was installed in 1954, after a German bomb destroyed the original in 1943.

Inside the church

The view towards the back of the church, showing the font

The beautiful roof above the altar

Southwold Jack, a figure from the War of the Roses

The East Window

The Church of St Edmund is a captivating example of 15th century architecture and a wonderful elegant building in the heart of the town. A visit to the Church is well worth it, and the pleasant grounds and peaceful atmosphere, make for a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of seaside life. It is a true Southwold gem.

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