St Mary Magdalene Church Ickleton
Discover medieval frescoes and Norman architecture at St. Mary Magdalene, an 11th-century church with centuries of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary Magdalene Church Ickleton
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover medieval frescoes and Norman architecture at St. Mary Magdalene, an 11th-century church with centuries of history.
"A place packed in history with Medieval glass and paintings. It has character and charm."
🤫 Respect the Serenity
This is an active place of worship. Please be mindful of services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.
🚗 Parking Advice
On-street parking is available nearby, but can be limited, especially during events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
12th Century Frescoes
Chancel and Clerestory
Marvel at rare medieval wall paintings, including scenes of Christ's Passion and a Doom painting, rediscovered after a fire.
Norman Arcades
Nave and Aisles
See ancient Roman columns and bricks forming the arcades, a testament to the church's 11th and 12th-century origins.
Intricately Carved Pews
Nave
Admire the 15th-century pews featuring detailed carvings and ballflower motifs, adding to the church's historical charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Medieval Artistry
Experience Norman Architecture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Respect the Serenity
This is an active place of worship. Please be mindful of services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.
🚗 Parking Advice
On-street parking is available nearby, but can be limited, especially during events.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Take time to study the medieval frescoes; they are a significant historical and artistic treasure.
☕ Morning Coffee Group
Join the friendly morning coffee group for a warm welcome and good company.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Respect the Serenity
This is an active place of worship. Please be mindful of services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.
🚗 Parking Advice
On-street parking is available nearby, but can be limited, especially during events.
🖼️ Appreciate the Art
Take time to study the medieval frescoes; they are a significant historical and artistic treasure.
☕ Morning Coffee Group
Join the friendly morning coffee group for a warm welcome and good company.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary Magdalene Church for its incredible history and beautiful medieval art, particularly the rediscovered frescoes. The Norman architecture and intricate 15th-century carvings are also highlighted as significant attractions. The church is described as having character and charm, with friendly churchwardens and a warm welcome from the community.
"Beautiful. Incredible history. St Mary's is in the small village of Ickleton."
Liz Olsen
"A place packed in history. with Medieval glass and paintings. It has character and charm with old pews. The church has great churchwardens and helpers. It has great leaders and the worship is led by Rev Lydia Smith who has three parishes in the are called Hinkledux Hinxton, Ickleton and Duxford. All work together for the Good. A warm welcome is there. Also morning coffee group is said to be one of the best in the area."
Anne Peverett
"The Church of St Mary Magdalene in Ickleton was built in the 11th and 12th century of flint and rubble. Originally dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, the structure retains much of its original Norman fabric despite later enlargement and embellishments.
The arcades separating nave and aisles are either Roman columns carved from single stones or filled in with old roman bricks. Above the arcades, the east and north sides of the clerestory features fantastic 12th century frescos. The largest consists of four scenes of the Christ's Passion and the smaller is from a slightly later and is a Doom painting. These frescos were likely whitewashed after the Dissolution, and were only rediscovered after a significant fire in 1979.
The 14th century saw much reworking to the structure, mainly enlargements. This period also saw the addition of the characteristic broach spire, featuring a small tudor sanctus bell. The pews and screen were added in the 15th century, all are intricately carved. The pews all feature regular ballflower motifs and carved ends."
Eliot Collins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the small village of Ickleton. Driving is the most common way to reach it. Limited on-street parking is available nearby.
While specific bus routes can vary, checking local transport schedules for services to Ickleton is recommended for public transport users.
The church is a prominent landmark in the village. Using a GPS or map application on your phone will guide you directly to its location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St Mary Magdalene Church is typically free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are always welcome to help with upkeep.
As an active church, it is generally open during daylight hours, though specific times may vary. It's advisable to check for any scheduled services or events that might affect access.
Yes, the church hosts various events and services. Attending these can be a wonderful way to experience the community and its traditions.
No, tickets are not required for general visits. However, for specific events like funerals, arrangements would be made by the organizers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The church boasts stunning 12th-century frescoes, original Norman architecture with Roman elements, and intricately carved 15th-century pews.
While the church has historical architecture, efforts are usually made to accommodate visitors. It's best to contact the church directly for specific accessibility information.
Information on guided tours may be limited. However, the churchwardens and helpers are often knowledgeable and can provide insights.
It's a Grade 1 listed church dating back to the 11th century, featuring significant medieval art and Norman architectural elements, making it a site of considerable historical importance.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid flash, especially during services.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The village of Ickleton may have local pubs or cafes. For a wider selection, nearby towns like Saffron Walden or Cambridge offer more dining choices.
Yes, there's a morning coffee group that is said to be one of the best in the area, offering a warm welcome.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning medieval frescoes, the Norman architecture, and the intricate details of the 15th-century pews. The exterior and broach spire are also picturesque.
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed. Be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid flash to protect the delicate artwork.
Morning light can be beautiful for the exterior, while interior shots might benefit from diffused natural light. Consider visiting during quieter hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep visits concise to maintain engagement. Consider bringing a small sketchbook for children to draw what they see. The morning coffee group offers a friendly atmosphere if you're looking for a brief social interaction. Remember that it's an active place of worship, so encourage quiet exploration and respect for the space.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Delve into the Norman architecture, noting the reuse of Roman materials in the arcades. The 15th-century woodwork, including the intricately carved pews, provides further insight into medieval craftsmanship. The church's survival and rediscovery of its art after the 1979 fire add a compelling layer to its historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Remarkable Frescoes of Ickleton
Visiting these frescoes requires a keen eye and an appreciation for history. They are located in the chancel and clerestory areas of the church. While photography is generally permitted for personal use, it's crucial to be respectful of the sacred space and avoid using flash, which can damage the delicate pigments. The fire that led to their rediscovery, while destructive, ultimately served to preserve these treasures for future generations to admire and study.
Preservation and Appreciation
The preservation of these ancient frescoes is an ongoing effort. The church community and historical bodies work to ensure their continued survival. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the history of the church and the art before their visit to enhance their appreciation. The Ickleton frescoes are a testament to the rich artistic heritage found in English parish churches, often in unexpected places.
Norman Architecture and Medieval Craftsmanship
The church also showcases impressive medieval craftsmanship, particularly evident in the 15th-century additions. The intricately carved pews, adorned with regular ballflower motifs and detailed ends, are a testament to the skill of medieval woodworkers. The characteristic broach spire, added in the 14th century, crowns the structure with a small Tudor sanctus bell, adding another layer to its architectural evolution. The combination of early Norman foundations and later medieval embellishments makes St. Mary Magdalene a fascinating study in architectural history.
A Living Piece of History
Despite its age and historical significance, St. Mary Magdalene remains an active place of worship. This means visitors can experience not only the architectural marvels but also the living community that cares for this ancient building. The churchwardens and helpers are often noted for their welcoming nature, adding a personal touch to the historical experience.
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