About Us

Our parish of St Michael and All Angels, Occold is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops' guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer. Our Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who advises our Safeguarding Officer.

 If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact our Safeguarding Officer Mr Stephen Hubner on 07507357869 or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Karen Galloway on 07785 621319 or email [email protected]. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services. Further information can be found on the diocesan website Promoting a safer church - Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

A brief history....

Occold was a settlement recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, in the hundred of Hartismere and the county of Suffolk. The name of the village was recorded as "Acholt", deriving from two words from Old English, ac (“oak”) and holt (“wood”), meaning “oak wood" – hence the oak tree on the village name-sign.

Nothing remains of the original Norman church although there is reference to remnants of 13th century work, namely the Nave having "13th century north and south doorways with plain 2-centred arches." The Chancel also has a small 12/13th century window (north).

Apart from the Early English south doorway, the 15th Century saw a general rebuilding of the whole of Occold church. In common with many East Anglian churches, much of the ornate architectural and art-work was removed by the Puritans in the mid-seventeenth century. However, some clues as to how it was previously remain today, such as parts of the original stairs to the rood loft

There was significant restoration in the mid-nineteenth century including the addition of the present altar and reredos, and the organ.

The stained-glass windows in the south nave were installed in 1995. They were donated by the Sturrock family, in memory of their sister Nerissa Jones, who died in November 1985. Designed and made by made by artist Lou Spencer, they are described by Spencer thus: "The windows were to fit in with the special atmosphere of the church, rather quiet and mysterious....." 

Today....

St Michael and All Angels is a Parish Church in the Anglican Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich and the Deanery of Hartismere and Hoxne. It is part of the Benefice of Eye, comprising three churches:

• Ss Peter & Paul, Eye
• St Michael and All Angels, Occold
• St Mary's Church, Bedingfield

The Rector of the Benefice is Revd. Dr. Guy Sumpter

There are normally two Sunday services each month at Occold: Eucharist at 9.15 am on the second and fourth Sundays. However, there may be occasional variations depending on the Benefice service rota.

St Michael's is open to visitors daily from approx. dawn to dusk.

See our Wikipedia page for a more detailed history