The Claydon Benefice became a legal entity in 2019 although the three parishes of Claydon & Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham had been co-operating together under a single Priest-in-Charge for many years, we currently have a vacancy for Rector following Revd Tracey Caswell's move in June 2026.
The Rectory for the Benefice is at 7 Back Lane Claydon.
View benefice homepageA Church for the whole community of Claydon & Barham and is one of the three Churches in the Claydon Benefice. The other two are Gt Blakenham and Henley. Everyone is welcome to join in any of our services. Our main weekly service is at 10am every Sunday although when there is a 5th Sunday it is a Benefice service, so may be at either Henley or Gt Blakenham. Please check service details on our monthly notice sheet via the menu.
This is a big airy Church and, if you wish, plenty of room for social distancing. Sharing the Chalice and greeting each other during the Peace is left to personal choice
The Church building is open SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK FOR VISITORS AND FOR PRIVATE PRAYER AND REFLECTION . The building will be opened before 10am and closed after 4pm. If you visit on a Friday morning between 10am and 12.30pm you will also be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat at our weekly free Drop-in in the hall and on the Terrace (in warm weather). We house a branch of the Bacon Road Community Library at the west end of the Church where visitors can help themselves to books and puzzles and/or donate their own books and puzzles for the enjoyment of others. The service is free although donations are invited for the benefit of the local Foodbank
Unfortunately the Benefice currently went into an Interregnum on 18th June 2026 when Rev Tracey took up a position in the Norwich Diocese so we are now seeking a new Rector. In the meantime the the established schedule of services etc will continue thanks to a strong ministry team of retired and self supporting priests and licensed lay ministers.
The parish Church of Claydon & Barham is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults and our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the menu and is displayed on Church noticeboards. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, (PSO). The Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
This medieval church, which is somewhat humble and rustic in appearance, is situated in the centre of a growing village and has seen many changes over the years since it was built. The church is situated on a small knoll which means that it is slighlty elevated above its surroundings.
The nave and chancel were built between 1070-1180, with the western tower being added in the 14th century and the south porch in the 15th century.
After many years of neglect, the church was restored and reopened in 1877 and in February 1879 a new organ was dedicated.
In 1931 a small vestry was built to the south of the chancel.
"The parish of Great Blakenham: St Mary is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and we have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer, PSO. The Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services."
St Peter's is a small, village church set in the middle of Henley, just six miles north of Ipswich. We are linked with the churches in Barham and Great Blakenham - our benefice. We are holding services in the church and also have services on Zoom - anyone is welcome to join us in person or online!
The parish of Henley St Peter is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). The Diocese of St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.