Carlford Churches
The Carlford Churches are a group of Anglican Churches in Suffolk, just north of Ipswich. We are a community of over two hundred people spread across our nine historic churches and villages.
As part of living out our Christian faith we normally offer a range of worship services each Sunday in different churches, including groups for children. During the week we would have a variety of other activities from mid-week services to fellowship and study groups, men’s groups, a baby café and Coffee mornings.
However all this has rather changed. Due to Covid restrictions churches are operating in different ways. Please see our 'What to expect in church' document. We also offer online services for those that can't make it to church.
We are also here to support anyone in our villages by offering a friendly chat so please do feel free to contact us.
Churches in Benefice
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1
Ashbocking, All Saints
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
There is mention in the Doomsday Book (1086) of a Church with 19 acres of land at Ashbocking. The present Chancel dates from the 13th century, whilst the Nave is thought to have been built by John de Bocking in the time of Edward III.
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2
Clopton, St Mary the Virgin
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
This is a country church which is much loved by the small congregation. You are assured of a very warm welcome if you join us for a service.
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3
Otley, St Mary the Virgin
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
Welcome to St Mary's.
The present church was built in the 13th century in the gothic style. The tower houses a peal of six bells which are regularly rung for services. Notably, the vestry houses a full immersion baptistry which was installed by the Victorians. This can be viewed on request, but is open during Open Churches week.
Our kitchen will provide refreshments at certain services.
We have disabled access and a toilet.
The Church is surrounded by rolling countryside and an extensive network of rural footpaths. We are open everyday for your quiet prayers and meditation.
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4
Burgh, St Botolph
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
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5
Grundisburgh, St Mary's
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
St Mary's church is open every day and all visitors are very welcome to enjoy the peace for a quiet prayer or join us for our various Sunday services and other events. We cater for all ages, ranging from Messy Church for our young people to get-togethers for all ages at our monthly coffee mornings, Luncheon Club for the elderly and House Groups for more in depth discussions. We support the wider community by having close links to our Primary School, supporting FIND (Families in Need) in Ipswich and being a Fairtrade church.
When there is a fifth week in a month, we hold a Benefice Communion Service, on rotation in each Church within the Benefice.
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6
Swilland, St Mary
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
Fascinating small church with unique tower, attractive reredos, rare organ, and Queen Anne plaque. Relatively recent archeological inspection dates building from Saxon times. The church is open every day, with portable disabled ramp access, and hosts short tours for interested groups. At present we have no toilet but have future plans to remedy the situation with a proposed new facility
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7
Hasketon, St Andrew
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
St Andrew’s Church has been at the centre of this scattered village for over 900 years and is in regular use to this day. The church has seen many changes over the centuries, from late Saxon evidence in the nave, to the Reformation and the Victorian era, which saw the restoration of the roof and chancel and addition of the vestry. Of particular interest are two pieces of stone from the 12th century and the 15th century font with Tudor roses. The outside of the church is noted for the round tower dating from Norman times and some early masonry work from the 11th century.
St Andrew’s is open every day and all visitors are very welcome to enjoy the peace for a quiet prayer or join us for our various Sunday services and other events. These include the Community Lunch as well as the ‘Beyond Alpha Group’, where residents from Hasketon and surrounding villages can meet and socialise.
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8
Culpho, St Botolph
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
"The parish of Culpho: St Botolph 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(s), PSOs. 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."
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9
Boulge, St Michael
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich
St Michael and All Angels is a beautiful little church, lying amids fields and woodland, surrounded by wild flowers in the churchyard. A church in Boulge was mentioned in the Domesday Book, probably a wood or wattle structure. A more permanent structure was subsequently erected and the oldest most significant item is the font from Tournai marble, dated about 1150. A Tudor brick tower was added and many changes made in the interior after the Reformation and particularly in the Victorian era. There are a number of memorial plaques inside the church, mainly various members of the FitzGerald family.