Standing proudly at the head of Market Hill in the heart of Sudbury, St Peter’s has a wealth of heritage, dating back to the 14th Century.
This beautiful, Grade I listed building and former Anglican church is vested into the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. The building has historically been cared for by The Friends of St Peter’s, along with many other volunteers from the local community.
Read below for key dates in the history of St Peter’s, or take a look at our more detailed history packs, written by The Friends of St Peter’s Heritage Officer, Roger Green.
Detailed History Packs
Key Dates in the History of St Peter’s
1180
A PREVIOUS CHURCH ON THE SITE WAS MENTIONED, BUT THE BUILDING THAT WE SEE TODAY GREW SLOWLY DURING THE 14TH AND 15TH CENTURIES, FUNDED BY THE LOCAL GUILDS AND TOWNSFOLK.
1376
PERHAPS THE FINEST GLORY OF THE BUILDING EXTERNALLY IS THE SUPERB TOWER. IN A WILL DATED 1376, REFERENCE IS MADE TO HANGING THE GREAT BELL IN ST. PETER’S CHAPEL.
1874
THE FIRST CLOCK WAS MADE BY HENRY PLEASANT, THE LOCAL BELL FOUNDER. THE PRESENT FOUR-FACED CLOCK USES THE MECHANISM INSTALLED BY MESSRS. GILLETT AND BLAND OF CROYDON IN 1874. IT IS THE THIRD CLOCK TO BE INSTALLED IN THE TOWER AND IS NOW DRIVEN ELECTRICALLY.
1971
ST. PETER’S WAS DECLARED REDUNDANT AS A CHURCH.
1976
ON 29TH MAY, 1976 THE BUILDING WAS VESTED TO THE BODY NOW KNOWN AS THE CHURCHES CONSERVATION TRUST. SO CAME INTO BEING THE FRIENDS OF ST. PETER SUDBURY, A REGISTERED CHARITY, WITH THE TWO AIMS OF PRESERVING THE BUILDING AND PROVIDING FACILITIES IN THE INTEREST OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR THE RECREATION AND LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION OF THE INHABITANTS OF SUDBURY AND DISTRICT.
