Writing from the Rectory – February 2026

The BBC will once again report on Simon of Sudbury at St Gregory’s - this time via Radio Suffolk on their breakfast programme on 16 February. The interview will combine the church’s civic role, as a functioning parish church and as custodian of a relic of national political and historic importance.

Sudbury is gaining momentum regarding tourism particularly from those with an appetite for history. The site of St Gregory’s church on The Croft dates back to at least the death of Bishop Aelfhun in 797 AD.

Simon was a keen advocate of education and built a college of priests to the West of the church tower and gave substantial funds to extend the chancel. In order to recognise his legacy we wish to share his story with more visitors to the town but we can only do this with your help. Many people come to the church hoping to see inside but are sadly disappointed that, owing to recent vandalism, it can only be opened when we have the volunteers to open up and stay for the duration.

If you would be able to spare a couple of hours, perhaps just once per month between 11 and 3 any day of the week, we would provide training and be only too glad to hear from you.

Please contact Claire 07776955306  parishsecretary@stgregspcc.uk .

As well as the BBC, we have been in discussion with the Tower of London, who are creating a new exhibition on the peasants’ revolt at their historic royal palace. They feature Simon’s demise in particular as it represents the only occasion in the fortress’ long history where a breach of security occurred. They have agreed to send one of their team to come to Sudbury to give us a talk which we aim to coincide with our planned weekend of events (12-14 June 2026) marking the death of the late archbishop.

Churches should serve their local community both spiritually and relationally and as curators of the past we hope to remind visitors of our rich heritage and the fragile tension between the state and its people. Jesus spoke truth to power and got lynched for challenging the status quo of injustice, thereby mixing religion and politics which remain inseparable.

St Gregory’s has been a place of worship for 1200 years and we invite you to share in it as a place of beauty and tranquillity.

Blessings

Reverend Andrew Doarks.

Learn more about Simon of Sudbury at www.stgregorychurchsudbury.co.uk/simon and sudburyhistorysociety.co.uk/2008/01/simon-of-sudbury .

Read about the reconstruction of the head at sudburyhistorysociety.co.uk/2011/09/simons-skull-reconstruction .