With spring now well and truly underway, the countryside is full of new life and growth. Cheerful longer and brighter days encourage exploring the wonderful Suffolk countryside.

Masons' Marks at Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh, Suffolk

menu
Masons' Marks at Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh, Suffolk

Masons' Marks at Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh, Suffolk

A masons mark found in Blythburgh ChurchAlthough they are not mentioned in detail in the present church guide, masons' marks are present throughout the church on every pillar but one. It has been said that until one is shown the marks they are invisible but after being shown them, they are everywhere!

Of the signs used as a manufacturer's signature, owner's mark or trade mark, stonemasons' marks are the ones that have survived in greatest quantities. The simple reason for this is that a sign carved in stone is able to last through the centuries.

Although Strasbourg Cathedral has more than 1500 different signs, Holy Trinity has enough to make their study quite interesting.

The following marks have been collected from the lower parts of the pillars up to the beginnings of the arches. That there are more on the arches themselves, I was able to confirm during an earlier limewashing, when I climbed up on the scaffolding. (Please see Appendix 1 for these marks.)

A masons mark found in Blythburgh ChurchThere are, in addition, more marks on the exterior of the great wooden South Door, together with the date 1629 on the lower left panel.. (See Appendix 2 for these marks.) It would appear that families or fellowships of masons used one basic mark with pieces added, to represent the various members of these families or fellowships. (See Appendix 3 for these variations.)

Churches and other important buildings in one locality may have been built by the same masons, since their marks and variations can often be seen in some or all of them . (See Appendix 4 for these churches in Southwold and Walberswick.)
If this brief paper has whetted your appetite, you might like to ponder the Runic, Phoenician and Greek alphabets, which contain letters that the masons used. (See Appendix 5) All of them have been used by masons and some are in Holy Trinity. So good hunting, they are everywhere!

Article By Richard Maslen, Blythburgh.


Bibliography:
Masons' Marks ancient and modern. Myers T.H. 1906
Masons'Marks. Pennick N. Cockayne, Cambridge 1974
Friends of York Minster, 47th Annual Report 1976 p.17
Masons' Marks. Brooks F.W. East Yorkshire Local History Society. 1952
Unpublished theses and studies by local people, York Minster Library. Available on personal request at the Library.

Back to our Featured Reports

Some Favourite Websites For March 2024:

Lomax Antique FairsSouthwold Spring Antique Fair 29th - 31st March 2024

Lomax Antique fairs attract exceptional dealers able to offer an eclectic mix of items at prices suited to both new and established collectors - their exhibitors are both welcoming and knowledgeable. Fair is at St. Felix School, Reydon

Pub StopsHalesworth or Darsham Pub-Stops Guide

This web site is a light hearted attempted to travel the local rail network, from Halesworth or Darsham, stopping at fine pubs and where possible encouraging similar real ale loving folks to do likewise!

Symon Clarke ComposerAcclaimed classic and ensemble music

Symon Clarke has composed acclaimed music for a wide range of classical ensembles and soloists and created a body of original music for Javanese and Balinese gamelan. His works have been played by well-known performers around the UK and abroad.

The Halesworth Pet StoreSpecialists in Animal Nutrition and Pet Care

Visit our shop or take advantage of our Free Local Delivery Service! We are experts in animal nutrition, catering for all quantities – from small bags to bulk deliveries amd we are happy to help with all of your requirements

1 Little Dingle CottagesSelf-catering accommodation for up to twelve people

This country cottage stands between Dunwich Forest and Dingle Marshes. Apart from the adjacent cottage it is quite isolated, being a mile from Dunwich village. Surrounded by open countryside, marshes, reedbeds and forest. Several major nature reserves are close by, with wildlife and birds to be seen on or near the property. Walks from the cottage. Parking. Pets by arrangement.