Masons' Marks at Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh, Suffolk
Although
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.)
There 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Unpublished theses and studies by local people, York Minster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.
Some Favourite Websites For March 2026:
The Southwold Railway Trust Shop – For all sorts of quirky souvenirs of the Southwold Railway
The Southwold Railway shop fully supports the Southwold Railway, it's Trust and the Steamworks attraction in Southwold. The Southwold Railway was a 3ft gauge line running 9 miles between Halesworth and Southwold. The Trust was formed in 1994
North Manor Farmhouse – Ensuite B&B accommodation in beamed Suffolk farmhouse close to the Suffolk coast and Southwold
Two B&B rooms, both with en-suite. Guest lounge with open fire. Discount for stay exceeding three nights. Sorry, dogs not accepted.
Logs Logs Logs – Family Firm delivering kiln dried logs to Norfolk and Suffolk, including Norwich, Diss and Woodbridge
Logs available in tipper loads and bulk bags for wood burning stoves, open fires and pizza ovens. In addition supplying firewood in bulk bags to Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and beyond.
Green Haven Holidays – Caravan and Camping Site near Halesworth
Stuart and Katherine have enthusiastically established their campsite in the village of Rumburgh just north of Halesworth. From the outset they were keen that this would be an eco-friendly business and are open from April until early October.
Southwold Model Yacht Regattas – Boating down on Southwold sea front
The Southwold Regattas are held every year on the boating lake by the pier. Events are open to all and new sailors and spectators are very welcome however new sailors should contact the committee before turning up to the event.