OF celebrating 500th anniversary of Lavenham Church

Reverend Canon Simon Pitcher (Z76-82) is currently the Rector at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Lavenham, Suffolk.  Many will be familiar with the beauty of the village.

The church is celebrating the 500th anniversary since the construction of the tower at St Peter and St Paul’s church. Standing at 140 feet, it is one of the tallest in the UK and was built in 1525 when the village was a wealthy cloth trading hub.

Simon says “This wonderful church tower has been here for the highs and lows of people’s lives over the last 500 years. All the joys and struggles of life have been celebrated and marked between these walls throughout all these years. It’s a permanent and reassuring presence in the village.”

The tower was funded by John de Vere, the 13th Earl of Oxford, and Lavenham cloth merchant, Thomas Spring. Relatives of Thomas Spring, some of whom now live across the globe, have been invited to attend a special service of thanksgiving at the church on June 29.

The celebrations also include a Tudor day, choral concerts, historic lectures and family fun days. A special beer, brewed by Roughacre Brewery, has been made to mark the anniversary. A full programme of the events is on the church website.

You can also see an interview with Simon on ITV Anglia, by clicking here.

Simon has a strong connection with the College. He is the son of Canon David Pitcher (R44-51) who features in Distinguished OFs for his book “All Change for Framlinghamian“.  Simon’s son William attended for just one year in 2010/11 after they moved from Yorkshire to Southwold.  He married Olivia Castle (M2006-11), head girl that year.  Their oldest daughter Elodie was baptised by Simon in the College Chapel a couple of years ago, and Elodie is currently in Brandeston nursery!