St. Margaret's Church, Lowestoft

St Margaret’s Church stands on a hilltop at the north-western edge of Lowestoft town centre. It is the ancient parish church of the town and is dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch. The church’s large illuminated blue spire is a prominent landmark visible across Lowestoft. It was founded in the 13th century by the Priory of St Bartholomew in London, which held the manor of Lowestoft. The church is built of flint and its tower dates from the early 14th century. The aisles and nave were added in the 15th century during a major enlargement of the building. The church is a Grade I listed building and contains notable historic features. A wooden panel lists parish priests from 1308 onwards, showing the names of early incumbents such as John Ayshle and Richard De Walcote. The church holds the only known glasswork by Regency artist Robert Allen, installed in 1819. A war memorial chapel inside bears the names of 711 Lowestoft men who died in the First World War. The churchyard includes war graves from both world wars, with two from the First and seventeen from the Second. Inside, visitors find an octagonal font from the 15th century and a rare pre-Reformation brass lectern dating from around 1500. One of only two remaining banner stave lockers in the area is also preserved here. The north wall features a memorial to fishermen lost at sea between 1896 and 1923. The east window glass dates from 1891, and earlier glasswork survives from the demolished St Peter’s Church. The church’s interior reflects centuries of worship and local history.