Church of St Michael the Archangel, Framlingham

St Michael’s stands in the Suffolk market town of Framlingham, a church built and rebuilt over centuries. Its twelfth-century chancel arch capitals survive from the earliest building, while the main body rises in Perpendicular style between 1350 and 1555. The roof hides hammer beams behind delicate fan tracery dated about 1521. The church was the burial place of the Howard family, and its Grade I listing recognises its national importance. Pembroke College, Cambridge still holds the manor, a link that shaped the building’s later history. The church holds rare treasures. Only three large Thamar organs survived the Civil War, and St Michael’s has one of them. Thomas Thamar built the painted-front instrument in 1674 for Pembroke College, and it came to Framlingham in 1708. The organ’s case may date back to 1580, and parts of its pipework pre-date the Commonwealth. Mendelssohn is said to have given lessons here during visits to the rector’s family. Eight bells hang in an 1892 oak frame, last overhauled in 1990. Inside, the high altar is flanked by the tombs of Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, and Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond. FitzRoy’s ornate tomb shows scenes from Genesis and Exodus, with a small door once used by nobles from the castle. The duke’s tomb carries royal and religious symbols, including the Order of the Garter motto. The Howard tomb opposite displays figures of the Apostles and early Christian saints. The Thamar organ now stands in its restored gallery, its historic pipes and case reunited after decades of movement.