Heritage Open Days: A hidden gem in the heart of Bungay - St Edmund’s Catholic Church

Discover one of the largest baptisteries in England

St Edmund’s Catholic Church is a Grade II* listed building in the heart of Bungay. You will see a wonderful collection of stained glass and wood carvings, displays of historical vestments and historic photos, and not forgetting the secret garden.

Behind high walls, St Edmund’s Catholic Church is often missed by passers-by.

Both the church and parish have a long and fascinating association with the Benedictine monks. Following the Catholic Relief Act of 1791, which allowed Catholics to worship openly, the Benedictines established Bungay’s first Catholic church in 1823.

As the congregation grew, the church was enlarged to its present proportions in 1890, with the baptistery added four years later in 1894. This development was made possible in large part through the generosity of local benefactor Frederic Smith, whose contribution would be worth well over £1 million today.

The Benedictines’ remarkable association with the parish continued for almost two centuries, ending in 2021, when responsibility for the parish passed to the Diocese of East Anglia.


Friday 11 September:
25-minute guided tour of the church at 2pm

Saturday 12 September:
25-minute guided tour of the church at 10am and 2pm