Visit to St Andrew’s and St Patrick’s Church, Elveden followed by Lunch at the Elveden Inn.

Wednesday 15th July starting at the Church at 11am and lunch at 12.45pm.

Following Fraser Harrison talk to us in May on “Duleep Singh, The Last Maharajah and the First Immigrant”, (and given Duleep’s association with Elveden including the Church), the Committee decided that this summer’s visit should be to the Church at Elveden followed by Lunch at the Elveden Inn.

The Church of Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick at Elveden has a rich history dated back to its medieval origins. The Church was restored under Duleep Singh the last Maharajah Punjab during his exile at the Elveden estate. The Maharajah became a favourite Queen Victoria and hosted members of the Royal family, who would have worshipped at the Church during their visits. The Church now retains a dual dedication of Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick, with a newer element dedicated to Saint Patrick linking it to the Irish homeland of the present estate owners, the famous brewing family, Guinness. The Church’s history is also marked by the burial of Maharajah Duleep Singh in the churchyard. The Church’s international connections are also reflected in the commemorative window to the third air division of the American military who were based at the estate during World War II.

The visit will start at the Church at 11 o’clock on Wednesday 15th July when we will be given a short talk about the Church by the Rev’d Canon Paul Tams , Assistant Rural Dean of Mildenhall and a former Rector of Elveden. Following Paul’s short talk will be an opportunity to view the Church and also see the graves of Duleep Singh and some of his family in the Churchyard. The visit to the Church will last about one hour and we then leave for the Elveden Arms where hopefully the weather will allow pre lunch drinks and chat on the lawn. Lunch will be served around 12.45pm.

Bruce, our Treasurer, will be taking bookings, so if you are intending to go to this event please let him know together with, your choices of food and remittance. Details of the menu and visit price will be found below.