St. Peter and St. Paul, Lavenham, Suffolk
The 15th-century Peter and Paul Church, Lavenham, is one of the best-known churches in Suffolk. The use of straight lines and perfect right-angles was particularly striking for its time, when even grand, timber-framed houses where somewhat lopsided.
The architectural style of the church reflects the ostentatious tastes of the monied elite of the town, particularly John de Vere, 13th Earl of Oxford, and Thomas Spring I, II and III, a local dynasty of wool barons.
Their 'corporate sponsorship' of the church can be seen both on the church tower and the parapet: De Vere's star is prominent upon every face of the tower; whilst on the parapet, Thomas Spring III's coat of arms appear no less than 32 times.
