Writing from the Rectory – August 2025

Who or what would you say has had the most influence on the people and places of Sudbury: the wool or silk trades; the Anglo-Saxons or the Normans? Gainsborough or Bishop Aelthun, who was the eighth bishop of Dunwich and died here in 797AD? What defines a place or a person?

It seems easier to remember past failures, than it is to celebrate successes. There’s something in the British psyche that delights to support the underdog and enjoy the downfall of the too successful. However many achievements and positive contributions a person may make in their life, their legacy can be overshadowed by a single incident: Judas Iscariot was called to be a disciple of Jesus but in the end lost faith in the direction his teacher was taking and has forever since been known only for his betrayal. Another disciple instead of believing the accounts from other people wanted hard evidence that Jesus was resurrected and was thereafter called ‘doubting’ Thomas.

This was never more so than with Simon of Sudbury who tends to be remembered for only one thing: the consequences of his fateful introduction of several poll taxes in the 1370s. Archbishop Simon’s legacy was described as ‘ambiguous’ by Canterbury cathedral in a recent radio interview I took part in. (You can find out the full story, ‘Illuminated: Don’t lose your head’, BBC Sounds July 27th 7:15pm Radio Four)

However, perhaps you can help me find out more about his other contributions to achieve a more balanced rendition of one of Sudbury’s most famous characters? During his career, Simon of Sudbury was recognised by the Pope and promoted to the position of Archbishop. To be elevated to the top job must mean he was a considerably talented and faithful man of God. He was also invited to look after the country’s finances, as Lord Chancellor, and built a college to train priests next to St Gregory’s church. Much of the current cathedral at Canterbury owes its existence to his considerable input there.

Unsurprisingly I would argue the person of most influence on Sudbury and with the greatest legacy of all is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His life, death and resurrection mean that whatever bad choices we might have made, however hopeless the path we have led until now, we need not be defined by those. His invitation is always, ‘Come to me all you that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.’

Blessings
Revd Andrew