The restoration of the reredos at St Lawrence Church in Great Waldingfield, Suffolk, has unveiled a remarkable story about two sisters, Emily and Anne-Louise Baily, who collected stones from Egypt in 1861. Their journey, undertaken during a time when few women ventured abroad, has come to light through research conducted by local historian Phil Judd and his wife, Dawn.
Emily and Anne-Louise, both in their 40s, gathered a collection of marble, granite, porphyry, and alabaster during their extensive travels across Europe and the Middle East. These stones were later crafted into a stunning mosaic for the church’s reredos, located behind the altar. Judd highlighted the significance of their journey, noting the challenges they faced in a male-dominated society. He remarked, “Very few men had even done [such a journey], let alone for two women, given the sort of clothing they would have had, the lack of transportation, and the difficulties in getting from A to B.”
Unearthing the Past
The sisters, who worshipped alongside their brother, Reverend Waldingfield, were from a wealthy family with connections to lawyers, baronets, and surgeons. Their dedication to helping the less fortunate was evident through initiatives such as providing food for local schoolchildren, an effort that was not commonplace at the time. Mr. Judd expressed his belief that uncovering more about the Baily sisters “keeps them alive,” and noted that initial research was limited until a book about the sisters was discovered in the United States.
During their year-long tour, the Baily sisters collected small fragments of rock, which were sent to Rome to be sliced thin for use in the church’s chancel. Church warden Christopher Francis praised the craftsmanship of the mosaic, stating, “These different materials, these different stones, there’s not a grout line between them, they’re all intermeshed.” The delicate nature of the fragments, measuring only “about one or two millimeters thick,” has reduced the likelihood of the stones being reclaimed by their country of origin, according to Reverend Faith Marsden, the church’s vicar.
A Community’s Efforts to Preserve History
The mosaic began to deteriorate in 2001, prompting efforts to secure funding for its restoration. Support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust has enabled preservation work to move forward, ensuring both the mosaic and its rich history are maintained for future generations. Reverend Marsden remarked, “A small Suffolk village that has an incredible story from around the world; not only is the reredos revived, so is its history.”
As the restoration progresses, the story of Emily and Anne-Louise Baily continues to captivate the local community, showcasing the enduring impact of their adventurous spirit and commitment to their faith. The revival of the mosaic not only restores a piece of art but also reconnects the village with its historical roots.
