15/10/2026
Trailer: Discover the secret Tudor weapons chamber hidden directly above the north porch inside Saint Mary's Church in Mendlesham, Suffolk.
Learn how everyday Tudor farmers stored iron armour, pikes, and helmets here to defend against the Spanish Armada in England's only surviving original parish armoury.
Inside the church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Mendlesham, you are looking at a historic parish church that holds a secret completely unique in England. Up a narrow, winding stone staircase, directly above the north porch where I am standing, sits a small chamber that time forgot.
This is the Mendlesham Armoury, the only surviving parish armoury in the entire country that still contains its original collection of Tudor weapons and armour. Built during the fifteenth century, this secure upper room functioned as the village's official weapons store, keeping defensive gear safe under lock and key.
I’m Carl, That History Guy, and I shoot these videos for you to help me spread the awareness of my Holiday business Woodfarm Barns in Suffolk. It’s my private collection of romantic, self-catering, dog friendly accommodation in Suffolk, plus a hillside retreat in Tuscany.
I share Suffolk’s folklore, history and ghost stories to bring the county’s most exciting tales to life, spark curiosity, and give people even more reason to visit this wonderful part of the world.
We have thousands of Five Star reviews on Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google. Full details, prices, availability, photos, videos and reviews are at woodfarmbarns.com