| Where: | Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk - St Mary's Church, Honey Hill & Guildhall |
| When: | 4th Thursday in June |
| Time: | 11am |
Jankyn Smyth was a significant benefactor to the town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk; he left a bequest in his will for a Mass to be held each year on the anniversary of his death in 1481. This included money to provide cakes and ale – the charity still continues and residents of the almshouses founded by the trust receive money. It is believed to be the oldest endowed charity in the country still in existence. The special service is held by the Guildhall Feoffees at St Mary’s Church with musical contributions from local schools and with the cakes and ale to follow at the Guildhall, with a toast to Jankyn in special Guildhall Ale brewed by a local brewery (which mentions Jankyn on the label!). Many of the almshouse residents attend, and later they’re treated to a slap-up lunch.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Thursday June 26th (to be confirmed).
In 2023 it was on Thursday June 29th (though 4th Thursday of the month was actually the 22nd) so I’d always advise double-checking direct.
The first time I inquired about the custom I was given an incorrect dating formula (by someone who shall remain nameless but who should have known the correct one!) but it’s simple enough- the fourth Thursday in June. Opinion seems to be divided about the pronunciation and spelling of Jankyn’s name – Smith to rhyme with “with” or Smyth to rhyme with “tithe” are both used so don’t worry about getting it wrong.
The service is open to the public -you don’t need to be a resident or trustee to take part- but only invited guests may attend the Guildhall ceremony. If you are very fortunate you may be invited in on the day.
Look out for Jankyn Smith memorial brass and portrait in the south chancel chapel and thanks to Helen Stevens for sharing that the original almshouses were in Chalk Road, just off what is now Kings Road, and in 1481 probably still called “Spinthemill Way”… they are now replaced by housing project accommodation, but there is a plaque on the wall to commemorate the almshouses (though I couldn’t see Jankyn mentioned on the plaque..). St Mary’s is a very interesting place for church crawlers- Henry VIII’s little sister Mary, Duchess of Suffolk, is buried there and the church boasts the longest aisle in a parish church in England, with a host of carved angels up in the roof. Knowledgeable guides will show you the highlights so you don’t miss anything!
Click here for the church website: http://www.wearechurch.net
and here for the Guildhall: https://burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk
Many thanks to the very hospitable and friendly trustees, especially Henry and Ollie!
My grandsons attended the service today in Victorian dress. I worked at St. James church Bury St Edmunds for 3 years and never heard about this charity. Very interesting !!
The original almshouses were in Chalk Road, just off what is now Kings Road, and in 1481 probably still called “Spinthemill Way”… they are now replaced by housing project accommodation, but there is a plaque on the wall to commemorate Jankyn. How he would have loved to think he was still remembered.
Hi Helen,
That’s interesting – nice to think his good deeds have been remembered down the centuries! When we visit, we’ll look out for the plaque – and in the meantime I’ve added a bit to the Helpful Hints as other visitors will be able to look out for it too.
Best Wishes,
Averil
A lovely and accurate description of our Bury St Edmunds day. Thank you.
Thank you Henry! As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit 🙂
Helpful hints not quite as helpful as they could be – the ceremony is held on a Thursday, not a Sunday. Please don’t come 3 days too late.
The formula still used and quoted by the Feoffees – “that Thursday next before Petertide” – reminds us that our ancestors linked their great events not just to the objective date on the calendar but also to the religious cycle.
You may have noticed that the feoffees wear a white rose, in remembrance that Smythe was a Yorkist!
Dear Virginia,
Thank you so much for drawing my attention to the inexplicable error in Helpful Hints – I’m very well aware of the correct formula having just attended the ceremony last month and was mortified when I checked the article ! I recently rewrote the it completely having now some first hand experience and must have absentmindedly put Sunday by mistake – fortunately the when/where table had the right formula and the correct day was given for next year further down the page. Anyway I’m very grateful that you noticed so soon after it was written so that I’ve been able to correct it soon enough not to confuse anyone for next year so thanks again!
Best wishes
Averil