| Where: | Long Melford, Suffolk at Holy Trinity Church |
| When: | A Sunday in June |
| Time: | 10 am for 10.30 morning service |
A single red rose is the annual rent presented by the Mayor of Hadleigh to the Clopton family of Long Melford, in a custom which began with a rental of one mark per annum back in the early ears of the fifteenth century; the cash payment was subsequently replaced by that of the bloom many years ago. Today the Parish Council officials represent the Clopton family in the rental agreement, and the Chair is presented with the rose in payment for the Guildhall and lands in Hadleigh, before it is placed on the tomb of William Clopton, who founded the initial agreement. The Ceremony takes place during the morning service and was revived during the 1980s as Hadleigh were sadly in arrears in the lease – now it takes place every year and is one of the oldest rental agreements still in existence. The rose is placed in the hands of Sir William’s effigy and stays in place to show that the rent has been paid; the monument is situated in the North aisle of the church, and the handover is shown to the congregation on the big screens in the nave so everyone can watch.
Helpful Hints
The service lasts around an hour followed by refreshments and all are welcome.
In 2024 it was on Sunday June 30th- 2025 date is yet to be announced. It’s usually held in June but the date varies according to the availability of all the participants.
The historic church itself is well worth exploring- lots for church crawlers to see and admire.
Click here for the Church website:https://www.longmelfordchurch.com
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064842365276
Thanks to Vicky Moakes and Rev Judith for their help with the date!
