Jankyn Smyth puppet made to mark Bury St Edmunds benefactor

The eight-foot figure of Jankyn Smyth led a colourful street procession on Thursday, June 25, through Bury St Edmunds as part of the Guildhall Feoffment’s annual commemoration.

The event marks the 545th year of honouring Smyth.

The service began at St Mary’s Church and included pupils, almshouse residents, feoffees, clergy, councillors, and dignitaries such as Mark Pendlington, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.

Mark Merriam, Chair of Guildhall Feoffment, leads a toast to Jankn Smyth (Image: Abbott Photography)

Together, they processed from the church to the Guildhall, drawing crowds along the route.

This year’s commemoration had a special touch, thanks to the creativity of year six pupils from Guildhall Feoffment Primary School.

The children crafted the towering puppet of Jankyn Smyth along with banners representing other notable figures, including John Baret and Margaret Odham, who have shaped the charity’s history.

Lord Lieutenant Mark Pendlington, town mayor Donna Higgins and fellow guests (Image: Abbott Photography)

The puppet arriving at the Guildhall. (Image: Abbott Photography)

Mark Merriam, chair of Guildhall Feoffment, said: "It was an honour to welcome so many friends and distinguished guests to St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall to celebrate the life and achievements of Jankyn Smyth.

"We were especially pleased that so many of the residents from our almshouses were able to join us and raise a glass to the founder of our charity whose generosity has had an enormous impact on so many people.

A procession heading up Churchgate Street. (Image: Abbott Photography)

"We would also like to thank everyone at the primary school who went the extra mile to create a stunning puppet of Smyth, together with a variety of fantastic medieval accessories, to really bring his story to life once more."

Smyth founded the Candlemas Guild, now known as Guildhall Feoffment, and left a bequest for a mass to be held annually on the anniversary of his death in 1481.

Pupils from Guildhall Feoffment Primary School processing through Bury St Edmunds to the Guildhall with the puppet of Jankyn Smyth (Image: Abbott Photography)

The school choir performing during the service (Image: Abbott Photography)

He also left funds for cake and ale to be enjoyed in his memory.

Guests at the Guildhall were treated to traditional refreshments and joined in cheering Smyth’s portrait as part of the ceremony.

Among those in attendance was Daphne Moore, 89, an almshouse resident who was chauffeured to the event by Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw volunteers.

Guildhall Feoffees underneath a portrait of Jankyn Smyth which hangs in the Guildhall (Image: Abbott Photography)

Ms Moore said: "I’ve been in a Guildhall Feoffment home for 17 years and it is a beautiful place to live.

"There is a great community spirit and the scheme managers lay on lots of different activities for us.

"It was also nice to be invited to take part in the cake and ale ceremony – the celebration was lovely and I really liked the puppet."

Guildhall Feoffment currently provides housing for around 40 elderly people across 37 homes in Bury St Edmunds and Hengrave.