Michael Thuell, local author of the successful "Plain Thoughts From The Back Pew", has written an excellent history of Nacton Church from which the following is taken

A brief look at the history of St Martin's

The church has been used for worship for over 800 years. A “homely and welcoming appearance” is created by the cream rendering while the quality and extent of the timberwork enhance the building.

Difficult to date, as the building has been much altered and rebuilt since the late 12th or early 13th centaury, the original nave and tower are probably the oldest parts. Evidenced by early window forms and the design of the tower, which is buttressed and entered by a small door accessed only by a ladder, may indicate a more defensive use than now occurs. Extensive work on the building has been recorded between 1820 and 1870 when the ceilings, pews and some windows and fittings were replaced and a small chapel built for the Broke family on the south side of the nave. However the church was generally in very poor repair.

The major restoration of 1906/8 is mostly what we see today. Substantial donations from local families, the Petyman’s of Orwell Park Estate and de Saumarez of Broke Hall, helped to pay for the renewal of much of the roof, floor, porch, pews and windows, and the restoration of the chapels. This has provided a wealth of features and memorials for the visitor to enjoy.

Suffolk Church towers are, confusingly, often called steeples. So, in 1803, officers of the 7th Hussars decided on a moonlight race from their barracks in Ipswich to Nacton Church steeple. Wearing white night caps and gowns so they could be seen, the officers terrorised the villagers with their clatter in deciding which horse was the best. The sport of “steeplechase” was born.

If you would like to know more of the history of Nacton and St Martin’s, there is an excellent booklet by Michael Thuell available in the church, and further information can be found in Roy Tricker’s “History and Guide” of 1983.

For a closer look - click on Simon Knott's site - Suffolk Churches