Plough blessing at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds continues ancient tradition

Suffolk farmers and agricultural heritage were celebrated in a special ancient service marking the beginning of the farming year.

Churchgoers gathered at St Edmundsbury Cathedral at the weekend to mark Plough Sunday, which included the blessing of a tractor and plough.

The service dates back to Victorian times; however, its origins go even further back when it was associated with the first working day after the twelve days of Christmas.

Often work in the fields would not start back until after Plough Sunday.

Prayers were led by the agricultural chaplain, Graham Miles, before the clergy and congregation made their way to the Norman Tower where the plough – provided by Euston Estate – was blessed.

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral said: “Farmers play an essential role in our food supply, food security and are dealing with the effects of climate change.

“The blessing of a plough is something that feels intrinsic in Suffolk, with our agricultural heritage and acres of farmland.”