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This magnificent building, which has dominated the skyline of Framlingham for over five centuries with its elegant proportions and majestic towers, is planning to erect a memorial to Nicholas Danforth. Terry Gilder, the lay minister for the church, was able to visit Framingham, Massachusetts in October of 2006 and speak to the Historical Society. Although Groton Church, thirty miles to the south east of Framlingham in Suffolk has magnificent memorials to John Winthrop and his family, there are no such memorials to Danforth.

Nicholas Danforth and his children, may, in the grand conclusion of history, stand a little lower than Winthrop in importance in the story of the founding of New England, but are significantly prominent in their town of origin and are quite deserving of a memorial plaque in St. Michael's Church.

Danforth should be acknowleged for many reason, first of which, he was born in Framlingham in 1589 and was a prominent member of the community, a yeoman farmer living in New Street Farm, one and a half miles to the west of the town. He was a churchwarden of St. Michaels in 1622. After his wife's death in 1629, he was father of six young children, and although he was still a parish officer in 163l, by 1634 his convictions were so strong as to compel him to join the Puritan exodus to New England.

The six children went with him and became prominent in the life of the settlements of Connecticut and Massachusetts. In particular Thomas, the oldest son, played a very significant role in the life of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was a Deputy Governor in Massachusetts, and also came to own the land called the Danforth Farms, upon which Framingham was established.

Nicholas himself signed the first ‘appropriation’ for the founding of Harvard College, Thomas was the first treasurer, 1650–1669 and Samuel, the second oldest son went there as a student. His mother Elizabeth, back in England had ‘dedicated him unto the prophets’ and the family honoured this pledge.

A further interesting Framlingham connection that relates to the story concerns the life of one Elijah Corlett. He was a graduate of Pembroke College, the patrons of the Framlingham living, who was briefly schoolmaster in Framlingham. He also emigrated to New England where he taught young men, including native Americans, so that they would be prepared to enter Harvard. He sold 200 acres of land in the locality of Framingham to Thomas Danforth.

We would hope that, Framingham, Harvard College and the Danforth family would lend their endorsement to this project to acknowledge this powerful piece of history that links in so many powerful ways. The church receives many visitors. Its main chancel arch dates from the 12th century, and the roof, with fan vaulting in oak and chesnut panels is a rare beauty. The tombs of the Dukes of Norfolk and the famous organ made by Thomas Thamar in 1674 are two good reasons among many to visit the church whose walls are filled with glorious art.

If we were to add a clear explanation of the Danforth story it would not only be a pilgrimage point for the descendants of Nicholas but another feature of real interest to visitors from America, England or indeed anywhere.

To inquire further about St. Michael's plans to bring these two communities together across the Atlantic, or to make a donation, you may contact Terry Gilder at the following email address.