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Sample Pages from
The Quest for the Green Man

Sutton Benger: All Saints Church

This small country church is the home of the famous Sutton Benger Green Man, described by Clive Hicks as “probably the finest of British green men.” It truly is an exceptional Green Man, with a finely sculpted, realistic, highly expressive face surrounded by hawthorn leaves which sprout from his mouth. A very unusual feature is the four birds which peck at the hawthorn berries. Since we visited in May, we had just been admiring the profusion of beautiful flowering hawthorn (referred to in England as “the may”) on our drive. We were also surprised at the location of this Green Man: on a capital at the west end of the south aisle, mounted on a wall near eye level, with a children’s play area directly underneath. The juxtaposition of such a magnificent work of art and such humble surroundings was astonishing, and yet somehow seemed deeply appropriate for the character of the Green Man. There is debate about the age of this highly individualized Green Man; some experts believe it to be 13th century, but it is such amazing craftsmanship that others think it is likely a 19th century restoration. Two other capitals in the church depicting leaves and birds seem to have been made by the same sculptor.



On the outside of the church, two very well preserved Green Men are found at the southeast and northeast corners, and two primitive looking Green Men are on the east and southeast wall of the chapel: The churchyard is also a delight; ancient yew trees guard the cemetery, and apple trees and lilac bloom throughout the grounds.









This small country church is the home of the famous Sutton Benger Green Man, described by Clive Hicks as “probably the finest of British green men.”