A special thanksgiving service is set to be held in a Suffolk cathedral for the life of well-known Suffolk writer and chronicler of the countryside Ronald Blythe, who died aged 100 in January.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral will be welcoming the public on Wednesday, March 1 for the tribute, which will be led by Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and will feature a eulogy by Suffolk author Julia Blackburn, a friend of Mr Blythe.

Music by the composer Benjamin Britten, also a friend of Mr Blythe, will be played at the service.

Bury Mercury: The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of St EdmundsburyThe Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury (Image: Archant)

Descended from many generations of Suffolk farm workers, he became known as one of the finest contemporary writers about the English countryside, with his 1969 novel Akenfield regarded by many as a modern classic.

The novel takes its name from the old English word for acorn, ‘acen’, and was written from Blythe’s conversations with residents of Charsfield, near Wickham Market. 

The ensuing film, directed by Suffolk's Peter Hall, was watched by 15 million people when it was broadcast on television in 1974.

Bury Mercury: Ronald Blythe died at the age of 100 in January.Ronald Blythe died at the age of 100 in January. (Image: Newsquest)

Bury Mercury: Ronald Blythe pictured with his book. Picture: Steve AdamsRonald Blythe pictured with his book. Picture: Steve Adams

Born in the village of Acton, Blythe was the eldest of six children and was educated at St Gregory's School in Sudbury before leaving aged 14 when he was conscripted during the Second World War.

However, the military life was at odds with Blythe's gentle nature and he left to become a reference librarian at Colchester library.

His last book, Next to Nature, A Lifetime in the English Countryside was published in November 2022 to celebrate his 100th birthday and featured a contribution from Julia Blackburn.

Bury Mercury: Ronald Blythe outside St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: NewsquestRonald Blythe outside St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Ronald Blythe/Geoffrey Pieters)

The Very Rev Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said: “The authenticity of Mr Blyth’s voice, as well as his attentive listening as a writer, ensured that the enduring beauty of Suffolk and the tenacity of its people are immortalised forever through his prose.

"We are honoured to give thanks for his life at this upcoming service."