Doom. A painting, usually above the chancel arch, or on a tympanum within it, which shows the last judgement. Christ in his majesty oversees the weighing of souls, who are led away to heaven (north) or to hell (south). Sometimes, the painting extends on to the north and south walls of the nave.

Probably all churches had them, and Suffolk has many examples of varying quality. The best examples are Wenhaston (on a tympanum), North Cove (on the chancel wall), Bacton, Cowlinge, Stanningfield and Wissington. The one at Cowlinge is particularly unusual, since it shows a rare survival of Mary interceding on behalf of sinners - she tips the balance of the scales with a long pole.