SUFFOLK Lavenham Suffolk, CO10 Perhaps the most famous of the wool towns, Lavenham once enjoyed such a high standing that in the reign of Henry VIII it was ranked as the 14th wealthiest town in England. For at least 500 years, the manufacture of various kinds of cloth and the preparation of wool and yarn were the main source of this wealth. The appearance of the town has changed little over the years; half-timbered houses lean crazily over the narrow streets while the Guildhall, built in 1529, is perhaps the town’s most prominent feature. The building is owned by the National Trust and open to the public. Lavenham has been described as: ‘the finest medieval town in England’ and it has no fewer than 300 of its buildings listed as being of architectural or historic interest. Lavenham is a joy to explore; it looks as beautiful in the evening as it does during the day, and is worth visiting in the off peak season when the streets are quieter. Regular guided walks Saturdays 2.30pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am April-end Oct. (Group walks at any time by arrangement. Lavenham Tourist Information Centre, Lady Street; Tel 01787 248207; Email: lavenhamtic@babergh.gov.uk). Best Vantage Points: The most photogenic parts of the village are the High Street in particular, the Swan Hotel, Market Place which is a square surrounded by timber framed buildings and the magnificent Guildhall and Little Hall; Prentice Street (domestic terraced houses); Lady Street; Water Street; Shilling Street and Barn Street, where John Constable went to grammar school. Restrictions: Permission would have to be sought for filming on privately-owned land or local authority owned car parks. Permits: Depends on where filming is to take place. Please contact Babergh District Council for advice. See The National Trust’s Film Unit notes on page 296.
Contact: Helen Cutting, Tourism Officer Telephone: 01449 724636 Email: Helen.cutting@midsuffolk.gov.uk Website: www.southandheartofsuffolk.org.uk
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