Laxfield
Laxfield, with its wealth of timber-framed houses, is widely regarded
as one of the most attractive villages in north Suffolk.
Where is Laxfield?
Laxfield is off the beaten track but well worth a visit. It is situated
on the B1117, about 13 miles east of Eye. If approaching from the Norwich
direction, take the A140 into Suffolk and turn left onto the B1118 Stradbroke
Road. Continue through Hoxne, and turn left onto the B1117 at Stradbroke
church, which is about three miles from Laxfield.
Map of Laxfield
About Laxfield
Laxfield still retains much of its rural charm, with no fewer than 48 of
its thatched and timbered buildings listed as being of historic and architectural
interest.
You would have to travel some distance
to find a more picturesque building than the Guild Hall of St Mary, situated
in the main street, opposite the church. Donated to the village by the Lord
of the Manor as a church house in 1461, it now serves as a museum.
The village also has a lovely parish church with, one of the
finest sacramental fonts in the country dating from the 15th century. An
unusual feature is the banks of box seats in the nave that were intended
for children.
The Puritan William Dowsing lived in the village although
it seems uncertain whether he was actually born there. Dowsing was responsible
for destroying or defacing scores of religious objects and icons in over
150 Suffolk churches. Yet he allowed the highly ornate font in the parish
church to escape unscathed.
The village was once the final stopping place for the Mid
Suffolk Light Railway line. Known fondly as the “Middy”, it
provided the rural community with a transport link to the outside world,
running across country to Haughley, near Stowmarket, with several stops
on the way.
Map of Laxfield
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larger map of Laxfield on Google