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Page 1

“Editor’s “
WORD
A guide to Grundisburgh was first published under the auspices
of The Grundisburgh & District News in 1987, and was followed by
updates in 1994, 1997 and 2008. The work on the later issues was
carried out by members of the then Grundisburgh Business Group.
It is high time for the information to be updated and made widely
available.
This time it is three individuals who are involved. Publication
initially is just on- line, which will allow for frequent changes to be
incorporated. We will hope to produce a paper version, once any
wrinkles have been ironed out and if sponsorship can be obtained.
We will welcome any comments and amendments at any time.
These should be sent to ?????
contents

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Introduction

The first Grundisburgh Guide was published in 1987, the second in
1994,the third in 1998, and the fourth in 2008 so it was high time that a
fifth was published but this time it is being published “on line” only?????
This will enable this latest edition to be easily kept up to date and make
it more widely accessible.
A great deal has happened in Grundisburgh in the past ten years. Sadly
many old Grundisburgh residents, who contributed so much to village
life have passed on but we have welcomed many new comers to our
community. It is pleasing to see how so many of them soon integrated
and are taking an active role in our community.
We still have a better balanced community than many villages and enjoy
the facilities such as a village hall, churches, shops, post office, school,
pub, bus service that many lost long ago. The fact that we have 40 ??
flourishing voluntary organisations speaks volumes for Grundisburgh’s
sense of community.

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VILLAGE LIFE playing field pavilion - well equipped with
bar, recreation and changing rooms - is a
Grundisburgh is not just a pretty third possibility for village events. Baptist
picture postcard village, but a real lively Chapel meeting room is also used.
community with a broad spread of The village is very proud of its primary
population including lots of families with school and early years centre?????,
young children. which make Grundisburgh particularly
attractive to families.

Because Grundisburgh provides services The seven and a half acre playing field
for surrounding smaller villages, its nearly has two football pitches, three tennis
1,500 inhabitants enjoy amenities which courts and a children’s play area. It is
a village of this size could not sustain on owned by Fields in Trust and managed
its own. by a local committee. It is also the venue
There are over?? 40 clubs and groups: for the Village Show - an event in the best
religious, sporting and cultural, catering traditions of English village life with a
for both young and old. These are listed huge marquee housing horticultural and
further on in the guide. other exhibits, from paintings to home
The village hall and parish rooms are baking and preserves, entered by adults
constantly in use, providing a venue for and children. Other
many of these groups’ activities. The village groups run stalls and activities at
the show to raise money for themselves.

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ABOUT to families. . The village has 27 listed
buildings in all, including the Grade 1
GRUNDISBURGH listed St.Mary’s Church and a Grade 2
Gilbert Scott telephone kiosk on The
One of the most sought after villages Green. These can be viewed on
in Suffolk, Grundisburgh is just six https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/
miles from Ipswich and three from england/grundisburgh-suffolk-coastal-
Woodbridge. It is not just a pretty suffolk#.W3aW4vZFyUl
picture postcard village, but a real lively
community with a broad spread of St.Mary’s Church has overlooked
population including lots of families with
young children. Because Grundisburgh The Green since the late 13th Century.
provides services for surrounding smaller The view of it across The Green has long
villages, its nearly ???1,500 inhabitants been a favorite subject with painters. Its
enjoy amenities which a village of this brick tower houses a twelve bell peal (one
size could not sustain on its own. of only two in Suffolk), a 19th century
There are over 40??clubs and groups: clock and a sundial calibrated to show the
religious, sporting and cultural, catering time simultaneously in Grundisburgh,
for both young and old. These are listed Nova Scotia and Moscow. An imposing
further on in the Guide (and kept up to art deco war memorial stands in front of
date on ??). The village radiates from a the churchyard.
central Green surrounded by a Church, a The bells are said to have the lightest peal
Victorian school building, shops and pub. of twelve in any church in the world . The
The Green, criss-crossed by narrow paths, popularity of ringing them caused the
is divided by the Gull, a tributary of the tower to be strengthened in 1949 with a
River Lark. The river is spanned here by steel frame. Inside, the main feature is a
two fords and two bridges. This is the magnificent double hammer beam roof
heart of the village and gives it much of with 58 carved angels. There are also
its unique character and appeal. three medieval wall paintings, including
The village is very proud of its Primary a magnificent St.Christopher, which were
School and Early Years Centre (?is it ok uncovered in the 1950’s.
to call the ymca centre this), which make
Grundisburgh particularly attractive

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After the primary school moved from the and very early farm contractors. Two
Victorian listed building to badly needed Ablitt sons died in the 1st World War
new premises, the redundant building and are commemorated on the village
was imaginatively converted into homes. war memorial. So the development
There are eight flats for older residents commemorates an old village family,
with eight new houses behind for young a long forgotten field name and two
families. brothers who lost their lives in the service
of their country.
In 1997 the parish council was very Grundisburgh has now nearly one fifth
concerned at the acute shortage of of its housing either housing association
affordable housing to buy or rent in rented or shared equity - a far higher
Grundisburgh and Culpho. This was percentage than most villages.
a very worrying situation for many
residents, often young people who The Parish Rooms, opposite the
were born and wish to continue to
live in their village. There seemed Dog Inn, stand on the site of the parish
little hope of the situation changing schoolroom which operated from the
with recent developments comprising early 1800’s until the Education Act
mainly executive type properties, way of 1870 set in motion a programme of
outside their price range, and no rented school building to stem the alarming
accommodation planned ?the latest one illiteracy rate. When the school next to
has 8 rented). the church was built in 1875, the old
schoolroom became the village club and
The council contacted the Rural Housing reading room, open to men only, age 15
Trust, a charity that specialises in and over. It closed in 1941 and became
helping village communities provide the Home Guard HQ. After the war
affordable housing for local people. there were many years of neglect until
extensive refurbishment in 1986. Since
After years of patient work the Ablitts then it has provided a venue for village
Meadow development was built, on groups, and was for many years the
doctors’ surgery until the purpose built
land provided by the Diocese, in three surgery opened in Charles Avenue in
phases. It comprises twenty 2/3 bed 1996.
houses, two 2 bed bungalows and two 1
bed flats and was opened by the Bishop of The Baptist Chapel in Chapel
St.Edmundsbury & Ipswich in July 2006.
HRH. The Princess Royal, President of Lane is one of the earliest examples of a
the Rural Housing Trust, visited Ablitts dissenters’ meeting house. Its historical
Meadow in December 2004. and architectural importance was
The development is called after the site’s highlighted by local historian the late
pre second world war name, when it Hilda Tuck in her biographical novel on
was rough grass and a favourite place John Thompson who built the Chapel in
for gypsies to camp. At the bottom 1798 and whose eloquence won about
of the meadow was a pond where one third of the population to the Baptist
the gypsies would cut willow for peg faith by 1825.
making. The Ablitt family were farmers

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The Village Hall was built in 1925, the guide to historic houses in Suffolk.
This was rebuilt by Thomas Wall, a salt
at a cost of £600, on land given by the merchant, in the 16th Century and later
then Lord Cranworth to the Women’s enlarged
Institute. In 1962 it came under the care Between Basts and the church is Ford
of a management committee comprising House, an eccentric castellated building
the users, parish council and villagers. It put up in 1847 by the rector as stables
is in frequent use for meetings, dances for his horses and only converted into a
and plays but is now considered by many house in the 1980’s.
residents to be inadequate for the current Grundisburgh was once an almost
population and interests. (? A new hall self-contained community and one can
on the site facing the current hall is being still find locations of the basket maker,
planned) butcher, children’s home, forge, poor
house, post mill,
Grundisburgh Hall, the home of boarding schools and the numerous pubs
that thrived in Victorian times.
the Cranworth family, was built in the The Holme, at the corner of Meeting Lane
early 17th century and sits in beautiful and The Green, was a nursing home, after
parkland just outside the main village it had been used as a children’s home
on the Ipswich Road. It has a long and from 1908 to 1938.
fascinating history. One 18th century The bakery was next door and opposite
owner had to sell it to pay his gambling was a blacksmiths. The forge itself has
debts - the buyer was a Mr Dillingham been moved to the Museum of East
whose great grandson became the first Anglian Life in Stowmarket. The Olde
Lord Cranworth. The second baron’s Forge Stores was also a blacksmith and
Garter banner of three leopard faces wheelwrights.
can be seen in St. Mary’s Church and is Rose Cottage in Lower Road was the Poor
used on the village sign on The Green. . House until 1768 when its 13 inmates
His grandson, the third baron and Lord were taken to the new workhouse in
of the Manor, lives in nearby Boulge Nacton.
and his son, Sacha and family live in The village has six areas of public green
Grundisburgh Hall. space. One of the very small areas,
opposite Basts. was once the Weir
Another of the village’s notable houses

is Basts, a spectacularly timbered

medieval manor house which features in

Page 7

Pond. This was filled in, not without • Grundisburgh & District News is
controversy, in 1934 as it had become a published four times a year. Copies are
popular dumping ground for rubbish. distributed door to door within the ??
A new green has been created as part 18 villages it serves, and are available in
of a new housing development on village shops and on line at www.grundis-
Lyttleton Meadow, named after the family burghnews.org.uk.
who once owned it and who lived in • A number of books on local history
Finndale House on the other side of the about Grundisburgh and the surround-
road. George Lyttleton, a retired Eton ing area are available from Wiliams Store
schoolmaster, moved into the village and local bookshops. These include:
directly after the war. After his death, ‘Grundisburgh - The History of a Suf-
six volumes of letters which he had folk Village’ by Peter Bishop, published
exchanged during retirement with an old by Silent Books, Swavesy, Cambrid
pupil, Rupert Hart-Davis, were published. ge. ‘200 Years of God’s
His son Humphrey, who made his name Work at Grundisburgh Baptist Church’
in jazz and on radio, used to practice his and ‘Pernicious Dissenters’ by Hilda Tuck,
trumpet in the house, while one of the the story of John Thompson, the founder
daughters ran a riding school from the of Grundisburgh Baptist Church. Copies
stables. available from Colin Grimwood, 12 Alice
A network of well-marked footpaths Driver Road, Grundisburgh IP13 6XH
is shown on a large map in St. Mary’s (01473 738856).
Church porch and in Wilfred George’s
pamphlets on sale in the Post Office. still •
available?? If so where sold) • ??? cant trace Silent Books,??
A leaflet, produced as part of Not Williams have still
Grundisburgh’s Millennium celebrations
featuring some walks around
Grundisburgh, is available free from the
Parish Clerk. The best way to discover
Grundisburgh, and the beautiful
countryside that surrounds it, is by foot.
With quick and easy access to Ipswich
and Woodbridge, the Heritage Coast,
and the trunk roads to London, Norwich
and the Midlands, it is no wonder that
Grundisburgh is a very popular place to
live and attracts many visitors.

Sources of further information
• Parish council website: http://grundis-
burgh.suffolk.cloud
• Parish Clerk - John Ager, 8 Post Mill
Close, Grundisburgh, 01473 735541.

Page 8

DIRECTORY

Grundisburgh is very well
served by its shops and pub.

Williams’ Store on The Green is a veritable
Aladdin’s cave. Another guide would be
needed to list the vast range of hardware,
clothes, garden supplies, sweets and electrical
goods stocked in this remarkable shop. It now
also runs coffee shop which is proving popular
The village is very lucky to still have a
convenience store which now houses the post
office,
The Dog Inn owners Charles and Elvira
Rogers run this award winning free house?
and have gained a reputation for a warm
welcoming pub serving excellent food, much
of it locally sourced, which attracts customers
from miles around.

Page 9

THE DOG PUB

Our pretty village pub is located in menus to see our food offerings. We have
Grundisburgh, just 2 miles from the special themed nights from Tuesday
market town of Woodbridge and not far -Friday and also offer an excellent value
from the suffolk coast. At our pub we set lunch menu from Tuesday - Saturday.
try to keep things traditional we do have Sunday lunch we have a special Sunday
a restaurant and also have retained our menu with a focus on family dining and
tiled public bar with its cosy log burner, roast lunches
we served 4 real ales from the hand pump WE ARE A VERY DOG FRIENDLY PUB
or direct from the barrel. We have a well AND WELCOME DOGS BOTH IN THE
thought out wine list and a number of BAR, RESTAURANT AND GARDENS.
wines by the glass. Outside of the pub we ​
have a beautiful enclosed mediterranean PLEASE CALL US IF YOU WISH TO
style garden with an olive tree, lavender BOOK A TABLE WITH YOUR DOG IN
bushes and our wood fired pizza oven at THE RESTAURANT OR BAR ON
the rear of the pub and also seating at the 01473 735267
front over looking our pretty village. ​
Aptly named ‘The Dog’ we of course are YOU CAN BE SURE OUR FRIENDLY
extremely dog friendly allowing dogs BAR STAFF WILL WELCOME YOUR
both in the bar and restaurant. Children DOG WITH OPEN ARMS AND SPOIL
are welcome also in the restaurant. YOUR 4 LEGGED FRIEND WITH DOG
Our menu is based upon seasonal British TREATS AND WATER WHILST YOU
and Suffolk produce. Have a look at our ENJOY A MEAL OR A DRINK

Page 10

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Food 12-2 & 5.30-9.00 Bar 11-11(All Day)

​
Wednesday: Food 12-2 & 5.30-9.00 Bar 11-11(All Day)

​
Thursday: Food 12-2 & 5.30-9.00 Bar 11-11(All Day)

​
Friday: Food 12-2 & 5.30-9.00 Bar 11-11 (All Day)

​
Saturday: Food 12-2.30 & 5.30-9.00 Bar 11-11 (All Day)

​
Sunday: Food 12--9.00 (All Day) Bar 12-10.30 (All Day)

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williams

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stores

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sho

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op

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A to Z Richard Pirkis Planning
Architecture, Conservation, from
ANIMALS contemporary new build to preservation
of medieval timber frames our work is
Saddles and LeadsHorse sitting and dog individually tailored to needs. To view
walking folio
01473 890583, email [email protected]
mobile 07990 87583 01473 735350.
Happy Pets at Home Handiman Home Solutions
Dog walking and pet sitting service All aspects of home improvements and
regular or occasional. general maintenance.
Phone Julie on 01473 890207 or 01473 405128 07739 183062
07739476922 for more details and prices
CARS
BED & BREAKFAST
​

Swoosh Car Valeting
Full valets from £35. Free collection and
delivery. Odour elimination treatment,
paint/upholstery protection.
Shaun Brown
01473 735095, 07966 056553
www.swooshcarvaleting.co.uk

Ancient HouseVisit CLEANING
www.ancienthouseclopton.co.uk for
illustrations and details of excellent bed & ​
breakfast accommodation in Clopton
or telephone 01473 737642. Fynn Valley Cleaning
Hawthorn Cottage A friendly reliable service for all your
Lower Road IP13 6UQ 01473 738199. cleaning requirements. Gardening and
[email protected] building maintenance also undertaken.
Contact 01473 785775
BUILDING
​
Redman Building
Extensions and all types of property DIGITAL AND IT SERVICES
maintenance. Carpentry and eco-
improvements a specialty. Smaller jobs ​
welcome.
Call 01394 384358 William Barber - Caption IT and Design
Mobile 07816 524443. With many years of experience in both
the design and IT industry William
Barber is a CompTIA and Apple Mac
certified professional.
www.captiondesign.co.uk
07526 360956

Page 16

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH Mick The Fish
Fresh fish from Lowestoft delivered to
​ homes in Grundisburgh on Tuesdays and
Trace My Relatives Thursdays
helping people trace their roots, and 01473 611741 or 07904 188205
provides family trees and background
information. Moon & Mushroom Inn
Peter Kendall Selection of real ales, marvelous food.
www.tracemyrelatives.com High Road Swilland
01473 738332 01473 785320.
T​ he Old Drapery Williams Stores
FASHION A Cafe situated in the Old Drapery of
Williams Stores offers a selection of
​ Home Baked cakes, Tea and Coffee.
Situated alongside the Village Green this
Kiss Dress Hire is a perfect place to come and enjoy a slice
Do not stress you’ll have the dress. Prom- of cake and a cup of tea.
wedding-ball-party £19-£69. Why buy, ​
just hire! Sizes 6-24. Traditional Fish & Chips
076879 4144407 Freshly prepared, cooked to order,every
week 4 – 7.30pm. Tuesday Grundisburgh
FLOWERS Green, Wednesday Orford Castle, Friday
Otley Village Hall.
​ 01394 384743
​
Boundary Flowers
for all your floral requirements: weddings, FUNERALS
sympathy, births, etc. Boundary Farm,
Swilland, near Ipswich IP6 9LX, ​
01473 738828 EB Button & Sons Ltd
provide a caring, independent family
​ funeral service.
Pre-payment plans available. 24 St John’s
FOOD & DRINK Street, Woodbridge IP12 1EB
01394 382160.
The Dog Public House [email protected]
A quintessential English inn, serving a
good range of real ales, wine and cider to GARDENS
accompany its award
winning food offer. ​
01473 735267. Fencing & Forestry Services
Grange Farm Shop Hasketon All types of fencing and gates supplied
Award winning farm shop selling a and erected. Established 1980.
wonderful range of local produce and Telephone 01473 735710, mobile 0779
hampers. 986033.
01473 735610. ​

Page 17

Andy Cole Landscape Servicing. Repairs. Installations. Agas and
Construction Patios, pergolas, garden Rayburns. Prompt efficient service.
walls, paving, decking, planting, turfing, 01394 411839.
fencing.
01473 737824, 07784 981840. HOME
About Your Garden
Established local garden maintenance and ​
landscaping. Regular or occasional all Safe and SecureHouse sitting,
year service. 01473 890583, mobile 07990 875833.
Robert Fletcher Furniture Restoration
01473 735775. Antique and contemporary furniture
carefully restored and repaired; furniture
HEALTH designed and handmade to your
​ requirements.
Richard Evans
Chiropody 01473 623647.
Home visits. Toenail maintenance, Lynda Braybrooke Interiors
callus/corn removal, infections treated. A complete professional service for
Reflexology. Member British Chiropody curtains and interiors. Free design and
Assn. Lena Brown measuring service.
01473 720496 01473 251592, 07887 556981.
Sports and deep tissue massage. Just Tiles
Reflexology. Aromatherapy. Visit your local specialist. Free measure
Pat Miller, B.Sc (Hons) Dip.ITEC, IIST. with fitting quotation. Family business.
07788 972972 Friendly and helpful advice. Smithfield,
Mobile Massage Therapist Melton.
Swedish Full Body or Back Massage, Hopi 01394 382067,
Ear Candling, Thai Manicure/Pedicure. [email protected]
Lucy Austin MICHT, John Durrell Painter & Decorator
07881 654771, 01473 892192 Excellent references. Fully trained with 30
Clements Fitness years’ experience.
Experienced personal training by 01473 423742.
Rebecca Clements either in your home, Damselfly Interiors
at Seckford Hall Hotel or Grange Fitness, Kitchens, bathrooms, renovations, wood
Kesgrave. flooring, bespoke furniture. For quality
07920030044 workmanship visit
​ www.damselfly.biz
call 07974 648897
HEATING

​
David Friend Oil Heating Specialist.

Page 18

JEWELLRY 01473 735154
​ [email protected]

Sally Pirkis SOCIAL
Contemporary silver jewellery, unique
designs hand made with semi-precious ​
stones - necklaces, earrings, brooches, In Good Company
bracelets, cufflinks. Visits by appointment Lonely? Still feel 45? Come and have fun
sallypirkis@ homecall.co.uk with new friends.
01473 735350 Jean 01394459459
[email protected]

LEISURE Victory Hall
Hasketon. Ideal venue for regular club
​ meetings, parties and receptions. Well
Newton Hall Equitation Centre equipped and comfortable. Parking.
Facilities include indoor and outdoor 01394 388970
arenas, 50 horses/ponies, cross country,
show jumping, qualified tuition, career WINDOW CLEANING
training, livery, schooling. Swilland.
01473 785616 S.A.Proctor
www.nhec.co.uk Window cleaning, outside and inside.
Also conservatory roofs. Public liability
MUSIC insurance cover.
Phone Steve on 01473 738405 or 07914
​ 723142.
Philip Moye
Music tutor, instrumental and theory.
01473 738173.

PHOTOGRAPHY DO YOU HAVE A LOCAL
BUSINESS?
​
Edward Morgan PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
offers training and consultancy for digital TO ADVERTISE TODAY
photography, scanning, PhotoShop, web
work and desk top publishing at all levels.
01473 735300,
www.culpho-hall.co.uk

P​ RINTING

Tuddenham Press
Full colour printing from business cards
to multi page brochures. Friendly service
and competitive prices.

Page 19

Village Amenities Opening Hours

Doctors' Surgery Debenham Practice
Monday 08.00 - 19.30
Grundisburgh Surgery is situated in Tuesday 08.00 - 18.30
purpose built consulting rooms in Wednesday 08.00 - 18.30
Charles Avenue and seek to retain the Thursday 07.30 - 18.30
best traditions of village based medicine Friday 07.30 - 13.00
and includes a dispensing service for Weekend closed
prescriptions. Surgery times are included
in the Public Services section. Otley Branch Site

Monday 13.30 - 18.30
Tuesday 08.00 - 13.00
Wednesday 13.30 - 18.30
Thursday 08.00 - 13.00
Friday 13.30 - 18.30
Weekend closed

Grundisburgh Branch Site
Monday 08.00 - 13.00
Tuesday 13.30 - 18.30
Wednesday 08.00 - 13.00
Thursday 13.30 - 18.30
Friday 08.00 - 13.00
Weekend closed

Page 20

St Mary’s Church Wednesday of the month at 2.15pm, in
the parish room. MU no longer exists
The position of St Mary’s Church, by – it was replaced by the Carlford Group
The Green, at the heart of the village, which used to have talks once a month or
symbolises its ministry to the whole so but I hve not heard of them for ages
community. So far as possible, the A church newsletter (The Grapevine) is
building is unlocked in daytime. issued every month giving information
Some church services are in traditional about current activities locally, as well as
form, while others have a more modern items of more general Christian interest,
style. There is an 8am Book of Common and a copy is displayed on the notice
Prayer Communion every Sunday. At board by the gate.
11am there is a Family Service on the The detailed history of the building is
first Sunday of the month, a Parish given in the guide on sale in the church.
Eucharist on the second, a lay led Service The church hopes to develop its buildings
of the Word on the third and a Family in the future to provide kitchen, toilet
Communion on the fourth Sunday. On and meeting facilities. (I think they have
the third Sunday at 6.30pm a group meet abandoned the meetng bit??
in the Parish Room for informal worship. The church in Grundisburgh is part of
On the second and fourth Sunday the wider benefice of Burgh, Boulge
mornings a club for and Hasketon, and shares ministry and
children is held there. activities across the benefice.
Worship is assisted by a good choir and Revd.Canon Clare Sanders, can be
organist; new choir members are always contacted at The Rectory, 01473 735183,
welcome. [email protected].
During the week a group for
children in Years 4-6 (Funsters) is held
in the parish room from 5.30-6.30pm, on
a Wednesday. On the second and fourth
Thursdays a
parent toddler group (Tiddlywinks)
??hosted by the Mothers Union – see
below meet in church for a song, story,
and refreshment. In the Easter holiday
activities are provided for children during
Holy Week.

The Lunch Club meets twice a month
and provides an opportunity for older
residents to get together, and to enjoy a
good quality lunch cooked by The Dog.

The Mothers Union meet on the third

Page 21

The Baptist Chapel Club for children of
primary school age on Mondays at
Services at the Baptist Chapel, in Chapel 6.30pm and Seekers for age 10 upwards
Lane at the end of Meeting Lane, are on Tuesdays at 7pm. The program
quite simple in format and everyone is consists of a mixture of Bible teaching,
welcomed, whatever their religious (or quizzes and games. and also trips out (for
non religious) background. the older group).
Sunday services are usually at 10.45am All homes in the village receive “The
and 2.30pm (6.30pm April to October), Grundisburgh Link”, which has more
and a Prayer Meeting and Bible Study is information about meetings and special
held on Wednesdays at 7.15pm. Informal events.
home Bible Studies are held as the need Transport to meetings can be provided
arises. if needed. The Pastor Colin Grimwood
On the second and fourth Wednesdays is also available to talk privately with
of each month (except summer). the anyone with personal problems.
Ladies Meeting takes place at 2.30pm He can be contacted on 01473 738836
and a Men’s Group is held on the second (chapel) or 738856 home - (12 Alice
Wednesday at 2.30pm. Driver Road),
Meetings are also held for children and [email protected].
young people during term time: Chapel

Page 22

The Parish Council Charitable Trusts

Grundisburgh’s Parish Council started Grundisburgh has two trusts established
life in 1894, joining with Culpho as one many years ago.
council in 1971. The council is elected The Sir William Brampton Gurdon
every four years, with 12 representing Trust owns three cottages in the village.
Grundisburgh and one Culpho. The next The rent from this, plus income from
elections are due in 2019. investments, provides funds for its
The council is a ‘Quality Parish Council’ charitable work in Grundisburgh. The
- the first village in Suffolk to receive this trust pays the rental of personal alarms
award. for residents needing them, and grants
A glimpse through the minutes of a to individuals and village organisations.
parish council meeting gives a good It also gives grants at Christmas to needy
indication of the many and varied villagers.
activities and issues in which the council For more information contact the Clerk
involves itself. Items that regularly to the Trustees, John Ager,
appear on the agenda include housing, 8 Post Mill Close, Grundisburgh IP13
allotments, bus shelters, village greens, 6UU, 01473 735541
roads, conservation, footpaths, planning [email protected]
and transport. Grundisburgh Charities are a parcel of
The parish council has the power to trusts of varying age with a
award grants to village organisations for mixture of objectives. Most are interesting
capital projects. but of little practical value nowadays.
Council meetings are held on the second For example, the Robert Thinge Charity
Monday evening of every other month provides £2.60 annually “to buy bread
starting in January. The July meeting is for poor parishioners”. The Town Estate
held in Culpho’s St. Botolphs Church, Charity is more useful and enables the
the others in the parish rooms. An open trustees to consider modest grants where
forum is held during the meeting when appropriate.
members of the public can speak. Enquires to Revd.Clare Sanders, The
More information about the parish Rectory, Grundisburgh, IP13 6UF, 01473
council, including minutes of meetings, 735183,
can be viewed on its [email protected]
website http://grundisburgh.suffolk.cloud
Contacts: Steve Barnett, 57 Gurdon Road
(Chairman), 01473 738630
John Ager (Parish Clerk), 8 Post Mill
Close, 01473 735541
[email protected]

Page 23

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Primary School by both parents and staff. This lively
Grundisburgh County Primary School organisation
caters for children aged four plus to ten contributes much to the local scene
plus in the Grundisburgh, Burgh and as well as making a very practical
Clopton catchment area. The move to the contribution to the school.
smart new premises in Alice Driver Road Contacts: John Lynch, Head Teacher,
took place in 1988. 01473 735281.
The school has three suites of two Chairman of Governors Think its
classrooms?? See next para Each suite Clive Willets now Revd.Canon Clare
shares a large activity area with a cooking Sanders, The Rectory, Woodbridge Road,
and craft sink, and access to a cooker and Grundisburgh, IP13 6UF, 01473 735183
computer station. The school also has a www.grundisburgh.suffolk.sch.uk
modern suite of computers and projector
equipment.
Additional facilities include a book
resource area, a large internal covered
courtyard, a large hall with fixed and
moveable PE apparatus and changing
rooms with showers. Outside there is a
heated covered training swimming pool
(this went when another classroom was
built), playground, sports field and a
grassed area with adventure playground
equipment.
School meals are cooked on site in a
modern kitchen (a company hs a contract
to provide but not sure whether meals
cooked on site).
The active involvement of parents in
the day to day activities of the school is
strongly encouraged. Parents help with
cookery, cycling proficiency training,
needlework and other craft activities,
swimming, languages, the library,
escorting educational visits, as well
as providing ancillary support in
classrooms.
Children normally transfer at 11 years to
Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge.
The school governors play a major role
in guiding the direction of the school.
They include three elected parent
representatives. FOGS - the Friends of
Grundisburgh School - is supported

Page 25

Village Groups Bridge Club

Art Club Brian Robinson,

Paul Bruce, 33 Cumberland Street,
Woodbridge, IP12 4AH
The Old White House, 01394-549079
Culpho, IP6 9DH [email protected]
01473-738265
[email protected] Brownies

Baptist Church Kate Adams,

Colin Grimwood, 19a Gurdon Road,
Grundisburgh IP13 6XA
12 Alice Driver Road, 01473-735144
Grundisburgh IP13 6XH
01473-738856/738836 Chapel Carlford Group
[email protected]
Jenny Taylor
Beavers
7 Post Mill Close,
Stuart Ross, Scout Leader, Grundisburgh, IP13 6UU
01473-738066
3 Post Mill Crescent, Grundisburgh,
IP13 6UX Cricket Club???
01473-735352
[email protected] Julie Havard

Bell Ringers Poppies, Lower Road,
Ringshall, IP14 2JE
Stephen Pettman, 01473-658959

Grange Farm House, 48 Grange Road, Cubs
Felixstowe IP11 2JR
01394-286246 Archie Adams,

Bowls Club 19a Gurdon Road,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6XA
Alan Hill, 01473- 735144

The Old Police House, Park Road, Early Years Centre YMCA
Grundisburgh IP13 6TP
01473-735662 Kim Streater

YMCA, Alice Driver Road,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6XH
01473-738017
[email protected]

Page 26

Explorers Guides

Stuart Ross, Scout Leader, Debbie Richards

3 Post Mill Crescent, 14 Thompson Close,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6UX Grundisburgh, IP13 6XJ
01473-735352 01473-735044
[email protected]
Horticultural Society
FOGS
Martin Cripps,
Friends of Grundisburgh
School Apple Tree Cottage,
Boot Street,
Contact school for current details Great Bealings, IP13 6PB 01473-738997
01473 735281 [email protected]

Folk Dance Group Local History Society

Sally Talbot, 21 Gurdon Road, Albert Usher,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6XA
01473-735788 Purbrook House,
The Green,
Football Club Grundisburgh IP13 6TA
01473-738195
John Trenter, [email protected]

30 Post Mill Gardens, Lunch Club
Grundisburgh IP13 6UP
01473-735377 Lynda Bridges,

GADS 2 Vine Cottages, Woodbridge Road,
Grundisburgh
(Amateur Dramatic Society) IP13 6UF
Nicola Brown, 01473-735611
[email protected]
36 Half Moon Lane,
Grundisburgh IP13 6TU Netball Club
01473-738229
[email protected] Julie Smith,

Grundisburgh & District News 128 Belvedere Road,
Ipswich, IP4 4AD
Nicola Hobbs, 01473-717704
[email protected]
Ford House, The Green,
Grundisburgh IP13 6TA
01473-738267
[email protected]

Page 27

Noble Rotters Wine Club Sir William Brampton Gurdon
Cottage Trust
Bob Crouch,
John Ager,
Finndale Cottage, Woodbridge Road,
Grundisburgh , IP13 6UD 8 Post Mill Close,
01473-738845 Grundisburgh, IP13 6UU
01473-735541
Parish Rooms [email protected]

Peter Brunning, St.Botolphs Church, Culpho

Brookdale, 3 Stoney Road, Richard Garnham,
Grundisburgh IP13 6RA
01473-735481 Wood Farm, Wood Farm Lane, Culpho,
Ipswich, Suffolk IP13 6RP
Playing Field 01473-738139
[email protected]
Richard Garnham,
St.Mary’s Church/Grundisburgh
Wood Farm, Wood Farm Lane, Charities
Culpho, Ipswich,
Suffolk, IP13 6RP Revd.Canon Clare Sanders,
01473-738139
[email protected] Parish Rooms, The Green,
Grundisburgh IP13 6TA
Primary School 01473-735183
[email protected]
John Lynch,
Tennis Club Think has changed
Grundisburgh Primary School,
Alice Driver Road, Monica Begg,
Grundisburgh IP13 6XH
01473-735281 9 Gurdon Road,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6XA
Scouts 01473-738830
[email protected]
Stuart Ross, Scout Leader,
Upbeat Ladies Choir
3 Post Mill Crescent,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6UX Kate Adams,
01473-735352
[email protected] 19a Gurdon Road,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6XA
01473- 735144

Page 28

Village Hall

Judith Bignell,

34 Orchard End,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6UA
01473-735459

What’s on in Grundisburgh
Newsgroup

Martin Hough,

7 Post Mill Orchard,
Grundisburgh IP13 6UT
01473-735213
[email protected]

Women’s Institute

Barbara King,

9 Jacqueline Close,
Grundisburgh IP13 6UZ
01473-735082

Youth Club

Ann Willetts,

14 Gurdon Road,
Grundisburgh, IP13 6XA
01473-738831

Page 29

BEYOND GRUNDISBURGH BEYOND GRUNDISBURGH
Page 30

After sampling the delights of Boulge churchyard contains the grave
Grundisburgh the visitor is spoilt for of Edward Fitzgerald, famous for his
choice when exploring places of interest translation of ‘The Rubayiat of Omar
beyond the village, being so close to the Khayyam’.
Heritage Coast. Fitzgerald was born in Bredfield House,
A day is not enough to discover the which was demolished soon after the
attractions of Woodbridge only 10 Second World War leaving just the
minutes away by car apart from the many servants’ wing, now named Fitzgerald
other small towns and villages nestling in Cottage. A building in the garden was
what is still largely unspoilt countryside. transformed into a smaller and more
To help the visitor many guide books are manageable ‘Bredfield House’. Boulge
available including guides for the walker Hall, to where the family moved, and the
and cyclist. Apart from Grundisburgh thatched cottage in Boulge Park lived in
Post Office probably the best source if by Fitzgerald for many years, have both
information for the visitor is the district? disappeared. However, several houses
County Council information centre where he lived in Woodbridge can still be
Railway Station in Woodbridge. at the seen - one above the clock restorers on
Woodbridge Library Market Hill is marked by a plaque.

As well as the well know tourist hot spots He published his freely adapted Rubaiyat
there are many fascinating places - some of Omar Khayyam in 1859. This reflective
of national importance - which many poem, with its haunting stanzas on
visitors unknowingly pass by. Sometimes love, death and the passage of time did
even people living close by are unaware of not become widely known until after
their existence. Fitzgerald’s death. For nearly two years
after publication copies of it lay unwanted
These are just two to whet your appetite. on the publishers shelves and then
Both are graves. One of the man - who were, in modern terms, ‘remaindered’. It
most people know a few lines of his was a total flop! Eight years later it was
greatest work and the other one of described as “the finest and most famous
our countries greatest humanitarian translation ever made next to the English
crusaders who is only now receiving the Bible” when it was reviewed in the
recognition he deserves. American North American Review. Now
all over the world Omar Khayyam clubs
Boulge and the Khayyam connection celebrate his work, and new generations
come to know and love his masterpiece.
Edward Fitzgerald died in 1883. His grave
“The Moving Finger writes; and, having in St.Michael’s Churchyard is marked by a
writ, flat pink granite coffin-shaped monument
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit next to the Fitzgerald family mausoleum.
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it”

Page 31

In 1893 members of the Omar Khayyam Above: Boulge Church - (REF)
Club planted a rose tree at the head of
Fitzgerald’s grave. This had been raised Otley and the American link
in Kew Gardens from hips brought from
Omar’s grave at Naishapur. After the 2nd Otley Hall dates back to the 15th century
World War, the rose was found to be just and has a wealth of historic, literary and
a few inches of dead looking stem, but royal connections in its past. Records
happily a new young plant from the same of dwellings on the moated site of ‘Ota’s
stock was sent from Kew in 1950. It is still Lea’ go back to the Domesday Book.
there, with the plaque erected when the The Grade 1 listed building is also
original rose was planted. considered one of the finest medieval
Finding the church is difficult. If houses in England. Its grandeur is due
approaching from the A12 go through to the Gosnold family, who owned it for
Bredfield on the C309 towards Debach. 250 years and employed the most skilled
A few hundred yards past the U3414 master craftsmen of the 1450’s to create
turning, you will see a concrete roadway a large family seat for themselves. Many
signed by a wooden signpost marked were involved on the fringes of English
“Boulge Church”. Go down this, turn history and they claimed descent from
right at the T junction, travel about 100 Edward the Third. The best known is
yards and you will see a track on the right Bartholomew Gosnold who led two
leading to the church. The church is itself expeditions to America several years
worth a visit and is normally open. The before the Mayflower, planning them at
grave is situated to the left of the church. the hall.
In 1602 Gosnold voyaged to America and
named Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard

Page 32

(after his daughter who died in infancy). Horder, a much sought after Edwardian
He returned in 1606/7 and founded the architect, to refurbish the building.
Jamestown Colony - the first English- Francis Inigo Thomas was commissioned
speaking settlement in America. It is to design a formal garden - only partly
known that Gosnold was the prime implemented.
mover in organising this voyage.
He would probably have been Under Mrs Sherston’s patronage, the hall
Jamestown’s first governor had he not became a centre for village festivities.
died from swamp fever. Among others Sadly her fascist sympathies (Sir Oswald
he recruited Captain John Smith (of Mosley was a frequent visitor) marred her
Pocahontas fame). Smith, in publicising later years.
his own romantic tale, has overshadowed
Gosnold in popular history. The various owners since have all
These expeditions are believed to have continued to restore this rare and
inspired Shakespeare particularly for the distinguished house.
geography of Prospero’s island in ‘Twelfth
Night’. The playwright and Gosnold Otley Hall is a perfect setting for
shared the same patron, the Earl of weddings, conferences, seminars, and
Southampton. weddings. Historical tours of the house
The family lost Otley Hall after Colonel and gardens are held. Otley Hall quiet
Robert Gosnold fought with great days offer a chance to enjoy the house
distinction on the losing side in the Civil and grounds, and to reflect and grow
War. spiritually. The 10 acre gardens are also
For several centuries after this, the hall open on Wednesday afternoons from mid
was tenanted, much of the land sold off April to September. Private groups are
and parts of the house demolished. It was also welcome by appointment. Otley Hall
largely due to Mrs Arthur Sherston, who is in Hall Lane, just off the B1079. It is
lived there for most of the first half of the signposted from the centre of the village
20th century, that the hall is in such good on open days.
condition today. She employed Morley
For more information

01473 890264
www.otleyhall.co.uk

Otley Hall - (REF)

Page 33

Playford and the slave trade moral issues. There followed a 20 year
campaign. He undertook many tours of
In 1996 a plaque was unveiled in Britain gathering information, travelling
Westminster Abbey, an honor more than 100,000 miles in the process. He visited
a century overdue. It reads “Thomas ports, slave ships, interviewed sailors
Clarkson - a Friend to Slaves”. This is who crewed them, addressed countless
nearly identical to the inscription carved meetings and organised petitions
on a granite obelisk raised in Playford supplying Wilberforce with all the
Churchyard by a “few surviving friends” ammunition he needed to fight the cause
in 1857. His grave lies a few yards away in Parliament.
near the chancel door. In 1807 Wilberforce’s Anti Slave Trade
Born in Wisbech in 1760 Thomas Bill became law banning the trade to
Clarkson appeared destined for the British Colonies but the fight was far
church. He won two scholarships to St. from finished and both men continued
John’s College, Cambridge, and there campaigning to have it banned
entered a Latin essay prize the subject of throughout the Empire. This was not
which was “Is it lawful to make slaves of finally achieved until 1833.
others against their will”. That essay was Why is it then that most people think
to change his life. William Wilberforce was responsible for
While gathering information he read the banning of slavery in British Colonies
a book about slavery by an American and Empire, when the real originator,
Quaker Antony Benezet. What he read architect and prime mover was Thomas
shocked and horrified him. Filled with Clarkson? The reasons are rather sad and
passion and anger he devoted the rest of shameful.
his life to the abolition of slavery. In 1838 Wilberforce’s two sons published
In Parliament he singled out William a biography of their father in which they
Wilberforce as his legislative spokesman disparaged Clarkson’s role and gave a
- a young MP known for his interest in totally wrong impression that Wilberforce

Page 34

was the main force in slavery’s abolition. know the true story of Clarkson and
There was public outcry. The papers his life-long battle to free the slaves - so
denounced the book. Wilberforce’s sons perhaps he will now take his rightful
eventually apologised, but not publicly, place as one of this country’s greatest
and later editions of the book were not humanitarian champions.
corrected. Historians over the years have
used their book as an authoritative source Playford Church is easy to find. Built on
and so the myth has been perpetuated. the highest point in the village, its tower
Thomas Clarkson lived for the last 30 dominates the surrounding countryside,
years of his life at Playford Hall. He and there is a signpost in the village.
worked closely with Quakers during
his campaigning years and had great Further reading:
sympathy with their cause. So much so
that, in Quaker tradition, he asked that no Thomas Clarkson and the Campaign
monument be erected over his grave. If against Slavery by Zerbanoo Gifford
you visit Playford’s St.Mary’s Churchyard Can be ordered direct from the publisher
you will see that his wish was granted cost £10.00
although wrought iron railings with
tablets were later placed around the vault Anti Slavery International, The Stableyard,
containing his remains and those of his Broomgrove Road, London 0171 9249555
wife, son and grandson.
In Ipswich, Clarkson, Wilberforce and Below: Thomas Clarkson’s memorial at
Benezet are commemorated by streets Playfords Church (REF PIC)
named after them on the Burlington
Estate. (The land was owned by Dykes
Alexander - the Quaker Banker,
philanthropist and early photographer.
Quakers were very prominent in the
anti slavery campaign). The esteem in
which Clarkson was held is clearly seen as
Clarkson Street is the main thoroughfare
through the estate, is bisected by the other
two, is longer and contains far grander
houses and a church.

2007 marked the bicentenary of the
Abolition of the Slave Trade in the British
Empire and this was commemorated
by events all over the country including
a special service in Playford Church
attended by many of Clarkson’s
descendants. Many more people now

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GRUNDISBURGH IN BLACK & WHITE

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TO SEEE MORE IMAGES VISIT...

VILLAGE MAP

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