Hadleigh, a Historic Market Town in Suffolk

Hadleigh is a marketplace town fairly fold to Ipswich, but far adequate away to have got it's have fictional character and alone history. Up until the 17C Hadleigh was a cloth-making town in common with the remainder of the country (Kersey, Lavenham, Long Melford). Consequently it was a affluent town and it still incorporates some lovely old lumber framed houses with pargetting. However as the fabric industry declined so did Hadleigh and it wasn't until the age of the railroad train that the town really prospered again. At that clip some of the aged places which had been neglected for centuries were re-fronted in Victorian style, which gives Hadleigh the visual aspect of amalgamated architecture when in fact many edifices are medieval.

Hadleigh also incorporates many edifices dating from different time periods and therefore have a uniquely amalgamated architecture. For example, near the Church is a great gatehouse called the Deanery Tower which dates back to 1495 and is Class 1 listed. Below is a image of the Guildhall which is also Class 1 listed. It have three narratives and was built in the mid 15C as the Market Hall, with stores on the land floor. Over the old age the edifice have been used for a assortment of intents including a workhouse and a girdle factory! Now the assorted hallways and suite are available to engage and it would do a glorious locale for a political party The Guildhall is unfastened from mid-June to the end of September and circuits take topographic point a couple of modern times a week. Traditional pick teas are served in the garden from Lord'S Day to Friday.

Near the Guildhall is the flint and freestone parish Church of St Virgin Mary (see top photo), which have the oldest bell in Suffolk that still tags the hours. Hadleigh Chorale Society is an active choir organising many antic concerts in St Mary's and environments - for a full listing of their extroverted concerts see The Suffolk Tourist Guide

Hadleigh have 250 listed buildings, and the oldest portion of the town dwells of the High Street and surrounds, so is easily accessible.

The High Street is nearly a statute mile in length and runs parallel to the River Brett which constitutes Hadleigh's western boundary. There are tons of interesting stores in Hadleigh, most of them independently owned rather than chains. Of the 137 places on the High Street 90% are listed! So even if you don't travel into the stores you'll still have got plentifulness of interesting sights to see.

Jayrest Interiors have for over 40 old age designed, hand-built and sold a scope of gorgeous bespoke couches and upholstered armchairs through their Hadleigh showroom, so don't bury to protrude in to see them when you're there as they are well deserving a visit.

Many of Hadleigh's edifices were re-fronted during the Victorian times, but there are still quite a few that day of the month from the 19C entirely.

In improver to the independently run shops, Hadleigh have quite a few more than gemstones to offer the tourist. Hadleigh Maid is a provider and maker of quality handmade cocoas and sweet based in Saint George Street. There are numerous populace pathways throughout the town, respective pickings advantage of the stopping point propinquity of the River Brett. On Friday morns there is a Market Day in the Market Topographic Point offering a broad scope of stalls, including fish, fruit and vegetables, flowers, jams, olives and cheese.

Every twelvemonth the occupants of Hadleigh set on a Show which is a traditional household event (usually 3rd Saturday in May) including Dog Displays, Vintage Tractors, Show jumping, trade stands.. and much more. And then of course of study there are the lacrimation holes - the pubs, coffeehouses restaurants, you won't travel hungry or thirsty in Hadleigh!

The Hadleigh Society organises negotiation on Hadleigh and local history six modern times a twelvemonth and also run guided circuits of the town.