All about
Kettleburgh in 1925 -
Click
Kelly's
and find out about the records kept in the
Kelly's Directory of 1925
Lord of the Manor of Kettleburgh - History
THIS LORDSHIP is most interesting, less so for
its distant past ‑ well researched as that is - but for its
history over the past 20 years. It was acquired from the Trustees
of Lord Huntingfield in 1986 for Theodore ' Ted' Gamble, of
California, by his wife April. It is by no means infrequently the
case that new Lords and Ladies of Manors become involved with the
local community, but the Gambles took the role offered them by
local people to a fine degree. They learned from the Reverend Roger
Dixon, Vicar of Kettleburgh and Brandeston, that the wooden bell
frame in St Andrew's church had finally succumbed to deathwatch
beetle shortly after the Second World War, and the peal of bells,
cast in 1470, had crashed to the floor. One bell was shattered, and
the others had been placed in a corner of the nave, no doubt at the
time in the forlorn hope that the parish might one day be able to
afford to have them re‑hung. Indeed, there was a fund for this
purpose, but as with many similar other good intentions money was
hard to come by and the value of such as was collected was largely
outstripped by inflation in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Consequently, services and especially weddings, if not unsung, had
gone unrung for 40 years when Mr and Mrs Gamble became the Lord and
Lady of Kettleburgh.
They decided that they would pay for the bell
frame to be rebuilt, the church tower reinforced, and the bells
re‑cast, which last was undertaken by the Whitechapel Foundry, East
London. in December1991. The Foundry had a strong link with the
United States, since it was there in the 18th Century that the
Liberty Bell, in Philadelphia, was originally cast. Mr and Mrs
Gamble, Mr Dixon and his wife Stella, and their churchwardens and
wives attended the pouring of the molten metal with Mr Robert Smith
Chairman of the Manorial Society of Great Britain. A picture of the
re‑casting was published in The Times of London on 23 December, and
written up in the East Anglia press, and shown on BBC television
news. The bells were duly re‑hung in St Andrew's Church and were
re‑dedicated by the Rt Rev John Dennis, Bishop of St Edmundsbury
and Ipswich on Saturday 4 July 1992, American Independence Day,
followed by tea with champagne and strawberries in marquees to
which everyone in the parish was invited, together with Members of
the Manorial Society, Lords and Ladies of Manors throughout the
country in support.
Several years after Ted Gamble died in
2000, April Gamble decided to relinquish the title, and put it up
for sale.
A letter from April Gamble, dated 1 January 2008:
Dear Kettleburgh & Friends,
The sale of the Lordship of Kettleburgh has now been completed and
soon you should be meeting your new Lord of the Manor. I hope
he is as excited, curious and honoured as Ted and I have been these
years.
I will always be grateful to the community that made us feel
welcome, taught us so much and fed us so well. I have so many
fond memories and photos and I thank all of you who over the years
opened your hearts and homes to us. Thank you.
Love,
April Gamble |
We are extremely grateful to Ted and April Gamble for all that they
have given in time, interest and money, whilst they have held the
Lordship of the Manor of Kettleburgh. Both Ted and April have
shown a keen interest in the life of the community, made and
maintained many friends, given generously, attended the fete, and
generally been very good for us all. The Lordship of
Kettleburgh has taken a while to sell but it has sold now and we
are grateful to April who has sent us the net proceeds:
Kettleburgh Lord of the Manor
Fund £1673.00
St Andrew's
Church £
500.00
Ted Gamble had been an active businessman all his life; one of
his positions held was as a Vice-President of Pepsi-Cola. Ted
and April lived in California, now April lives mostly in
London.
The Lordship of Kettleburgh was bought in 1988 by April Gamble and
given to her husband, Ted, for their wedding anniversary in
December 1987. The Lordship holds nothing physical, it is
only a right written on a piece of parchment, with accompanying
documents.
The Early History of the Lord of The Manor of Kettleburgh
The Royal Charter for the Lordship of
Kettleburgh entitled the Lord of the Manor to appoint a Bailiff,
which Mr Gamble did. It also granted the right to market and the
American Lord inaugurated the first of these, in aid of local
charity.
The Manor of Kettleburgh dates from the late
Anglo‑Saxon Monarchy and Edric the Grim is the first recorded
holder. It was acquired before the Norman Conquest by the Prior of
Ely and by Domesday Book (1086) the Overlordship was held by Count
Allan of Brittany, who had dispossessed the priory and convent. The
Testa de Nevill in the early 13th Century mentions that Kettleburgh
eschewed from the Wyde (or Widonis) family to the King and that
Richard Aguillurn was Royal Bailiff. In 1224, an entry in the Close
Rods indicates that it was the King's desire to give possession of
the Manor to Peter de Malo (Maulay), and four years later Richard
just mentioned was possessed of it. By 1331, William de Kerdeston
held Kettleburgh at Pleasure presumably all holding as Bailiffs
because l0 years later, King Henry III granted the Lordship
outright to Peter de Savoie (Savoy), Earl of Richmond. Earl Peter
was Queen Eleanor of Savoy's uncle, one of the 'Savoyards' whose
family links with the Plantagenet Henry Ill enabled them to
monopolize power at the Royal Court to the dismay of some important
men in England. This eventually led to an attempt in 1259, under
the Provisions of Oxford, by the English nobility to exclude what
was perceived as the malign foreign influence of this north Italian
family from Piedmont Savoy, unsuccessfully as it turned out for the
head of the English noble faction Simon de Montfort, Earl of
Leicester, rose in rebellion in 1264 and defeated and captured the
King at the battle of Lewes. Perhaps as part of the compromise
attempted in 1259, Peter de Savoy surrendered Kettleburgh and other
lands in Suffolk to the King who granted them to Prince Edward, the
future King Edward 1. Edward granted the Lordship to Sir William
Charles with free warrant, to be held of the King and his heirs in
chief, and in 1292 the new Lord obtained the market Charter by
which Mr Gamble was able to authorize the charity market referred
to above.
Sir William was the son of William de Yarmouth,
and he built a substantial house at Kettleburgh, the remains of
which, including a moat, are found at the north‑west end of St
Andrew’s Church. It was known as Kettleburgh Hall. Sir William was
succeeded by his son, Sir Edward, at the age of 36 who did homage
for the Manor to King Edward in 1305. Four years later, Sir Edward
settled the Manor on himself and his wife Alice, with remainder in
tail in succession to their four sons, William, Robert, Edmund, and
Edward. Sir Edward died in 1328 and was succeeded by his fourth son
and namesake, who was knighted by King Edward W. This Sir Edward
died in 1337 and by his wife Dyonyse he was succeeded by his son
Sir Robert Charles, who died 22 years later (interestingly, his
mother Dyonyse died in 1376 in what must have been extreme old age
by the standards of the time). Robert appears to have been
succeeded briefly at Kettleburgh by his uncle who died the
following year, and he was succeeded by his younger brother Sir
Edward, who died in 1375. Sir Edward's son Robert succeeded him and
lived until 1401. He devised the Lordship to his wife, who paid
their son and heir Thomas £20 for use of the Manor, and father and
son are both buried in the church.
History and Background of the Village
Green
The first steps to a green
space for Kettleburgh were taken on 8 March 2002 at a seminar
called “Shepherd or Sheep – Does your Parish Council Lead or
Follow?” The Countryside Agency was there to explain a new funding
opportunity called “Doorstep Greens”.
A piece of land of 2.5 acres
was identified adjacent to the public footpath leading to the
Church and also accessed from Church Road. The Doorstep Green
Action Group committee was set up to seek funding and create a new
village green. In February 2004, £3,500 was granted by the
Countryside Agency for a feasibility study. Following public
meetings and questionnaires involving the residents, a grant of
almost £65,000 was offered on 18 March. This represented about 70%
of the total Project Expenditure of just over £90,000.
Formation of Kettleburgh
Green Trust
On 22 March 2005 the land was
purchased for £13,600 and on 18 July the Kettleburgh Green Trust
was registered as a charity. At 1st April 2009 there are 7 Trustees
and 2 Non-Trustees who work on behalf of the Trust to raise the
funds to maintain the green and to purchase play equipment as
promised. The Mission Statement is:
Kettleburgh Green Trust aims to make the Village Green a special
place which will enable the whole community to enjoy leisure and
recreation in a natural setting.
It is also committed to conserving the Green’s natural
biodiversity
and wildlife for the benefit of all local people.
Fundraising
Other sponsorships were
sought. As well as individuals, these included SCC, the Mills
Charity in Framlingham, the Co-Op, the Kettleburgh Lord of the
Manor Fund, Kettleburgh Gun Club. Many events have been held in the
village to raise additional funds. A Beetle Drive, Sunday
Breakfasts, Cheese & Wine evenings, the Kettleburgh House
Exhibition, a Christmas Décor demonstration are just some
examples.
Creation Works
Contractors were sought
for the creation project and work commenced in September 2005. The
area of scrubland and sand pits was dramatically transformed into
the beginnings of a green space and wildlife area. Paths were laid,
areas for a meadow, orchard and a level surface for ball games were
created. Trees were planted and grass seeded.
To mark the end of a
successful first year, a celebration took place on 16th September
2006. On a sunny afternoon and evening in early autumn, villagers
and their friends and relations enjoyed a free hog roast, music and
games
Check out
the Kettleburgh Green matters page for up to date
news
Click here to
read more about the Village Green
Kettleburgh Village Hall
History
In 1924 an agreement was made between Henry George Walne of
Kettleburgh Hall to rent a piece of his land to Reverend R Davies
of Brandeston, John Goddard of Kettleburgh (farmer) and Herbert
Hill of Kettleburgh (Innkeeper).
Henry George Walne agreed to rent the piece of waste land,
"thirty yards long and eleven yards wide", for the term of
thirty years. The rent was to be one shilling a year payable yearly
on the sixth day of April. The tenants were to erect a room to be
known as "The Kettleburgh Parish Room" and this was to be used as a
reading room or for concerts and dancing or "any other kind of
amusement or parochial purposes".
You can read more on the Village
Hall Page
Kettleburgh Fete
The first Kettleburgh Fete took place in 1924,
it was held to meet the expenses of the new Parish Room. The event
was opened at 3.30 pm by Lady Huntingfield of Heveningham Hall.
There were various stalls, an Aunt Sally, guessing the weight of a
pig and a draw, the prizes for which included beef, wine, tea,
butter, sugar and coal. Games included ham-banging, hidden
treasure, hoop-la and a bran tub. An American tennis tournament was
played throughout the day and a concert took place in the
afternoon. In the evening there was a whist drive, another concert
and dancing ‘til midnight to selections played by the Framlingham
Band. All this made a profit of £76.16.1 ½ d (£76.80
approximately).
Kettleburgh Fetes continued until
1930 when there was a joint one for Brandeston and Kettleburgh to
help renovation funds for both churches. This was quite a “do”.
Music was provided by the Leiston Works Prize Band. Besides a
concert there were bowls, quoits and tennis tournaments. If this
was not sufficient one could indulge in clay pigeon shooting,
whippet racing, a motor cycle, gymkhana and a parade of children’s
decorated bicycles. All this ended with a display of fireworks.
From 1931 onwards each village held its own event.
Framlingham Weekly News - No mention until 29.7.1933
Brandeston & Kettleburgh Fete. United Fete at Kettleburgh
Old Rectory by kind permission of Mr S T Cribb – money donated to
both churches.
1934
1935 Brandeston & Kettleburgh both celebrated the
Jubilee but separately.
9.5.1935 For the fete at Kettleburgh the sports grounds lent by
Mr H G Walne was used. Tea was served in the Village Hut.
7.9.1935 Garden Party at Kettleburgh Hall in aid of Church
Funds. Net profit of £12.00
1936
31.10.1936 Kettleburgh decided how to celebrate the Coronation
similar to the Jubilee. Short service at War Memorial. Tea for
children followed by one for adults. Games & sports till 10 pm
– then bonfire.
Committee: H G Walne, Rev. Chapman, Messrs Cribb,
Goddard, A & N Pulham, R Moore, W Runnacles, W Newcombe, R
Ling, S Crisp, H Taylor, H James and O Beard.
1937
12.5.1937 Kettleburgh. Rain did not prevent people entering into
programme arranged for them by Chairman Capt. H. Walne &
Secretary, Mr N. Pulham. In the morning parishioners assembled in
the church to hear the broadcast of the solemn service from
Westminster Abbey. At 2.30 a large number of people gathered on the
meadow in front of the Hall where both children’s and adult’s
sports were run off. At 4o’clock the young people sat down to a
fine tea in the Hut, tastefully decorated by Miss Cone
(Headmistress), the staff and children. Each child received a
souvenir mug, gift of the Rev. D S Chapman (Rector).
At 6 pm the adults enjoyed a sumptuous meal – all the beer for
the day being given by Mr Field of the Water Mill. During this,
children played games in the school under the supervision of Miss
Cone and Mrs Crisp. Adult sports followed and afterwards everyone
congregated at the Hut to hear the King’s speech. By the light of a
huge bonfire festivities were brought to a happy ending.
5.6.1937 Surplus of £5.00 from Kettleburgh Coronation
celebrations given to Parish Room.
1938 The Framlingham Weekly News finished publication
on 31.12.1938 so
no further information
Wilda Woodland – 9 November
2007
Each year the Kettleburgh Fete
proceeds
are split between the Kettleburgh Church & the Village
Hall.
All funds raised have been recorded in the Kettleburgh Fete
Accounts.
To view each set of accounts - click below
Kettleburgh Fete 2001 & 2002
Kettleburgh Fete 2002 & 2003
Kettleburgh Fete 2003 & 2004
Kettleburgh Fete 2005 & 2006
Kettleburgh Town Estate
Charity
This charity was set up many years ago when five cottages next
to the church were sold, raising about £2,500. The interest from
this fund is about £70 per year. It was originally used to provide
coal for pensioners, and then small Christmas gifts. Since 1999 it
has been awarded to first year college students who live in the
parish for the purchase of books, if they make an
application.
The Trustees to the Kettleburgh Town Estate Charity are the two
churchwardens and the vicar. You can read more about this charity
online at:
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/
Kettleburgh Village Produce Association
It is thought that the
Kettleburgh Flower and Vegetable Show was possibly started in
conjunction with the Brandeston and Kettleburgh Women’s
Institute.
It was in existence in 1949 (see newspaper cutting of 1950). Mrs
Phillis Howe, 2 Watermill Cottages (k.d.1983) and Mrs Pat Pearl
(k.1952-1959) were directly involved. This line of research cannot
be followed up as the Brandeston & Kettleburgh W.I. is no
longer in existence. Unfortunately their records were lost.
In 1953 the Mitchell Perpetual Challenge Cup was given by
William and Marion Mitchell, (brother & sister), Kettleburgh
Lodge (k.1939-1970) for produce. They are remembered as being very
pleasant people who spoke with a strong Scots accent. Miss Mitchell
was famed for her scotch pancakes. In 1970 they retired to live in
Felixstowe.
The same year, 1953, the Hill Perpetual Challenge Cup was given
by Derek and Pat Hill, (d.2004). About the same time (1953) the
society applied for affiliation with the Suffolk Agricultural
Association, thus becoming the Kettleburgh Village Produce
Association.
Over the years other cups were given to be won:
Flowers – Neville (d.1995) and Ann Brown, The Watermill
(1974-1996)
Runner-up to the Produce Cup – Leslie and Mary Levy (d. 1990), 3
Lings Field (1979-1994)
Kettleburgh only competition runner up – Produce &
Vegetables – Vera Pulham (d.2002), Home Farm – Cranbrook
(k.1946-2002)
Fruit (2006)– in memory of Mrs Norman, Paul and Claire Norman, 2
Red Roofs
Flowers Runner-Up(1978) - in memory of Herman Baalam, 1 Stone
Cottages (1974-1993) given by Eric Smith, 9 Church Road – d.
2007).
the Geoffrey Goddard Trophy (2008) - the best Roses in the
show - in memory of Geoffrey Goddard - Anne Bater, Church Farm.
| Produce |
Mitchell Perpetual Challenge
Cup |
| Vegetables |
Hill Perpetual Challenge Cup |
| Flowers |
Neville and Ann Brown |
| Produce - Runner-up |
Leslie & Mary Levy
|
| Fruit |
Paul and Claire Norman |
|
Kettleburgh Only Competitors
Vegetables |
Vera Pulham |
| Kettleburgh Only
Competitors Runner Up - Vegetables |
Vera Pulham |
| Flowers - Runner Up (Baalam
Cup) |
Eric Smith |
| Roses - the best in the
show |
The Geoffrey Goddard
Trophy |
Kettleburgh Manor
Account
The fund was set up in 1987 with a cheque for $1500 given by Ted
Gamble when he became Lord of the Manor of Kettleburgh. Ted
and April Gamble were living in California and April bought the
title as a gift for her husband. The fund was established for
the well-being of the Parish.
The Rector and the Chairman of the Parish Council became its
trustees.
It is currently a small fund of about £500.
Amongst other things, the fund has been used for stage
curtains
for the Village Hall and books for Easton School library.
Contributions were also made towards the cost of the sewer
connection to the Village Hall and the creation of the Village
Green.
Click here For more detail about the Kettleburgh Manor Account from
Reverend P G Vellacott
Click here to
read more about
lordships