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Kettleburgh History


All about Kettleburgh in 1925 -


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Kelly's and find out about the records kept in the Kelly's Directory of 1925


The Early History of the Lord of The Manor of Kettleburgh

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.

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.


Lord of the Manor of Kettleburgh - Recent History

In 1982 the Lordship was acquired by Kenneth Jacob, who purchased the title  from the Trustees of Lord Huntingfield.  He sold it in 1987 to Californian April Gamble, who bought it as an anniversary present for her husband  Theodore  'Ted' Gamble. New Lords and Ladies of Manors often become involved with the local community, but the Gambles took the role offered them by local people further. They learned from the Reverend Roger Dixon, Vicar of Kettleburgh and Brandeston, that St Andrew's Church had three bells.  These used to be tolled (not rung) by Mr Ted Kerridge. But the wooden bell frame was found to have deathwatch beetle  and the peal of bells, the oldest of which was cast in 1470, had to be hurriedly taken down in the 1950s.  The bells were put in the nave of the church by the lectern.  The church was fumigated which left it with a characteristic smell.  There was a bell fund, 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.

The tower needed to be strengthened and the cost of this was found through fundraising by the PCC.  Ted and April Gamble  paid for the new bell frame, the ringing chamber, the recasting of the old bells and the casting of three new ones, which was undertaken by the Whitechapel Foundry, East London. in December 1991. 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, Rev. and Mrs Dixon, the churchwardens and their 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.  All parishioners were given a little memento bell by the Gambles.   Members of the Manorial Society, Lords and Ladies of Manors throughout the country also attended.

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


Kettleburgh is extremely grateful to Ted and April Gamble for all that they have given in time, interest and money, whilst they held the Lordship of the Manor of Kettleburgh.  Both Ted and April showed a keen interest in the life of the community, made and maintained many friend and gave generously. 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.  April lives mostly in London now. 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.
 


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”.

vg1A 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:

Village Green in Progress - 3 Oct.05



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,Dog Shows 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.

KGTlogo

Kettleburgh Green Trust
Registered Charity No. 1110467

 

Objectives:
*Conserving and maintaining Kettleburgh Village Green and its natural biodiversity and wildlife for the public benefit.

*Providing a community garden for the benefit of the inhabitants of the village.

*Providing facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation for those who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity, social or economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their condition of life.

 


Click here to read more about the Village Green


 

Kettleburgh Village Hall

hallext

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

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 there is

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 Fete 2009 & 2010

Kettleburgh Fete 2010 & 2011


Kettleburgh Town Estate CharityTown Trust Logo

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

fruitvegIt 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 ManorKettleburgh 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

kettleburghmanor

Click here to read more about lordships

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