Bedfield is a small village situated about four miles east of
Debenham and some five miles west of Framlingham. Its neighbouring
villages are Monk Soham, Tannington, Earl Soham and Worlingworth.
It has a population of about 300 (at the 2001 census), mainly
centred on the main Worlingworth to Earl Soham Road that runs
through the village at Long Green and Little Green. Ipswich is
about fifteen miles away and London is commutable from Stowmarket
or Diss, also about fifteen miles.
In 1874 it was recorded that Bedfield had a population of 451
but this had fallen to 317 by 1901 and 267 in 1929. It was claimed
that during the early 1900s the village possessed 33 small
holdings, more than any other Suffolk parish.
The Church of Saint Nicholas occupies a beautiful position at the
end of Church Lane and dates from over 900 years ago. It stands in
a churchyard which contains the war memorial and is bordered by
trees. The church itself is constructed mainly of flint rubble
punctuated by larger brown stones, various types of brick, knapped
flints and imported dressed stone for the windows and doorways. All
this produces a rich variety of colours and textures. The PCC
publish an informative history of the Church. A very active
Bedfield Guild was founded in 2001 and is open to
anyone who has an interest in raising funds to maintain the fabric
of the building and holds many events throughout each year.
Also in Church Lane, The Crown Public House dates from circa 1480
and the first recorded documentation shows it purchased in 1847 by
Francis Ling for £150. After several owners it became a free house
in 1988 when purchased by Jacque Grice, the current landlady. Until
the late 1950s or early 1960s it held a beer licence only. A
welcome awaits you at The Crown.
The village has an excellent primary school currently with 37
pupils and has recently received an Ofsted Outstanding 2009/2010
award. Bedfield CEVC School is also supported by the Friends of
Bedfield School (FOBS) which raises money for the benefit of the
pupils throughout the year.
Bedfield and Monk Soham
Sports Club is an active group of volunteers that manages
the sports field, pavilion and all weather tennis court.
Situated at Long Green and set in beautiful surroundings, these
facilities are available for hire and all villagers are deemed
to be honorary members of the Club. The main event is the
village fete which is acclaimed as being one of the best in the
area and in 2010 will be held on July 17th, commencing at 2pm.
Debenham Leisure Centre Youth Football Club currently play at
the sports field on Sunday mornings.
An excellent children’s play area is also situated on Long Green
and is owned and maintained by the Parish Council. The outreach
post office also visits the sports pavilion every Tuesday between
9.15am and 11.15am.
Modern Bedfield is very pleasant and rural environment to live,
with a very low crime rate and good access to the facilities of its
larger neighbours. To find our more visit the
Bedfield Parish Council website.
Many thanks to Geoff Robinson of Bedfield who sent in this
feature and photos, if you would like your village featured on
Village of the Month then email
kerry.burn@onesuffolk.co.uk.