This month, our village of the month is Haughley, situated just of the A14, 3 miles NW of Stowmarket.

The history of Haughley

At one time Haughley was more important than Stowmarket, but a great fire towards the end of the 16th Century destroyed much of the village and brought about the end of the market in the village. The market was then moved to Stowmarket.

Haughley Castle

The castle was built of motte and bailie design by Hugh de Montfort in around 1100. Most early castles were made of Motte and bailie design, consisting of a man-made mound, the ‘motte’ which had the fort on top and an enclosed surrounding area, the ‘bailie’ where the community would live. The castle at Haughley was previously known as Hageneth or Hagenorth Castle. It was destroyed in 1173 by the army of the Lord of Leicester and today the only inhabitants are the ducks in the moat. It was one of the 3 ‘Honours‘ in Suffolk (a royal gift distinct and superior to the general granting of manorial rights and lordships).

Church

St Mary’s Church dates from the 12th century but there has been a church in Haughley since Anglo-Saxon times. The tower and nave are quite separate, as if they had been built without regard to each other. A south aisle has been built between and beyond them, joining the two together; but the nave is tall, and the aisle low, so the effect is rather unusual. The tower in the south west corner of the church is common with many medieval churches in this area - but the tower was clearly once a separate structure.

The war memorial situated in front of the church was first erected in 1920 following the WWI but was replaced by a plain cross in 1947 when it was blown down in a gale. However, in 1995, the original work was found and restored, names re-inscribed and names of the fallen from WWII were also added.

For more information about Haughley Church visit: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/haughley.htm

Haughley today

Today Haughley is a thriving community, with many local businesses including a public house, a restaurant, a bakery (established over a hundred years ago), a Post Office (the oldest in Suffolk, and possibly the oldest in the country), a general food store, a vet, several farms and many other businesses. Bed & Breakfast and holiday accommodation is also available.

There are also many community activities available in the village including a successful football team.

For more about Haughley visit the website at homepages.tesco.net/~Haughley/