Monk Soham is a small village situated about four miles east of Debenham and some five miles west of Framlingham. Its neighbouring villages are Bedfield, Ashfield-cum-Thorpe, Kenton, and Bedingfield. It had a population of about 167 in the 2001 Census. Monk Soham means "monks" meadow by a "lake" and the monks belonged to the abbey at Bury St Edmunds, who were given the land in the late 10th century by Alfric, Bishop of East Anglia.

The village is perfectly situated as a central point from which to tour East Anglia and it has several excellent Bed & Breakfast establishments which can be found on its website.

The parish church of St Peters is situated in a peaceful and idyllic part of the village off School Road. There was a church recorded in Monk Soham in 1086 but the earliest parts of the present building date from around 1300, with additions including the south porch from the 15th century.



This a particularly wide five-light window in the chancel and a similar seven-sacrament font which, although defaced, is finely detailed. The four evangelists carved around the stem of the font are wearing monks cowls, reflecting the authority of the Bury monks over the Parish at the time of its creation.

The Parish has the beautiful area of Common Land consisting of just under two hectares and known as Hungers Green within its boundaries. This provides a safe and peaceful place for everyone to enjoy nature and relax, as well as walking the dog. A footpath runs along its entire length from School Road and then splits in Bedfield to come out at White House Farm and next to the School.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, Monk Soham was recorded as having fifteen acres of meadow and enough woodland for sixty pigs. The villagers owned one horse, ten cattle, forty-three pigs, forty-three sheep and twenty-one goats. The 21st century Monk Soham farmers concentrate on intensively grown cereals and sugar beet.

In 1958 the Suffolk Parish History described Monk Soham as "a small dispersed settlement". This is still true and High Suffolk Community Bus operates a greatly appreciated, volunteer driven service to neighbouring towns. Other public transport runs from Bedfield and Earl Soham to Framlingham and Ipswich.

Modern day Monk Soham is a beautiful and peaceful place to live with many of its residents commuting to the surrounding larger towns or even London. It has a very low crime rate and its larger neighbouring villages like Framlingham, Bedfield and Earl Soham provide the villagers with most of their daily requirements.

Thanks to Geoff Robinson who sent in this feature and photos, Geoff also manages the website for the village.

Visit the Monk Soham website to find out more

Views along School Road, Monks Soham