Orford is an attractive, tranquil Suffolk village situated on
the bank of the River Ore, some 5 miles from the estuary mouth,
relatively untouched by the fast pace of the twenty first century.
It is surrounded by farm land and many acres of Forestry Commission
property. It lies within the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a quiet backwater away from the
hustle and bustle of modern life.
The village is 20 miles from Ipswich, 12 miles from both
Woodbridge and Aldeburgh, and 5 miles from the famous Snape
Maltings complex, popular for its magnificent Concert Hall and
nearby Galleries and Shops. Orford and its immediate surrounding
area are renowned for culture and good eating.
Orford is steeped in
history. The village grew in importance in the 12th century
when Henry II commissioned the Castle to be built. The
Church
and the Quay were built by the Normans and, at one time, Orford
was a thriving commercial and fishing seaport until the growth
of Orfordness cut it off from the sea and access was redirected
through the mouth of the River Ore. The Quay is now used for
access to The
National Trust site on Orfordness, the R.S.P.B sanctuary on
Havergate Island and the BBC World Service Site located on the Ness
as well as being used commercially for trips on the river and by
fishermen and yachtsmen.
The Castle is now owned
and maintained by
English
Heritage and presently houses display cabinets from the
Orford Museum. The magnificent Keep has been a local landmark
since the 12th century and it continues to attract large
numbers of visitors. It once housed the famous
wild
man of Orford 'In the time of King Henry II, when
Bartholemew de Glanville was in charge of the castle at
Orford, it happened that some fishermen, fishing in the sea
there, caught in their nets a merman...'
Orford has a population of some 600 full time residents as well
as a number of second home owners. Affordable housing schemes
provide the opportunity for local people to remain in the village
although the cost of houses in general is above both the local and
national level. It has a very good primary school, a doctor’s
surgery with its own pharmacy, a fire station and a very sheltered
housing scheme with a day care centre. The village is famous for
its local oysters and smokehouses and has two shops selling a wide
range of smoked produce. 
There is a garage, a well
stocked village shop, a butcher, an antiques shop with an
estate agency and a craft shop. There is also an hotel, the
world famous Butley Oysterage Restaurant with a wet fish shop
and two pubs. Fresh fish caught by local fishermen are sold on
the foreshore. Orford’s economy is increasingly dependent on
its tourist trade although it continues to be an active and
vibrant community.
Orford provides much of interest to residents and visitors.
The River Ore, the Salt Marshes and Havergate Island are all
havens for serious bird watchers. The river offers good fishing for
Cod, Bass, Herring and Lobster as well as sailing and general
exploring and the National Trust Site on the Ness provides a
fascinating insight into some of the activities carried out during
the Cold War, including nuclear detonator test sites.
The impressive Castle housing the Museum captures the
imagination of thousands of visitors each year while a well
restored Norman Church and a Methodist Chapel provide opportunities
for quiet contemplation away from the hustle and bustle of the
modern world.
Local well marked and varied walks and rides, both for horse and
cycle, offer opportunities for the more active to enjoy the local
scenery.
Orford has Tennis Courts and a Recreation Sports Ground with its
own Clubhouse and children’s play area. Football is played on the
Recreation Ground, which is also the site of the Annual Flower Show
in August. Other sports and societies thrive including Bowls,
Cricket at nearby Sudbourne Hall, Sailing and Badminton.
To find out more about Orford visit:
Many thanks to Roger Hipwell 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.