Woolpit is situated just off the A14 between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

Click here for a map of Woolpit

Woolpit, or Wlfpeta, is said to derive its name from the deep ditches which were dug to trap wolves. Also famous for the "Woolpit White" bricks which were shipped world wide.

The Church

The parish church is dedicated to St. Mary and is said to be be one of the great churches of England. The oldest part of the church is the priest's door in the chancel built in 1200.

Its spire can be seen from miles around and its double hammerbeam roof, with over 200 angel carvings and other figures, is breathtaking. The carved figures on the ends of the pews, depicting dogs, monkeys and lions are also well worth a look.
To read more about this church visit: http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/woolpit.htm

The Green Children

The village sign shows two green children - mysterious characters from a story which has been passed down by generations. The story tells of a boy and girl who climbed out of the ground speaking a strange language. They were both green and although the boy died soon afterwards, the girl grew up in Woolpit and learned to speak english. She described the 'Land of St Martin' where she and her brother came from. She is reported to have married a man from King's Lynn. 

Woolpit today

Today the village has a real lived in feel with a thriving array of shops and businesses, including a Post Office, bakers, two grocery shops, a farm shop and three pubs. There are a number of clubs run in the village covering badminton, tennis bell ringing and the WI. The village is also very popular with tourists due to its history and picture postcard looks. The Woolpit museum, run by local volunteers, arranges guided tours around the village.  The Woolpit Festival held annual in June features art and music events and the weekly Sunday market is well attended.

You can find more information about Woolpit at www.woolpit.org

If you would like to see your village or area featured on Village of the Month then email kerry.burn@onesuffolk.co.uk