Suffolk probably has more than its share of unusual villages, but Wingfield – although tiny in size and population – boasts a moated castle, a medieval priest’s college with a Georgian façade and a glorious church. you can find Wingfield by following this link to Google Maps

The village lies between the larger villages of Hoxne and Fressingfield. It’s a scattered rural community with probably about 300 people. The excellent wingfield village website  suggests with authority that the population was 700 in 1844, and it certainly feels sparse.

I entered Wingfield from the south east on Church Road and stopped for a quick nose around the Wingfield Barn arts centre – now sadly closed, but apparently there are discussions taking place about a possible re-opening at some stage in the future.

The barn was an outbuilding of Wingfield College next door. The college building dates from 1362 when it was founded by Sir John de Wingfield. The interior gives an impression of its age and former use as a chantry school. There are some excellent photos and more on the history of the college on a dedicated website. The college was dissolved in 1542 and the building was given its current (rather incongruous) palladian façade in the 18th Century.

On the other side of the college stands the grand St Andrew's Church, sadly closed on the day of my visit (despite the sign on the door) but very imposing.

On the opposite side of  the road is The De La Pole Arms where I had lunch. Recently reopened as a gastropub it has an adventurous lunch menu (devilled kidneys on toast for example) and varied evening dishes. On hand pumps in the bar you’ll find Adnams Bitter and Broadside, and Victoria Bitter from the (local-ish) Earl Soham Brewery. I tried the Victoria which was absolutely perfect. A real credit to whoever runs the cellar. After a splendid lunch of (local) ham, eggs and chips I travelled up through the centre of the village – a run of modern (municipal?) houses, and stopped on the edge of the common beside the Castle.

Wingfield Castle is a moated feudal fortress built by Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk in 1384. It is now a private house and difficult to see from the front – the main fortifications are at the front and have towers 60ft high. Walking onto the common at the side of the moat you can get a decent view of the manor house (rebuilt in c1544) and the rear of the front wall and towers. The de la Poles have a rich (and blood-spattered) history. The  entries on Wikipedia are full of detail if you want to read more about them.

The common itself is wide and flat with a sprinkling of timber framed houses on its edges.

I’d firmly recommend Wingfield for a day out. Excellent friendly pub, unusual buildings, great church and you could have a kick about on the common once your lunch has settled.