Boxford, six miles east of Sudbury, twice that west of Ipswich, could be seen as a village enjoying its retirement, its gardens lovingly tended, its wealth of lovely buildings based on the prosperity of its past working life from the Middle Ages to the Stuart period when this was a significant weaving centre. Sitting down in a hollow, with a stream flowing by, Boxford (the name means ford at the box tree) is now an archetypal Suffolk village, complete with requisite colour washed houses. There are timber framed buildings dotted throughout the settlement (Butcher’s lane has some fine examples with overhanging upper storeys), among them several with somewhat grander facades added in later years. The evolution of a living village is seen in the mix of periods: medieval, Tudor (for example The Old School House), Jacobean, Georgian, even early Victorian (the engine house on Broad Street). Some buildings combine various periods, such as Hurrell’s Farmhouse (now a B&B), part Tudor, part Jacobean. There are plenty of reminders of Boxford’s woollen weaving past – in the early 1600s there were four weavers’ guilds here, and records show all the textile ancillary trades were present: dyers, fullers, and so on. The very name of the 15th century Fleece Inn is one such reminder. The high windows seen in many buildings are another, there to give the best light for tricky hand-weaving. The biggest evidence of the village’s prosperity is the imposing church, St Mary’s, which like Boxford has evolved through the centuries: the tower is 14th century, the rare timber north porch probably from the same time, the south porch 15th century, and the little spire Georgian. Because of its location Boxford makes a good base for exploring the area - Lavenham is just six miles away, Bury St Edmunds 16, Colchester 10 – but there is a lot in the village itself to delight and occupy the visitor for a considerable time.
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Places to Stay near Boxford
Stoke by Nayland Club Hotel (1.97 miles)
The Stoke by Nayland Club Hotel offers superb accommodation in a unique setting. The hotel is located in the heart of ... More
The Case Restaurant with Rooms (2.05 miles)
Polstead Lodge (2.36 miles)
Polstead Lodge is a family run business set in the heart of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale and is an area of outstanding natural beauty, the perfect place to ... More
Angel Inn (2.85 miles)
Surrounded by tranquil, beautiful Suffolk countryside, this traditional 16th-century oak-beamed coaching house offers traditional charm, superb food, free Wi-Fi and free parking. The Angel Inn has a wealth of original charm and ... More
The Crown (3.03 miles)
The Crown Stoke by Nayland, an historic privately owned village Inn has a reputation for making everyone feel welcome - without pretension - simply a passion for good service, food, wine and real ale.
The ... More | visit website
Gladwins Farm (3.29 miles)
Set in 22 acres of the rolling countryside typical of the Stour Valley made famous by John Constable, Gladwins Farm offers a selection of high quality accommodation. Guests staying in any of our 5* or ... More | visit website
The Steam Mill House (3.76 miles)
A warm welcome awaits you at The Steam Mill House, with luxurious rooms and a choice of breakfasts. Our handsome listed house is in the centre of the heritage village of Nayland, with its shops, ... More | visit website
Highbury Barn (4.43 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
Warm and welcoming, the Highbury Barn is situated close to the historic market town of Sudbury, which is off the banks of the River ... More
Hill Lodge (5.28 miles)
Family run, close to Sudbury town centre and all local amenities. 16 en- suite rooms with tea making, tv and internet access. Residents lounge bar, dining room. Off road parking, conferencing ... More
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