Our May 2011 Village of the month is Debenham, situated about 15-20 miles north of Ipswich.

History

Photo by Mick Dennis

Debenham lies in the heart of the Suffolk countryside near the source of the River Deben, a large, peaceful village which belies its past as a thriving wool centre. Evidence of this trade is all around in the timber framed merchants houses dating from 14th century.

The river Deben, from which Debenham derives its name, surrounds the village and is crossed by many of its access roads.

Named in the Domesday book of 1086, it appears to have been one of the most populated places in the area. East Anglian Kings are reported to have held occasional court here and a field on the outskirts of Debenham, Blood Field, is so named from accounts of a great battle against the Danes. It is thought that settlers have been in the area since Roman and early English times.

Described as a Suffolk village of charm and character, Debenham was chosen to represent East Anglia in the “Daily Telegraph Festival of Villages 1975” to mark Architectural Heritage Year.

Buildings of historical interest

Photo by Mick Dennis

Debenham has a wealth of buildings with fine medieval features, many of which are hidden behind later facades. Some of the most historic 14th and 17th century timber framed merchants houses line the streets, although a number of the older village houses were destroyed by fire in 1744, creating the varying width of the main street. The market cross and the village sign are also indicative of Debenham’s wool trading status.

The church of St. Mary Magdelene

St Mary Magdalene in Debenham is a fine church. The lower part of the tower is Saxon and has been described as the finest piece of Saxon work in Suffolk. The upper part is 14th century, the massive timber frame. Inside the tower is thought to be 12th century and the porch on the west face of the tower is 14th century.

The nave and aisles are 15th century and the bells are believed to be the best octave in Suffolk and have had a ringing tradition since the early 18th Century. The steeple was lost in 1767 after being hit by lightning.

The new Debenham website

Debenham has just launched its new website using the new Content Management System and with the support of ‘onesuffolk’. The website caters for residents, tourists and historians. On the website, you can:

• View upcoming events and latest updates,
• participate in discussing local topics of interest,
• vote on such topics,
• find out about local clubs, organisations, schools or businesses,
• advertise any items For Sale or Wanted,
• delve into the history of Debenham and find family links,
• take a photographic tour of Debenham – past & present etc
• and lots more new features to come in the future.

Click here to visit the New Debenham website

If you would like your village featured in our Village of the Month feature then email kerry.burn@onesuffolk.co.uk