Sproughton, Suffolk

My younger years

I was aged six when my family moved to Sproughton 1932 when some new houses and bungalows had been built in a cul-de-sac called Broomfield Common off Church Lane. All of my young years were spent in the village until I joined the army in 1944. I well remember Ned Ginger's very old blacksmith shop where he used to shoe all... [more]

Mother-In-Law's mate June

My Mum-in-Law (Janet Halls nee Smith) came from Sproughton and her mate June lived in the cottages to the left of the mill.

Post Office and School

The first building on the left was the old Post Office (owned by Mees). Just to the front of this is a small footpath that leads to my Mum-in-Law's (Janet Halls nee Smith) old school. It was also the village hall. It still has the green tin roof..... noisy when it rains!!!!!

Suffolk Villages Photographic Memories

These model estate cottages were built by the Berners family for their agricultural labourers and artisans. The walled gardens were large enough to make each family self-sufficient in vegetables, thus helping to preserve their health. Most of the farm buildings survive today, except for the large barn. Beyond this group is the road to Cat House Hard on the Orwell.

Suffolk Villages Photographic Memories

The herd of dairy cattle is making its way to Hall Farm, which included the former tithe barn dating from the 17th century. The parish council restored the barn in 1985 and converted it into a community and sports hall. The two gables with bargeboards (centre) belong to almshouses founded by Elizabeth Bull in 1634, rebuilt in 1876 and modernised in 1976. Beyond is... [more]

Suffolk Villages Photographic Memories

This pub is named after the Woodwose, or wild man of the woods. He is usually shown as he is on the sign here - bearded, hairy and carrying a club. In the medieval period he represented good fighting evil in the form of a lion or other wild animal. Both he and the lion are carved on the shafts of fonts throughout East Anglia.