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Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Saxtead |
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Some background information ...
North of the A1120 some 2 miles along the B1077 lies the delightful village of Debenham , in the heart of Suffolk at the source of the river Deben, from which it derives its name. From Saxtead it can be approached via the villages of Earl Soham , Ashfield, Brandeston, and/or Cretingham. It is populated by some 2,200 inhabitants, and represents a mixture of newer light industries and businesses set in an arable farming background. Although these days the land is farmed principally for wheat production, in the past it had a reputation as a producer of dairy products and Debenham was a centre of the woollen industry. Some evidence of this can be seen in the timber framed merchants houses in the centre of the village. The river Deben meanders through the village and is crossed by its roads at several points. At two places the river has to be forded, and that at Derrybrook lane is the longest ford in Suffolk .
There is evidence tracing the origins of the village back to Roman times, and in the Saxon period the river was wide enough to be navigable by boats able to facilitate an export trade in wool to the continent of Europe .
Since 1970 when Debenham was declared a conservation area, it has remained unspoilt and there is much for the visitor to see, particularly in the centre where there are a number of ancient buildings worthy of note. Many are listed on the website, with some detail being supplied.
You will enjoy a visit to Carters Teapot Pottery in Low Road where a range of beautifully designed ornamental teapots are made and sold. They also have a small coffee shop along side the pottery. You might like to look inside The Foresters hall where these days it is in use as a period bathroom display centre.