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Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Saxtead |
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The small town of Eye is situated towards the northern county boundary, at the junction of the B1077 and the B1117. From Saxtead you will pass through the small villages of Kenton, Bedingfield and Occold. Although it is these days by-passed by the main A140 Ipswich to Norwich road, in times past it was an important staging post on the route to London. To the north of the town is a former wartime airfield, now an industrial complex. This leaves the town largely unspoilt, with its variety of period buildings, including the town hall, market cross and magnificent 14 th century church.
The name Eye is derived from the old English word for an island. Marshland surrounded the town, which evolved around the castle after the Norman Conquest. The castle ruins afford a view over all of the surrounding countryside, and across the county boundary.
In order to see the town starting from the market cross, go on a circular walk past the town hall and on along Church street, returning via Castle street.
Opposite the market cross is the White Lion, a 15 th century coaching inn, which now houses the Eye Theatre, one of the smallest in the country. Just before reaching the church you will come across the Guildhall. This is a substantial timber framed building, and you can note the dragon post exhibiting the medieval carved figure of the Archangel Gabriel.
The church of St Peter and St Paul built on the site of a 13 th century church has an impressive tower 100 ft high built of flint and limestone over a period of twenty-five years and finally completed in 1470. For those wishing to conduct a more detailed study of the building during their visit, then there is a comprehensive guide available at the church.
For booking and availability contact:- Cheryl Jones,
Bantry,
Chapel Road,
Saxtead,
Nr. Framlingham
Woodbridge, Telephone: - 01728 685578
Suffolk. IP13 9RB E-mail: -