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Kettlebaston, (OS map ref. TL 965 502 - Landranger 155 / Pathfinder 1006), is a tiny hamlet with just over 30 inhabitants, in the heart of rural Suffolk, (located around 3 miles east of Lavenham). It derives its name from Kitelbeornastuna, (Kitelbjorn's farmstead - O.Scand. pers. name + O.E. Tun), later evolving to Kettlebarston, (which is how the name is still pronounced), and finally to the current spelling. It was first recorded in 1086 in the Domesday Book. |
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Kettlebaston, (OS map ref. TL 965 502 - Landranger 155 / Pathfinder 1006), is a tiny hamlet with just over 30 inhabitants, in the heart of rural Suffolk, (located around 3 miles east of Lavenham?). It derives its name from Kitelbeornastuna, (Kitelbjorn's farmstead - O.Scand. pers. name + O.E. Tun), later evolving to Kettlebarston, (which is how the name is still pronounced), and finally to the current spelling. Its existence was first recorded in 1086? in the [Domesday Book]?. |
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Once in an area of great wealth, the demise of the wool trade was indirectly the saving of the village, (as we know it today), since the locals were unable to afford the expense of upgrading their houses with the latest architectural fashions. The number of timber framed houses slowly declined over the years, (as did the population - from over 200 at its peak), to the point when the village was on the brink of extinction. By the 1960's, with the road no more than an unmade track, and no electricity or mains water supplies, (it still has no gas or main drains), Kettlebaston was barely standing. In the "Spotlight On The Suffolk Scene" article, of the Chronicle & Mercury in June 1949, it was noted that a great many houses were category five - derelict, and ready for demolition. |
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Once in an area of great wealth, the demise of the mediaeval wool trade was indirectly the saving of the village, (as we know it today), since the locals were unable to afford the expense of upgrading their houses with the latest architectural fashions. The number of timber framed houses slowly declined over the years, (as did the population - from over 200 at its peak), to the point when the village was on the brink of extinction. By the 1960s, with the road no more than an unmade track, and no electricity or mains water supplies, (it still has no gas or main drains), Kettlebaston was barely standing. In the "Spotlight On The Suffolk Scene" article, of the Chronicle & Mercury in June 1949, it was noted that a great many houses were category five - derelict, and ready for demolition. |
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The village sign, (bearing two crossed sceptres, topped with doves), was erected to mark the coronation of George VI. It also commemorates that, in 1445, Henry VI granted the Manor of Kettlebaston to William de la Pole, (Marquis of Suffolk), in return for the service of carrying a golden sceptre at the coronation of all the future Kings of England, (and an ivory sceptre to carry at the coronation of Margaret of Anjou, and all future Queens). This amazing honour continued until Henry VIII resumed the manor, (and although it was later regranted, sadly, it was without the royal service). |
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The village sign, (bearing two crossed sceptres, topped with doves), was erected to mark the coronation of George VI. It also commemorates that, in 1445, [Henry VI]? granted the Manor of Kettlebaston to [William de la Pole]?, (Marquis of Suffolk), in return for the service of carrying a golden sceptre at the coronation of all the future Kings of England, (and an ivory sceptre to carry at the coronation of [Margaret of Anjou]?, and all future Queens). This amazing honour continued until Henry VIII resumed the manor, (and although it was later regranted, sadly, it was without the royal service). |
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The parish church of St. Mary the Virgin has Norman origins, and features a splendid font from around 1200AD. It is recorded that it was then "built anew" in 1342, remaining largely unchanged until targeted by Protestant vandals in the 1540's. Today it features one of Suffolk's finest modern rood screens, (designed by Father Ernest Geldart, and decorated by Patrick Osborne, and Enid Chadwick), and a rare Sacred Heart altar upon a Stuart Holy Table. It now unfortunately lacks the small lead spire which once topped the tower. |
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The parish church of St. Mary the Virgin has Norman origins, and features a splendid font from around 1200? AD. It is recorded that it was then "built anew" in 1342, remaining largely unchanged until targeted by Protestant vandals in the 1540's. Today it features one of Suffolk's finest modern rood screens, (designed by Father Ernest Geldart, and decorated by Patrick Osborne, and Enid Chadwick), and a rare Sacred Heart altar upon a Stuart Holy Table. It now unfortunately lacks the small lead spire which once topped the tower. |
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Our sign is the sign of the sceptre and dove, A token of purity, mercy and love. Should you chance to be thirsty there's nothing to pay, And our "public house" stands over the way. |
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:Our sign is the sign of the sceptre and dove, :A token of purity, mercy and love. :Should you chance to be thirsty there's nothing to pay, :And our "public house" stands over the way. |
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To learn more about Kettlebaston, (including Mumpshy Brett - our resident witch), and to see a photographic record and historical pictures of the village, please visit our Millennium project site at http://www.kettlebaston-2000project.fsnet.co.uk/. |
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To learn more about Kettlebaston, (including Mumpshy Brett - our resident witch), and to see a photographic record and historical pictures of the village, please visit our Millennium project site at http://www.kettlebaston-2000project.fsnet.co.uk/. |
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