French Wood

Wood, Forest in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

French Wood

Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church (out of the picture to the left), but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7625265">TL7963 : Little Saxham: Church Cottages</a> is a closer view of the cottage of 1850, whose owner kindly explained its history.

For the listings, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101181221-numbers-1-4-church-cottages-the-saxhams" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101181221-numbers-1-4-church-cottages-the-saxhams">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101031406-number-5-church-cottages-the-saxhams" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101031406-number-5-church-cottages-the-saxhams">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road Credit: John Sutton

French Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Suffolk, England. Situated near the village of French, it covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is part of the larger Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The wood is characterized by a diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, birch, and pine, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem. It is home to an array of flora and fauna, with bluebells carpeting the forest floor in spring and rare orchids blooming in summer. The woodland also provides a habitat for various bird species, such as woodpeckers, nightingales, and tawny owls.

The forest is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and trails, making it a popular destination for walkers, nature enthusiasts, and families. Visitors can explore the wood on well-maintained paths, taking in the serene atmosphere and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There are also designated picnic areas, allowing visitors to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the woodland.

French Wood is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which actively works to protect and enhance the forest's biodiversity. The trust organizes guided walks and educational events, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the wood's ecology and conservation efforts.

Overall, French Wood offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a haven for both wildlife and visitors seeking to reconnect with nature.

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French Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.25307/0.62904004 or Grid Reference TL7964. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Little Saxham: cottages and the 'new' road

The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church (out of the picture to the left), but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one. TL7963 : Little Saxham: Church Cottages is a closer view of the cottage of 1850, whose owner kindly explained its history. For the listings, see Link

and Link

John Sutton

Little Saxham: Church Cottages

The road from Risby originally passed to the west of the parish church, but at the behest of the Earl of Bristol, of nearby Ickworth House, and by Act of Parliament, it was diverted to its present course in 1850. The Grade II listed thatched row behind the hedge, dating from the eighteenth century and part of the Ickworth Estate, was originally symmetrical, with its gable in the centre, but two bays at the left-hand end were demolished to make way for the new road and the smaller cottage to the left built as a replacement. Early 19th-century iron window frames from the demolished cottages were re-used in the new one. The owner of the newer cottage, also Grade II listed, kindly explained its history. For the listings, see Link

and Link

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - Crofts Monument

This impressive late 17th-century monument is locked in the vestry, but there are plans for a wall to be removed to make it more accessible. William, Baron Crofts, died in 1677 and the monument, with his wife on a lower level, Nikolaus Pevsner considered "a conservative motif in the last quarter of the century" - but "'Modern' on the other hand the back architecture, with columns carrying a large open scrolly pediment". In the Shell Guide Norman Scarfe described the "baroque Crofts monument, fine work of Abraham Storey: Madcap Crofts recumbent in full peer's robes, his wife on a lower plane".

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - pews, pulpit and chancel

The canopied pulpit of this rewarding village church is Jacobean and the glass in the 15th-century east window dates from 1899. There are some animal bench ends, but the worn and brightly sunlit one in the foreground depicts a woman - possibly a nun - seated at a desk, reading the Bible.

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas

"The most spectacular Norman round tower in Suffolk," wrote Nikolaus Pevsner. "Round the top a rhythmical order of arches on columns. In the four main directions they hold deeply recessed two-light bell-openings, in the diagonals two lower blank arches. Billet frieze along the sill level." The Perpendicular "nave and chancel S sides [have] uncusped, rather bald tracery," he opined.

John Sutton

Little Saxham: St Nicholas - from the east

A fine parish church with a remarkable Norman round tower which stands in a churchyard shaded by tall trees. The chancel dates from the fifteenth century.

John Sutton