Mordaboy's Wood

Wood, Forest in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Mordaboy's 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

Mordaboy's Wood is a picturesque forest located in Suffolk, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Suffolk, surrounded by rolling countryside and scenic landscapes.

The wood itself is predominantly composed of diverse tree species, including oak, ash, beech, and birch. These trees create a rich and varied habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty of the woodland.

Mordaboy's Wood offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, ideal for leisurely walks and exploring. Numerous well-marked trails wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to appreciate the serenity and majesty of the woodland. A small stream meanders through the wood, enhancing its allure and providing a refreshing spot for wildlife to drink and thrive.

The wood is home to a plethora of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a diverse range of bird species. It provides an important habitat for various woodland birds, such as woodpeckers and owls. Nature enthusiasts can often spot these animals as they quietly observe the forest's inhabitants in their natural habitat.

Mordaboy's Wood is open to the public year-round, and access is free of charge. There are designated picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the woodland, allowing visitors to pause and appreciate the tranquil surroundings. It is a true natural gem, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Mordaboy's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.237043/0.65086914 or Grid Reference TL8163. 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

Little Saxham in early autumn

Looking along the road from Chevington towards the church at the centre of this small village on a fine Sunday morning in mid October.

John Sutton

The Umbrello

This folly is one of the few outdoor examples of Coade Stone, a cast man-made material. The lead roof went long ago. The iron core of the pillars is starting to rust, breaking off chunks of the stone. The structure seems to have no point at all - it is so high that even with its roof it would not protect you from the rain. And being tucked into the edge of a wood means it does not enhance the view from anywhere.

John Goldsmith

The Umbrello

Being set amongst trees there is no really good view of this folly, though the undergrowth does seem to have been cleared. The floor is just flat stone. There is more information in TL7962 : The Umbrello and other captions. I am negotiating to add a photo taken in the 1930s, when the ornate roof was still in place.

John Goldsmith