Fornham St Genevieve

Settlement in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Fornham St Genevieve

The A134 at Fornham St Martin Credit: Robert Edwards

Fornham St Genevieve is a small village located in the county of Suffolk, England. Situated about 3 miles north-west of Bury St Edmunds, it falls within the West Suffolk district. The village, with its population of around 400 residents, offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The origin of the village's name is believed to derive from the Old English words "forn" and "ham," meaning "old homestead," while the addition of "St Genevieve" is in honor of the patron saint of Paris. The village is characterized by its charming thatched cottages, historic buildings, and a sense of traditional English village life.

One of the notable landmarks in Fornham St Genevieve is St Genevieve's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. This Grade I listed building showcases exquisite architectural features, including a Norman doorway and a stunning medieval stained glass window. The church also serves as a focal point for the local community, hosting regular services and community events.

The village is surrounded by an abundance of green spaces, offering residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor activities. The River Lark flows nearby, providing scenic walks along its banks. Fornham Park, a beautiful country estate, is situated to the east of the village and offers expansive grounds for leisurely strolls and picnics.

Although small in size, Fornham St Genevieve benefits from its proximity to larger towns such as Bury St Edmunds, which offers a wider range of amenities including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities. The village's peaceful and idyllic setting, combined with its historical charm, makes Fornham St Genevieve a delightful place to live or visit.

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Fornham St Genevieve Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.277457/0.70825957 or Grid Reference TL8467. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The A134 at Fornham St Martin

Robert Edwards

The road to Timworth Heath from Timworth Green

Robert Edwards

Field at end of Layham Drive

A 4 photo panorama. Between the trees on the left can be seen traffic leaving Bury St. Edmunds on Fornham Road. The line of trees at the back of the field traces the route of the River Lark.

John Goldsmith

A field with a letter box

It is marked Priory Farm, but there is no sign of any human habitation - this is the field also seen in TL8565 : Field at end of Layham Drive. On the other side of the road is the Priory Hotel. Actually the letterbox has appeared since the Google Street View camera passed by. The gate was intact at that time too.

John Goldsmith

River Lark passes under Tollgate bridge

To the south west of this bridge the road is Fornham Road. To the north east it becomes Thetford Road. The river probably demarcates the border into the parish of Fornham. A public house one field nearer Bury is also called the Tollgate so clearly there used to be a gate on the main road around here. There is no trace of old stonework though.

John Goldsmith

Drain parallel to River Lark

Under all that vegetation there is a so-called drain, running parallel to the river Lark. Actually there was no water in it at the time of the photograph.

John Goldsmith