Little Saxham Park

Downs, Moorland in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Little Saxham Park

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

Little Saxham Park is a picturesque area located in the county of Suffolk, England. Nestled amidst the charming village of Little Saxham, this park offers a serene and tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

The park primarily consists of lush green downs and sprawling moorland, providing a diverse landscape that is a haven for various flora and fauna. The downs are characterized by gently rolling hills and grassy meadows, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The moorland, on the other hand, showcases a more rugged terrain with heather-covered slopes and scattered trees.

Little Saxham Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Visitors can spot a range of bird species, including skylarks, lapwings, and kestrels, among others. The park also supports a diverse ecosystem of mammals, such as rabbits, foxes, and deer, which can often be spotted grazing in the open meadows.

In addition to its natural beauty, Little Saxham Park is steeped in history. The park is believed to have origins dating back to the medieval period and was once part of a grand estate. Today, remnants of ancient structures, including a historic manor house and a medieval church, can still be found within the park, adding to its charm and allure.

Visitors to Little Saxham Park can enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and photography amidst the picturesque surroundings. The park offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Suffolk countryside.

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Little Saxham Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.241362/0.63064754 or Grid Reference TL7963. 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

Snake's Head fritillary

This white version of the snake's head fritillary (fritillaria meleagris) was growing in the wild meadow opposite Great Saxham Hall, which can be seen in the background.

Bob Jones