Last week we invited people to join us for a special Suffolk Day tour of Halesworth, with a guide from Halesworth Tourism Group leading a small group along Rectory Street, Rectory Lane, Chediston Street, the Market Place, St Mary's Church grounds, Halesworth Town Park and back through the Thoroughfare.
Along the way we found out many interesting facts, including that Halesworth boasts the largest Millennium Green in the country! And, although not a town that springs to mind for historic monuments, every century from the 14th onwards is represented in Halesworth's historic buildings. Did you know:
– Actor Kevin Whately's great-great-grandfather Richard Whately was the Rector of Halesworth in 1822
– Sir David Frost's grandfather once owned an ironmongers in the Thoroughfare
– In 1862, during a struggle following a burglary, PC Ebenezer Tye was clubbed over the head with a cudgel (a short, thick stick) by John Ducker of Chediston Street. PC Tye was left in the river and died, either from drowning or from his wounds, and was buried in the local cemetery in a spot known as "Policeman's Grave". In 1863, John Ducker was the last person in Suffolk to be hanged in public for his crime.
After a fascinating 90 minute tour we returned to our branch for some light refreshments, including two delicious cakes made from Suffolk ingredients – a Victoria sponge with fresh cream and strawberries and a gooseberry drizzle cake.
