TOUR B - MEDIEVAL TOWN OF LAVENHAM
Excursions
- 4 hours
- Limited capacity
Suffolk has always been mainly agricultural, growing rich from its variety of crops and produce. The Middle Ages saw the start of the prosperous cloth wool trade eventually making Suffolk one of the country’s most important districts - home to skilled weavers and spinners. This reached its height in the late 15th century when beautiful churches and timber-framed buildings were built.
Against this historical background we arrive at Lavenham - widely regarded as “England’s finest medieval town”. Most of Lavenham’s fantastic ancient buildings were built between 1400 and 1500 and the historic centre of the village remains much as it was at that time. The riches of those days were vast – in 1397 King Richard II demanded a loan from the seventy richest towns in England and Lavenham, standing 52nd on the list had to pay. A mere hundred and twenty years later it ranked 14th and the magnificent church and exquisite houses of the era are a testament to its importance. The wealth generated has left a beautiful legacy of timber framed houses set along narrow streets and lanes, such as the Guildhall and Swan Hotel.
Our time in Lavenham will be our own. We shall have time for a stroll around the centre of town and may wish to visit The Guildhall independently - a magnificent early 16th century, timber framed, Tudor building. The property overlooks and dominates the market place and houses a working loom and exhibitions on the story of the medieval woollen cloth trade as well as timber framed buildings, local history and farming. There are also numerous gift and craft shops in which to browse.
Having experienced a delightful insight into some of the region’s fascinating heritage, we return across the unspoilt countryside towards the port of Harwich.
TOUR NOTES: The walking at Lavenham is during free time, so at our own discretion. The footpaths and roads of Lavenham are sloped, uneven and partly cobblestone. The Guildhall is a National Trust property – with an entrance fee for non-members should they wish to visit. Our journey time will be approximately one hour and fifteen minutes each way.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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