Sufflolk Villages - Part Two

After enjoying the beauty of Long Melford, the coach drove us on to Lavenham.

Lavenham is a famous medieval wool town.  At one point in time this village was the 14th wealthiest town in England.

We took a walking tour of the village.

It has more than 300 buildings listed as being of architectural and historic interest.  I can't image that any other town can beat the array of half-timbered buildings.

The half-timbered houses lean and sag into one another.

Lavenham is surrounded by the pristine Suffolk countryside.

They are proud of their homes - most have name plates.

Suffolk is famous for its pink houses.  Back in the day, pig's blood was used to achieve this tint.  My hope is that there's a more 'modern' way to get the same effect.

Everywhere I looked the streets were lined with wonderful houses.

It would be hard to chose a favorite.

I liked the carved wood details in the half-timber houses.  The plastered homes had some interesting raised stencilled features too.

The extremely large church of St Peter and St Paul dates from the 15th century.  As a center of the wool trade, Lavenham was extremely prosperous and well able to afford a church of this size. 

The 141' tower is its most famous feature.

The church marks the end of the village and abuts green fields. 

It makes for a very pretty churchyard.

Inside the timbered roof makes a stunning statement.

It was a surprise to see a church of this size in a small village.

We then had time for a quick snack, then back on the coach to Colchester where we caught a train back to London.