Hawstead

Introduction

Few churches in Suffolk posses as many monuments as Hawstead's. Several of these are to the Metcalfe family, who also gave their name to the former pub. A small earthquake damaged other memorials in 1926. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have visited Hawstead Place, once owned by the Drury family, from whom Drury Lane in London takes its name.

The village sign was erected in 1994 to mark the centenary of the parish council. The three shields on the sign represent the Drurys of Hawstead Place (1464-1656), the Cullums of Hardwick House (1656-1921) and the Metcalfes of Hawstead House.

One set of almshouses (built 1610) used to stand on Bell's Lane. Another imposing almshouse building, the Metcalfe Almshouses (erected in 1811), still stand at Pound Green (see the gallery).

Hawstead was recorded in Domesday as "Hersteda" or "Haldsteda". It appears on John Speed's 1610 map as "Hauſted".

Gallery

Acknowledgements

Some historical information from English Heritage's National Monuments Record.