Mendlesham

Introduction

A village recorded in Domesday as "Menlessam" and shown on John Speed's 1610 map as "Mendleſham", with many fine buildings and an outstanding church. A grant of market charter in 1281 is remembered in the name of Old Market street. A large stone, sometimes called the Preaching Stone, can be seen here (see the gallery). The stone is a glacial erratic, which was reputedly used as a platform by itinerant preachers in mediaeval times. John Wesley is also said to have preached here.

The TV mast was built in 1959, with 405 line TV broadcasting beginning on 27th October 1959. Ironically though, despite being universally known as the Mendlesham mast, it's actually in Wetheringsett (as was RAF "Mendlesham").

Mill Road marks the location of Kent's Mill, a post mill which was demolished in 1913.

Mendlesham Station was on the Mid-Suffolk Line (Middy) which ran from Haughley to Laxfield. The station opened in September 1908 and closed in July 1952.

Above the north porch of the church is the remarkable town armoury, which has housed the armour of the town soldiers since the 1590s. Several local parishioners were executed in the 16th century for their religious beliefs…

more
map
interactive map

Gallery

thumbnailthumbnailthumbnailthumbnailthumbnailthumbnail
more

History

The 1844 White's Directory also lists beer houses run by:

Benjamin Arnold

Mary Clark

Robert Cowlis

The 1851 Census also lists Henry Clarke (Blacksmith, not shown as publican, Horse Shoes, Front Street, Head/Unmarried/25/born Mendlesham) [This might not be a pub.]

The 1855 White's Directory also lists a beer houses run by William Butley [probably the Green Man, Mendlesham Green (William Batley)]

The 1865 Kelly's Directory also lists 2 beer retailers called John Clarke (& cooper) and Samuel Upson.

The 1869 Kelly's Directory also lists 2 beer retailers called John Clarke (& cooper) and Samuel Upson.

Acknowledgements

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

Some details from "Suffolk Airfields in WW2" by Graham Smith.

X