Wenhaston

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Introduction

Spread over the slopes of the Blyth valley, this may have been an important Roman site. It was recorded in Domesday as "Wenadestuna". The Deserted Mediaeval Village of Mells (or Melles) lies to the south; its church was still in use as late as 1450. We have so far been unable to find a map showing the boundary between Wenhaston and Mells Hamlet, so only the parish boundary appears on our map.

A sign to the north of the village marks the location of Wenhaston Station on the Southwold Railway, which ran from Halesworth to Southwold. The line opened in 1879 and closed in 1929. A post mill of unknown date, stood south of Blackheath Road until its demolition in about 1890. Some remains are still visible. A possible Romano-British settlement off Bramfield Road has been inferred from the large number of finds in that area.

It's been suggested that Sycamore Cottage may be an old pub - we haven't located it yet, so haven't added it. If it was a pub, it was before 1874, as we've checked licensing records back that far.

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Gallery

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History

The 1844 White's Directory also lists a beer house run by Robert Raven (butcher) [Star?]

The 1851 Census also lists Samuel Friend (Beerhouse Keeper, pub not named, Head/Unmarried/36y/born Wenhaston) with Sarah Friend (Pub not named, Sister/Unmarried/28y/born Wenhaston).

The 1855 White's Directory also lists a beer house run by Samuel & Sarah Friend. Star?

The 1865 Kelly's Directory also lists 3 beer retailers named as:

Miles Danford

George Green (& brick, tile & drain pipe maker) (Bramford rd)

Robert Raven (& stock dealer) [Star?]

The 1888 Kelly's Directory also lists James Green as a beer retailer.

Acknowledgements

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

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