Pictures of Debenham

About Debenham

The pretty properties that boarder the pavements of Debenham's wide main street as it rises towards its parish church, perfectly epitomise the look of a traditional Suffolk village. These old houses, some dating back centuries, are a mix-match of colourwash under a steeply tiled roof, or handsome red and buff brick with a gently sloping roof crowned with a tall slim chimney. The old guildhall, with its bowed Georgian window, has stood in the High Street for over 500 years, it is now divided into two properties. A fire in the mid 18th-century destroyed a number of fine buildings, many of those that survived can still be seen today.

The 14th-century church of St.Mary Magdalene, dates from the 14th-century. The church has a strange squat tower which is said to be pre-Norman. It is a lovely church, very serene and full of reminders of an ancient past that are well worth seeing.

Waters from the River Deben flow alongside the main street and the old craft of rush weaving, continues in these parts until this day. The village is bounded by fine agricultural countryside interspersed by handsome farmhouses and fine halls, of which several are moated. The nearby village of Aspall is noted for the magnificent 15th-century moated mansion Crow's Hall, here the moat is said to be 9ft deep and access is over a handsome four arched bridge. A fascinating curiosity is the Groaning Stone, found just outside the village. The stone is said to turn over and groan at midnight but it is hard to find anyone who has witnessed this event!

Other attractive places of interest are the Market Cross, the Old House and The Butts. The old windmill of Saxted Green is just a short distance away and closeby is Helmington Hall and a park that houses Birds of Prey. A museum, telling much of the history of the region can be found in Ipswich.