Pictures of Whepstead

About Whepstead

This pleasant place is found amidst the rolling countryside of Suffolk and is but a few short miles from lovely Bury St. Edmunds. It has typical Suffolk properties including some that seemingly step right from the pages of history books. These include Plumpton Hall, where two of Oliver Cromwell's brothers-in-law lived, Doveden Hall - a beautiful moated property with tall Tudor chimneys and the red brick half-timbered Manston Hall, a farmhouse surrounded by glowing meadows.

Unique in Whepstead is the church dedicated to St.Petronilla, the only such dedication in England. The church is found in a tree-shaded churchyard surrounded by graves and tombs of generations of old Suffolk families. It has a stumpy embattled tower which was crowned by a spire until the night Cromwell died when it is reputed to have fallen off! The interior of the church shows beautiful stained glass windows and many relics from its historic past, these include a most interesting rood-loft stairway set into the south wall. One of the steps has a piscina drain, indicating that it was used at one time to serve an alter set against the wall. There is also some intricate carving and nice timberwork to the roof above the alter. The atmosphere of this small church exudes serenity, it is well worth a visit.

The area possesses many interesting places to visit, these include magnificent Ickworth with its fascinating rotunda and priceless art collection and if you are in search of the delights of a city, where better than Bury St.Edmunds, where the remains of Saxon King Edmund are kept.

Those wishing to spend a few days looking around will find a good selection of comfortable hotels, pleasant inns (ancient and modern) nice restaurants, good shopping facilities and plenty of tourist attractions.