Discover 6 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Framlingham (United Kingdom). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Framlingham Castle, Church of St Michael the Archangel, and Saxtead Green Post Mill. Also, be sure to include Framlingham Mere in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Framlingham (England).
Table of Contents
Framlingham Castle
Imposing, 12th-century citadel on a mere. Framlingham Castle is a castle in the market town of Framlingham in Suffolk in England. An early motte and bailey or ringwork Norman castle was built on the Framlingham site by 1148, but this was destroyed by Henry II of England in the aftermath of the Revolt of 1173–1174. Its replacement, constructed by Roger Bigod, the Earl of Norfolk, was unusual for the time in having no central keep, but instead using a curtain wall with thirteen mural towers to defend the centre of the castle. Despite this, the castle was successfully taken by King John in 1216 after a short siege. By the end of the 13th century, Framlingham had become a luxurious home, surrounded by extensive parkland used for hunting.
During the 15th and 16th centuries Framlingham was at the heart of the estates of the powerful Mowbray and Howard families. Two artificial meres were built around the castle, which was expanded in fashionable brick. With a large, wealthy household to maintain, the castle purchased supplies from across England and brought in luxury goods from international markets. Extensive pleasure gardens were built within the castle and older parts redesigned to allow visitors to enjoy the resulting views. By the end of the 16th century, however, the castle fell into disrepair and after the final Howard owner, Theophilus, entered into financial difficulties the castle and the surrounding estates were sold off.
In 1636, Framlingham Castle was given to Pembroke College, Cambridge, as a philanthropic gesture, and remained in its ownership for some three hundred years. In the 17th century, the internal buildings were taken down to make way for the construction of a poor law workhouse within the castle; it was used in this way until 1839, when the facility was closed; the castle was then used as a drill hall and as a county court. In 1913, Pembroke College placed Framlingham into the guardianship of the Commissioner of Works. During the Second World War, Framlingham Castle was used by the British Army as part of the regional defences against a potential German invasion. Today, the Castle is managed by English Heritage and run as a tourist attraction. It is protected under British law as a Grade I listed building and as a scheduled monument.[1]
Address: Church St, IP13 9BP Woodbridge
Church of St Michael the Archangel
Church in Framlingham, England. St Michael's Church in Framlingham, Suffolk is a Church of England church dedicated to Saint Michael. It was the burial site of the Howard family. The church was declared a Grade I listed building in 1966.[2]
Saxtead Green Post Mill
Historical landmark in The Green, England. Saxtead Green Post Windmill is a Grade II* listed post mill at Saxtead Green, Woodbridge, Suffolk, England which is also an Ancient Monument and has been restored.[3]
Address: The Mill House, Saxtead Green, IP13 9QQ, Framlingham
Framlingham Mere
Nature reserve in Framlingham, England. Framlingham Mere is a 13.8-hectare nature reserve in Framlingham in Suffolk. It is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
This site has a lake and wet meadows adjoining Framlingham Castle. There are many migrating birds, and flora include marsh marigolds, ragged-robin and lady's smock.
There is access from New Road and by a footpath past the castle from Badingham Road.[4]
Sir Robert Hitcham's Almshouses
Sir Robert Hitcham's Almshouses are grade II* listed almshouses in New Road, Framlingham, Suffolk, England.
They were built in 1654 under the will of Sir Robert Hitcham using materials from the demolished buildings of Framlingham Castle.[5]
Regency House
Regency House is a grade II* listed house at 7 Church Street in Framlingham, Suffolk, England. The house is timber-framed, of three storeys, and dates from the early nineteenth century. It is in use as a shop and house.[6]