East Bergholt Village
East Bergholt is a lovely village with a vibrant community and an
int
eresting past. It is one of the largest villages in the Stour Valley and historically was a
thriving centre for wool and linen.The artist John Constable was born in East Bergholt and his famous
works feature the landscape in and around the village, particularly at
Flatford, which is a short walk away.
The
Church of St Mary's was started in 1525 but, when the wool trade collapsed,
funds for the bell tower ran out.
A bell cage was constructed on the ground as a temporary measure. However the bells remain in the cage to
this day, where the bellringers, uniquely, stand alongside them to ring.
The Old Hall in East Bergholt is an
interesting building. Once a nunnery and then a friary, it is now the centre of
a commune of about 70 people who live communally and run an organic farm.
The village centre has several local
shops and a post office. Pubs in the area provide excellent meals The Kings
Head, The Red Lion, The Hare and Hounds, and The Carriers. The Fountain House Tea Shop in the
centre of the village serves delicious cakes and lunches. East Bergholt is also home to a very
good garden centre and nursery – The Place for Plants.
Take a scenic walk from East Bergholt
to Flatford Mill to see where Constable’s "Haywain" was painted and more. While you are there, have a cup of tea
at the National Trust Tea room and explore the RSPB wildlife garden. There’s plenty to do when you are not watching films!
Films for the Festival will be shown in the Constable
Memorial Hall just outside the centre of the village by the East Berg
holt
Cinema group using equipment purchased with help of Lottery Funding.