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Sudbury, Suffolk, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:North_Street,_Sudbury_-_geograph.org.uk_-_562114.jpgAuthor: Oxyman
Sudbury is an old market town on the southwestern part of Suffolk, England. It is on the River Stour, near the border with Essex. The town has a population exceeding 12,000 people (2012 estimate).
The earliest mention of Sudbury was in AD 799, during the Anglo-Saxon period, recording the death of the Bishop of Dunwich there. At that time, the town was called Suthberie. It was also mentioned later in 1086 in the Domesday Book.
During the mid-13th century, one of the three Dominican priories in Suffolk was established at Sudbury. An influx of Flemish immigrants, brought over to England by King Edward III, settled in Sudbury, bringing with them their tradition for weaving and silk making, helping boost the town's economy of the Late Middle Ages.
River Stour, Sudbury: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bend_in_the_River_Stour_-_geograph.org.uk_-_624126.jpgAuthor: Oxyman
Statue of local artist Thomas Gainsborough with the St Peter's Church in the background: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Peters_and_Thomas_Gainsborough_-_geograph.org.uk_-_692007.jpgAuthor: Keith Evans
By the 16th century, the weaving industry was showing signs of decline. It was also around this time that Sudbury, along with much of East Anglia, was embracing Puritan sentiment, breaking away from the Church of England. This led to their eventual emigration, first to the Netherlands, and eventually to New England, notably Massachusetts.
In the 18th century, Sudbury was home of one of England's great landscape painters, John Constable, whose paintings depict the surrounding landscape, particularly the River Stour.
Visiting Sudbury
From London, take the A12 road to Chelmsford. At junction 19, turn left and continue on the A130 road. Follow the A130 road until roundabout to the A120 road to Freeport. Take the A120 road. It leads to the A131 road which takes you to Sudbury.Places of Interest in Sudbury
- Church of Our Lady Immaculate and St John the Evangelist: Roman Catholic church in Sudbury completed in 1893.
- St Peter's Church, Sudbury: Redundant Anglican church designated a Grade I listed building by English Heritage. It dates from the 12th century.
- Statue of Thomas Gainsborough: Statue of famous Sudbury artist who like John Constable was a landscape painter.
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