Less than one mile from Leiston, the tiny village of Aldringham has seen numerous changes over the years. Its market town origins once featured a windmill which was dismantled in 1922 and re-erected in neighbouring Thorpeness.

Many of its amenities have long since disappeared, but its oldest building, the Parrot and Punchbowl inn, a familiar haunt for the smuggling community throughout the 16th and 17th century, continues to thrive at the heart of the community.

Aldringham was home to poet, artist and architect Cecil Lay, whose architectural work can be found in or close to the village, including Raidsend – a striking building, said to be his finest creation, located between Aldringham and Leiston and now a residential nursing home.

The beautiful Aldringham Church lies in a remote setting. The journey to discover it is indeed a pilgrimage, because it is only just invisible from any road.

For information on Aldringham-cum-Thorpe Parish Council Home » Aldringham-cum-Thorpe (onesuffolk.net)