Welcome to Great Ashfield, a thriving rural community located in the heart of Mid Suffolk.

Situated 9 miles (14 km) east of Bury St Edmunds and covering an area of approximately 6.36 km2 (2.46 sq.miles), the village has a population of approximately 300.  It is predominantly an agricultural economy and some residents can trace their families back for generations.

As with many Suffolk villages, Great Ashfield can trace its origins back as far as the Doomsday Book of 1086.  The village is home to two ancient woodlands, Browns Wood and Parker's Grove.  Ancient woodland is defined as woodland that has been in continuous existence since 1600 and is important for conservation of habitats and environmental conditions.

In 1086 Great Ashfield was recorded as a large and profitable settlement and there was an earth and timber motte and bailey fortification today known as the Castle Mound.  Little is known about the history of this Castle, but it is generally assumed to date from between the late eleventh century and the early 14th century.  The Castle does not appear to have been rebuilt at any time in stone and it was therefore probably only occupied for a relatively short period of time. 

Take this Circular Walk round Great Ashfield and see the ancient woodland and castle mound for yourself.  

More recently in WW1 there was a Royal Flying Corp grass landing strip on the site of Great Ashfield Airfield.  During WWII this was initially used by the RAF for training purposes, and then rebuilt in 1942 for the USAAF and was designated Station 155 from where the 385th Bombardment Group flew B-17s.  There are reminders of this connection in All Saints Church in the form of a comemorative nave and stained glass window.  The church also holds a book of rememberance and in the churchyard there is a memorial stone.

The Great Ashfield Village News, published quarterly, is a mine of village information both past and present, copies of this are uploaded to our Newletter pages of this website for all to read.

Village social events are centred around the Lord Thurlow Village Hall, for more information see our dedicated events page, or the various community group pages.

In addition the village has a very useful village WhatsApp Group which can be a mine of helpful information, any residents wishing to join should contact Carol White, on 07949 262005.

 

 

GREAT ASHFIELD TODAY

Centre of the Village

Village Sign

View Across the Fields