Harkstead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harkstead |
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 St Mary's Church, Harkstead |
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 Harkstead
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| Population | 287 (2011) |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Ipswich |
| Postcode district | IP9 |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Harkstead is a small village in Suffolk, England. It is located on the northern bank of the River Stour estuary, which is like a wide river mouth where the tide comes in. Harkstead is part of the Shotley peninsula, about 7 miles (11 km) south of Ipswich. It belongs to the Babergh local government area.
Contents
Harkstead's Beautiful Surroundings
Much of the land around Harkstead is very special. The area south of the road between Lower Holbrook and Erwarton is part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the landscape is protected because of its amazing natural beauty. It's a great place for wildlife and enjoying nature.
Harkstead is surrounded by other villages. Its borders touch Holbrook, Chelmondiston, and Arwarton. This makes it part of a connected community on the peninsula.
A Glimpse into Harkstead's Past
Harkstead has a long and interesting history. Many parts of the village land are known as Scheduled Monuments. This means they are important historical sites protected by law. These sites show us how people lived here long ago.
Ancient Discoveries
Archaeologists have found signs of ancient life in Harkstead. These include "ring ditches." A ring ditch is a circular ditch that might have surrounded an ancient burial mound or a special gathering place. These findings tell us about people who lived here even before the medieval times.
Roman Connections
Evidence also suggests that people lived and farmed in Harkstead during the Roman period. Experts have found old field systems, which are patterns of fields used for farming. These show how the land was used thousands of years ago. It's like a giant puzzle that helps us understand the past.
