Mildenhall, Suffolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mildenhall |
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 St Mary's Church |
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 Mildenhall
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| Area | 36.03 km2 (13.91 sq mi) inc. West Row |
| Population | 10,315 (2011) inc. West Row |
| • Density | 286/km2 (740/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TL710748 |
| • London | 75 mi (121 km) |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BURY ST. EDMUNDS |
| Postcode district | IP28 |
| Dialling code | 01638 |
| Police | Suffolk |
| Fire | Suffolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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| Website | www.mildenhall.suffolk.gov.uk |
Mildenhall is a lively market town located in the county of Suffolk, England. It's found in the West Suffolk area, close to the A11 road. The town is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) north-west of Ipswich.
Mildenhall is well-known for being near two large Royal Air Force (RAF) bases: RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. Both of these bases are used by the United States Air Force. RAF Mildenhall is even the main base for the US Air Force's 100th Air Refueling Wing and 352nd Special Operations Group. Mildenhall is also often seen as the start of The Fens, a flat, low-lying area of land.
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Contents
Mildenhall's Story: A Look Back in Time
Ancient Beginnings: Early History
People have lived in the Mildenhall area for a very long time, even as far back as the Bronze Age. When the Roman Empire came to Britain, Mildenhall became a Roman settlement. This is where the famous Mildenhall Treasure was found!
The town's name was first written down in 1050 as Mildenhale. It's thought to mean a special piece of land belonging to someone named "Milde" or "Milda." In 1086, a very old book called the Domesday Book recorded that Mildenhall belonged to the Abbot of St Edmunds and had about 64 families living there.
Changing Hands: Early Modern History
In 1536, during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the ownership of Mildenhall changed. It was given to Edward North, 1st Baron North. His son, Roger North, even lived in Mildenhall for a while. The North family owned the Mildenhall estate for many years. Henry North built the Manor house in Mildenhall when he retired.
Later, the estate was passed to Sir Thomas Hanmer, 4th Baronet. He became the Speaker of the House of Commons in 1714. After him, the estate went to Thomas Bunbury.
Modern Times: Recent History
The Bunbury family owned the Mildenhall manor until 1933, when the estate was divided up. RAF Mildenhall officially opened in 1934. It was an important base for the RAF during the Second World War. In 1950, the US Air Force started using the base.
Recently, in 2019, the nearby area of West Row became its own separate parish. Then, in 2023, the parish of Mildenhall was renamed "Mildenhall High."
Exploring Mildenhall Town
Mildenhall's center is its market place. Here you'll find a cool 16th-century hexagonal market cross and a town pump. The town's market is still held every Friday, just as it has been for centuries.
In 1934, Mildenhall was the starting point for the exciting MacRobertson Air Race all the way to Melbourne, Australia! The town is also mentioned in a song by the band The Shins and in the Pink Floyd song "Let There Be More Light."
Because of the nearby airfields, Mildenhall has the highest number of U.S. citizens living in any town in the UK. In 2005, about 30% of the people living there were born in the U.S.
Getting Around: Transport in Mildenhall
Mildenhall has a bus station that was finished in 2005. You can catch regular buses to nearby towns like Brandon, Bury St. Edmunds, Newmarket, and Thetford.
National Express also runs daily coach services. These can take you to cities like Norwich and London (Victoria Coach Station), as well as major airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Mildenhall used to have a railway station, but it closed in 1962.
Learning in Mildenhall: Schools
Mildenhall has two primary schools for younger students: St. Mary's and Great Heath. For older students, there is one secondary school: Mildenhall College Academy. This academy also has a sixth form for students who want to continue their studies after secondary school.
Fun and Games: Sport and Leisure
Mildenhall is home to a non-League football club called Mildenhall Town F.C., who play at Recreation Way.
The town also has one of the best cricket clubs in the East of England, Mildenhall Cricket Club, located at Wamil Way. Famous players like Tymal Mills and Tom Westley have played for this club.
The Mildenhall Cycling Club is right next to the cricket ground. It has had well-known members, including Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton.
A modern leisure center is located at Mildenhall Hub. It has a swimming pool, a gym, fitness classes, and a sports hall. The community also enjoys free 5km parkrun events every Saturday and 2km junior parkrun events every Sunday at the Mildenhall Hub. These events encourage everyone to run, jog, or walk.
The River Lark flows through the town, and there's a large 19-acre open space next to it called the Jubilee Fields.
Famous Faces from Mildenhall
Many interesting people have connections to Mildenhall:
- Henry Bunbury (caricaturist) (1750–1811) was a British artist known for his funny drawings.
- Elonka Dunin lived at RAF Mildenhall when she was in the US Air Force.
- Lindsey Graham, a U.S. senator, lived at RAF Lakenheath in the 1980s.
- Sir Thomas Hanmer, 4th Baronet owned the Mildenhall estate and was a Member of Parliament.
- Nicole Malachowski was a pilot with the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath.
- James Mercer, a musician, lived in Mildenhall from 1985 to 1990. He even wrote a song about his time there!
- Tymal Mills, a cricketer, went to Mildenhall College Academy and played for Mildenhall Cricket Club.
- Rick Perry was a pilot in the US Air Force based at RAF Mildenhall.
- Chesley Sullenberger was a pilot based at RAF Lakenheath.
- Phil Thornalley, a songwriter and musician, grew up nearby.
- Heather Wilson lived at RAF Mildenhall during her time in the US Air Force.
Amazing Discoveries: Archaeology
The incredible Mildenhall Treasure was found in the town in 1942. This treasure is a collection of Roman silver objects that were buried in the 4th century. In 1946, the discovery was announced, and the treasure was given to the British Museum, where you can see it today.
The famous author Roald Dahl even wrote a short story about the Mildenhall Treasure! The Mildenhall Museum in the town center has displays about local history, wildlife, the RAF base, and information about the treasure.
The area between Devil's Dyke and the line between Littleport and Shippea Hill has many other amazing archaeological finds from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.
See also
In Spanish: Mildenhall para niños
