Whatfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whatfield |
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 Village sign |
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 Whatfield
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| Population | 335 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TM025464 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Ipswich |
| Postcode district | IP7 |
| Police | Suffolk |
| Fire | Suffolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Whatfield is a small and friendly village located in Suffolk, England. It's about 2 miles north of a town called Hadleigh and is part of the Babergh area. Even though it's a small place, Whatfield has a rich history and a strong community spirit!
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What Does "Whatfield" Mean?
Have you ever wondered how places get their names? The name Whatfield has a cool story! Experts believe it comes from old English words that mean "wheat field." This makes a lot of sense because, in the past, Whatfield was famous for growing excellent wheat. So, the village was literally known as the "field where wheat grows."
Exploring Whatfield's Nature
Whatfield is surrounded by beautiful nature, perfect for exploring!
Calves Wood: An Ancient Forest
In the northern part of the village, you'll find Calves Wood. This isn't just any forest; it's an ancient woodland. This means it has been a forest for hundreds of years! It's also a special "County Wildlife Site," which means it's protected because of the important plants and animals that live there.
The River Brett
The River Brett flows along the southwestern edge of Whatfield. Rivers are important for wildlife and often mark natural borders between places.
Community Meadows: Buckle's and Hunty's Vale
The people of Whatfield really care about their green spaces. The village council looks after two lovely meadows and a small area of woodland for everyone to enjoy.
- Buckle's Meadow: This meadow was bought in the 1960s with money raised by the villagers themselves, plus a special grant. It's also a County Wildlife Site, and you can visit it by following a public footpath from Rectory Road.
- Hunty's Vale: This beautiful meadow was a kind gift to the village from two sisters, Edith and Francis Vale, who lived in Whatfield. The community is working hard to keep Hunty's Vale a great place for plants, animals, and birds. It's also a wonderful spot for a peaceful walk.
Suffolk Village of the Year
In 2014, Whatfield was named "Suffolk Village of the Year"! This award recognized the amazing community spirit among the villagers and how well the local school, Whatfield CEVCP School, works with the rest of the village. It shows how much the people of Whatfield care about each other and their home.
St Margaret's Church: A Glimpse into History
The village church, St Margaret's Church, is a small but very old building. Parts of it date all the way back to the 13th and 14th centuries! Over the years, it has been updated and improved many times. It's considered a "Grade I listed building," which means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
Inside the church, you can find interesting historical items:
- There's a special plaque for George Arthur Falconer, who was an ambassador to Nepal and an important person in Suffolk.
- You can also see a large marble memorial written in Latin for William Vesey and his wife Elizabeth. At the back of the church, there's even a large coat of arms linked to the Vesey family.
- Most of the benches in the church are from the Victorian times, but one is much older, from 1589, and has the name "John Wilson" carved into it!
Whatfield Hall
Whatfield Hall is another interesting old building in the village. It's a two-story building made with timber frames and plaster. Experts think it might have been built in the 16th or 17th century. Like the church, it's also a "Grade II listed building," meaning it's historically important and protected.
Other Places in Whatfield
- Whatfield Salvation Army Hall
- Whatfield United Reformed Church
