Myths, Legends and Curious Tales from Babergh and Mid Suffolk
The Heart of Suffolk is a landscape with a curious past — built on stories and legend. Some are whispered in the shadows, others passed down through generations as folklore. From the mysterious green-skinned children that appeared in Woolpit to tales of Anne Boleyn’s heart buried in Erwarton Church, this region holds secrets that blur the line between history and legend.
We wanted to explore and celebrate a world where fairies were once said to dance in the centre of Stowmarket, smugglers moved unseen through the streets of Hadleigh, and the echoes of ancient superstitions still linger in hidden corners. These are the fables and folklore that have shaped local storytelling for centuries; strange happenings, unexplained events, and stories that refuse to be forgotten.
Through our programme of events, we invited the public to explore these myths and legends in greater depth. Through a selection of guided walks and fascinating talks, each tale revealed a different side of the Heart of Suffolk’s past.
Talks:
Well respected local historian and author, Sarah Doig*, presented a talk about curious tales from Babergh and Mid Suffolk on two dates during the festival:
- Weds 19th March – Stowmarket U3A, 2pm The Hall of The United Reformed Church, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP4 1AD. Contact shelton@live.co.uk to book.
- Thurs 27th March – 7.30pm Loraine Victory Hall, Bramford (with thanks to Bramford History Group) – Details to follow
*”Sarah Doig is an independent historical researcher and author. She is also a popular speaker on local and general history. As well as having written for several local magazines, Sarah has had several books published by The History Press and Amberley Publishing. These include “The A-Z of Curious Suffolk” and “The Little History of Suffolk”. Sarah is the current chair of the Friends of Suffolk Archives and is a Council member of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History”.
Walks:
Local walking guide Jem Warren invited people to discover more about the Bures Dragon, and headed to Babergh to explore the mysteries of the Shotley peninsular.
Jem is an experienced walk leader with The Ramblers. He is passionate about the benefits of group walking both physically and mentally. As well as being fascinated with local history, he has a love of the churches on the Essex/Suffolk borders. Whilst trying to make his walks interesting he also likes to introduce an element of fun and is never too serious. He believes it is important to make the walks as inclusive and accessible as possible.
21st March – Shotley guided walk – Starting from HMS Ganges at Shotley Marina we walked through some of the maritime history of the area as well as some of the local legends.
This circular, 6.5 mile walk starts along The Stour then headed inland to Erwarton Church. We returned to Shotley along the Orwell towards Felixstowe docks. Spectacular views all the way and a chance of tea and cake at Shotley Vineyard en-route.
28th March – Bures Dragon guided walk – Medieval writings tell of dragons associated with Bures. This circular walk tracked what remains of the evidence across the Essex/Suffolk border. Within beautiful ancient churches and the Stour Valley countryside itself.
Starting at Bures station we travelled past Bures Mill and then via Wormingford and Wissington. We followed the Stour Valley path and came back on the St. Edmund Way. Dipping into the historic St. Stephen’s Chapel towards the end.