Exploring GB

Dating from 1395, The Crooked House in Lavenham sits at the heart of Britain’s best-preserved medieval village.

The iconic Crooked House was described by Country Life as ‘one of the world’s most photographed homes.’

Its fairy-tale facade makes it an Instagram favourite at the heart of Britain’s best-preserved medieval village, Lavenham.

The village itself boasts more than 300 listed buildings, many of which are timber-framed and painted in an array of beautiful colours.

The Crooked House, now Grade 2 listed, wasn’t built crooked; the facade you see today is a quirk of history.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Lavenham was one of the richest places in England - its wealth derived from the wool trade and popular ‘Lavenham Blue’ cloth made in the village.

With many merchants fast making money and building houses, the wood they used wasn’t always given enough time to dry.

As the timber frame of The Crooked House dried, it gradually twisted and contorted.

By the time this had happened, Lavenham’s wool industry was in decline.

The merchants left and without the money to rebuild, the house was left crooked and divided up.

The result is a rare survivor - The Crooked House you see today - wonderfully wonky and one of the world’s most photographed homes.

The building is the inspiration for the famous nursery rhyme, ‘There was a Crooked Man’.

’There was a crooked man, he walked a crooked mile, he found a crooked six-pence upon a crooked stile; he bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse and they all lived together in a little Crooked House.’

The Crooked Men host a range of experiences and events at The Crooked House, including:

The popular ‘Crooked Life Experience’ – perfect for daytrippers!

This includes a private tour of The Crooked House and Lavenham village, followed by a traditional English Afternoon Tea with the crooked men.

‘Crooked Club’ Black Tie Dinners are held on specific dates throughout the year and are your chance to meet and make friends in a truly magical setting.

Check their website for dates and booking details, but be quick – they sell out fast!

The Crooked House also offers private dining, seating up to 18 guests for very special celebrations.

By appointment, make time to browse the art and antiques shop to take home a piece ov history yourself.

Someone who recently visited the house said: “A truly amazing visual experience. An architect student's dream.

There are I am told 132 listed buildings in the small village which date back beyond its old extant building, the 600-year-old Crooked House. Enjoy and marvel, it's a truly British marvel.”

Situated in the heart of Suffolk, the picturesque village of Lavenham is a true gem waiting to be discovered.

With its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and a rich history that dates back centuries, Lavenham is a place that seems frozen in time!

The most distinctive feature of Lavenham is its remarkable architecture.

The village boasts over 300 listed buildings, many of which are timber-framed and painted in an array of beautiful colours.

Among them, the Guildhall is a standout attraction.

Dating back to the 16th century, this impressive structure served as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi.

Its ornate carvings and intricate details are a testament to the town's former wealth and importance.

Lavenham's history can be traced back to the 13th century when it was a thriving market town known for its wool production.

The village reached its zenith during the late medieval period, becoming one of the wealthiest towns in England.

In the 14th century, Edward III encouraged the English weaving industry and Lavenham began to prosper.

However, in the late 16th century Dutch refugees in Colchester began weaving a lighter, cheaper and more fashionable cloth and the woollen trade in Lavenham began to fail.

By the 17th century, there was a threat of mass demolition.

The situation was so severe that the Lord of the Manor took some of his tenants to court to prevent the destruction.

Today, Lavenham proudly displays its historic heritage with well-preserved half-timbered buildings that seem to lean in toward the streets, creating an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

Stroll through the streets of Lavenham, and you'll find charming tea rooms, quaint shops, and cosy pubs tucked away in centuries-old buildings.

It's a place where you can spend hours simply wandering, soaking in the unique atmosphere, and discovering hidden nooks and crannies.

Lavenham has also captured the hearts of writers and filmmakers.

Most notably, it was the backdrop for Godric's Hollow in the Harry Potter film series.

The village's enchanting setting perfectly embodied the magical world created by J.K. Rowling.

Additionally, it's said that Lavenham inspired many scenes in Beatrix Potter's beloved children's books.

As you explore the village, you can easily see how the enchanting surroundings could have inspired her whimsical tales.

No visit to Lavenham is complete without savouring its culinary delights.

The village is home to a variety of eateries, from traditional English pubs to fine dining establishments.

Be sure to try some locally sourced produce and perhaps indulge in a traditional afternoon tea while enjoying the view of the historic streets.

Beyond the village itself, Lavenham is surrounded by the rolling countryside of Suffolk.

This offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and bird watching.

The nearby Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also a must-visit, with its picturesque landscapes that inspired the renowned painter John Constable.

It's also worth mentioning that the famous 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' was written by a Lavenham author, Jane Taylor.

Its formal title is The Star, and it’s thought to have been inspired by the Taylor family’s time at Shilling Old Grange in Lavenham.

Someone who recently visited the village wrote on TripAdvisor: “I saw Lavenham on the jubilee celebrations and thought this was somewhere I needed to visit.

”It didn’t disappoint! What an amazing piece of British history. I loved walking around the church, reading the gravestones, some of which went back to the 17,00’s.

”The amazing historical buildings of different characters. The market square was a must. Spent a number of hours here but need another visit. Little Hall was my highlight.”

Another person added: “Very cute town with lots of pubs. It doesn’t take long to walk around it.

”To see medieval buildings along side modern day shops is quite an experience.

”We stopped and had a pint at the Swan Inn. I recommend it if you’re interested in war memorabilia.”

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