One of the best ways to see Framlingham is to follow the Town Trail
There’s so much to see in Framlingham in a day.
The town’s probably best known for its 12th century castle, but there’s a lot more history besides, as well as modern Fram to enjoy. It’s a quirky, individual place, with many independent shops, galleries, cafes, pubs, and the kind of businesses that support a thriving market town. No wonder it was voted one of the top 100 places to live in Britain last year.
One of the best ways to see Framlingham is to follow the Town Trail, a circular walk marked by metal plaques around the town which take you on a comprehensive tour of Framlingham, so you don’t miss the many fascinating stories from its chequered past. You can download the map at www.framlingham.com/documents/FramlinghamTownTrail.pdf
Find out more about Framlingham at www.framlingham.com
What a castle!
Framlingham has been around since Anglo Saxon times and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book (1086), when it was nothing more than several manors which William the Conqueror presented to Roger Bigod.
It was the last Roger Bigod who built the present castle between 1190 and 1210, although it was only used once in anger in 1216 during King John’s reign.
The castle was home to the Bigods (1100-1306), Thomas Plantagenet and his descendants (1312-1375), the Mowbray Dukes of Norfolk (1375-1481), and the Howard Dukes of Norfolk (1481-1535). Nearly all were Earls Marshal of England and Stewards of the Royal Household. Some, like the 3rd Duke of Norfolk (1472-1554), were much more. Norfolk was Lord Treasurer, Earl Marshal, Viceroy of Ireland, Lord High Admiral, Ambassador in Paris, and the richest layman in England. He lived at Framlingham until 1535 and then built a country seat at Kenninghall, which rivalled Hampton Court.
Not much is left of Framlingham Castle except its magnificent wall and towers, but there’s still plenty to explore as well as regular events to enjoy. Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/framlingham-castle
The marvellous market
Few places support the kind of buzzy market Framlingham has two days every week on Market Hill. It’s been going since about 1285 and sells traditional wares from fresh meat and cheese to toys.
The Saturday Market runs from 6am until 6pm and the Tuesday Market from 6am until 4pm.
At the end of the day . . .
Kingfisher Sinfonietta – March 15 at 6.30pm
Framlingham College Theatre
Music by Walton, Butterworth, Arnold, Delius, Vaughan Williams. Tickets from Fram Stationers or at the door. www.kingfishersinfonietta.co.uk
