A Castle Town & Historic Commercial Heart of Country Life
About Framlingham
Framlingham is a hugely historic, relaxed and friendly Suffolk town. Folk here call it ‘Fram’. It’s short, sweet, and a true term of endearment that trips off the tongue which says so much about this very special place.
History in Technicolour
From the lush green mere and the castle’s red brick chimneys to the Suffolk pink, half-timbered, Regency or Georgian facades of its cottages and colourful town houses, friendly Framlingham is a vibrant, market town with lots of life about it.
Stop a While – Refresh – Refuel – Relax
Framlingham History in Photographs
The Framlingham Historical Archive includes an fascinating collection of early photographs take by local enthusiast, John Self.
Website
Framlingham Town Sign
Erected in 1991 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Institute (WI), with funds raised by Framlingham WI. Designed by a collaboration of several Framlingham residents, the decorative sign was crafted by Master Blacksmith, Hector Moore of Brandeston forge from final drawings by his wife, Mary, who also painted the sign.
The Town Crest
What ? The symbols allude to the town’s long history, to those important families who have held Framlingham Castle and estates (particularly to the Howards ) and to Pembroke College, still Lords of the Manor today. The green background signifies the surrounding countryside.
Who? Designed by local resident Tony Martin and approved by The College of Arms (but never registered due to the expense).
When ? In March 1974 the designer generously assigned all interest in and copyright of the design to the Town Council.
The Key to the Castle
- A.D. 700+ Anglo-Saxon stronghold. Edmund, Christian King of East Anglia, allegedly seeks sanctuary here before his murder and martyrdom at the hands of the Danes.
- Post 1066 Roger Bigod I and son Hugh build first castle (a wooden structure).
- 1175/77 Henry II orders its destruction.
1190 Roger Bigod II (2nd Earl of Norfolk) builds today’s castle. Community outside the castle earthworks begins to get established. Castle subsequently owned by The Crown or powerful Earls and Dukes of Norfolk, including the Howard family (after 1476). - Mid-1500s + Owned by Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary Tudor, Elizabeth I.
- 1613 Castle returned to the Howards who lease it that year to lawyer Sir Robert Hitcham.
- 1635 Sir Robert Hitcham dies without an heir and leaves the castle to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge – who remain Lords of the Manor to this day!
- 1660s + Workhouse built within the castle.
- 1839+ Castle in service of community.
- 1859 Railway arrives.
- 1913 + Castle given to the State, managed by English Heritage.
- 1971 Town Conservation Area established (74 listed buildings).
- 2017 Ed Sheeran immortalises Framlingham in his triple-platinum hit the ‘Castle on the Hill’.
Movers & Shapers
As the ‘Key to the Castle’ reveals all sorts of folk have left their mark on Framlingham, or helped to put it on the map…
Come & Explore for Yourself
There’s the widest range of walking trails available to introduce you to Framlingham’s rich heritage at whatever pace suits you.
Look out for seasonal family trails in and around the castle and to pick up from the Library too!
Find Out More
