LOCATION

The village of East Bergholt is located just a few miles off the main A12 road to London.  Gateway to the Stour Valley it is famed as the birthplace of the well known artist John Constable.  A plaque marks the house of his birth. His early studio purchased in 1802 is located in Cemetery Lane.

The village has retained many of its old traditions, having links with gentry in the past.  Many beamed cottages still remain, one aptly named “The Hatters”, has the words “DEALER IN HATTS ” written on  the wall.  Close by is the local “Hair Gallery”.  Possibly 16^th century it was probably once used as a hay loft.  Inside is a balcony together with the remains of an old pulley system above which is a broken shaft on the outer wall.  Several strong metal hooks are visible. The Old Monastery opposite St. Mary’s Church still remains. Years ago Monks dressed in their characteristic b rown robes were quite a common sight in the village.  A wooden bell cage in the churchyard houses the church bells, it being the only place in England where the bells are swung by hand, not a rope. They are over 500 years old and were restored and rung to welcome in the New Millennium.  Stour House, the original home of Randolph Churchill, commands extensive views over the valley and has open garden days during the spring and summer months. There are still 4 Public Houses in the village the names of which all relate to a regal past.  “The Kings Head” bearing the image of King Charles I on its sign, “The Red Lion”, the most common name for a public house, was the badge of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.  “The Hare and Hounds”, possibly a meet for hunting, and “The Carrier’s Arms” a stopping place for stage coach

 Flatford Mill, the setting for Constable’s most famous painting “The Haywain” lies a short distance from the village.  Leased from The National Trust it is now a thriving Field Studies Centre, where Adult Leisure Learning and Training Courses are run.  Willy Lott’s Cottage was the original home of a farmer William Lott.