The Little Book of Suffolk

The Little Book of Suffolk is an eclectic mix of historic tales of places and personalities, plus a wealth of facts and figures about the eighth-largest county in England. There are tales of sea battles, the story of the pickled head of an archbishop, the exploits of the suffragettes, and the literary connections of Charles Dickens and many other prominent writers and artists. There are some things particular, some might say peculiar to Suffolk - find out how the Roundheads got their name and why the greengage is so called. Where can you find the rare Pashford Pot Beetle and why was the reputation of Suffolk cheese so bad that the Admiralty banned it in 1750? What is a Lowestoft Score? Stories abound of men and women who led extraordinary lives including women pirates, a weather prophet, and a Victorian woman who made her living being shot from a crossbow in circuses all over the world. Flora Sandes from Marlesford served in Serbia during World War One and became the first woman to hold a commission in the Serbian Army, while a young girl from Sudbury became known as Poker Alice Tubbs, one of the most colourful women in the early days of the American Wild West. And what is behind some of the county’s place names? Why is there a Chainbridge at Needham Market and what does Bradfield Combust mean? Did you know that the silk for Princess Diana’s wedding gown was produced in Suffolk and that needlewomen from Glemsford were involved in the execution of the Bayeux Tapestry in 1067? All this, and more besides!