Saxmundham

" SAXMUNDHAM, a parish, post and market town in the hundred of Plomesgate, county Suffolk, 7 miles S.E. of Aldborough, and 19 N.E. of Ipswich. It is a station on the East Suffolk section of the Great Eastern railway. It is situated in a valley between two hills on the road to London, and near a small stream which falls into the Ore. The town, supposed to be of Saxon origin, is well built, comprising many modern houses. Its chief street,running N. and S., forms part of the turnpike road from London to Yarmouth. A brisk trade is done in corn and malt, considerable quantities of which are shipped from Snape and Iken wharfs for London. There are two banks and assembly rooms. It is a polling-place for the county elections. The inhabitants are plentifully supplied with water from springs. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £275, and the glebe comprises 29 acres. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Norwich, value £275. The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, has a tower containing five bells. It stands a little southward of the town, and contains tombs of the Long family. The register dates from 1558. The parochial charities produce about £52 per annum. There is a free school supported by the Long family. The house of industry was destroyed in a riot in 1766. Hurts Hall, the principal residence, is the seat of W. Long, Esq., who is lord of the manor. Market day is on Wednesday. Fairs are held on Whit-Tuesday and 23rd September."

From The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)