“Whereabouts”

Old Newton and Gipping retain much of their natural countryside beauty along with some splendid old buildings.

The modern village of Old Newton is situated a mile from the Church and School as a result of most properties being deserted following the plague.

The 20th century saw many houses built and the village transformed into a thriving community.

The village has a Parish Council by the name of Old Newton with Dagworth and Gipping Parish Council. There is also an Old Newton and Gipping Community Council and many other societies , clubs and organisations that make up the hub of this socially active village.

The Sports & Social Club and Football Club are well supported . Old Newton United FC has three senior teams competing in the Kingsley Healthcare Suffolk and Ipswich League.

The 13th century Church in situated in typical beautiful Suffolk countryside, while the nearby Primary School is renowned for its ‘friendly community feel’.

In the parish of Gipping stand some lovely old farmhouses which are still well loved family homes.

Gipping home (formerly known as the Old Vicarage) has been restored to its former glory, having once served as a house for motherless boys. It was run by Rev. Edward Falconer (known as ‘Fudgie’ by the locals) who died in 1948 and entered the record books as surviving to be the country’s oldest working Vicar at the age of 98.

St Nicholas Chapel in Gipping was originally the private Chapel of the Tyrrell family. It is a fine example of ‘Late Perpendicular’ architecture with brilliant decorative flint stone work on the buttresses and walls. It was described as a gem, having the quality of a great Suffolk Church in miniature.

Sir James Tyrell (c 1450 – May 6 1502) was an English Knight, a trusted servant of King Richard the 3rd of England. He is known for confessing to the murders of the Princes in the Tower under Richards orders. However, his statement may have been under torture, so the confession might not be genuine (nevertheless, William Shakespeare portrays Tyrrell as the man who organises the Princes murders in Richard 3rd).

The family vault of the Tyrrells is in the Stowmarket Parish Church

John Swincickyi

Quiz

1. Which Local village’s name has the historical meaning ‘head-place’?

2. Which Town was a port for the hinterland of West Suffolk?

3. Which village was known for developing ‘The Chevallier’ strains of barley?

4. In the 6th Century the Saxons named it Tatituna, what is the village known by today?

5. Which village has three ancient greens named Forward Green