Our Village

About Great Blakenham

Great Blakenham, originally known as Blakenham Magna, is a village steeped in history, dating back to Roman times. It was officially recorded in the Domesday Book of 1085-86, where it was noted that the manor was held by Aluric the Thane before the Norman Conquest. At that time, the manor was valued at £3.00 and included 34 Freemen – landowners with the rare privilege of choosing their own marriages.

Population and Growth

In 1855, the village had a population of 244 residents. Nearly 1,000 years after its first mention, the parish now has 1,968 registered electors (2025 Electoral Register), with the total population including families likely much higher. With continued housebuilding, Great Blakenham’s population is expected to grow further. The past 30 years have seen a dramatic expansion, more than doubling the size of the village both in residential development and in commercial and industrial presence.

St Mary’s Church

The village is home to the medieval Church of St Mary’s, located on Stowmarket Road. This historic church has evolved over the centuries and underwent significant Victorian restoration. While the original graveyard has been closed for almost a century, burials now take place at the Lawn Cemetery on Chalk Hill Lane.

Historic Industry and the River Gipping

Historically, the River Gipping played a crucial role in the village’s economy, supporting farming, milling, and transportation of goods to the port of Ipswich. However, since the local mill was destroyed by fire in 1928, and with modern road and rail transport developments, the river’s commercial use declined. The towpath and many of the original lock gates have disappeared, and the river has narrowed due to silting.

Cement Works and Landfill

In the 20th century, mineral extraction to the south of the village supported a large cement works, whose chimney was a local landmark until its closure in 1999 and demolition in 2001. During WWII, the cement factory was bombed by the Luftwaffe, destroying the chimney and resulting in one fatality. The former extraction pit has since been used as a landfill site, with operations due to end around 2025. Replacing this is the energy-from-waste incinerator, which is now operating at full capacity, handling waste primarily from Suffolk and neighbouring counties.

Village Amenities

• The Chequers – Originally the village pub for over 100 years, now a popular Indian restaurant, located opposite the Church.
• Village Hall – The original wooden hall, built in 1958, was one of the largest in the area. It has since been replaced by a modern brick-built hall, supporting community activities including football, cycle speedway, and a children’s play area.
• Parish Rooms – Formerly a Baptist Chapel, this building once hosted a school for around 40 children in the 1850s.
• Village Store – In October 2018, after a 40-year absence of local shops, a new Budgens store opened at Hackney’s Corner, quickly becoming a central and successful amenity for the village.