Historical Record of the Great Bradley
The Suffolk Historic Environment Record made a record called of the parishes of Suffolk called "A Survey of Suffolk Parish History". It was researched by Wendy Goult in the late 1980s and first published in 1990. The Survey of Suffolk Parish History summarised in a standard form the history of each parish in the county compiled from a variety of printed sources. In doing so it touches upon every part of local history including administration, landscape, social, religious and economic characteristics, and covers a time span from the earliest archaeology to modern times.
The record for Great Bradley is shown and can be downloaded below. For the full collection go to
https://heritage.suffolk.gov.uk/parish-histories
The record for Great Bradley is shown and can be downloaded below. For the full collection go to
https://heritage.suffolk.gov.uk/parish-histories
| Great Bradley Archaelogical Report |
Parish: Great Bradley
Meaning: Wide clearing
2. Hundred: Risbridge
Deanery: Clare (–1884), Thurlow (1884–1916),
Newmarket (1916–1972), Clare (1972–)
Union: Risbridge
RDC/UDC: (W Suffolk) Clare (–1974), St Edmundsbury DC (1974–)
Other administrative details:
Risbridge Petty Sessional Division
Haverhill County Court District
3. Area: 2,340 acres (1912)
4. Soils:
Mixed:
a. Slowly permeable calcareous/non-calcareous soils, slight risk water erosion
b. Deep well drained fine loam, coarse loam and sand soils, locally flinty and in places over gravel, slight risk water erosion
5. Types of farming:
1086 Bradley: 23 acres meadow, woodland for 500 pigs, 1 cob,
18 cattle, 53 pigs, 63 sheep, 7 goats, 1 beehive
1500–1640 Thirsk: Wood-pasture region, mainly pasture, meadow,
engaged in rearing and dairying with some pig-
keeping, horse breeding and poultry. Crops
mainly barley with some wheat, rye, oats, peas,
vetches, hops and occasionally hemp.
Also has similarities with sheep-corn region where
sheep are main fertilizing agent, bred for fattening,
barley main cash crop.
1818 Marshall: Wide variations of crop and management techniques
including summer fallow in preparation for corn and
rotation of turnip, barley, clover, what on lighter lands.
1937 Main crops: Wheat, barley, oats, beans, peas, roots, sugar beet
1969 Trist: More intensive cereal growing and sugar beet.
Pig-keeping – major feature of parish (approximately
4,000 pigs).
Main crops: Wheat, barley, oil seed rape and field
beans.
6. Enclosure:
1815 508 acres enclosed under Private Acts of Lands 1811
7. Settlement:
1960 River Stour crosses parish W–S forming small part of eastern
boundary. Parish situated on border with Cambridgeshire which
forms western and part of northern boundaries.
Small but well spaced development. Church and hall slightly
separated from main settlement on Cowlinge Road. Secondary
settlements at Ever Green, East Green and Longacre Green.
Few scattered farms
Inhabited houses: 1674 – 25, 1801 – 52, 1851 – 110, 1871 – 93,
1901 – 62, 1951 – 69, 1981 – 115
8. Communications:
Roads: To Little Thurlow, Brinkley, Cowlinge, Kirtling, track to
Little Bradley
1912 Carrier from Haverhill daily
Water: River Stour: made navigable 1705, last barge to Dedham 1928
9. Population:
1086 – 57 recorded (includes Little Bradley)
1327 – 18 taxpayers paid £2 14s.
1524 – 10 recorded (membrane illegible)
1603 – 60 adults
1674 – 37 households
1676 – 37 adults
1755 – 273 inhabitants
1801 – 395 inhabitants
1831 – 527 inhabitants
1851 – 542 inhabitants
1871 – 455 inhabitants
1901 – 264 inhabitants
1931 – 189 inhabitants
1951 – 212 inhabitants
1971 – 262 inhabitants
1981 – 320 inhabitants
10. Benefice: Rectory
1254 Valued £10 13s. 4d.
1291 Valued £20
1535 Valued £17 1s. 5½d.
Parsonage house with barn, hayhouse, stable, cowhouse,
3 outhouses, orchard, gardens and yard – 1 acre 1R 1709
1831 1 curate, stipend £50 p.a. Glebe house unfit for occupation.
Gross income £426 p.a. Incumbent also holds Prebend in
Cathedral of Lincoln and the vicarage of Eye.
Value £407 1835
Tithes commuted for rent-charge of £626 10s, 52 acres glebe 1843
Value £560 1873
Rectory house built 1876, sold 1965
37 acres glebe. Rent charge of £641 12s. 2d p.a. 1887
1912 Net income £345. 42 acres glebe and residence
Patrons: John Buteturt, Knt (1316-1332) & (1344-1391), John de Hyde
(1400), John Beauchamp, Lord Bergavenny (1422),
Bartholomew Brokesby (1437), Robert Peyton (1576),
Penelope Dynham (1674), William Soame (1675),
Lord Dacre (1831), Trustees W J P Wilder (1873)
11. Church: St Mary
(Chancel, nave, S porch, W tower)
1086 Bradley: Church + 15 acres free land
Norman N & S doors
12th/13th cent.Walls and chancel arch
14th cent. Nave/chancel (east end shortened in 18th cent.) and tower
15th cent. S porch
1841 & 1864 Repairs
1864, 1896
& 1911 Restorations
Seats: 14 appropriated, 29 free (1873)
12. Nonconformity etc:
1676 1 nonconformist
13. Manorial:
Bradley:
1066 Manor of 7 carucates held by Ulf, a thane
1086 Manor of 7 carucates belonging to Robert of Tosney and held by
Robert
Great Bradley
1088 Held by Robert de Todeni, Lord of Belvoir Castle
12/13th cent. Some dispute as to ownership by the Bigot family
early 14th cent. Hugh de Lopham owns
1305 Granted to Sir John Boteturte
c.1390 Sir Hugh Burnell owns
c.1524 Bartholomew Brokesby owns
1609 Sir John Peyton (linked to Wixoe)
1764 Thomas Brand (Lords Dacre) owns
1851 Lordship, by Royal Licence, authorised to take surname and
Arms of Trevor
1909 2nd Viscount Hampden owns
14. Market/Fair:
1844 Formerly held fair on September 29th (obsolete by 1844)
15. Real Property:
1844 – £3,049 rental value
1891 – £3,300 rateable value
1912 – £1,439 rateable value
16. Land ownership:
1844 Land sub-divided
1891 St Johns College holds large portion of parish
1912 Viscount Hampden and St Johns College principal owners
17. Resident gentry:
1690 1 gent
1891 Rev J. Trafalgar MA
18. Occupations:
1550–1599 4 yeomen, 1 tailor
1600–1649 5 husbandmen, 2 spinsters, 1 labourer, 1 tailor, 12 yeomen,
1 joiner, 1 butcher
1650-1699 5 husbandmen, 4 spinsters, 2 labourers, 7 yeomen, 1 clerk,
1 blacksmith, 1 butcher
1831 104 in agriculture, 18 in retail trade, 3 in labouring,
11 in domestic service
1844 Wheelwright/victualler, cooper, joiner/builder, tailor, corn miller,
beerhousekeeper, shopkeeper, shoemaker, bricklayer,
blacksmith, 8 farmers, 2 corn merchants, brick and tile maker,
1912 Sub-postmistress, schoolmistress, 2 farm bailiffs, 6 farmers,
shopkeeper, 2 publicans, beer retailer, gardener
19. Education:
1818 1 Sunday school on National plan (42 attend)
1833 1 Sunday school (44 attend)
1891 National school, average attendance 40
1912 Public Elementary school, average attendance 49,
closed 1967. Children attend Thurlow VC school and
Haverhill Middle and Upper schools 1981
20. Poor relief:
1776 £164 7s. 4d.
1803 £281 18s. 9d.
1818 £971 4s.
1830 £585 3s.
1832 £578 13s.
1834 £479 9s.
21. Charities:
22. Other institutions:
Almshouse restored to occupation of 1 aged person 1907 having become
disused.
1912 Kennels for Newmarket and Thurlow fox hounds
Women’s Institute established 1934
Parish Council formed 1894
23. Recreation:
1844 Fox and Goose public house (16th cent. origins)
Beerhouse keeper
1891/1912 The Crown and The Fox public houses
Beer retailer
The Fox public house (by now the only public house in parish)
due to close 1987
24. Personal:
25. Other information:
Great Bradley Hall: built late 17/early 18th cent. with 19th cent. additions. Earlier hall said to have occupied moated site to rear of churchyard.
School converted into village hall, opened 1973.
Tower Mill: said to have built 1839, badly damaged during storm 1908
The miller, Josiah Nice, had spent all his savings on renovations (which were
almost complete when storm struck). The resulting additional cost of repair
was too much for him and he committed suicide. Mill was never used or occupied again.
Matthews Farm: built c.1686. Can be divided into 4 sections:
a. the barn, b. the Primitive Methodist chapel, c. old farmhouse,
d. single storey wooden building 1981.
Note: There is no other record of a Primitive Methodist chapel in
this village.
Clarendale Estate: built 1966, consists of 40 homes. Increased population
by approximately 50%.
‘History of Gt Bradley’ by B.J. Buchs 1981
Timeline for Great Bradley, Suffolk
- • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1066Ulf was the Saxon Thane until the arrival of the Normans - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1071Robert de Tosny is given manor of Great BradleyThe Norman, Robert de Tosny came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066. In 1071 Edwin, Earl of Mercia, was assassinated and his lands distributed amongst William's followers. Robert de Tosny was granted the manor of Bradley and one third of the king's rents in Stafford. He went on to build Stafford Castle. Tosny is nowadays a little village, population 677, ten miles south of Rouen in the north of France - • ◀︎
Aug 1, 1086Domesday Book records 14 villagers in Bradley (Great & Little)there were 14 villagers, 12 smallholders and 6 slaves. Smallholders were reasonably independent farmers, but still owed service to the lord. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1150Norman part of Church is late 12th CThe central part of the church, form the 12th Century is the oldest remaining section. Although Norman, it was built on an earlier Anglo Saxon building - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1200Bigod family owned the manor of Bradley in the 13th CThe Bigod family owned the manor of Bradley in the 13th C. The Bigods were noted for, amongst other things, being the the 1st Earls of Norfolk and owners of Framlingham Castle in Suffolk, taking part in the release of Richard the Lionheart and the signing of the Magna Carta - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1216-1272 Bigod Family own the Manor1216-1272 Bigod Family In 1288 William Bigod was the owner. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1305Sir John de Botetourt owns the Manor - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1310aprx. Tenor Bell in the Church cast. - • ◀︎
May 2, 1311Robert Buteturt becomes Rector - • ◀︎
Nov 13, 1316Roger Buteturt becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Apr 7, 1318Johannes De Norton becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Feb 9, 1332Johannes De Pakynton becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 10, 1344Ricardus Le Morter (or le Mercer) De Berningham becomes Rector - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1350Church Tower built in late 14th CThe tower was built in the late 14th Century in the English Perpendicular style - • ◀︎
Oct 23, 1350Thomas Gerond De Stratford becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Oct 29, 1361Ricardus De Gretyngdon is Rector of St Mary's29
October
1361 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1380The Baptismal font is late 14th C - • ◀︎
Sep 1, 1391Johannes Hercos becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1400Bartholemew family own Great Bradley ManorThe Bartholemew family were owners of Great Bradley Manor for over 100 years. Brooksby was Sheriff of Leicestershire in 1411 and again in 1420, and member of five parliaments between 1410 and 1435. The picture shows the family coat of arms - • ◀︎
Oct 4, 1400Johannes Pacewode becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Sep 10, 1404Tomas Philip becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Feb 24, 1422Thomas Rydell becomes Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1437Bartholomew Brooksby owned the manorThe Broksby family remained for over 100 years - • ◀︎
Mar 10, 1437Dominus Johannes Laceby made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1443Lady Margaret Beaufort born: owner of much of the land round Great BradleyShe was mother of King Henry VII, born when she was just 13. She owned the land between East Green and the River. This land then passed over to St John's College in whose ownership it remained until recently. It is now in private ownership. The twin cottages on the Newmarket side of the village, called Str John's Cottages are a reminder of the past. She helped found Christ's College and St John's College in Cambridge. Lady Margaret Hall, the first women's college at Oxford University, was named - • ◀︎
Jan 29, 1459Thomas Gardener made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Mar 15, 1494Williemus Villers made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Sep 5, 1494Dominus Johannes Baldwin made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Dec 13, 1498Ricardus Brokisby made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jun 1, 1500Earliest Nave window in Church is 16th C - • ◀︎
Jul 13, 1513Dominus Johannes Bancrofte made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Oct 26, 1515Thomas Lobley made Rector of Great BradleyMore - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1525The brick church porch is Tudor (16th Century) - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1540Treble Bell cast before this dateThe treble bell bears no inscription, so its origins are unknown, but authorities claim that this is almost certainly a pre-Reformation bell (ie pre 1540) but no older than 1300 (according too one of the repairers). It weights over 5 hundredweight and is over 30 inches in diameter. The note it rings is C sharp - • ◀︎
Sep 24, 1541Thomas Asheton made Rector of Great Bradley - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1550Church Tower modified extensively in 16th Century - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1552Sir Thomas Soames owns Great Bradley ManorThe Soames' owned Great Bradley manor in the 16th C. They also owned a house in Hatton Garden and land in London, and eventually had land and interests in Tobago. Thomas' son was to become Sir Stephen Soames, the Lord Mayor of London and Lord of the Staple, which means he sat on the Wool Sack. The family commissioned Vermuyden to prepare plans to drain the fens.
The picture is of the monument dedicated to the Soames family in Little Thurlow church - • ◀︎
Oct 1, 1558Robertus Williamson made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 15762nd church bell made in Bury St EThe second bell, according to Raven ('The Church Bells of Suffolk - 1890 edition') dates from 1576. It weighs over 6 hundredweight and is 33 inches in diameter. The note is B+. It has an inscription stating it was made in Bury St Edmunds by the Stefanyz [Stephen] Tonni workshop in in 1576 - • ◀︎
Jun 22, 1576Oliverus Phillippes made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Oct 1, 1623Bartholomew Adrian made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1624-1627 Peyton family own the manor - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1627Sir William Soames owns the manor1627 Sir William was a resident of Little Thurlow - • ◀︎
Sep 8, 1674Robert Billingsley made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
May 14, 1675Thomas Cox made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Dec 22, 1679William Cyffard made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1680approx. Soames Family own the manorSir William's son, also William, put the manor in trust to his wife for her lifetime, and thence to other family members - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 16811681: earliest gravestone date - • ◀︎
Jul 22, 1690Ichabod (sic) Tipping made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Apr 14, 1692John Cooper made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1701Parish Records date from here - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1709Great Bradley School begins - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1709-1753 Charles Fox owns the manor - • ◀︎
Mar 24, 1728William Nash made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1753-1884 Thomas Brand & family own the manorThe Brand family became Lords Dacre and later Viscounts Hampden. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1774Thomas Brand born, one time owner of Great Bradley ManorThe Brand family owned Great Bradley manor during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Thomas Brand was, at one time, the owner of Great Bradley Manor. He was an MP. His son, also Thomas Brand, became 20th Baron Dacre. Their descendents became the Viscounts Hampden two generations later. The picture shows Sir Henry Bouverie William Brand, 1st Viscount Hampden - • ◀︎
Aug 14, 1783Spencer Madan made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jun 8, 1786Thomas Wythe made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1793-1839 A (Post) Windmill is known to have existed on Bradley HillSt. John's College map dated 1793 as a Post Mill and was rebuilt as a Tower Mill in 1839 for the sum of £153. 4s. 2d. - • ◀︎
May 1, 1801Village Population is 395 - • ◀︎
May 1, 1811Village Pop.is 406 in 55 houses - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 18151815-1837 former Three Tunns run as a blacksmiths1815 Freehold of land acquired by Philip Frost, Blacksmith 1837 Philip Frost sold to William Chapman, Butcher - • ◀︎
May 1, 1821Village Pop is 487 in 89 houes - • ◀︎
May 1, 1831Village Pop. is 527 in 89 houses - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1833Three Tuns bought by Jenner's Brewery in Kedington - • ◀︎
Nov 17, 1835William Samuel Parr Wilder made Rector - • ◀︎
Mar 1, 1837-1865 William Chapman runs a butchers shop in former Three Tunns - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1839-1949 Tower Windmill built. Operated till 1908Post Mill and was rebuilt as a Tower Mill in 1839 for the sum of £153. 4s. 2d. - • ◀︎
May 1, 1841Village Population is 544 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1842John Bocking is landlord of The Fox until 1844 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1842- 1855 William Paxman is landlord of The Crown1842: The Crown Inn is known to have existed in 1842, for a Tithe Map of that date denotes the owner of "The Crown Public House Cottages and Pastures" as being William Paxman, - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1842-1920 Thomas Brand, later Lord Dacre & Viscounts Hampden own the manor - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 18441844 - 1855 Willaim Barker is Landlord of The Fox1844: William Barker (also a wheelwright) - • ◀︎
May 1, 1851Village Population is 542 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1855-1874 Samuel Collett is The Fox Landlord1855: Samuel Collett [whose gravestone, opposite, is near the south porch of the church. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1855-1874 Richard Fredick Paxman landlord of The Crown1855: Richard Fredick Paxman was the landlord at least until 1874. (In 1861 the census records Richard to be 50 years old and living at he Crown with his wife Hester, aged 52; daughter Eliza, aged 18; father William aged 84 and Richard Frederick, grandson , aged 3) - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1855First record of a Post Office in the Village - • ◀︎
May 1, 1864S.Botry Pigott made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 18651865-1882 Chapman family, builders, own former Three Tuns - • ◀︎
Mar 1, 1869J.T.Wilder made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Sep 1, 1870McM.Charles.G.Wilder made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1874-1888 John Day is The Fox Landlord - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1880Grays of London made the church organThe organ wasn't moved to this chuirch until early in 20th C though - • ◀︎
Apr 1, 1880Current school building opens (now the village hall)Current school building opens (now the village hall) - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1881J.T.Wilder made Rector again - • ◀︎
May 1, 1881Village Population is 359 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1882-1833 John Champan runs Three Tunns as pub for first time1882 Fuller Chapman to John Price, Brewer (when it first became licensed property) - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1886Nathan Gooch, the blind landlord of The Fox, bornNathan Gooch was the blind landlord of The Fox public house. Strangers, unaware of his disability, would be astounded to learn that he was blind, for he would serve them with their drinks, take their money and give them change with the confidence and assurance of a sighted person. His gravestone is in the Churchyard - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1887Tho. Jenner brewery sells Three Tuns to Greene King - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1887-1891 Ann Richardson is landlady of The Crown1887: Ann Richardson is shown as the landlord and the pub was bought by the Greene King with Kedington Brewery - • ◀︎
Jun 22, 1887Village Celebrates Victoria's Golden JubilieeOn Wednesday, 22nd June, the day was observed chiefly as a holiday. The number of parishioners being just 300, 280 met on the Square opposite the Fox Inn at a quarter before 3 o'clock, headed by the Rector, the Clerk and the band playing 'God Save the Queen', the rear being brought up by the Donors of the Feast. Those people marched to the Parish Churchyard where a short service, authorised by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was held, the Church being too Small to accommodate so many on such a hot - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1888-1900 Richard Hayward is The Fox landlord - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1891- 1892 Christopher Richardson landlord of The Crown1891: By now Christopher Richardson was landlord (it was known then as the Rose and Crown), 1892: Richard Hayward was shown as landlord - • ◀︎
May 1, 1891Village Population is 317 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1892Rev Burnard Wilder is Rector of Great bradleyLast of four brothers who were Rectors of the Parish. He served from 1892 - 1920. He was, without doubt, the greatest "character" of all the Rectors of our church. He is reputed to have had coins made inscribed "1 pint" and "1/2 pint". The story goes that if the male members of his congregation attended Church once a day they were given a1/2 pint token and, if twice a day, then they were given a 1 pint token. These tokens could be exchanged at the pub for the relative quantity of beer! The fami - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1892- 1916 Richard Hayward is landlord at The Crown - • ◀︎
Aug 1, 1892W.B.C.Wilder made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Dec 14, 1894Formation of Parish CouncilThe Parish Council was formed under the Local Government Act 1894, and held its first meeting on 14th December 1894. The Reverend W. B. C. Wilder was appointed Chairman, a post he held for 38 years until his death in 1932. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 19001900-1916 R B Jevons is The Fox landlord - • ◀︎
Apr 21, 1901Fred Templeman, famous jockey in Great BradleyFred Templeman appears in the 1901 Census of Great Bradley. He is 9 years old and living with his sisters and recently widowed father in Fox Farm, next to the Fox Inn. He grew up to be a famous jockey and racehorse trainer. The family arrived in Great Bradley about 1889 and Fred left home for Lambourn, Berkshire, to begin his jockey's apprentice c.1904. He had his first ride in 1905, aged 13.
Fred's greatest triumph as a jockey was winning the Derby in 1919 on Grand Parade in it's debut season - • ◀︎
May 1, 1901Village Population is 264 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1908Josiah Nice, Miller hanged himselfIn 1908, Jo Nice decided to have extensive renovations carried out on the mill, and for this he employed Hunts, the millwrights and General Engineers, of Soham. (Hunts were well known millwrights and they worked on most of the mills in this area from 1836 to 1954, when their business was sold). The renovations had almost been completed when a bad thunderstorm occurred, causing the miller and millwrights to take shelter in Mill House. A few minutes later, a flash of lightning struck the sails, an - • ◀︎
May 1, 1911Village Population is 247 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1916-1925 George Shore is The Fox landlord - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1916-1925 Sophia Hayward is The Crown landlady - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1917Silent Film released called The Great Bradley MysteryA black and white silent movie made in the USA. The plot involves an affair with a Mr Bradley (actor Edward Ellis) and his stenographer, Lola. When she becomes pregnant Bradley blames his business partner, Collier. Lola dies after having her baby, and not long after, Bradley is found dead. Collier said that he and Bradley were fighting, and Bradley pulled a gun. They struggled, the gun went off, and Bradley was killed. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1919Viscount Harpden sells The Fox to Greene King breweryRt. Hon. Thomas Walter Viscount Harpden (Lord of the Manor) and the Rt. Hon. Katherine Mary Viscountess Hampden by Greene King in 1919. - • ◀︎
Mar 21, 1919Altar Window Installed in memory of son of the Rector - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1920-1951 Charles Foster Ryder owned the manorCharles was the father of Baroness Ryder of Warsaw (1923-2000),formerly Sue Ryder, known for the care homes - • ◀︎
May 1, 1921Village Population is 215 - • ◀︎
May 19, 1923Sue Ryder, or Baroness Ryder of Warsaw, bornSue Ryder, or Baroness Ryder of Warsaw (1923-2000), is most well known for her care homes. Charles Foster Ryder was her father and he owned Great Bradley Hall. Her brother, Stephen, lived in Great Bradley Hall - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 19251925 - 1937 Rose Gooch is landlady of The Fox - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1925- 1955 The Crown pub closes and is used as a post office & garage - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1931Rev Burnard Wilder diedLast of four brothers who were Rectors of the Parish. He served from 1892 - 1920. He was, without doubt, the greatest "character" of all the Rectors of our church. He is reputed to have had coins made inscribed "1 pint" and "1/2 pint". The story goes that if the male members of his congregation attended Church once a day they were given a1/2 pint token and, if twice a day, then they were given a 1 pint token. These tokens could be exchanged at the pub for the relative quantity of beer! The fami - • ◀︎
May 1, 1931Village Population is 189 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1932P.H.E.Wilder made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1937-1957 Nathan Gooch, The Fox landlord1937: Nathan Gooch Nathan Gooch is remembered today as being the blind landlord. Strangers, unaware of his disability, would be astounded to learn that he was blind, for he would serve them with their drinks, take their money and give them change with the confidence and assurance of a sighted person. His gravestone is in the Churchyard. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1937Village Celebrated King George V Silver Jubilee - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1938Maria Woolstone Rowbottom diesMaria is recorded as having died, aged 90 at Great Bradley Rectory. She was widow of Major Lever Robert Rowbottom, former Wigan Coroner - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1942ES Barrington Barnes made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jul 1, 1942Great Bradley Stakes, 2m race at Newmarket - • ◀︎
Jul 1, 1943Great Bradley Stakes, a 1200m race at Newmarket - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1946Parish Council Reformed after 15 years of InactivityThe Parish Council was re-formed in 1946, with the Reverend E. S. Barrington-Barnes as Chairman, but the minutes show that only two meetings were held. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1947Three Tuns pub closes - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1949Windmill demolished after 40 years of no use - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1951-2003 (Richard) Stephen Ryder was owner of the manor(Richard) Stephen Ryder was owner of the manor - • ◀︎
May 1, 1951Village Population is 212 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1952L E West made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1955Current Parish Council in current form meetsR. S. Ryder was appointed Chairman in 1955, and held this post for the 40 years to 1995. - • ◀︎
Oct 2, 1955-1975. The Crown opens as PO (post office)In March 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Beavis bought the Crown House, and it was re-opened as a Post Office by Mrs. A.R. Beavis on 2nd October, 1965. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 19571957-1981 Nathan Gooch Jnr is landlord of The FoxI wanted to inform you that Mr. Nathan Cecil Gooch (my father) took over "The Fox" from my grandfather " Nathan Gooch" in or around 1957. He and my mother, Violet Gooch ran this establishment until early 1967 when they retired. Unfortunately, 8 weeks after his retirement, my father died of a heart attack - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1959Organ moved here from Walberswick (St Andrew's Church) - • ◀︎
May 1, 1961Village Population is 230 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1962Ian Charnock made Rector of St Mary'sRev Ian Charnock, on his departure, Great Bradley Rectory sold - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1965Rev Alfred Johnson made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1966Building work starts on the Clarendale developmentThe new housing development, called Clarendale, is built between 1966 and 1968 on the old cricket square More on Clarendale - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1967Village School closes after 200 years - • ◀︎
Oct 25, 1971Village Hall charity created to turn the school into a hallThe charity was created to generate funds to turn the old school building into the village hall - • ◀︎
May 19, 1974Rev Derek Hill, Priest in Charge of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Sep 19, 1976-1990 Crown House is a P0 (Post Office) & garage run by Tony KnightOn 19th September 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Knight took possession of the property, and Mrs. Knight became sub-postmistress. It had two petrol pumps for many years, the petrol having been changed from Esso to Bulldog in the late 1970s. These pumps, together with the shop, provided key facilities for the village. All are now gone. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1978Rev Dr Lesllie Francis made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1981Dennis Pugh - last Landlord of The Fox with his wife Jean untill it closed1986 David Pugh is Landlord of The Fox untill it closed - • ◀︎
Mar 21, 1982Repairs to the Church BellsA major service and repair of the church bells was carried out Reort on Repais - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1983Winner of Suffolk Best Kept Village, Novice Class - • ◀︎
Apr 1, 1983-2010: 1st Village Sign honours Charles & Di - • ◀︎
May 19, 1983Rev Alan Beardsmore made Rector - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1985Winner Suffolk Best Kept Village, Novice Class - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1986The Fox pub, the last in the village, closed - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1987Saxonsprings High Society moves here (The Apso champion dog)Saxonsprings High Society was a Lhasa Apso champion, pictured here winning Best-in-Show at the Driffield Championship Show in 1993, out of an entry of 9,010 dogs! She is one of the few Lhasas to win Best-in-Show. at an all breeds Championship show. Daughter of Champion Saxonsprings Hackensack (the only Lhasa to have ever won Best-In-Show, at Crufts).
She lived in Great Bradley for most of her 16 years from 1987 - 2004. Bred by the late Jean Blyth, she came to the village aged just 8 weeks old - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1987Rev John Wardle made Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1990Rev Edmund Betts, Haverhill Team Vicar is Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Aug 1, 1990Village Sports DayClick here for pictures of the event</a>http://greatbradley.weebly.com/sports-day-1990.html - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1991There were 125 houses in the village - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1995Tony Knight becomes Chair of Parish Council to 2007 - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1995Rev John Williams is Rector of St Mary'sIn 1997 St Mary's became part of the Stourhead Benefice - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1995There were 127 houses in the village - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1996-1998 Fox Green is builtIn June 1988, Messrs. R. S. and C. W. C. Ryder of Great Bradley Farms announced the intention to undertake a development at Fox Farm, and to relocate the farming business away from the centre of the village. It was proposed that 25 houses would be built at Fox Farm, and a separate 3.5 acre recreation ground adjacent to the development would be made available. Villagers were invited to a meeting in the Village Hall on 13th June 1988, at which an outline of the scheme was shown. Local press report - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 1998Rev John Eley is Rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2000There were 154 houses in the village - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2001Plan to create Reservoir at Great Bradley - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2002Village website Mk1 launchedFirst Website for the Village created by Rowan - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2003to Present: Charles Ryder is owner of the manorCharles is the son of Stephen - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2005Village Website MK2 launchedNew village web site created - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2005There were 156 houses in the village - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2005Planting of the GroveMore...A 'grove' of native tree speciaes was planted at the far end of the recreation ground in Jan 2005. The Stour Valley Trust was consulted on the appropriateness of species to be included and about 225 small trees (or whips) and 25 larger saplings were planted out - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2008R Sylvester-Bradley is PC ChairR Sylvester-Bradley is Parish Council Chair - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2010Second Village Sign erected - • ◀︎
Jan 18, 2010Play Equipment on the Rec GroundChildrens Play Equipment was installed on the Recreation Ground after local fundraising took place and the drainage to the area was improved. The equipement included swings, basket ball hoop, a slide, a 'roundabout', sit-in train and an obstacle course - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2011Village Website Mk3 launched3rd version of Village website goes live. This time hosted byWeebly - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2011Flood knocks out Village HallA burst pipe flooded the village hall, which meant it was out of action for at least 6 months - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2011Rev Derek Hollis appointed Vicar of St Mary'sList of RectorsRev Hollis is appointed vicar of all the churches in the Stourhead Benefice - • ◀︎
Mar 1, 2011Work on new water pipeline beginsEssex and Suffolk Water have a proposal called the Abberton Reservoir Scheme in place. The overall aim of the Abberton Reservoir Scheme is to enlarge the capacity of the reservoir by 60%, and to provide enough water to fill it for future customer supply. Of interest to Great Bradley is the fact that the water that currently flows down the Kirtling Brook and in to the Stour, will be able to go in a new 15km pipeline from Kirtling to Wixoe instead. The aim of this is to ensure that enough water ca - • ◀︎
Oct 8, 2011Village Hall re-opens after floodThe village hall was re-opened after a disasterous flood in January 2011. The whole of the floor had to be relaid - • ◀︎
Jun 5, 2012Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrationThe villlage celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II with a series of events including a hog roast, childrens tea party, unveiling of a new flagpole and games on the recreation area. - • ◀︎
Oct 1, 2012Water Pipeline along River Stour is completedThe River Stour pipeline from Kedington to Wixoe is completed with remarkably little fuss - • ◀︎
Oct 1, 2012Streetlights are turned off at midnightMap of Streetlights in Gt BradleyAll streetlights in the village controlled by the County Council will be switched off from 12.00 midnight to 5.30 am. Some lights are controlled by the district council, These are not affected. - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2013Simon Kiddy appointed Chair of the Parish Council - • ◀︎
Jan 18, 2013Interpretation Boards erected by RiverAn interpretation board was erected by Great Bradley Bridge near the river. Over the last months members of the Parish Council have designed an interpretation panel for the village. This has been put together to tell both the increasing numbers of walkers, and villagers, about the surrounding area and the walks available. It includes text, a map and several pictures of our beautiful surroundings. The panel has been funded in part by Essex and Suffolk Water Abberton Scheme Neighbourhood Fund - • ◀︎
Feb 24, 2013Stuart Wilson takes over as editor of The Bugle from Sue Sylvester-Bradley & Helen Smith - • ◀︎
May 12, 2013Wedding in St Mary'sWedding of Meg and Charlie. This was the first wedding in the church for a long time - • ◀︎
Aug 8, 2014WWI Centenary CommemorationAn exhibition was held at the Village Hall on Friday 8th August. There were photo displays and video footage, as well as lots of information; and in addition there was also be a number of general interest items and pictures from the village archives - • ◀︎
Apr 20, 2015Willow Sculpture added to Recreation GroundA living willow sculpture was planted on the recreation ground near the play area - • ◀︎
May 1, 2015Village Facebook group createdA Facebook group was created for the village. Within a year there were 150 members - • ◀︎
May 20, 2015Allotments CreatedAllotments were created on Paxman's Field off Matthews Lane, for the benefit of residents - • ◀︎
Jul 1, 2015Big LunchThe First Big Lunch event was held on the Recreation Ground. Rotten weather - but good fun - • ◀︎
Jul 26, 2015Open GardensThe first Open Gardens event was held in Great Bradley. It raised funds for the village hall. - • ◀︎
Sep 1, 2015Super fast broadband arrived in the villageBroadband speeds went up from a mximum of 4Mb/s to 65Mb/s - • ◀︎
Nov 20, 2015River Stour ImprovementsConservation Plan
installation of woody debris bunds (sourced from woods here at Great Bradley) in about 70 different places along the river from Water Lane to Little Bradley bridge. The woody debris will act as flow deflectors creating, over time, more complex river habitats and markedly improving the ecology of the river. This forms part of a wider conservation plan for the Gt Bradley estate - • ◀︎
Jan 1, 2016New Post for Village Sign - • ◀︎
Oct 16, 2016Defibulator Installed at Village HallA Defibulator was Installed on the outside wall of the Village Hall and one of the village residents provided instruction on its use - • ◀︎
May 1, 2017Portable PintAs the village has no pub, a Portable pub was hired out once a month over the summer season and it proved a big hit! - • ◀︎
Jun 6, 2017Church Tower OpenThe Church Tower was open during the annual village fete - • ◀︎
Jul 1, 2017On line Village Archive CreatedThe village archive collection started to be digitised and items placed on a shared server - • ◀︎
Jul 1, 20172nd Big LunchBetter weather this time! - • ◀︎
Aug 30, 2017Young Artists EventThe village Art Group passed on their skills to young people in the village - • ◀︎
Sep 1, 2017New House at Pond HouseSome land at Pond House was sold off to build 'Bradley House', the first new house in the village for some years - • ◀︎
Dec 3, 2017Auction of PromisesTo raise funds for Village Hall - • ◀︎
Jan 8, 20182018 Great Baradley Photo CompetitionA photo competiton was run by Nikki Stroud and Alison McClosky. The theme was 'Great Bradley' of course! Thge best pictures were incorporated into a village calendar for 2019 - • ◀︎
Apr 1, 2018Wine TastingA wine tasting evening was held to raise funds for the village hall - • ◀︎
Jul 1, 2018Big LunchBig Lunch on the Recreation Ground to celebrate Prince Harry's marriage to Megan Markle - • ◀︎
Jul 3, 2018Murder Mystery PlayWritten and directed by village resident Anne Suggs, with a cast of villagers - • ◀︎
Sep 1, 2018Ghost Story PlayThe village players returned for another audience participation murder mystery called a Christmas Ghost Story - • ◀︎
Nov 6, 2018Bonfire & FireworksHeld in the paddock at the top of Hall Road - • ◀︎
Nov 11, 2018Commemoration of End of WW1An exhibition of the village archives and of WWI memories was held in the village hall. https://greatbradley.weebly.com/wwi-centenary.html - • ◀︎
Dec 2, 2018Christmas Craft FairA successful Christmas Craft Fair was held in order to raise funds for the village halll - • ◀︎
Mar 23, 2019Village Litter Pick - • ◀︎
May 19, 2019Big LunchA big pic nic was held for everyone on the recreation ground - • ◀︎
Jun 1, 2019Farm & Woodland TourA guided tour round the Great Bradley farm to learn how the area is managed - • ◀︎
Jul 26, 2019Murder Mystery PlayThe Village Players entertained everyone with their third play, a murder mystery entitled The Curious Case of the Green Courgette - • ◀︎
Sep 1, 20192019 Games EveningA games evening was held to raise funds for the village hall - • ◀︎
Oct 18, 2019Bootiful BreakfastFull English Breakfast Derved in the Village Hall, to raise funds for the hall - • ◀︎
Nov 16, 2019Village Quiz NightA quiz night was held to raise funds for the village - • ◀︎
Nov 23, 2019Bonfire & FireworksBonfire & Fireworks held on the paddock at the top of Hall Road - • ◀︎
Dec 2, 2019Christmas Craft FairA Chriustmas Craft Fiar was held to raise funds for the village hall - • ◀︎
Dec 22, 2019Carol Service - • ◀︎
May 6, 2020Fr Christopher Giles becomes the new rector of St Mary's - • ◀︎
May 8, 2020VE Day CommemorationVE Day Commemorated the 75th anniversay of the end of WWII. Beacuse of Covid restrictions people celebrated individually and decorated their houses - • ◀︎
Jul 9, 2020Sunflower Growing CompetitionOne of th e villagers had her wedding cancelled beacuse of the Covid pandemic. She had ordered packets of sunflowers for her guests, so offred them round the village instead. People enjoyed the competion betwen the growers
