Bungay - Surrounding Area

The Ilketshalls, The South Elmhams, Mettingham, Earsham, Ditchingham, Broome, Ellingham

The Ilketshalls
Named after the 'hall of Alfkethill'. Some of the points of interest include;

St John - the beautiful church is well worth a visit, the ancient graveyard being a haven for wildlife
St. Andrew - five commons and the round tower of the church
St Lawrence - rectangular enclosure of the church was once a supply camp for the nearby Roman road, Stone Street (from Dunwich to Caistor)
St Margaret - round tower church with an unusual painted chancel roof
Mettingham - church with Norman and Saxon features and a ruined castle
Flixton - home of the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum and a church with a rare saddleback tower.

The South Elmhams
The name is derived from Almar, a Saxon bishop. Some of the points of interest include;

Homersfield - a picturesque village with thatched cottages
St Margaret - the church here has a square tower and there are stocks in the porch
St Cross - home of the Old Minster, reputedly erected by St Felix who brought Christianity to this part of East Anglia. For more information take a look at Bateman's Barn
All Saints - take a look at the carefully restored Round Tower Church
St James - the church here was restored after war damage and is noted for it's beautifully carved modern woodwork, the results of a village class.

Earsham
'The station of the army', site of a Roman encampment with several points of interest including

Earsham Hall, a beautiful mansion now a centre for pine furniture
Earsham Mill, still standing on the same site since 1066
Earsham church, built in the 14th century with a distinctive wooden spire

Ditchingham
A fine walk, part of the Bigod Way takes in the beauty of Bath Hills from where the home of the author Sir Rider Haggard can be seen. Also the home of All Hallows Anglican Community, hospital and boarding school.

Broome
St Michael's Church stands alone amidst fields and dates back to the early 14th century.
The heath contains two ancient barrows and the old gravel pit has been transformed into a well used fishing lake.

Ellingham
This small village lies on the River Waveney, from which power was once derived for the picuresque mill. Nearby is the 12th century church with a much admired wall painting.