Chelsworth is a very picturesque small village of about 60 houses, lying in the Brett Valley in Suffolk. The village dates to Saxon times at least. With its wealth of medieval timber-framed buildings, old bridge, water meadows and mature trees it has often been described as one of the prettiest villages in England
Chelsworth has a remarkable church, All Saint’s, that is immediately next to The Grange. The church boasts the gothic tomb canopy of Sir John Philibert, who died in 1334. There is also the hatchment of Sir Robert Pocklington, who was knighted by Francis II, the last emperor of the Holy Roman Empire after saving him in battle.
Julian Tennyson – great grandson of Queen Victoria’s Poet Laureate – said of the village:
"I have a perfect village of my own finding, which I pride myself is quite unknown. It is Chelsworth … It lies completely hidden in a little valley. Its cottages are irregular, very well kept and finely timbered. It borders a stream, a quiet ready stream, whose banks are lined with rich and gigantic trees. I can’t tell you why I think it is perfect. Perhaps it is because Chelsworth has been left to itself."
The village is very popular with artists who come to paint by the old brick bridge or the Peacock Inn. There are several very peaceful and idyllic walks around the village, the side lanes, old footpaths, along the water-meadows and through the clay-pit.
The Peacock Inn is well known and appears in countless ‘chocolate-box’ images depicting unspoilt rural charm. All this is right outside the door of The Old Pottery, as the Grange lies in the heart of the village.
For over 40 years now the village has opened many of its gardens to the public on 'Open Gardens Day' for charity. Chelsworth is believed to be the first village in England to do so.
For information on Open Gardens Day and many more pictures of the village please see its site.
Please visit the Old Chelsworth to learn about the history of the village.
