LAKENHEATH

"LAKENHEATH, a parish, in the hundred of Lackford, county Suffolk, 6 miles N.E. of Mildenhall, its post town, and 2 S. of Lakenheath railway station. The Little Ouse, which is navigable, bounds the parish on the N. The village, which is considerable, is situated on gently rising ground, in the midst of extensive rabbit warrens. The corn market which was formerly held here is discontinued. The soil, which is light and sandy, is in some parts tolerably fertile, but a very considerable portion is marsh and fen land. There are lime kilns and sand pits. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Ely, value £136, in the patronage of the dean and chapter. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, has been re-roofed, and has a new W. doorway added. It is an ancient structure, with a tower crowned with a leaden spire, and containing five bells. Tho interior of the church contains a brass, &c. The charities produce about £105, including an allotment of 154 acres of fen grounds set apart for the poor. There are two endowed free schools, one for thirty boys, the other for eleven. The Independents, Wesleyans, and Baptists have each a chapel. Lindley Hall is the principal residence. A fair is held for cattle and toys on the first Thursday after Midsummer Day."

Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson © 2003