Nearly sixty-five years ago, in the summer of 1943, B17F Flying Fortresses belonging to the 390th. Bomb Group USAAF, roared off from their base at Framlingham in the middle of the tranquil Suffolk countryside. On each aircraft four 1200 h.p. radial engines strained against the load they were carrying. Their mission: to fly high above the German heartland and unleash their bombs on a merciless enemy. It was their duty to return home safely, but not all made it back from their perilous journey.

Framlingham is well known for its castle and its many attractive buildings. The villages surrounding Framlingham have large village greens, a long history of brewing and witchcraft (or at least witch trials) which will all be explained in another article.

But now to smuggling and an extract from Smuggling in the British Isles: a History by Richard Platt For more detail visit his website www.smuggling.co.uk

The Mere, Framlingham
One of the finest views in inland Suffolk; stand on the castle ramparts and look down on this wetland paradise of Framlingham Mere.

Not only is this is a beautiful site but a fascinating wildlife habitat. The sedge beds - are rare in Suffolk - and stream are home to hundreds of migrating birds. Marsh marigolds, delicate ragged-robin and lady's smock litter the banks in spring, and if water levels are not too high you can see green and common sandepiper and snipe.

Mickfield Meadow, Mickfield

Earl Soham
Earl Soham owes its epithet to being anciently held by the Earls of Norfolk – the Bigod family of Framlingham Castle fame, while 'Soham' can be translated as 'farm by the lake' - all that remains of the original lake being a big reedy bog at the west end of the village, south of Soham Lodge.

Arriving at Framlingham Castle today we see the extensive remains of a magnificent 12th century stone enclosure. Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, and influential member of the court of Henry II, the castle, together with the Mere, was designed both as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status.

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If you adore quilting, appliqué, sewing or simply the magic of creating a story using beautiful fabrics, Quilters Haven in Wickham Market is a must-visit. Filled to the rafters with top American and British quilting fabrics and accessories, Quilters Haven is the largest and best stocked quilt shop in East Anglia. Since its start in 1993, owner Karin Hellaby has also successfully nurtured the teaching centre which runs alongside the shop, and she holds regular courses, events, and overseas quilting holidays for quilters of all abilities.