SUFFOLK Family History Society

STRADBROKE & DISTRICT GROUP

INTRODUCTION

Stradbroke is situated in what is described as "high Suffolk" or, in what an acquaintance unfairly called "bow and arrow country". Surrounded by fields, tiny hamlets and huge skies with access to bustling cities to say the least limited it's easy to see why people might come to that conclusion, but it belies Stradbroke's sense of self and community spirit.

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

It is a phenomenon of the area being a mediaeval village at a crossroads, skirted by hamlets and village greens - Barley Green, Wootten Green, Battlesea Green to name but a few, all long since enclosed. A photograph of New Street in 1868 shows that the buildings have altered less in a hundred years or so than the fashions in dress and it still retains that sense of community, of belonging, missing in so many towns and villages today.

It supports many organisations and local groups, has a primary school and secondary school, and despite it's small population a swimming pool and recreation centre. It boasts three pubs, all of which bring people together from both within and outside the village of Stradbroke. The Corn Hall, built in 1854 for farmers and dealers to conduct their business, now houses the library. There are shops and facilities which are the envy of many a small village.

It is the birthplace of Robert Copley, or Grosseteste, 'the learned and pious bishop of Lincoln' and Stradbroke was used by the Rous family as the name for their Earldom.

The Stradbroke Group of the Suffolk Family History Society are hoping to attract people from outlying towns and villages from both Suffolk and Norfolk and are currently planning a series of events which we hope will encourage those who have yet to dig into their family's past and enthuse those who already have. Families now living in the in the village and surrounding area can trace their lineage back to 19th century Stradbroke and beyond.

CONTACT

Chairman: Catherine Jenvey
Tel: 07765-078373
Email

Secretary: Julie Kersey
Tel: 01728 860551

PROGRAMME

This group has recently been set up and a programme of events will follow as soon as possible. Meetings will be held at the Stradbroke Community Centre, Wilby Road on the fourth Tuesday in the month. Doors open 7.00pm - Meetings start 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

LINKS

Stradbroke Community Website - A newly set up site with information about Stradbroke.