A Woolly Wander Through Lavenham

Lavenham Guild Hall

Last weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the historic village of Lavenham—again! It wasn’t my first trip, but this time I was able to take my time to really explore the area’s rich woolly heritage, and it made for a truly inspiring day.

My first stop was the magnificent 14th-century Church of St Peter and St Paul. Known as one of England’s finest wool churches, it was funded by wealthy cloth merchants in the Middle Ages who hoped their generosity would secure them a place in Heaven. It’s a powerful symbol of just how central wool was to England’s prosperity in medieval times—especially in small but significant towns like Lavenham.

From there, I meandered through the winding streets, admiring the beautifully preserved medieval buildings. I often find myself playing a little game: picking a favourite house. But in Lavenham, that’s nearly impossible! Each crooked timber-framed building seems to outdo the last, leaning at charming angles and full of personality at every turn.

One building in particular caught my eye—The Old Wool Hall.

The Old Wool Hall

I could almost feel the echoes of centuries past and imagine the bustling trade of fleeces and yarn that once filled its rooms. Another gem was Wool Staplers Hall, offering another delightful nod to Lavenham’s woolly past. I must admit, I was dying to peek inside, but I don’t think the current residents would have appreciated my curiosity!

Eventually, I found myself in the town’s marketplace, standing in front of the awe-inspiring Guildhall. I’d planned my visit carefully, arriving just in time for lunch so that James and our trusty dog Ted could enjoy a peaceful bite in the garden while I explored to my heart’s content.

And what a treat it was. The Guildhall is steeped in history, and the National Trust have curated it beautifully. Thoughtful exhibits tell the stories of Lavenham’s past, with fascinating displays of spinning and weaving tools that truly bring the building to life. As I walked across the worn, uneven floorboards, I couldn’t help but imagine the generations of craftspeople who had once stood in that very spot.

What really struck me was the contrast between their lives and ours. Those spinners and weavers worked with incredible skill and perseverance—often in very difficult conditions—to survive and support their communities. Today, many of us are lucky enough to enjoy spinning and weaving as a relaxing, creative escape. It’s humbling to remember that what is now our pleasure was once someone else’s hard-earned livelihood.

So next time you sit at your wheel, or spend a sunny afternoon scouring a fresh fleece, take a moment to reflect on those who came before us. We’re part of a long and beautiful tradition—one that now gives us the joy of connection, creativity, and calm.

I found the town and the buildings equally fascinating and inspiring and I now wonder if you have visited any places which have given you the same type of connection. I would love to hear your stories of people and places with a woolly history.

Until next time, enjoy your spinning.

Bye

Theresa

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