Welcome to the Rattlesden History Group
The Rattlesden History Group was formed with aims of promoting and studying the
history of the Parish of Rattlesden in Suffolk UK, and its surrounding area, and sharing the historical information through a range of community meetings, publications, events and activities.
“Rattlesden is not reached or visited. It is discovered”
Source: Suffolk Chronicle 1914
About Rattlesden
Historically an agricultural area, the village hosts a primary school, village hall, pavilion, church, Baptist chapel, community shop, post office and two busy pubs at its centre.
Rattlesden has a long history of river trade. Even the name of the village relates to navigation. Rattlesden (Ratesdana) comes from “rates” for boat and “Doenas for Danes, suggesting that 9th century Danish invaders made an encampment here after sailing up the Gipping.
Rattlesden is thought to be where the Caen stone landed for the building of Bury St Edmunds Abbey. It’s also where, in 1634, the wheelwright Richard Kimball gathered pilgrims for a fresh life in the New World.
In terms of built heritage, there are some fine examples of traditional thatched dwellings. The church of St Nicholas sits magnificently at the heart of the village and is well worth a visit.
Indeed, the Domesday Book mentions a church in Rattlesden belonging to Ely Abbey (now Cathedral).
Rattlesden retains a character and warmth, making this parish such a gem waiting to be discovered.
The Rattlesden Heritage Trail
The Rattlesden Heritage Trails will take you on a journey of footpaths, tracks, fields and pedestrian pathways in the village centre.
Explore two routes:-
- Heart of Rattlesden Ramble
- Half Moon and Rising Sun trail
and the many points of interest along these routes.
Use the interactive map below to explore these routes.
Alternatively, download the Rattlesden Heritage Trails leaflet.