Half Moon and Rising Sun Trail
Explore the hidden gems and historical landmarks along our picturesque village routes. Here we explore the Half Moon and Rising Sun Trail.
Distance 3 miles
Duration 50-75 minutes approximately
Uncover Hidden Treasures
Directions: From the Brewers turn to your right and you will find Half Moon Street. Walk up Half Moon Street and follow the footpath.
Half Moon Street
At the top on the left of this short ‘street’ was the other main Public House in the 19th Century – the Half Moon Inn.
It burnt down in 1914, and the license was transferred within months to the Brewers.
Directions: Follow the footpaths, past the new developments. You are heading towards Poy Street
St John the Evangelist figurine
The find of the St John the Evangelist figurine
In the summer of 1972 a remarkable small figure of bronze-gilt, only 9.5 cm high, was found by Mr. Arthur Davey of Rattlesden in a ploughed field on Cansell Green Farm, on fields just before reaching Poy Street, some nine miles south-west of Bury St. Edmunds.
There is no monument in the vicinity of the find-place, nor is any site recorded with which the find might be connected.
The bronze-gilt figure—it has lost most of its original gilding— represents St. John the Evangelist. The experts date this figure to approximately 1180 and it was sold at Christie’s for a considerable sum.
Leave the footpath on to Poy Street (23B) and immediately left at the junction, down Mitchery lane taking the footpath on your right (before you reach Baby Lane)
Mitchery Lane is part of the known Roman road from Ixworth to Colchester.
The word Poy comes from the Roman word ‘Pye’. Originally indicating a section of the old Roman Road that likely had a Magpie Inn situated (for example, Norwich to Ipswich).
Uncover Hidden Treasures
Directions: Ahead, following the footpath, you will view The Lagoon.
Lagoon and Howe Wood
The Lagoon is a man-made water resource for Edgars Farm but also attracts wildlife. You might see swans, Canada Geese, heron, Cormorant, barn owls, moorhens, ducks, damsel flies/dragon flies, foxes, wild grasses, and reeds.
Further along is the remains of Howe Wood…
Howe Wood featured prominently in the historical maps and memories of many residents past and present.
An area of 15/20 acres, Howe Wood, was taken out in the 1950’s with no prior warning to the deep consternation of many local people. Maybe there was a government directive to ‘grow more’.
The gate entrance to Howe Wood remains just visible. A small copse remains – a reminder of the white carpet of anemones, many wildflowers, holly, hazelnuts and wildlife.
Hitchcock's Mill
Hitchcock’s Mill
This tower mill, which was built around 1850 by John Whitmore, used to have four sweeps attached to its cap and a fantail to the rear, ensuring that the sails always faced into the wind. It was acquired, along with the adjacent smock mill, by Cornelius Hitchcock, head of a prominent Suffolk milling family in 1877. The Hitchcock’s also owned mills at Bures, Wormingford and Fingringhoe (Essex).
It ceased being used as a mill in 1935. The last miller being Edwin Bragg. It now stands sailless and derelict.
From Brettenham Road, you can see the base of the tower mill and can see the old mill converted to residential dwellings.
Directions: If you follow the route turning right and walking along the length of Top Road, you will see The Old Victorian letter box set in a bricked pillar.
Look left at this junction to see the house that was the Rising Sun Pub.
A very popular pub with many ‘regulars’ in 50/60’s, especially on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime.
Old Victorian Letter Box
Directions: If you follow the route turning right and walking along the length of Top Road, you will see The Old Victorian letter box set in a bricked pillar.
Look left at this junction to see the house that was the Rising Sun Pub.
A very popular pub with many ‘regulars’ in 50/60’s, especially on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime.
