Lavenham was a place of some importance as far back as 1257 when it was granted its market Charter. It then became of some international importance in the reign of Edward III, exporting its famous blue broadcloth to such far flung places as Russia to such notorious characters as Catherine the Great. All goods things come to an end and in the 16th century Dutch refugees colonizing Colchester brought over with them a cheaper, lighter and more fashionable cloth. Lavenham's industry went into a steep decline from which it never recovered and the regular building of its houses and places of work ceased. Indeed at the turn of the 20th century much of the village was in a state of near dereliction. With the improvements in communication and transport brought about by the 20th century, Lavenham is slowly regaining its wealth, with more and more employers looking to move into the area and with nearly all of its formerly neglected historic houses now restored to their original prowess.

For Further information on the History of Lavenham, visit Lavenham.co.uk