According to architectural historians, Kersey probably has the best collection of medieval buildings in East Anglia, dating between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is a linear village whose footprint has changed very little since medieval times.
HISTORY OF KERSEY
Kersey Through the Centuries gives us an interesting picture of Kersey life through the ages. Based on a broad selection of records, it follows the peaks and troughs of Kersey’s history and contains true accounts of fascinating and sometimes gruesome events. Kersey’s prosperity peaked in the 15th century at which time a new breed of successful clothiers emerged who became landowners and challenged the aristocratic status quo. Many of the village’s beautiful buildings originate from this period, preserved mainly due to the poverty in later centuries which precluded redevelopment.
To purchase a copy (£12.00 or £13.50 including postage and packing), buy direct from the printer, furandfeather.co.uk or in St Mary's Church, Kersey.
For further information about Kersey's history:
Anne Maltby’s oral history of Kersey, “Kersey Within Living Memory” provides an excellent insight into life in Kersey from the early 20th century to modern times. The book is now available on the internet. You can download the whole book chapter by chapter (in pdf format) www.kerseymemories.wordpress.com
Kersey records are kept at:
Suffolk Record Office, 77 Raingate St, Bury St Edmunds IP33 2AR
Suffolk Record Office, The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1LR
For information, or if you have any interesting photos or newspaper clippings to share, please contact the Kersey Local History Recorder (post currently vacant). If you are interest in local history and would like to find out more about this role, which can be as small or big as you wish, please contact the Parish Clerk.
