Woolpit: Village Life in Suffolk

Woolpit’s name conjures up cosy images of sheep farming and spinning. However, the “Wool” part comes from the Saxon wulf, and the village is named after an ancient wolf trap. Any traces of pits today are the remains of the village’s industrial past as a brick-making centre, when Woolpit was celebrated for producing unusual white bricks.

Woolpit is best known for the mysterious tale of the Green Children. In the 12th century, two children with green skin came to the village. Neither spoke English and they ate only broad beans. A more balanced diet changed their complexions; however the poor little boy soon became ill and died. The girl was baptised Agnes, and when she had learned English was able to explain that they’d come from a place where everything was green and the sun never shone. In a surprising twist, she grew up to marry the Archdeacon of Ely, but her enigmatic origins were never explained.

Woolpit’s wolfish past and mysterious green children are celebrated on the village sign. You can find out more about Woolpit’s history, including its brickmaking industry, in Woolpit Museum. Suffolk’s smallest museum is housed in a 16th-century cottage and is open at weekends from Easter until late October.

Woolpit village life

With its jumble of half-timbered cottages and medieval parish church, Woolpit is one of those extraordinarily pretty old villages that England does so well. However, there’s more to Woolpit than a photogenic facade, with useful amenities like a village shop and a petrol station (and that British essential, a traditional fish and chip shop).

The cosy tea room serves delicious home-baked treats, and like all good villages Woolpit has its own pub, The Bull. Enjoy a hearty lunch at either before heading out along one of Suffolk’s many walking routes. There are several sports clubs in Woolpit (including cricket and carpet bowls), a drama group and a selection of classes in the Village Hall. You’re not far from Suffolk’s larger towns, but there’s plenty in Woolpit to keep you at home at the weekend.

On your doorstep

The more time you spend in Suffolk’s countryside, the more you realise why the county has inspired artists and musicians over the centuries. It’s beautiful here, with its lush landscape and wild coastline, and of course, that famous East Anglian light. Woolpit is a short drive from beautiful Thetford Forest, and Bradfield Woods Nature Reserve is even closer (your dog will certainly enjoy living in Woolpit!).

One of the many things we love about Woolpit is the lesser-known but fascinating attractions in the area. Book a tour of Rougham Hall, one of East Anglia’s hidden historic homes, and look out for events at Rougham Control Tower Museum. See flour milled the traditional way at Pakenham Watermill (don’t miss the tea rooms…), and as well as Woolpit’s parish church, St Mary’s, there are lots of lovely old churches to explore in this part of Suffolk.