EAST BERGHOLT, SUFFOLK
2021
Version v2.3.7, 23/08/2021
Proposal for
EXTENDING THE CONSERVATION
AREA
1821 1881

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 2
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
Area 1 : The Donkey Track 10
Area 2 : Quinton’s Triangle 23
Area 3 : Hadleigh Road West Side 31
Area 4 : Gaston Street West 36
Area 5 : Flatford Mill & Flatford Lane41
Document produced by East Bergholt Neighborhood Plan Group on
behalf of East Bergholt Parish Council, May 2021
Contact Point: Nigel Roberts mailto:nigelroberts100@icloud.com

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 3
EAST BERGHOLT –WHY EXTEND CONSERVATION AREA?
“The Street” John Constable 1799
View as of today (2021)
For many people in Britain and around the world, East Bergholt is the
quintessential cherished exemplar of the classic “English Village”. This
sentiment has been established for at least 200 years because of the fame of
John Constable and the celebration of his paintings. East Bergholt was his
birthplace and where he continued to return throughout his life to paint and
draw the landscapes and buildings. Constable’s work resides in prestigious
museums and collections, both here and abroad, and continues to be
published widely.
Before Constable’s time, our Suffolk village has had a fascinating history with
archaeological and written records of prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, and
Medieval developments in the landscape. Significant early periods of the wool
trade and corn milling typified the farm-based industries carried out in East
Bergholt, leading to the establishment of some grand houses and smaller
cottages, many of which are still standing today, with original church and
school buildings.
The village “heart” is connected by lanes to what were small hamlets, or
“ends”, like East End and Gastons End, which were spaced around a large
Heath. Before “Enclosure” this was common land and it sits on a hilltop ridge
or plateau overlooking the valley of the River Stour. Below, in what is now
called Dedham Vale, sits Flatford, which is very much part of East Bergholt
and is famous for its watermill, locks and mill-pond immortalized in
Constable’s “The Haywain” in 1821.

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 4
EAST BERGHOLT –WHY EXTEND CONSERVATION AREA?
1816, Willy Lotts Cottage, Flatford, East Bergholt,
View today (2021)
Much of this landscape and infrastructure, together with many listed buildings
in the locality have not changed in character since the early 19
th
century,
while the village has grown in the past 50 years to accept some large and
small groups of housing, new schools and a health centre. Somewhat
surprisingly perhaps, many of the classic rural views that Constable painted
can still be seen, without disruption, today.
While East Bergholt benefits from sitting within and between two AONB’s, the
current Conservation Area is restricted to an L-shaped strip centred around St
Mary’s Church, branching north up Gaston Street, and East along Rectory Hill.
This document has been prepared after extensive research. We have
appraised the current Conservation Area (CA) which was designated in 1968
and extended in 1975 and have assessed the potential for extending the area
based on built environment and landscape considerations. Our proposal is to
extend the current CA to include five contiguous Areas, each with their own
important characteristics but which when taken together chart the
development and rich history and heritage of East Bergholt. Their designation
will help conserve, protect and enhance the important character of East a
Bergholt for the benefit of future generations

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 5
BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Much of the impetus and analysis for this work has been based on The Parish Council’s Dec 2020 document
“Historic Landscape of East Bergholt and the Cultural Legacy of John Constable” which we commissioned from
consultants Heritage Collective. The study enables us in the village to put forward, with strong justification,
Constable’s paintings of the locality to help protect East Bergholt from inappropriate and large-scale
development, while reminding everyone how special the landscape is. The study shows that Heritage Collective
have raised the status of many of the open field sites to “High Sensitivity”, not just because of Constable’s
work, but in consideration of the history and relatively slow evolution of this vibrant village.
We are very grateful for the continued support and advice from Babergh Mid-Suffolk’s planning and
conservation team. Our dialogue with Philip Isbell, Samantha Summers and Jonathan Duck has been invaluable.
This has involved virtual meetings (due to Covid), and a socially-distance walking tour of the village in
December last year.
Dialogue and consultation with Historic England on this application is also underway.

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 6
This Map, taken from the Heritage Landscape Study Nov. 2020 identifies the significant views for the parish of East Bergholt,
(more detail on important views follows in next sections)
LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT, HISTORIC LANDSCAPE REPORT 2021
Download a PDF copy from
https://www.ebsoc.org.uk/images/hcuf-v5.pdf

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 7
THE AONBs
Suffolk Coast & Heaths
AONB
Dedham Vale AONB
This map shows the village of East Bergholt as part of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
with its northern edge framed by the more recent extension of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB.

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 8
EXISTING CONSERVATION AREA
The historic core of East Bergholt was designated
a Conservation Area in 1968. No Conservation
Area Appraisal or Management Plan has been
published. There are no scheduled monuments
actually within the parish, although two lie close
by: the site of the medieval Dodnash Priory,
situated adjacent the north eastern parish
boundary, and a group of up to a dozen ring
ditches southwest of Reed Island, c.230m south
of the parish boundary on the south bank of the
River Stour.
This area is defined by significant buildings that
form the historic origins of the village at Old Hall
and is characterised by a more dispersed
settlement pattern and varied building line
compared to the village centre. The combination
of important historic buildings, historic boundary
walls and mature vegetation combine to create a
special highly valued character.
The south-western half of the parish lies within
the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB), an area covering 117 square
miles across Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley,
an area registered battlefields within the parish.
Old Hall
Stour
House
Old Rectory
The village heart includes cluster of listed buildings along the L-shaped route which forms the current Conservation Area. Significant
large historic properties are picked out, such as St Mary’s Church, but many buildings are small cottages or former commercial
premises, set into their original context.
The East Bergholt Conservation Area encompasses an area of land bordering Gaston Street, The Street and Rectory Hill, betweenthe
two main settled parts of the village. The Conservation Area is wholly within the Dedham Vale AONB
Gables
Church

INTRODUCTION
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 9
PROPOSED EXTENSIONS BY AREA
Our research was much wider than just the 5 Areas proposed. We assessed the built fabric and landscape character across the Parish
and initially identified 8 areas for consideration. We stress tested this work with officers from Babergh before determining the5 Areas
that on merit have the strongest credentials for Conservation Area designation and which are now the focus of this report.
The areas chosen embody strong characteristics of the historic
landscape and East Bergholt’s early development. They also
include many places where John Constable celebrated the natural
environment, which is still evident today.
These five areas have different qualities and justifications:
1.The Donkey Track –remains of the Heath, where Constable
painted some famous landscapes
2.Quinton’s Triangle –an ancient village green still surrounded
by listed houses and cottages
3.Hadleigh Road West Side –important tree-lined entrance to
the village with large listed houses
4.Gaston Street West –another important entrance route to
the village where only the East side has CA status protection
5.Flatford Mill and Flatford Lane –a candidate for a World
Heritage Site application, and surprising it has not got CA
status already, due to the many Constable paintings here.
1. The Donkey
Track
2. Quinton’s
Triangle
5. Flatford Mill &
Flatford Lane
4. Gaston
Street West
3. Hadleigh Road
West Side
Existing
Conservation Area

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page10
AREA 1
THE “DONKEY TRACK” Chapter Contents
Definition 11
Views 12
Historical Importance 14
Historical Maps 15
Assessment of Special Interest 16
Constable Views (A,B,C, D & E)17-21
Reasons for Inclusion 22
References 22

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page11
•To the south-west of the track, the
undulating land is divided by the Riber
stream which continues across Rectory Hill
and eventually down to the Stour.
•The western boundary is created by the rear
of The Old Rectory and properties which face
Rectory Hill, The Street, and Gaston Street.
•The north-eastern side of the track is
distinguished by a 20-year-old woodland at
the southern end leading to cultivated fields
divided by hedges leading up to Heath
Road/Mill Road, the main vehicular route
around East Bergholt. The rear of the 1970’s
Richardson Road estate and the Medical
Surgery complex abut the land to the north.
The Old Rectory
Golding
Constable’s
garden
Golding Constable’s
Windmill
Donkey Track
DEFINITION
The Area termed “The Donkey Track” is the first of the proposed Conservation Area extensions. It is central to
the village, abuts the existing Conservation Area and is core to the heritage landscape of Constable’s period.

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page12
Views over Donkey Track Area (1)
View 3 southeast from Chaplin Road
View 4 south from Richardsons Road
(from Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021)
VIEW 3
VIEW 4

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page13
Views over Donkey Track (2)
View 6 west from Donkey
Track
Gaston Street
Donkey Track
(from Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021)
View 5 southwest from Donkey
Track
Village Centre &
church
Rectory
Hill

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page14
The land was part of East Bergholt Heath before “enclosure” happened in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Brasier 1731 Heath Map
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
The Donkey Track was well
established as a path across the
Heath and the land between it and
the rear of The Rectory is shown
on old maps (like the Brasier map
of 1731) as The Great Field.
The land to the north-east of the
track formerly was criss-crossed
with old routes towards East End ,
Gastons End, Puttocks End and
Manningtree.
This land was also distinguished by
a windmill owned by John
Constable’s father.
Donkey
Track
Constable’s
Windmill

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page15
This Map shows the Constable family’s land ownership in the centre of East Bergholt.
From the Enclosure Map of 1817, it can seen that Golding
Constable owned much of what was called The Great
Field, straddling the Riber stream and adjacent to the
back of The Old Rectory, owned at the time by Dr
Rhudde.
Rhudde was the uncle of Maria Bicknell, who eventually
married John Constable. Their courtship began during
her many long stays at the Rectory, even though her
uncle disapproved of the artist and his status as the son
of a tradesman. After many years of difficult betrothal
and patient pursuit by Constable in East Bergholt and
London , they eventually married. It is said the proposal
was clinched behind a Camelia bush in the Rectory
garden.
It is certain that John Constable spent a great deal of
time in this field and along the Donkey Track which gave
him such good views of the rear of the Rectory’s wooded
garden. His letters record their their stolen meetings and
walks, which must have happened in these very fields
during their long courtship. (See “Constable in Love” by
Martin Gayford).
Showing the Great Field owned by Golding Constable
The Old Rectory
THE DONKEY TRACK, GREAT FIELD, & RECTORY

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page16
John Constable was clearly fascinated by this area of land in the village of his birth and painted and drew it on many occasions. The
views from “Golding Constable’s Kitchen Garden” (1814) show the Rectory, the fields and windmill in the distance, and he paintedthe
Riber Valley from the Donkey Track on several occasions , focussing on the rear of the rectory’s walled garden and trees across the
landscape. The endearing thought of his true-love, Maria Bicknell , residing in the Rectory at the time may well have been an incentive.
These paintings in local, national and international collections , illustrate that much of the landscape, hedgerows and tree cover has
changed very little in the 200 years since Constable painted these iconic views.
ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Constable also looked
north-east of the Donkey
Track and painted the
Heath and his father’s
windmill (which at one
point in his early life he
was put in charge of). His
1814 entitled “Spring:
East Bergholt Common”
features the windmill and
a ploughman following his
horse. It was later made
into an engraving which
became a national best-
seller in Victorian times.
It is also highly likely that
John Constable walked
this land in his long and
difficult courtship of
Maria Bicknell (see Martin
Gayford’s “Constable in
Love”).
Map of Constable Viewpoints across the Heath
Sites of 132 Constable Landscape Painting painted of East Bergholt
and Flatford
5 Views of Constable’s paintings, explored in the following pages,
showing how the painting matches the (currently unspoilt) view
A E
C
D
B

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page17
This panorama from his father’s house (presumedly
looking out of an upstairs window) is one of
Constable’s much-loved classic paintings of East
Bergholt.
While the foreground is taken up by the detail of
the kitchen garden, the distant landscape very
well represents the current landscape and shows
many of the features which can still be seen today
such as Rectory Hill, the RiberValley, the Rectory
and its trees, and the Heath (leading up to the
windmill which is no longer there).
Constable’s
Windmill
Riber
Valley
Rectory
trees
Rectory
Rectory Hill
View A: 1815 ‘Golding Constable Kitchen Garden’, Ipswich Museum
Donkey
Track
Same view at sunrise
East Bergholt Rectory, Philadelphia Mus of Art
CONSTABLE VIEW A: Golding Constable’s Vegetable Garden, (1815)

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page18
This painting from 1813 of the Riber Valley and the dense
trees at the rear of the Rectory is unchanged today. It was
painted from the Donkey Track or in the nearby field.
The current view, photographed on a similarly blustery day
but in 2021, shows the that unspoilt nature of the view has
changed little.
‘East Bergholt’, 1813, Yale Centre for British Art
Current View 2021
CONSTABLE VIEW B: Riber Valley and Back of Rectory & Woods

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page19
CONSTABLE VIEW C: view from the Donkey Track
This view from further north up the Donkey Track
shows the Riber, sunken in the foreground, with the
Great Field rising in the background, framed by the
lines of hedges and the Rectory trees.
It can easily be identified as the same view today,
albeit with the trees along the Riber naturally
looking slightly different.
1808, ‘East Bergholt’, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
2021 from Donkey Track looking towards the Rectory
C

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page20
1814, ‘Spring on East Bergholt Common’ V & A Museum
2021 Site of Heath Windmill from Mill House
Transformedintoabest-sellingetchingprintinthe
Victorianera,thisviewofhisfather’swindmillon
theHeathbecameoneofConstable’smostpopular
images.PaintedshortlyafterEnclosure,itgivesusa
stirringglimpseoftheheathlandbeingploughed,
butwithstillnotmuchdevelopmentonthehorizon.
Today’sviewstillshowsfields,hedgerowsandtrees
stillintact,butborderedbyHeathRoadand
overheadpowerlines.Housingestatesandthe
surgeryareinthefardistance.
CONSTABLEVIEWD:NorthtoHeathRoadwithWindmilltotheEast

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page21
2021 Looking south west over River Riber today
ThisisConstable’s“SummerEvening”Landscape,
paintedfromjustnorthoftheRiverRiberlooking
southwesttowardstheRectory,homeofhis
belovedMariaBicknell.
Theviewtodayislargelyunchanged,especially
whencapturedonfilmwithoneofConstable’s
typicalSuffolkbigskys.
CONSTABLEVIEWE:SouthWestoverRiverRiber

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page22
1.The cultural importance of the landscape views are on an international scale because of Constable’s fame
as an artist.
2.It is remarkable that these views he recorded two centuries ago still exist, andthey should be protected.
3.The Landscape Sensitivity Appraisal of 2020 by Heritage Collective awarded this area High Sensitivity.
4.High Sensitivity means that “It is unlikely that any development, save for individual plots in very specific
locations, would be appropriate.”
5.The Donkey Track itself is a very popular amenity and walking route for the residents of East Bergholt.
“Historic Landscape Study of East Bergholt and the Cultural Legacy of John Constable” by Heritage Collective (2020)
“Constable in Love” by Martin Gayford
Brasier maps, 1731 and 1733
Enclosure Maps, 1816
“The Making of a Master. John Constable” Mark EvansV&A (2014)
“Constable’s England” Graham Reynolds, Metropolitan Museum of Art (1983)
“Constable: Paintings, Watercolours and Drawings”Parris, Fleming-Williams, Shields. Tate Gallery (1976)
East Bergholt Society website, April 2021 https://www.ebsoc.org.uk
Reasons for Inclusion in the Conservation Area
Relevant Reading, Documentation, Maps and Photographs

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 23
AREA 2
QUINTON’S TRIANGLE Chapter Contents
Definition 24
Views 25
Historical Importance (1 & 2)26-27
Listed Buildings 28
Assessment of Special Interest 29
Reasons for Inclusion 30
References 30

AREA 1 –THE “DONKEY TRACK”
EastBergholtConservationAreaExtensionProposal Page24
DEFINITION
The land on the North side of Quintons Road
also falls into this category
In addition, the land from the end of Gaston
Street, along Heath Roadfrom the Carriers
pub to the Hare & Hounds pub, is worthy
also of conservation areaconsideration,
together with the allotment land at the
rear.
This area is a well-defined triangle formed by Quintons Road, Woodgatesand Heath Road containing historic open space and
many historic buildings.
Hare &
Hounds
Allotments
Carrier’s
Arms
Quinton’s House
Box Iron

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 25
Views
Quintons
Triangle
View 2 southwest from Woodgates Lane
(from Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021)
VIEW 2

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 26
The area was known as Gaston’s End on early Brassier maps, particularly of East
Bergholt Heath of 1731, where the triangle with its historic pond is clearly shown
as a green surrounded by houses. The main green open space is a remnant of the
original Heath and is known locally as the “Box Iron” because of its shape. It
contains a number of trees with TPO’s.
A smaller triangle of green space nearer the Heath Road/ Gaston Street junction,
bounded by an ancient iron railing, was considered by a previous Babergh Local
Plan to be an oasis or vital green space to help retain the rural aspect of the
village. A planning application for this plot was refused by EBPC and Babergh for
this reason.
The Quintons Triangle contains no less than 10 listed buildings : The Hermitage,
Chaplins, Chaplains Cottage and Gascoignes, The Carriers Arms, High Trees
Farmhouse, Blacksmiths Cottage, The Linnets, Quintons Cottage, Quintons House,
and The Hare and Hounds, many dating from the 15
th
and 16
th
centuries.
In addition there are a number of other properties which could be considered
worthy of listing because of their historical character : Sunset Cottage in Gaston
End, The Sparrows and Quintons in Quintons Road, and Old Cottage, and the Old
Coach House on Heath Road.
The allotments at the rear of the Heath Road properties on the south side are
important historically as they are all that remains of very old allotment plots
which were worked by the village community.
Quinton’s Road 1973 The Box Iron from Woodgates Road
Historical Importance (1)
Quinton’s Triangle –Listed Buildings
Box Iron

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 27
Historical Importance (2)
The “Box Iron” has
appeared on historical
maps since 1733 as the
Village Green for
Gaston’s End

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 28
Listed Buildings in Quinton’s Triangle
The Hermitage
The Old Smithy
Chaplins
Quinton’s House

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 29
Assessment of Special Interest
The Quinton’s Triangle area is like a “time capsule” of part of the village as it
developed over five centuries, with examples of different styles of domestic
architecture, public houses and the blacksmiths’ workshop in a semblance of the
original landscape setting: that of buildings clustered around a triangular “green”,
which in turn is part of the wider “heath”. It is a unique character area.
The Box Iron green space and the triangular corner spaces are important as they
are for the memory of these former times in the village. It would be beneficial for
them to be in public ownership to be looked after by the Parish and have
controlled public access.
The properties on the south side of Heath Road between the two pubs (Carriers
and Hare & Hounds) have also special character significance making, as a group,
an unchanged view on entering East Bergholt. Behind this area, the allotments are
an important, well-used, community resource for the village, as they have been
over a hundred years, in fact since 1786.
The Carriers, Gaston End
The Hare & Hounds
Heath Road (B1070)
Green triangle
Quintons Road/Heath Road
Chaplin House with green triangle
Heath Road (B1070)

AREA 2 –QUINTONS TRIANGLE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 30
REASONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE CONSERVATION AREA
1.Quinton’s Triangle contains a combination of a variety of historic buildings and green open spaces which ,
together, represent a unique vestige of an important part of East Bergholt’s growth over the centuries
2.Any further new development on the elements of open land would destroy the setting and character
3.The Quinton’s area has previously been included in the Conservation Area until at least 1995: It is a
mystery why it is not currently represented
4.The ownership and stewardship of the open green spaces needs to be resolved. It used to be in public
ownership. Conservation Area status could help with this.
5.The Box Iron is designated as a ‘green open space’ in the East Bergholt NeighbourhoodPlan.
Relevant Reading, Documentation, Maps, Photographs
“Historic Landscape Study of East Bergholt”by Heritage Collective (2020).
https://www.eastbergholt.org/Documents/ParishCouncil/Heritage%20Landscape%20Study%20report%20.%20V4%20FINAL.pdf
Brasier maps of East Bergholt, including the 1733 map of East Bergholt Heath.
Rodney Moss Archive
East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan : Character Areas (2016)https://www.babergh.gov.uk/planning/neighbourhood-
planning/neighbourhood-planning-in-babergh/east-bergholt-neighbourhood-plan/
Listed Building Descriptions
East Bergholt Society Interactive web-site 2021 https://www.ebsoc.org.uk

AREA 3 –HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 31
AREA 3
HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE
Chapter Contents
Definition 32
Historical Importance 33
Assessment of Special Interest 34
Reasons for Inclusion 35
References 35

AREA 3 –HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 32
DEFINITION
This section runs from the village centre at the Gaston Street junction, from The Gables* along the western side of Hadleigh Road to
the junction with Hughes Road (* The Gables is a grade 2* listed building which sits in the current Conservation Area).
While the eastern side of the road is not for
conservation area consideration, (mainly
lined with set-back 20thC and 21stC houses
and the school playing field), it does
contribute to the attractive natural tree
cover that characterizes the road.
Together with the western side, the mature
trees create a pleasing “tunnel” effect over
the road at all seasons. The tree-lined
frontages for historic buildings such as Gatton
House and Ackworth House, which are spaced
out along the road, with driveway entrances
such as the one for the Gattinets business
units. Generally, these historic buildings are
only partly visible from the road where the
vegetation predominates, with no pavement
on this side.
At the top Hadleigh Road intersects with
Hughes Road and Elm Road, before it
continues northwards. Here there is a large
open meadow in front of the historic Allens
Farmstead and features the gated drive to
the Grade 2* listed “The Lodge”, which is not
really visible from the road.
Allen’s
Farm
The Lodge

AREA 3 –HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 33
Historical Importance
Hadleigh Road in its current line appears on some of the earliest
historical maps of East Bergholt, such as the Brassier map of 1731, and
Hodgkinson’s map of 1783.
The curve of the road follows the top of a hilly ridge which descends
down westwards to Dedham Vale and the Stour. The route historically
followed the topography to join the old Roman road to Holton,
Hadleigh and Ipswich, which became the A12.
It is therefore an historic, and un-changed, entrance route into the
village from the north and west.
It is the setting for a sequence of historic and listed houses spaced
apart along this western edge; starting with The Gables (16
th
C Grade
2*), Gatton House (1809 Grade 2), Ackworth House (1840 Grade 2),
Allens Farm (19
th
century Farmstead), and The Lodge (early 16
th
C
Grade 2*, and Lodge Cottage (late 16
th
C Grade 2)
184
0
church
Ackworth
House
Gatton
House
The
Gables
1880
Vale
Farmhouse
Lodge
Cottage
The
Gables
Red
Lion
1814
The Lodge

AREA 3 –HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 34
Assessment of Special Interest
This section of Hadleigh Road has a special character due to the curve of the
road, the magnificent tree cover and the historic buildings located on the
western side. When Gatton House was built on the 26
th
of June in 1809 John
Constable’s mother wrote to him concerning the house: “It is a great
improvement to the entrance of our pretty village, and so you will think.”
The natural arbour of mature trees across the road is impressive at all
seasons, and on the western edge is reinforced by dense vegetation allowing
glimpses of the historic houses and their parkland and gardens.
As well as an impressive vehicular entrance to the heart of the village, it is a
much-loved pedestrian and cycle route for residents and schoolchildren
Gatton House
Ackworth House The Lodge Cottage Hadleigh Road

AREA 3 –HADLEIGH ROAD WEST SIDE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 35
Reasons for Inclusion in the Conservation Area
1.It is an important and historic entrance to the village.
2.The western side is line with a sequence of historic and listed houses,
effectively spaced apart from each other.
3.There is a special “natural” character to this section of Hadleigh Road
created by the arbor of mature trees, the hedges and the gentle curve of
the road.
4.Insensitive development in the future on this well-used route could
severely diminish the character and simple attractiveness of its setting.
5.The 2020 Heritage Collective Historic Landscape Study records this as an
area of HIGHheritage sensitivity.
6.The area sits within the Dedham Vale AONB
7.There is evidence of archeology, particularly near the old Roman road,
where artifacts were found during the construction of Ackworth House
Stour Valley behind Allen’s barn
Field in Front of Allen’s Farm from Hadleigh Rd
“Historic Landscape Study of East Bergholt and the Cultural Legacy of
John Constable” by Heritage Collective (2020).
Brassier maps (1731)
Hodgkinson’s map of East Bergholt (1783)
The enclosure map (1817) Suffolk Records Office.
Historic England’s Listing Records for properties mentioned above
Relevant Reading, Documentation, Maps and Photographs

AREA 4 –GASTON STREET WEST
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 36
AREA 4
GASTON STREET WEST
Chapter Contents
Definition 37
Historical Importance 38
Assessment of Special Interest 39
Reasons for Inclusion 39
Listed Buildings 40
References 40

AREA 4 –GASTON STREET WEST
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 37
DEFINITION
Gaston Street has been an important thoroughfare in East Bergholt
for centuries, linking the village centreand The Street in the
south, with the area once known as Gaston End in the north,
where it now adjoins the B1070. Today it lies on a bus route into
the village and is a main access route. The street widens as it
approaches the village centre.
Gaston Street is a primarily residential street with a wide variety
of house types, sizes and styles. The two exceptions are
Richardson’s farm which remains a working farm, with its listed
farmhouse situated towards the northern end, and the single
storeyLambeSchool, founded in 1594 and now used as a village
hall, located closer to the village centre. The latter sits opposite
some large houses built in classical style in the late 20th century.
Gaston Street remained largely undeveloped until Victorian times.
In 1851 there were only 16 houses on Gaston Street with Tufnells
located at one end and The Gothics at the other. Since then any
gaps have been filled to provide an eclectic and interesting
streetscape with 10 listed buildings scattered on both sides of the
street intermixed with more modern development with a wide
range of building styles. The street scene is enhanced by the
number and type of large mature trees, many with TPOs
Gaston Street West, looking
north-east
Gaston Street West, looking
south-west

AREA 4 –GASTON STREET WEST
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 38
Historical Importance
The East side of Gaston Street up to and including Tufnells, and with back gardens
overlooking the Heath, is already included within the Conservation Area boundary
established in 1968 and extended in 1975. It’s historical importance is clearly
therefore well established. However this designation does not recognise the historical
importance of Gaston Street in its entirety. The western side of the street from
Hadleigh Road to Elm Road contains three listed properties ( Fuschia Cottage, Tudor
Cottage and Throwers) and a variety of fine and mature trees with preservation
orders towards Hadleigh Road. Two of the listed properties from the 17th and 18th
centuries provide good examples of smaller single storey cottages associated with the
agricultural history of East Bergholt. Tudor Cottage though is a larger two storey
house built in the late 16th century and its situation serves to reinforce the
importance of Gaston Road at this time.
1814
The listed trees closer to Hadleigh Road on the west
side, and a number of grander homes with large rear
gardens and listed trees delineating their rear
boundaries have been built close to the village
centre. These houses are not listed but complement
the character of the overall street scene. In addition
there are alms houses (St John’s) here.
It is important that any consideration of the historic
importance and heritage value of Gaston street, and
its contribution to the character of East Bergholt is
not a partial one sided view but incorporates and is
reflective of both sides of the street
1887 map

AREA 4 –GASTON STREET WEST
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 39
Assessment of Special Interest & Reasons for Inclusion
Assessment of Special Interest
•The listed buildings (referred to page 39).
•The fine mature trees (referred to above)
•The overall character of the street embracing the variety of architectural
styles and listed properties on both sides
•The wide and open nature of the street towards its southern end with larger
properties and the narrowing street with smaller homes and clear links to East
Bergholt’s agricultural heritage as one travels away from the village centre
Gaston Street West, typical period house
Gaston Street West, looking north to Quintons
Reasons for Inclusion
1.The west side of Gaston Street is not an island. It is integrally linked in its
history and in its visual impact to the east side of the road which is already
part of the Conservation Area. The integrity of the Conservation Area in this
part of the village can only be protected by recognising that Gaston Street is
one entity with each side of the road complementing the other. Both sides
also merit protection in their own right.
2.Without this proposed extension to the designation the impact of any
development outside the extended area has potential to be detrimental to
views out of the area and the overall character of the area will be
compromised.
3.This is particularly pertinent should any development take place in front
gardens on the west side of Gaston Street, or if the larger rear gardens of the
houses at the southern end of the street backing onto Hop Meadow succumb
to development pressure.
4.This potential impact deserves serious consideration and by designating this
area the risks of any inappropriate development and the likely harm to the
current Conservation Area can be protected.

AREA 4 –GASTON STREET WEST
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 40
Listed buildings
•East Bergholt Conservation Area Designation, Babergh DC
•Babergh DC website
•Dedham Flatford and East Bergholt, Ian Yearsley
•East Bergholt Heritage Landscape Study, Heritage Collective
•Historic England
•British Listed Buildings
Fushia CottageThrowers Tudor Cottage
Relevant Reading, Sources

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 41
AREA 5
FLATFORD MILL & LANE
Chapter Contents
Definition 42
Views 43
Historical Importance 44
Major Constable Paintings 45-46
Assessment of Special Interest 47
Reasons for Inclusion 48
References 48

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 42
DEFINITION
Flatford itself is a small cluster of buildings on the banks
of the River Stour to the south of East Bergholt. It
includes the famous Flatford Mill, together with other
historic structures such as the lock, the bridge, the
Granary, Valley Farmhouse and Willy Lott’s Cottage.
It is served by Flatford Lane on the north side of the river,
which runs in a loop from the crossroads at Gandish
Road/White Horse Road junction downhill towards the
National Trust CarPark, and then uphill to East Bergholt
Church.
The area is within the Dedham Vale AONB; with cross-
country pedestrian and boat access to Dedham itself. The
land for consideration for Conservation Area status also
comprises the fields and woods either side of Flatford
Lane, and the mill-related properties on the riverside
Valley Farm
Flatford Mill
Fen Lane
Existing Conservation Area

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 43
Views
View 7 across the Stour Valley from Flatford Lane
Dedham
(Landscape Assessment, Historic Landscape Report, 2021

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 44
Historical Importance
Flatford Mill is world-famous as an essentially English historical site largely due
to:
•The many classic paintings of the location made by John Constable in the
early 19thC.
•The protection, restoration and stewardship of former owner Mr Parkington
and The National Trust who have looked after the buildings and landscape.
John Constable also produced many paintings and sketches from various
viewpoints on Flatford Lane, mostly looking across Dedham Vale towards
Stratford St Mary, Dedham and Brantham. Fen Lane has also featured in some
well-known views, such as “The Cornfield “ (1826).
There is evidence of even earlier remains which give clues to the history of
Flatford way before Constable’s father made a success of the mill.
Flatford Mill Scene on a Navigational River
The Cornfield
Thereisanoldmoatwhich
surroundedaformerhouseon
theStour,andthereisthe
recordsofaSaxonchurch(and
aParsonage)inChurchField,
ofwhichpartofastonefont
survives.Amongthecollection
oflistedbuildingsinthissmall
enclaveisValleyFarmhouse,
whichsurvivesintactasan
excellent architectural
examplefromtheC14th

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 45
Major Constable Painting in Flatford Mill & Flatford Lane
Boatbuilding near Flatford
Sketch of The White Horse
Lane from East Bergholt to Flatford
Stour Valley & Dedham Church
The Haywain

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 46
Constable’s paintings and Views Today
Fen Lane, East Bergholt, 1817, Tate
Photograph of the same scene today
Hayfield in East Bergholt at Sunset,
V&A
View across Deham Vale from Flatford
Lane
Flatford Mill, Yale
Flatford Mill today

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 47
Assessment of Special Interest
•The ensemble of mill buildings, barns, houses, locks and river
structures, together with the landscapes around the Stour and Flatford
Lane are acknowledged by historians and art experts to be nationally
significant.
•Many of John Constable’s most important paintings are of the Flatford
Mill area, where the views have changed very little since his time.
•Flatford Lane itself and the fields either side have not changed in
configuration or character for centuries, and are also the sites of many
of Constable’s views. Aesthetic and historical importance of these
landscapes cannot be ignored.
•The area is partof the Dedham Vale AONB
•The area contains sites of historic and archealogical potential such as
the Glebe Field (Possible site of early Saxon church) the Moat
(potentially site of former Manor House)
•This area contains many significant grade 1 listed buildings; Bridge
Cottage, Flatford Mill, Miller’s House, Willy Lotts Cottage, Valley Farm.
Fen Bridge
The Moat
Willy Lotts
Flatford Mill
Valley Farm
Claycotts
Willy Lotts
Cottage
Flatford Mill

AREA 5 –FLATFORD MILL & LANE
East Bergholt Conservation Area Extension Proposal Page 48
1.Flatford Mill, together with the buildings and river structures on the banks
of the Stour, is nationally important and often referred to as
quintessentially English. The architecture, the landscape and the views
have been carefully protected and restored in order to keep the place so
special.
2.Flatford Lane, and the fields on both sides of it, have not materially
changed in hundreds of years. The route and the area offer a sequence of
stunning views and beauty spots.
Fen Bridge
3.John Constable gave the Mill, Flatford Lane
and Fen Lane international recognition through
his iconic paintings of 200 years ago.
4.The area sits within the Dedham Vale AONB,
but can enjoy reinforced heritage protection
by being included in an extended Conservation
Area for East Bergholt
5.An application is being made for World
Heritage status for Flatford Mill
•Books on Constab by Reynolds and Fleming Williams
•Heritage Collective Study (2020)
•National Trust website and books on Flatford
•Glossary of listed buildings
•Historical archive material (e.g. John Willett’s memories 1920
onwards…)
•Old photographs, paintings and maps (Brassier and others. OS maps from
1887 and 1905)
Relevant Reading , Documentation, Maps and Photographs:
Reasons for Inclusion in Conservation Area