Needham Market lies in the heart of mid Suffolk between the towns of Ipswich and Bury st Edmunds, much of it prosperity came from the wool trade but unlike other Suffolk towns weaving was not it's principle trade, but combing or preparing of the wool for others to weave.
The town lies in the Gipping valley an excellent area for walking and cycling, the River Gipping flows through the town and it is possible to walk the 17 miles from Needham Market to Stowmarket along the Gipping valley footpath.

This lovely thatched building just on the edge of Needham Market is a veterinary practice.

Bosmere lock, adjacent to Bosmere Mill was once used by barges carrying goods to Stowmarket 17 miles up the river, it is 1 of 15 locks which lifted the barges 90 feet over it's course, several of the locks this one included are being restored by the Inland Waterways Association in the hope that one day narrowboats can again navigate the canal up to Hawks Mill.

Bosmere mill.

Bosmere mill, built in the late 18th century it has a large breast-shot water wheel, which was formerly inside the mill; you can just see the red painted wheel on the left side of the mill. The mill has now been turned into luxury residential properties.

The Rampant Horse Inn

Hawks Mill, this brick mill was built in 1884 but a mill has stood on this site since the time of the Doomsday Book.

Hawks Mill millpond

St John the Baptist church stands in Needham High Street amongst the shops and houses, it has no churchyard or tower but the unusual clock tower was purchased by public subscription in 1882 and was refurbished by the town council as part of the Millennium celebrations in January 2000.

This house has stood in the high street since 1482

Now a solicitor's office this timber framed building dating to the mid 17th century was formerly a school given to the town by Sir Francis Theobald.

The Dukes Head Inn as it was in the early 1900s.

The Dukes Head as it stands today.