Suffolk

Framlingham, described as the finest market town in East Suffolk and most recently put on the international map thanks to its most famous son Ed Sheeran who sang "The Castle on the Hill".

It boasts  one of the most beautiful and important castles in England. The most famous resident was Queen Mary Tudor who whilst in residence here in July 1553 was formally accepted here as prospective Queen of England and the location that Mary Tudor gathered her forces to claim her throne from Lady Jane Grey. This combined with the 14/16 century church of St Michael's, Framlingham is beautiful.

With its entry in the Domesday Book and the building of the castle by Roger Bigod and then owned by the Mowbray Dukes of Norfolk and the Howard Dukes it was made the centre of their vast estates .  Nearly all the owners of Framlingham castle were Earl Marshalls of England and Stewards of the Royal Household. Some held even more coveted titles like the 3rd Duke of Norfolk who was the Lord Treasurer, Earl Marshal, Vice-Roy of Ireland,Lord High Admiral, Ambassador in Paris and the richest lay-man in England! Not bad.  
 

The castle was sold by the Howards in 1635 to Sir Robert Hitcham a senior Lawyer for £14,000.  Sir Robert in turn left it in his will to Pembroke College, Cambridge. The College is still  the Lord of the Manor and owners of the Castle.

This amazing town boasts  Norman,Tudor, Stuart, Regency,Victorian and current day architecture. Wherever you go in Framlingham there is always something of interest not least the famous Framlingham College founded by Prince Albert in 1864 and its beautiful grounds with stunning views across to the town and the castle.  This takes us neatly back to Ed and his lovely lyrics.