IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Little Saxham, BURY ST. EDMUNDS, IP29 5LE

Twin aircraft trails appear to mark the location of Crofts Place, Little Saxham. This brick-clad wooden-framed building is believed to have been stabling and a hayloft for the adjacent Little Saxham Hall, but was converted to a dwelling, probably in the early 18th century. The building dates from about 1550, some forty years after the Hall was built. The Hall, which used to sit within the existing three-sided moat, was demolished in 1773. The name 'Crofts Place' recognises William Crofts, who lived at the Hall from 1663 until his death in 1677. He was appointed guardian of Charles II's first illegitimate son (born 1649), later to become the Duke of Monmouth. During the period of guardianship, which due to the Civil War took place mainly in France, the boy was known as James Crofts and was passed off as William's nephew. Charles appointed William a Baron in 1659 in recognition of the care of his son.

Usually a cautious breed, this male mandarin duck ventured on to the garden patio in search of food.

Seen feeding on a weed in a garden in Little Saxham, Suffolk; believed to be the larva of the Mullein Moth.

Bit of a commotion in our back garden this morning, with chickens scattering and sounding their warning calls. A stoat had caught a rabbit and was thrashing around, holding it by the throat, trying to kill it. The rabbit was at least three times the size of the stoat. Eventually the rabbit succumbed (I was pleased, because there are far too many rabbits around). The stoat seemed completely unaware that I was watching, indeed approaching slowly with camera in hand. This photo was taken some 10 feet away. The stoat has a face-full of rabbit blood (look away now, children)....

A heavy overnight hoar frost has covered this tree at Crofts Place, Little Saxham.

Little Saxham Hall, built between 1505 and 1514, was demolished in 1772; only the moat remains. The Hall occupied much of this field and at its peak was one of the largest country houses in East Anglia. Although built by Thomas Lucas, the Solicitor-General to Henry VII, it was subsequently acquired by the Crofts family, the most famous owner being William (Baron) Crofts, 1611-1677, one-time guardian of the Duke of Monmouth and a favourite of Charles II. The Hall was often visited by royalty, with both James I and Charles II being regular visitors for masquerades and other festivities. James was rumoured to have had more than a passing interest in young Cecilia Crofts, "a very gay young lady, prominent in the masquerades".

Little Saxham Hall was demolished in 1773, but the moats and bridge remain. The site of the Hall is an ancient monument.

Early morning reflections in the moat of the former Little Saxham Hall.

Sycamore tree reflected in the moat of the former Little Saxham Hall.

This baby squirrel had no fear of humans; I was able to lie on the grass about a metre away whilst it enjoyed a beech nut.