Each house tells its own story; former weaver's homes, wool merchants house, manor house, guildhall, hunting lodges are all represented here. Flemish weavers came to the thriving wool trade in Lavenham in 1334 and continued their trade of dyeing and weaving cloth for export.  Some made their homes in Water Street where a stream was diverted to provide water for the dye houses. 

Many people became very rich; including master weavers like Thomas Spring I and his clothier son Thomas II.  Wool products were the industry to be in if you wanted to become wealthy. Blue serge was in high demand during the War of the Roses which contributed to the further growth and prosperity of Lavenham.  

There is a famous peal of eight bells, some ornate woodcarving and stained glass windows. The de Vere star can be seen in the flintwork halfway down the tower, which is also circled with the Spring coat-of-arms.

A small shop inside the church is staffed by friendly and informative locals.  It sells items of interest to tourists as well as Christian literature.

The village has produced several famous people:

• Ann and Jane, the daughters of Isaac Taylor, the engraver wrote poems including the famous 'Twinkle, twinkle little star'
• John Constable landscape painter famed for 'the Hay Wain' and  'Flatford Mill' was  educated at its Grammar School in Barn Street for a short time before going on to Dedham, as was the poet William Clubbe

From the late 16th century, demand for wool fabrics fluctuated with the inevitable loss of some merchants and clothiers and poverty became widespread.  A short respite arrived in the 19th century with a demand for horse hair cloth for upholstered seating but this too went out of fashion with the development of modern cheaper synthetic materials.   

The Cock Pub, shown on the left, can be found over the road from the Church and is an attractive place for a good lunch or evening meal if you're in Lavenham sightseeing.