Lakenheath, Suffolk

Description
Lakenheath, a large village and a parish in Suffolk. The village stands on a gentle eminence, commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country, 2 1/2 miles S from Lakenheath station on the Ely and Thetford section of the G.E.R., 2 1/2 from Little Ouse river navigation, and 5 W from Brandon. It has a post, money order, and telegraph office under Brandon. Acreage of the civil parish, 11, 331; popu lation, 1825; of the ecclesiastical, 1704. Nearly 3000 acres, chiefly in the E, are open rabbit warren, and a large tract in the W is fen. Most of the soil is light and blowing sandy. Undley is a hamlet in the fen, 1 mile W. Laken-heath was formerly a market-town, but the market is now obsolete. A fair for cattle and toys is held on the first Thursday after Midsummer Day. There are sand and clay pits. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Ely; net value,, £259 with residence. Patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Ely. The church is an ancient building of brick and flint in the Perpendicular and Decorated styles, was restored in 1864, and comprises nave, aisles, and chancel, with massive tower about 80 feet high. It has some Norman features, an Early English font, and some ancient brasses. There are also. Baptist, Congregational, and Wesleyan chapels.