Weaving the Streets of Sudbury: Wool to Silk

Join our expert Blue Badge as we weave our way around Sudbury's historic streets that are steeped in silk and wool weaving heritage. Architectural clues and monuments from these trades stand proudly throughout the town; from characterful Weavers’ Cottages, to mighty Silk Mills, Sudbury’s Weavers’ Piece garden packed with dye plants to Sudbury’s three magnificent medieval churches and splendid timber framed buildings, the architectural legacy of the wealth of Sudbury’s wool trade.

After the decline of the wool trade, Sudbury’s spinners and weavers turned their skills to the production of lighter fabrics and became 'The UK Capital of Silk'. The small but mighty town of Sudbury in Suffolk has a unique place in Europe, with five silk businesses based in the town, milling over 110 tonnes of Chinese silk each year. Sudbury is truly the UK Capital of Silk since it manufactures over 95% of all the woven silk nationwide. Throughout the 20th century the silk industry in Sudbury not only survived but thrived and it continues today carrying on this proud and long tradition.

Producing fabrics of the finest quality, they have been used for the wedding dresses of Princess Anne and Princess Diana, lining the Queen’s coronation robes, creating a gown for Michelle Obama and the list of prestigious projects continues to grow.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

10:00

Location & directions

Market Hill (outside Sudbury Arts Centre at St. Peter's), Market Hill, Town Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1TL

Directions:

Please meet us outside the doors of Sudbury Arts Centre at St Peter's on Market Hill for the beginning of your tour. We'll have the distinctive pink 'Heritage Open Days' bunting and posters on our stand.

Contact on day:

Rachel Price

Telephone number:

+447492859899

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please book via the link on our website below, if not booked up on the day we will be happy to accomodate. Please note, numbers are limited so booking is advised. You can also book by emailing us (details below):

Booking contact name:

Rachel Price

Booking telephone number:

+441787275772

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://sudbury-tc.gov.uk/hods

Booking opens:

12 Aug 2024 12:00 PM

Booking closes:

14 Sep 2024 10:00 AM

Accessibility details

This is an outdoor walking tour taking place in the historic town centre of Sudbury. Some of the streets are narrow and uneven but the tour is step free and accessible for those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Additional information

This is an outdoor guided tour so please wear appropriate footwear and come prepared for all weathers. There is ample parking as well as a train station and bus service. For parking, take a look at our guide: sudbury-tc.gov.uk/parking and visiting information at: sudbury-tc.gov.uk/visit

Max no of people per tour:

30

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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