Search Results

The Mayor of Sudbury The Town Mayor of 2026/2027 is Councillor Adrian Stohr The Deputy Town Mayor of 2026/2027 is Councillor Melanie Barrett INVITE THE MAYOR OF SUDBURY TO YOUR EVENT Pictured: Mayor Adrian Stohr with two recipients of Ascension Day gifts. Pictured: Mayor of Sudbury Adrian Stohr Pictured: Mayor Stohr with Alli Burke, manager of Sudbury Arts Centre tHE mAYOR'S cHARITIES This year, Sudbury Mayor, Councillor Adrian Stohr, has chosen his Mayoral Charities as Kernos Centre and Number 72. Click the logos to be taken directly to the charities' websites. Book your place now for Mayor A Stohr's Charity Curry & Quiz Night! Book here The Position of Mayor The position of Mayor is one of the most ancient offices in British history, but has truly changed its role, importance and public perception throughout the centuries. However, as the list of Mayors often displayed in town halls the office of Mayor today connects the present day council to its medievel or earlier predecessors. The first English Mayor was the Mayor of London, appointed in 1189 by Richard 1. View Town Mayors since 1974 View Borough Mayors 1331 - 1973 View more Sudbury history The mayor's award The Mayor has introduced a fantastic new award for 2026, recognising those that go above and beyond in Sudbury. To read all about The Mayor's Award and how to nominate, click here.

Events in Sudbury Suffolk STALLHOLDERS: Click here to apply to be a part of our events programme Sunday 19th July 2026 Sudbury Arts Centre A breathtaking award-winning performance, heritage and community venue housed within medieval redundant St Peters church, Sudbury, Suffolk Visit Website The Quay Theatre Occupying a charming Grade II-listed building nestled by the River Stour, The Quay hosts a wide range of top-class entertainment, including drama, live music, comedy & more. Visit Website Gainsborough's House Gainsborough’s House combines the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough – a Grade I-listed eighteenth-century Merchant house and its historic garden – with impressive new exhibition galleries and visitor facilities. Visit Website List Your Event Download the June What's On magazine Sat 06 Jun Rowan Collinson at Mill Tye Gallery / Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre Learn more 06 Jun 2026, 10:30 – 28 Jun 2026, 16:00 Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre, 3, Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, Sudbury CO10 0GW, UK A Field Study: documenting four seasons Multiple Dates Wed 17 Jun Sudbury Chess Club / Sudbury Institute Club Learn more 17 Jun 2026, 19:30 – 22:30 Sudbury Institute Club, The Old Press Rooms, 54 Station Rd, Sudbury CO10 2SP, UK We are a friendly, successful, and well established chess club in Sudbury that welcomes new members of any age and ability. Multiple Dates Thu 18 Jun Sudbury Market / Sudbury Market Learn more 18 Jun 2026, 08:00 – 15:00 Sudbury Market, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10, UK Held every Thursday and Saturday on Market Hill in the centre of town, no visit to Sudbury is complete without soaking up the true character of the town with a mooch around Sudbury Market! Sat 20 Jun Health Awareness Day / Sudbury Arts Centre Learn more 20 Jun 2026, 10:00 – 14:00 Sudbury Arts Centre, Arts Centre, St Peter's, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10 2EA, UK Free health advice from Hardwicke House Group Practice Multiple Dates Sat 20 Jun Step Into the Sudbury Story - Guided Tour / Sudbury Tourist Information Centre Learn more 20 Jun 2026, 11:00 – 12:00 Sudbury Tourist Information Centre, Sudbury Town Council Old Market Place, Sudbury CO10 1TL, UK Sun 21 Jun Daddy & Me | Father's Day Session / Little Oaks Play Cafe Learn more 21 Jun 2026, 10:00 – 12:00 Little Oaks Play Cafe, 1 Gaol Ln, Sudbury CO10 1JL, UK Come and celebrate Father’s Day with Little Oaks! Join us on Sunday 21st June for a very special Father’s Day session🤍 Thu 25 Jun Murder at the Manor | Prado Lounge / Prado Lounge Learn more 25 Jun 2026, 19:00 – 21:30 Prado Lounge, 15-16 Market Hill, Sudbury CO10 2EA, UK An immersive “Old Money” murder mystery night. Follow the clues, and see if you can crack the case. Thu 25 Jun The 20th Century Jazzy Songbook – The Fleur Stevenson Trio / The Quay Learn more 25 Jun 2026, 19:30 – 22:00 The Quay, Quay Ln, Sudbury CO10 2AN, UK The 20th Century Jazzy Songbook brings together stylish jazz reimaginings of iconic songs and timeless standards, performed by acclaimed vocalist Fleur Stevenson and her exceptional quartet. Multiple Dates Fri 26 Jun Sudbury Farmer's Market / Market Hill Learn more 26 Jun 2026, 09:30 – 14:00 Market Hill, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10, UK One of the best town centre farmers markets in Suffolk! Multiple Dates Thu 09 Jul Info@ / Sudbury Arts Centre Learn more 09 Jul 2026, 13:00 – 15:00 Sudbury Arts Centre, Arts Centre, St Peter's, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10 2EA, UK Advice drop-in for 16-24 year olds Multiple Dates Mon 13 Jul Passing Conversations Bereavement Support Group / Sudbury Learn more 13 Jul 2026, 14:30 – 16:00 Sudbury, The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, Sudbury CO10 2EU, UK Bereavement support group with a qualified bereavement counsellor. Tue 11 Aug Summer Family Paper Weaving Workshop / Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre Learn more 11 Aug 2026, 10:00 – 15:00 Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre, 3, Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, Sudbury CO10 0GW, UK A Weaving Workshop with textile artist Helena Powell - a creative summer holiday workshop for adults and young people.

View current vacancies with Sudbury Town Council Sudbury Town Council Staff Vacancies There are no current vacancies available at Sudbury Town Council.

our community Button The Town Hall Button The Cemetery Button The Allotments Litter Picking About Sudbury Grant Aid

Financial Information & Reports Inspection of Accounts and Supporting Records - Opening - Thursday 11th June Closing - Wednesday 22nd July Please read the following document before requesting the right to inspect accounts and supporting documents. Inspection of Accounts Click here Click here 2025/2026 2024/2025 Annual Return Approved Budget CiL Annual Report Financial Statements Grant Aid Distribution Internal Audit Report Internal Control Reports Notice of Public Rights & Publication Notice of Conclusion of Audit Staff Salaries - above 50k Standing Orders 2025/2026 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2025/2026 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2025/2026 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2025/2026 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2025/2026 2025/2026 2025/2026

INTERNAL CONTROL REPORTS Councillor Report September 2024 Councillor Report December 2024 Councillor Report March 2025 Councillor Report August 2025 Councillor Report December 2025 Councillor Report May 2026 RFO Report March 2024 RFO Report June 2024 RFO Report September 2024 RFO Report December 2024 RFO Report March 2025 RFO Report September 2025 Internal Control Statement 2024/2025

Meet Sudbury Town Council's Councillors Meet your Sudbury Town Councillors Check your ward area County Council Election Results 2026 The Mayor of Sudbury Councillor Adrian Stohr North Ward Labour adrian.stohr@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests The Deputy Mayor of Sudbury Councillor Melanie Barrett North Ward Conservative melanie.barrett@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Andrew Welsh South West Ward Liberal Democrats andrew.welsh@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - CounciLLOR Peter Beer Elm & Hillside Ward Conservative peter.beer@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Nigel Bennett North Ward Liberal Democrats nigel.bennett@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor James Collier South East Ward Labour james.collier@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Jessie Carter North Ward Green jessie.carter@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Steve Hall South Ward Independent steve.hall@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Kevin Graham Hawkins Road Ward Labour kevin.graham@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor James Jeagar South West Ward Green james.jeagar@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Ellen Murphy St Leonard's Ward Reform ellen.murphy@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Adrian Osborne South Ward Independent adrian.osborne@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Jan Osborne East Ward Independent jan.osborne@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Alison Owen East Ward Labour alison.owen@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Tim Regester North Ward Green tim.regester@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests - Councillor Nicholas Younger East Ward Conservative nicholas.younger@sudbury-tc.gov.uk Register of Interests

Walking in and around Sudbury From riverside walks along the Stour, gentle ambles across Sudbury's ancient water meadows, town trails taking in Sudbury's unique history and architecture to fascinating strolls along lost railway lines there is something for avid ramblers, wildlife spotters to curious culture buffs alike. Sudbury is surrounded by breathtaking landscape accented by the River Stour and ancient Water Meadows that have inspired the some of the world's most celebrated artists - among Sudbury's very own Thomas Gainsborough. Enjoy Sudbury Hospitality Looking for places to eat, drink, visit or stay in Sudbury as part of you walking trip? Take a look at our dining in Sudbury guide with a wide selection of independent restaurants, cafes and pubs for your mid ramble break! Find out more Go Car Free With excellent public transport links and a range of amenities in the town centre, Sudbury is perfect start or end point for further exploration. Sudbury is the terminus station on the scenic 'The Gainsborough Line', a bus network also connects Sudbury to many nearby rural towns and villages. Find out more Let Us Guide You! You do the walking, we do the talking...Mix up your Sudbury exploration with tales of Sudbury's fascinating history From Saxon settlements, artistic inspiration, peasants revolts to Sudbury Silk. Book on one of our Guided Tours to find out more about Sudbury's unique heritage! Find out more Stour Valley Exploration & Sudbury Self Guided Trails Walk in Gainsborough's footsteps, discover Sudbury's industrious past and present and the buildings that characterise the wealth of The Wool Towns, walk along lost railways, discover Sudbury's Silk Weaving heritage and the ancient water meadows - a haven for wildlife. These fascinating self-guided trails are easy going and perfect for anyone who likes a mix of town and country on their walks! GAINSBOROUGH TRAIL MEADOW WALK TRAIL Circular route - 4 miles / gentle Start Point: Kingfisher Leisure Centre Car Park, Sudbury, CO10 2SU The Meadow Walk is the first section of the Gainsborough Trail, named after the famous Painter Thomas Gainsborough who was born in Sudbury and spent much of his formative years as an artist sketching Sudbury's inspiring landscape. The Meadow Walk features Sudbury’s ancient water meadows, which, having never been farmed, are a rich source of biodiversity for a wide variety of wild flowers, insects, birds and mammals. The meadows are carefully managed by the Sudbury Common Lands Charity who continue the old tradition of summer cattle grazing. Along the route you will also discover remnants of Sudbury’s industrial heritage and stunning views that vary throughout the seasons. Footage following Gainsborough Trail: Meadow Walk. Credit: Joe Jackson, LakeDistrick-Walks.co.uk download route guide & map GAINSBOROUGH TRAIL cornard walk Circular route - 7 miles / moderate, hilly in parts Start Point: Kingfisher Leisure Centre Car Park, Sudbury, CO10 2SU The Cornard Walk is the second section of the Gainsborough Trail, named after the famous Painter Thomas Gainsborough who was born in Sudbury and spent much of his formative years as an artist sketching Sudbury & Great Cornard's inspiring landscape. The Great Cornard section of the Gainsborough Trail features 7 miles of varied landscapes from riverside paths, open glades and woodlands to viewpoints overlooking the landscape that inspired Thomas Gainsborough. Discover historic Bakers Mill beside the meandering Stour, ancient Danes Hole where Boudicca’s army defeated the Romans (possibly!), and chalk cliffs that gave rise to Sudbury’s brick-making industry. The views over Sudbury and the surrounding landscape are breathtaking and a rare treat in an otherwise flat suffolk! Cornard_26 Cornard_3 Cornard_25 Cornard_26 1/16 Photos following Gainsborough Trail: Cornard Walk. download route guide & map the talbot trail Circular town trail - easy / accessible Start Point: Sudbury Heritage Centre, Town Hall (Gaol Lane), Sudbury, CO10 2EA The Talbot Trail is a series of 14 statues around Sudbury that depict various fascinating episodes in the town’s history over the centuries. The trail is an excellent way to navigate your way around Sudbury with many of the town's ancient natural, historical and architectural gems to enjoy on route. From peasants' revolting to Elizabethan actors jigging, walk in the footsteps of some fascinating local characters from Sudbury's unique past. The first statue 'The Town Gaol' and the beginning of The Talbot Trail is situated adjacent to Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane, near the impressive Victorian doorway that forms the entrance to Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum. view route guide & map Download Family Guide suffolk threads: sudbury Circular town trail - 3.5 miles easy / accessible Start Point: St Peter's and Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH In the 15th and 16th century, the fate of a handful of Suffolk towns was changed forever by the wool trade: Lavenham, Long Melford, Hadleigh, Clare and Sudbury. By the early 14th century Sudbury was one of England’s wealthiest towns, largely thanks to the woollen industry. Much of this wealth was spent on fine timber-framed houses, and rebuilding and decorating churches. By the 1520s religious conflicts disrupted continental markets. However, Sudbury’s spinners and weavers turned to producing lighter fabrics - today Sudbury's status as the UK's capital of silk remains intact. This walk leads you through the bustling old town with its historic buildings and ancient streets, into Sudbury Meadows. Find out more about The Wool Towns (Video by Dedham Vale AONB) Download guide & map Melford Hall to Sudbury: Three Mills walk 5.5 miles - moderate route Dog friendly - please be aware of grazing cattle on Sudbury Water Meadows from May - September. Start Point: Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9AA A very pleasant country walk along part of the old Great Eastern 'Stour Valley Railway' which once connected Long Melford to Sudbury, starting from the magnificent Melford Hall. With some fine architectural marvels on route including the three mills that remind us of Sudbury's industrious heritage: Borley Mill, Brundon Mill and Sudbury Mill (now The Mill Hotel). The walk ends in Sudbury town centre via the ancient Sudbury Common Lands. A very pleasant walk with plenty of places to eat and drink for refreshment in Sudbury when you finish. The Mill Hotel Sudbury, Photo: Sue Longhurst View of Ballingdon from The Valley Trail Brundon Mill, Sudbury. Photo: Matt Byham The Mill Hotel Sudbury, Photo: Sue Longhurst 1/10 view guide & map gainsborough's sudbury Circular town trail - easy / accessible No prescribed route, enjoy the landmarks at your leisure, a central start point is the Gainsborough Statue. Start Point: Gainsborough Statue, Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH Walk in Gainsborough's footsteps and discover the Sudbury that the great painter would have known in the 18th Century. From the Indpendent Meeting House on Friars Street where Gainsborough was baptised, the ancient water meadows that ingnited his passion for landscape painting, not forgetting Gainsbourgh's House - the Artist's birthplace & public museum dedicated to his life and work - currently undergoing an ambitious redevelopment project: ‘Reviving an Artist’s Birthplace – a national centre for Gainsborough’. Read more here. Prefer to walk in Gainsborough's Footsteps with an expert Guide? Take a look at our upcoming guided tours. Download guide & map railway walk: the valley trail long melford to sudbury 3 - 3.5 miles, linear route - easy This route is also used by cyclists, the Valley Trail is largely accessible. Accessible route version download here. Start Point: Melford Country Park, 3-4 Borley Rd, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9HH This trail follows the disused section of The Stour Valley Line railway. To bookend the rail theme of this walk, you can start at the former Long Melford Railway Station (now a private residence) or at Melford Country Park. Explore the beautiful Country Park before you embark on The Valley Trail - there are some very scenic viewing points across the River Stour. Look out for the 18th Milestone on Rodbridge Corner before you turn into Borley Road for The Valley Trail. To start The Valley Trail, proceed past the picnic benches close to the Country Park car park embankment and go through the entrance on your right signed "To Valley Trail". It is almost a straight walk into Sudbury, along the 2.7 mile disused railway line. Try the Meadow Walk (Gainsborough Trail) for further exploration. Footage following the Valley Trail from Long Melford to Sudbury. Credit: LakeDistrick-Walks.co.uk View route Accessible route guide explore belchamp brook 9 miles or short cut north 6.5 miles / short cut south 6 miles - circular route Start Point: At any point along the Valley Trail between Ballingdon Bridge and Brundon or join at Quay Lane, CO10 2AN Enjoy Belchamp Brook on a circular walk in this remote corner just over the Essex border from Sudbury and explore the undulating, unspoiled and ancient countryside of the Stour Valley and this tributary. The walk (with a short cut) traverses the extensive common lands that are such an attractive feature of the western side of Sudbury. Join the walk anywhere along the Valley Trail in Sudbury then follow the Belchamp Brook up through the water meadows to Belchamp Walter and Bulmer, returning via Little Henny and Middleton. A number of ancient churches, mills and characterful historic architectural features can be explored on route including the breathtaking Belchamp Hall - if it looks familiar it appeared frequently as the fictional Felsham Hall in popular TV series Lovejoy. Belchamps sign Borley Belchamp Hall Entrance to Belchamp Hall Belchamps sign Borley 1/8 Download route map & guide The gainsborough branch line walks This varied series of walks follow the Marks Tey to Sudbury rail branch line, known as 'The Gainsborough Line'. They are an excellent way to discover some of the most beautiful and historically fascinating parts of the Stour Valley on foot via linear routes, each walk starts and ends at a rail station for a great car-free day out. Ramble Number 2: Sudbury Station to Bures Station: 6-7 miles Start Point: Sudbury Station, Station Road, CO10 2RD This is the area which gave both Gainsborough and Constable their inspiration, but the history of the valley you traverse has its roots much deeper in history than this, as evidenced by the Anglo-Saxon place names themselves: Sudbury – South Fort, Cornard – Corn Land, Lamarsh – Lambs Marsh, Alphamstone – Aelfhelms Farm, Bures – cottages. Ramble Number 8: Bures Station to Sudbury Station Start Point: Bures Station, Station Hill, CO8 5DX This walk follows the heights bordering the eastern side of the Stour Valley through a countryside unspoilt by factory farming. It starts off on quiet Suffolk roads, and crosses the Stour at Henny where it continues via the picturesque hamlet of Middleton and its surroundings before reaching Sudbury via the beautiful water meadows bordering the River Stour. If you have time before you set off (Ramble 2) or on your return (Ramble 8) Sudbury Town Centre is a great place to grab some ramble rocket fuel or to round off your walk with a well deserved meal or refreshing drink - fsearch cafes, restaurants and pubs in Sudbury here. DOWNLOAD RAMBLE 2: SUDBURY TO BURES DOWNLOAD RAMBLE 8: BURES TO SUDBURY useful links - planning your visit SUFFOLK ON BOARD & cycling CHAMBERS BUSES ROUTES & TIMES PARKING IN SUDBURY GAINSBOROUGH LINE (ESSCRP) GREATER ANGLIA TRAIN TIMES STOUR VALLEY PATH FULL ROUTE ST EDMUND WAY FULL ROUTE eating & drinking in sudbury

Sudbury Town Hall Old Market Place, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1TL Built by Thomas Ginn of Sudbury and opened in 1828, the Town Hall is a striking Greek Revival building overlooking the Old Market Place. Today it serves as the home of Sudbury Town Council, the Tourist Information Centre, Registration Services, and Sudbury’s free Heritage Centre & Museum, open to the public six days a week. The impressive Assembly Room is available to hire for conferences, dinners, lectures, classes, and other events. To the side, the former town Gaol entrance - once used to hold prisoners before the assizes -now forms part of the Sudbury Heritage Centre and the starting point of The Talbot Trail. The Assembly Room Available for Hire Entrance on Gaol Lane (Fully accessible) The Town Hall’s impressive Assembly Room hosts a wide range of public and private events, including festivals, craft fairs, awards, lectures, classes, ceremonies, and dinners. We offer competitive hire rates for private and corporate functions, with subsidised rates available for local community and charitable organisations. The room is fully accessible and includes access to a kitchen, toilets, tables and chairs, AV equipment, and free WiFi. For out-of-hours bookings, a dedicated doorkeeper is provided to welcome guests, manage access, and handle opening and closing of the building. If you have any queries, please contact us. Assembly Room Booking Form 2026/27 Assembly Room Hire Charges Assembly Room Layouts Free use of The Town Hall Policy Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum Entrance on Gaol Lane | Free Entry Open Monday - Saturday From Saxons to silk, the Heritage Centre is a must visit for anyone curious about Sudbury's unique past. Sudbury Heritage Centre is housed within the beautiful Grade II listed Town Hall with entrance on Gaol Lane. Displays offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past from Pre-history to the present day. Read more here. Visitors are also welcome to explore the extensive Sudbury Photo Archive, a captivating collection of images of Sudbury through the ages. Go To The Heritage Centre's Webpage Sudbury Tourist Information Centre Entrance on Gaol Lane | Free Entry Open year round | Monday - Saturday Sudbury's Tourist Information Centre is one of the last remaining dedicated TICs in the region. Operated by Sudbury Town Council, this friendly and customer focused service is for both local residents and visitors alike. Click Here To Learn More Sudbury Registration Office Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships Open for pre-booked appointments only. There's no counter service (reception). An appointment system is in operation. Please get in touch to make an appointment: Go To Website

Explore Sudbury's fascinating past on The Talbot Trail The Talbot Trail is a series of 14 statues around Sudbury that depict various fascinating episodes in the town’s history over the centuries. The trail is an excellent way to navigate your way around Sudbury with many of the town's ancient natural, historical and architectural gems to enjoy on route. Come and explore Sudbury via The Talbot Trail. You'll find the first statue 'The Town Gaol' and the beginning of The Talbot Trail behind Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane, located near the impressive Victorian doorway that forms the entrance to Sudbury Tourist Information & Heritage Centre. Here, in the Tourist Information Centre, you can also pick up a free copy of the map and detailing the history behind each statue. Start point location here. Take a look below for the fascinating stories / history to accompany each statue... Download an illustrated map of the Talbot Trail 1. the town gaol Welcome to the start of The Talbot Trail! You'll find the first statue behind Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane, located near the impressive Victorian doorway that forms the entrance to Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum. Originally this was the gateway to Sudbury Court where prisoners were locked up in the gaol below to await trial. Start off your trail with a look around Sudbury's Heritage Centre for some fascinating insights into Sudbury's history. The Town Hall was built by Thomas Ginn of Sudbury in 1826/27 and opened for use in 1828. Take a moment to majestic building in the Greek classic style occupying its prestigious site overlooking the Old Market Place. 2. 101 dalmations From the second statue on the Talbot Trail just outside The Town Hall steps, cast your eyes over the road where you'll see the drinking fountain and horse trough sitting against the railings outside St Peter’s Church. This was the site where Pongo and Perdita stopped for water while searching for their lost puppies in 101 Dalmatians - the children’s book by Dodie Smith. (You'll find more information in The Heritage Centre on Gaol Lane). Take a moment to appreciate St Peter’s, a beautiful Grade I listed building with a wealth of heritage, dating back to the 14th Century. St Peter's is now a thriving cultural centre, hosting a year round programme of events. 3. boudicea On King Street you'll find the 3rd Talbot statue of the fearsome Boudicea. The Queen of the Iceni, Boudicea, is likely to have gained the support of the Trinovante at Sudbury in AD 44 on her way to rout the Roman garrison at Colchester with the intention of burning the town to the ground. Sudbury is thought to have been a Trinovante stronghold in those days and evidence suggests the Trinovante tribes supported the neighbouring Iceni. Did Boudicea pass through Sudbury? We don't know for sure, but she would've certainly been close by as she expanded her troops! 4. the rotten borough Just outside The Lady Elizabeth Hotel & Bar (there is many a pub on this trail) you'll find statue number 4 which depicts 'The Rotten Borough' - the second literary reference along The Talbot Trail. Sudbury gained a reputation for electoral corruption in the 19th century, and novelist Charles Dickens used it as the model for his 'Eatanswill' in The Pickwick Papers, written in 1836. In one Sudbury election, a wealthy parliamentary candidate is said to have spent £10,000 in bribing voters. Oh dear. 5. the running boy On Gainsborough Street, near Christopher Lane you'll find the Talbot bronze for 'The Running Boy' depicting a remarkable tale about a long distance runner. In April 1879, a young apprentice named James Bigmore , ran alongside the Norwich coach, all the way from Sudbury to Norwich, a distance of 60 miles in 6 hours! Today, this is a great street for independent cafes, shops, some wonderful listed buildings and not forgetting Gainsborough's House just over the road - so keep your eyes peeled for blue plaques along this stretch of the trail. 6. the great blondin In 1872 this world famous high wire artist made a visit to Sudbury. On a rope suspended across the yard behind The Anchor in Friars Street (look out for the original Anchor sign as you enter Friars Street, locals fought to save it given the pub's historical significance). Blondin demonstrated his unique skills by pushing a member of the public across the abyss, in a wheel barrow. While exploring Friars Street remember it follows the 'Great Ditch', the earthwork defences erected to protect the Saxon town. Take your time on this stretch of the trail and enjoy the unique architecture, listed buildings and some quality independent eateries and shops. 7. mr & mrs gainsborough Number 7 on the Talbot Trail marks a significant site for the artist Thomas Gainsborough (b. Sudbury 1727–1788). In 1746 after his marriage to Margaret Burr, Gainsborough returned to Sudbury, specifically to 31a Friars Street, to work as a portrait painter for the local gentry and mercantile classes. Here his daughters were born and he painted many portraits of them before moving to Ipswich. Gainsborough displayed an early talent for drawing and painting, spending much of his childhood sketching in the woods and fields surrounding Sudbury. It was here that his love of landscape painting first developed, a passion that would go on to become an abiding feature of his artistic career. 8. river transport Access to the North Sea and London by boat allowed Sudbury’s industries to thrive. A number of local products including wool and brick were sent by barge to London from the Quay in Quay Lane. Clay in this region produced bricks that were much sought after. Today the site is home to The Quay Theatre with a varied arts programme. The River Stour Trust are also based here offering pleasure craft rides along the river (many of the old locks have now gone meaning only smaller craft can navigate the river). The Gainsborough Trail Meadow Walk along the old railway line is also accessible via this point and is an excellent way to enjoy a gentle stroll along the river and Sudbury's ancient Common Lands. 9. dancing bears Where Friars Street meets Church Street you'll find Talbot statue number 9 depicting the shameful Victorian form of street entertainment the Dancing Bears. Bears were brought to Sudbury by Victorian showmen to entertain the local population. The muzzled bears were taken down the passage beside 54 Church Street, opposite, where the showmen lodged in cheap accommodation at the rear. Follow Church street as it hooks around to meet Cross Street for the beautiful All Saints Church - a must see along The Talbot Trail. 10. amicia de clare Number 10 on the trail depicts Amicia, the daughter of the Earl of Gloucester, who in the 12th century, married into the powerful de Clare family and brought her wealth to Sudbury. She founded a hospital by Ballingdon Bridge and had a new bridge constructed with stone from northern France. Today's Ballingdon Bridge opened in 2003, and was designed by Brookes, Stacey and Randell and built by Arup. Ballingdon was once a separate village in the County of Essex, today it is very much part of Sudbury and the only part of the town to the south of the River Stour. 11. the water meadows Sudbury's famous Water Meadows that nuzzle up to the town have been grazed continuously for a thousand years. In 1260 Richard de Clare gave the pastures to the burgesses of the town for a rent of 40 shillings a year. Having never been farmed, Sudbury's Common Lands are as breathtaking as ever and remain a haven for wildlife and humans alike. On behalf of Sudbury Town Council the Common Lands are managed by The Common Lands Charity and are accessible for all to enjoy year round. Both the Stour Valley Path and The St Edmunds way pass through this beautiful landscape that has inspired some of the world's most celebrated artists, among them Sudbury's very own Thomas Gainsborough. 12. the peasant's revolt As Chancellor it was Simon of Sudbury's job to support the king and raise funds for the war with France. He made every person over 15 pay a Poll Tax, something the poor bitterly resented. A rebellion in 1381 resulted in Simon being decapitated by an angry mob. In the vestry of St Gregory's is the head of Simon of Sudbury who was executed in this Peasants' Revolt. There is a comprehensive display at Sudbury's Heritage Centre of this gory episode of local history if you have a penchant for the macabre. Our monthly guided walk 'Step into The Sudbury Story' includes a rare viewing of Simon's head at St Greogory's. 13. simon of sudbury As Chancellor it was Simon of Sudbury's job to support the king and raise funds for the war with France. He made every person over 15 pay a Poll Tax, something the poor bitterly resented. A rebellion in 1381 resulted in Simon being decapitated by an angry mob. In the vestry of St Gregory's is the head of Simon of Sudbury who was executed in this Peasants' Revolt. There is a comprehensive display at Sudbury's Heritage Centre of this gory episode of local history if you have a penchant for the macabre. Our monthly guided walk 'Step into The Sudbury Story' includes a rare viewing of Simon's head at St Greogory's. 14. william kemp's jig The final bronze on this trail marks a site in Sudbury where Will Kemp, an Elizabethan actor (and somewhat of a clown by all accounts) jigged his way from London to Norwich. On the fifth day of this spectacle Kemp passed through Sudbury meeting many friendly locals on route including a Sudbury Milk maid who joined him all the way to Long Melford. The full account of this incredible spectacle that took place in Spring 1599 is known as 'Kemp's nine daies wonder'. Will Kemp was known to be purveyor of "mad jests and merry jigs" and with Shakespeare was in the Company of the Lord Chamberlain's Men. It is probable that many of the Bard's comic roles were written with Kemp in mind.