Icklingham combines medieval churches and archaeological evidence with a stage of the Icknield Way. This offers different areas of focus for planning a trip: architectural history, traces of Roman settlement and a route that is suitable for various modes of travel along most of its length.

Churches and Architectural History

All Saints Icklingham is an unspoilt, thatched church. It was built largely in the 14th century and is of Norman origin. Two distinct historical associations therefore sit side by side: its Norman origins and the building, which dates mostly from the 14th century. The south windows contain medieval stained glass depicting two saints beneath canopies. Visitors interested in church art will find here not only information about the building’s history but also a specific motif on which to focus.

St James’ Icklingham offers a different emphasis in terms of date. The building dates from the 13th century and comprises a chancel and nave; it is maintained with support from Project St James. By comparison, All Saints dates largely from the 14th century. This comparison helps to distinguish the two churches by their different dates and the architectural features mentioned for each.

Roman and Prehistoric Traces

Roman history is also represented by several clues. Icklingham’s Roman settlement includes Roman pottery kilns. There is also an area of Roman roadside settlement in Icklingham. The pottery kilns and the description of the settlement type draw attention to different aspects of the area’s Roman history.

Devereux’s Pit, also known as Icklingham Brick Pit, preserves fine-grained Pleistocene sediments and archaeological traces from the Lower Palaeolithic. A condition report updated on 16 July 2024 describes the site as heavily overgrown. Its assemblage comprises 116 artefacts, including cores, flakes and chips. Among them are flake scars from handaxe manufacture; the finds indicate Acheulean technology of the Lower Palaeolithic. The sediments and artefacts offer different points of reference: the sediments establish the geological context, while the forms and working traces are important for archaeological interpretation.

A Stage on the Icknield Way

The Icknield Way has a 26.23-kilometre stage from Icklingham to Knettishall Heath. You can walk, ride horses and cycle on off-road bikes along most of the route. The stated distance and activities provide a clear basis for assessing the stage as a separate part of your trip. When planning, it is important to bear in mind that these activities are specified for most of the route.

If you are looking for a holiday rental for a stay in Icklingham, choosing a focus can help: would you like to concentrate mainly on church and settlement history, or include a stage of the Icknield Way in your travel plans? This lets you start by choosing the destination according to the purpose of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Newmarket, Risby, Stanton, Haverhill, Hartest, Thurston, Assington, Rickinghall

For the overview of the wider area: Suffolk.