History

ROUGHAM ESTATE TRUST | OBJECTS | HISTORY

preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of Rougham's history

The Rougham Estate Trust is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of Rougham’s history. We believe that understanding the past is key to appreciating the present and shaping the future. Through a variety of initiatives, we aim to make the Estate’s history accessible and engaging for everyone.

Our “Local History (Vox Pop)” project is at the heart of our efforts to connect people with Rougham’s past. We’re actively collecting and preserving the memories and stories of those who have lived and worked on the Estate, creating a living archive of oral history that paints a vivid picture of life in Rougham through the ages. These personal accounts provide invaluable insights into the Estate’s social and cultural evolution, complementing the historical records and archaeological evidence.

Rougham boasts a remarkable collection of archaeological sites, including the enigmatic Tumulus and the remnants of a Roman villa. We’re committed to protecting and understanding these precious remnants of the past. By exploring the use of cutting-edge surveying techniques, we aim to uncover new knowledge about these sites without disturbing their delicate structures. Our recent efforts to remove trees from the Tumulus demonstrate our dedication to preserving these ancient landmarks for future generations.

We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery as we delve into Rougham’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a local resident, or simply curious about the Estate’s heritage, there’s something for everyone to explore and appreciate. Together, let’s ensure that the stories of Rougham continue to inspire and educate for years to come.

ROUGHAM ESTATE TRUST | OBJECTS | HISTORY

Restoration projects

One of the most significant activities that the trust has engaged in is the restoration of important historic buildings on the estate. The clock tower and gatehouse at Rougham Hall was the first of these projects. This landmark building was in danger of collapse which the trust took on the project which saw the building saved and converted into an attractive lettable property. This work was undertaken during 2019 and was let out in early 2020.

ROUGHAM ESTATE TRUST | OBJECTS | HISTORY

Eastlowhill Tumulus

This significant Roman burial mound, was originally one of four which lined the key road, running from Chelmsford to Ixworth and further on to Peddars Way. It contained a body in a lead coffin, set within a small structure and all buried within an earth mound. This would have taken vast resources to construct and indicated the high status of the individual buried here. These burial mounds were excavated during the 1840s by the famous Cambridge scholar, John Henslow. They are also connected to the neighbouring Roman villa site. Mounds of this type are very rare. This complex is a key part of Rougham Estate’s historic legacy.

ROUGHAM ESTATE TRUST | OBJECTS | HISTORY

Lawneys Farmhouse

The Manor of Lawneys was first mentioned in Doomsday Book in 1086. The name Lawneys means ‘Lone House’ and reflects its remote location. Parts of the existing structure date back to the fourteenth century and it is thought that members of the Drury family may have lived there at some point.

The existing Lawneys Farmhouse is a Grade 11 listed farmhouse partly surrounded by its own moat. It has been uninhabited but weathertight for more than fifty years awaiting refurbishment.

John Agnew (previous owner and one of the two founders of Rougham Estate Trust) lived in a small house at Lawneys Farm and it was always his dream to restore the main house. Sadly it never happened during his lifetime due to financial constraints at the time.

The trust decided to take on this project some years ago and the resulting work has been the collaboration between Richard Johnson of RJ Restorations, Christine Leveson of West Suffolk Council and the trustees themselves. The work is now complete and the trustees are proud to present the result for all to see.

ROUGHAM ESTATE TRUST | OBJECTS | HISTORY

We believe that understanding the past is key to appreciating the present and shaping the future.

The Trust is currently undertaking:

The trust is planning is the creation of a small museum charting the life and work of John Agnew, one of the trust’s founders who sadly died in 2011. The museum will be located in a barn at Lawneys Farm and the trust has appointed a firm of exhibition specialists called Stitch to design the project. A small website is also being created which will help to make this information available to all online.