hy oolpit?
One question that is always asked by our visitors is “how did Woolpit get its name; was it from wool, wolves, etc. ?” Our village sign should give some clues; early spellings vary - Wlfpeta is just one example - but many think that the name means 'a pit for trapping wolves'. However, the most probable explanation will be found in the local Museum, housed in the Institute in the village centre.

ampson'sourney
In 1016 Ulfketel, Earl of East Anglia, granted the church and manor of Wlfpeta to the Abbey of St Edmund in Bury St Edmunds. The monks received ten marks yearly from this grant, but the King appropriated the revenues for the benefit of one of his officials. A monk named Sampson determined to put matters right and in 1159 travelled to Rome to obtain a charter from Pope Alexander III. Despite being captured and robbed by his enemies in the course of his journey, Sampson managed to preserve the Pope's precious letter directing the reversion of Woolpit and its church to the monks, and returned to England after three years. The monks were once again able to enjoy the income, and Sampson was later appointed Abbot.

t ary's hurch
The steeple of St Mary's dominates the skyline from whatever direction you approach. Our church has evolved over the centuries from its Norman origins like many other churches in Suffolk, but it is special because of its magnificent double hammer beam roof, angel carvings, fourteenth century porch and carved pew-ends, which make it one of the finest village churches in East Anglia. Over the centuries its porch has stood proudly over the South door, built in the fourteenth century from donations. Today's population has also made its mark; the village raised over £50,000 in two years to enable vital repairs to be carried out. A guide is available within the Church which explains most of the features inside and outside the building.

he adywell
The church grew in importance throughout the Middle Ages, and its reputation was enhanced by the shrine of Our Lady of Woolpit, which it contained. Pilgrims were also attracted by the miraculous properties of the Lady's Well nearby, whose water was held to be a cure for ailments of the eyes. Modern tests have shown that it has a high sulphur content.

he reen hildren
One prominent feature of the village sign is two small children. They depict a story that goes back to the 12th century and tells the legend of ”The Green Children of Woolpit•. This curious tale is recorded as taking place at about the same time as Sampson's journey to Rome. Very briefly, reapers were astonished at the discovery of a boy and a girl in a hole in the ground. The children were green, and spoke no recognisable language. The boy, who was sickly, soon died, but the girl grew up in Woolpit, and is said to have married a man from King's Lynn. This story has been re-enacted on many occasions and has appeared on childrens' television.

airs
According to records which date back to the fifteenth century, two important fairs were held in Woolpit. The Horse Fair was held on two closes, or fields, on September 16. The Cow Fair, on September 19, was also held on its own field; here toys were sold as well as cattle.

wan nn
Situated in the very heart of Woolpit, the Swan Inn has a very interesting history and its first authentic record dates from 1625 though part of it is thought to date back to the 14 century. With few travellers passing through the village then, it was thought to be an alehouse. Following extensive building work in 1759, the Inn started taking overnight guests and during the French wars in the 19th century it was used to billet soldiers and their horses. Further extensions and renovations were carried out in 1826 and the present brick front (Woolpit red bricks) was added then.

illage ump
A guide available at the local shops leads visitors around the heart of Woolpit (a conservation area), giving details of the properties and of the Pump that stands in the village centre. Erected in 1897 it commemorates Queen Victoria' s Jubilee.