History

Pettistree is particularly rich in historical archives. The Joan Peck Collection is accessible at The Hold in Ipswich and contains images and documents recording the village and its people over many decades. A quarterly village magazine, Pettistree People, is now into its 105 edition (September 2024) and is available on this website on the News page. A Local History Recorder was appointed in 1993 and the village's first Heritage Exhibition was held in 1995. A Lottery Fund grant led to the formation of a Heritage Committee.

Events have included: 

Early English Gardens and the Importance of Mounts and Canals with special reference to Pettistree by Edward Martin, Archaeological Officer in Landscape History with Suffolk County Council.

In 2007 a most interesting and entertaining evening was given by Charlie Haylock with particular reference to the development of the Suffolk dialect interspersed with examples of Suffolk humour.

In 2008 the annual talk was given by Mr Peter Driver, his topic being Grave Business. Whilst the title sounded rather gloomy the audience quickly realised just how much you could learn about those who had gone before just by walking around a church and its surroundings. All aspects of social life are there if we only look - social standing, fashion, professions and family portraits. Peter injected a sense of humour into the proceedings making the evening very enjoyable.

 

Heritage Committee:

Chair - Cath Caudwell

Secretary - Evelyn Whitfield

Treasurer - Mary Garner

Members - Maggie Hallett

                - Maureen Stollery