Metfield: History on the Norfolk and Suffolk Border

Metfield lies in the Waveney Valley on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk. The history of the village dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. Several clearly distinct themes shape the way its history is viewed: the medieval Church of St John the Baptist, listed houses, the former Metfield Airfield and designated paths. Anyone looking for a hotel for a trip focused on architecture or local history will find various starting points here for planning their visit.

Local history and historic buildings

The centre of Metfield is designated as a Conservation Area. The village has a long history, given concrete form by historic buildings spanning different styles and centuries. At the Church of St John the Baptist, for example, medieval architectural features sit alongside fittings dating from the 15th and 17th centuries.

St John the Baptist is a medieval church whose construction dates approximately to the 14th to 15th centuries. Particularly striking is the impressive porch built of knapped flint: it dates from the early 15th century and features flushwork panels. A 15th-century canopy of honour survives in the nave. Historic fittings also include a 15th-century font bearing the Jermy family coat of arms and a rare tower clock dating from 1629. These details complement the church’s architectural history and illustrate different aspects of its historic fittings.

The listed houses also illustrate a variety of architectural styles. Field Cottage is a Grade II listed building and a former open hall house dating from around 1500. The Old Vicarage, also Grade II listed, has a 16th-century core. The Wilderness has a timber-framed core dating from 1570; Rose Farmhouse is an early 17th-century timber-framed farmhouse. Together, these examples offer an overview ranging from hall-house construction to later timber-framed buildings and farmhouses.

Metfield Airfield and its history

Metfield Airfield was established on 9 August 1943 for American P-47 fighter aircraft. The airfield was operated by the United States Army’s 8th Air Force, first by the 353rd Fighter Group and then by the 491st Bomb Group. The former airfield had three concrete runways and 50 hardstands. Metfield Airfield is listed as a Second World War United States Army Air Forces airfield. This provides another way to understand the history of the village, with a focus distinct from its church and house architecture.

At the entrance to the former airfield near Metfield is a memorial to the 353rd Fighter Group, Operation Carpetbaggers and the bomb dump explosion. It brings together several themes from the airfield’s history at a named commemorative site.

Designated paths

A path list dated 1 January 2024 records Metfield Footpath 023 as a public footpath 1.73 kilometres long. Metfield Bridleway 005a is listed there as a bridleway 1.63 kilometres long. The details distinguish both the type of path and its length: one is designated as a footpath, the other as a bridleway. The signposts and bridges on the footpaths are maintained by Suffolk County Council’s Public Rights of Way team. As maintenance arrangements may change, check current notices before your walk.

The church and historic houses, the airfield memorial and the designated paths offer different ways to explore Metfield by theme. When choosing your destination, you can consider whether architecture, military history or the paths are of greatest interest to you.

Discover more destinations: Lakenheath, Freckenham, Butley, Denston, Rendlesham, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Beccles

For the broader travel overview: Suffolk.