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The village of Erwarton is situated on the Shotley Peninsula, 7 miles south east of Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk. Although Erwarton is a tiny village and its Civil Parish is one of the smallest in England it has much that brings delight to its residents and visitors. It is essentially rural, set amongst rich agricultural land, with splendid views over the Stour estuary. The Stour forms the southern boundary of Erwarton and the entire Erwarton coastline is designated as Heritage Coast.
Erwarton has strong links with Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife. Appropriately, the local pub is called the Queens Head, perhaps reflecting the beheading that took place in the Tower of London.
ERWARTON HALL
The original Tudor mansion was owned by Sir Philip Calthorpe whose wife was Aunt to Ann Boleyn. It is known that Ann spent some of her childhood at the Hall and it is thought likely that Henry VIII visited her there. The two wings were demolished by the new owner, Sir Philip Parker, and the materials used to rebuild the main part in 1575. It changed hands again in 1786 to William Berners. The legend of Ann Boleyn?s heart being buried in Erwarton perhaps began when she is reputed to have said shortly before her execution that the happiest days of her life were spent at the Hall. In 1838 a heart-shaped casket containing dust was found buried in the north wall of St Mary?s Church. The casket was re-buried under the organ. The Hall is in private ownership and not open to the public.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH
Much of the St. Mary's Church dates from the 15th century, although a church was there much earlier as can be seen from a 14th century window in the chancel. Inside the church there are monuments to the families that have owned the Hall. The church is in a beautiful location. It is well worth a walk around the churchyard, especially to the rear of the building which affords splendid views across the Stour and over to the County of Essex.
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