The small hamlet of Herringswell situated in an environmentally sensitive area in the very West of Suffolk covers over 2,000 acres.

Herringswell has seen human habitation since the very earliest of Stone Age times and retains a landscape remarkable similar to that of today with birch, pine and spruce with areas of open grassland".

There have been archaeological finds – including axe heads, handles and flint blades – dating back to the Palaeolithic period (500,000-10001BC).

This ancient settlement has 3 references in the doomsday book having 3 distinct areas, the Manor, the Hall and a central church and small group of 27 cottages situated along a single-track no-through road. An arrangement that has, over one thousand years, fought the rest of time and remains distinct and unique.

Herringswell was once at the centre of the fishing industry as long ago as the eighth century – although it was not until the 14th century that a Dutchman discovered how to cure the fish.

Edward, Prince of Wales, was a regular visitor to Herringswell at the end of the 19th century for shoots and also to visit his mistress – actress Lilliey Langtry – whom he had 'installed' at nearby Kennett Hall. Indeed, the gamekeeper at the time said he knew when she had been walking in the woods because of the strong scent of her perfume.