Monk Soham
The Sign
The sign was erected in 2012 and is made from metal cut-out. It simply depicts a farmer ploughing the field in the old traditional way, but in this instance using three horses (a troika), probably due to the heavy going in the soil; the horses are probably Suffolk Punch.
A smaller version of the sign can be found on top of the parish notice board.
The Name and Population
The population was 156 at the 2011 census. The name means "a village with a pool"; a reedy lake lies to the west of Earl Soham that was once stocked with fish. It was called Saham in 1086 and Monks Saham in 1235. The 'Monks' affix refers to the monks at Bury St Edmunds and distinguishes it from the other village.
Other Points of Interest
The church is dedicated to St Peter and has a Seven Sacrament Font.
Abbey House is a listed historical Victorian Rectory, set in an idyllic setting surrounded by ten acres of private garden and meadowland. The house lies hidden amongst the many magnificent old oak, beech and lime trees in the grounds.