Needham Market is a small market town with a population of around 4700. It received a charter for its market from Henry III in 1245. Needham lost two thirds of its population due to the bubonic plague in 1663-65 and did not really recover until the opening of the canal to Ipswich in 1793 and the railway line between Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds in 1846.
Just behind the railway station is the Camping Land. The name is derived from Campan or Campball, a rough and rowdy medieval ball game, which was the predecessor of rugby.
Next to the Camping Land is Needham Lake, a very popular country park, which also gives access to the River Gipping and beautiful walks along the valley.
Here are just a few of the things you might spot on a visit to the town:
Railway station
The Camping Ground
Needham Lake
Wooden toadstools at Needham Lake
For more information:
Needham Market Town Council has information about the history, the amenities and community activities in the town.