Quatrefoil

recording local history

Copyright © Quatrefoil


Quatrefoil was formed in 2012 to research the history of the villages of Botesdale, Redgrave and The Rickinghalls in Suffolk and to make this research available to all by various means, principally by publishing books. We want to stimulate new and renewed interest in our locality and its inhabitants over the centuries. We aim to inspire people to discover more about local history and to enjoy walking in the footsteps of others.

On Monday 8th May 2023, a blue plaque was mounted on the house in Rickinghall, Suffolk where Basil Brown lived for over forty years. The plaque commemorates the former resident of the village who discovered the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo on the eve of the Second World War. In fact, it was on Monday 8th May 1939 – exactly 84 years ago – that Basil Brown arrived at Sutton Hoo to begin excavating the mound which yielded up one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Britain.


Local Studies Room


Quatrefoil now has a dedicated room in which to keep our large collection of local studies material related to the history of our villages. This includes maps, photos, published books, copies of deeds, sales particulars and much more!


We will be open to the public on the third Sunday in the month on a trial basis for the first few months of 2025, that is:

Sunday 9th February from 2-4 pm

Sunday 9th March from 2-4 pm

Sunday 13th April from 2-4 pm

Sunday 11th May from 2-4 pm


Please do feel free to pop in to browse our local studies materials and to benefit from our expert knowledge. You can find us via an entrance at the back of Rickinghall Village Hall.


If you are not able to visit during these times, but would like to consult our collection, please contact us by email to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit.