Flatford Mill
If you have ever wondered where the great romantic style painter, John Constable (1776 – 1837), created the iconic Hay Wain, then wonder no longer.
The very picturesque hamlet of Flatford Mill near East Bergholt in the Dedham Vale, Suffolk is the spot. And very nice it is too. Along with the Hay Wain featuring Willy Lott's House, Constable produced a series of paintings depicting country life during the 18th century around Dedham.
The mill was owned by the Constable family from 1742 and is mentioned in the 1087 Domesday Book. William the Conqueror, instigator of said book, thought the area was so nice he kept the mill and lands for himself.
Now a mecca for Constable connoisseurs and day trippers, the mill gets very busy. There is small, but interesting Constable exhibition, shop and café. If you wish to explore further, there are pretty Stour riverside walks, or launch a watery adventure if you have the kit.
Parking is in a National Trust car park (fee for non-members) and a RSPB Wildlife Garden if you have time.
A lovely place to visit.
