A market town for almost 1000 years, Haverhill still hosts a provisions market each Friday and Saturday throughout the year. Haverhill was recorded in the Domesday survey in 1086, but archaeological evidence shows that both Stone Age man and the Romans thought this valley a good place to settle.
The town thrived through its textile industry notably in the 19th century when it became a significant centre for the making of "drabbet" smocks for the agricultural workers. In 1856, D Gurteen & Sons built a factory with 32 power looms driven by steam.
Although they had been in the town since the 1780s, the new factory brought expansion and the town became prosperous. It almost doubled in size between 1851 and 1901, bringing new houses, factories, schools, churches and public buildings to make it a complete Victorian town.
In the late 1940s, Haverhill was named an "expansion town" by the Haverhill Urban District Council and Greater London Council. The population quadrupled between 1951 and the present time and Haverhill continues to grow, with new facilities and new housing. It is a forward looking town with a strong sense of community and an active Town Council
The Haverhill group usually meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in
the Old Independent Church Hall, Hamlet Road, Haverhill, CB9 9EF. (unless stated otherwise). Click here for directions
Meetings usually start at 7.30pm. Admission £2.00 for SFHS members, £3.00 for visitors. Tea/Coffee included.
Library of local and family history books available for free loan and opportunity to search SFHS data for Suffolk ancestors.
Annual Walk around a local village for a guided tour of historical interests, tracing our ancestors' footsteps, even to the local hostelry!
Help Sessions are held weekly Wed 2-4pm at the Library, Camps, Road, Haverhill, CB9 8HB with free guided access to Ancestry.com, Find My Past and more.
To book your place at the Library phone 01440 848095
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Wednesday |
Help with YOUR Research - at Haverhill Library (CB9 8HB) Guided use of the Internet, especially for newcomers or those 'stuck' phone 01440 848095 to book your place |
Thinking about researching your family history and want to know where to start?
Maybe you need some help with your research?
Come along to the Haverhill Library on Saturday 19th September between 10am and 2pm and meet the friendly team from the Family History (Haverhill) Group who will be on hand to help.
ALL AREAS COVERED.
We welcome back Mike, who will tell of the legends and folklore surrounding the supernatural occurrences in Suffolk. Hear about encounters with ghostly beings and learn what you might expect to experience before the appearance of a ghost!
You may not be afraid of the dark, but you really should be afraid of what is IN the dark!
We meet in the Haverhill Old Independent Church Hall. EVERYONE WELCOME
Check out our latest newsletter. The link can be found on the Group's introduction page
Check out our latest newsletter. The link can be found on the Group's introduction page.
Had a great time with the Sudbury group, joining in with their annual quiz, finishing 1st and 3rd!
Many thanks to Helen and Sheila and the team for their hospitality. We really enjoyed the afternoon.
House builder Redrow has partnered with the Haverhill Family History Group to commemorate service personnel from the area at its Great Wilsey Park development.
The roads, including Gurteen Avenue, English Way and Backler Road, honour people from Haverhill who served during the Second World War - creating a lasting tribute to preserve their stories for generations.
One of the newly named roads, Gurteen Avenue, honours Pilot Officer John Vinter Gurteen (Left). Mr Gurteen was a Haverhill-born RAF Volunteer Reserve fighter pilot who flew with No. 504 Squadron during the Second World War. He was killed at the age of 24 during the Battle of Britain while defending London in September 1940.
Jody Bryant, sales director at Redrow Eastern, said: "Great Wilsey Park is creating a new community for Haverhill, and it is important that the development reflects the town's heritage. "Working with the Haverhill Family History Group has enabled us to celebrate local history in a meaningful way while creating a strong sense of place for future resident through lasting tributes."
As the development expands, Redrow plans to continue working with the Haverhill Family History Group to introduce more street names inspired by Haverhill’s military history. Haverhill town councillor John Burns, who is also a member of the Haverhill Family History Group, said: "As Haverhill continues to grow, it's important that we don't lose sight of the people who helped shape our town's history. These street names provide a lasting reminder of the service and sacrifice of local men and women, ensuring their stories remain part of the community for generations to come."
Members of the Family History Group, including secretary Charmian Thompson and Mr Burns, recently visited the development to see the new commemorative street names.
The Persimmon development, also to the north of Haverhill also commemorates casualties. A number of roads are named after men from the town who died during WW1. There are also some named to honour some of the WW2 airmen who are buried in Haverhill Cemetery.
The Family History (Haverhill) Group have produced tributes for all the casualties. These can be found online by following the Haverhill group’s Projects page on the following link Haverhill or by visiting the Haverhill Local History Museum. Researchers from the group have produced these Rolls of Honour over many years and they have been updated as new information surfaces.
We are delighted that the liaison with the house builders and the council will continue. There are still many names for them to consider.
At the recent Armed Forces Day event in Haverhill, Local Councillor Joe Mason is quoted ‘One of my favourite stalls was the Haverhill Family History Group. Their display explained the history behind many of the road names on the Persimmon and Redrow developments and the local servicemen they commemorate. What many residents may not realise is that a number of these roads are named after local servicemen who gave their lives during the World Wars. It was fascinating to learn more about the stories behind the names and a reminder that remembrance is about people, not just places.’
Next Meeting: Thursday 11th June 2026 at 7.30pm in the Old Independent Church Hall, Haverhill
Duncan is a retired Commercial Helicopter Pilot, Instructor, Examiner and Instructor Trainer with over 20 years and 7,500 hours of onshore helicopter flying experience. He ran his own helicopter company based at Cambridge airport for most of his career and flew sorties that included commercial charter, photography and filming tasks, geographical surveys and critical component delivery. In addition to being a pilot he has worked in Merchant Banking, as a DJ, MC, Entertainer and Event Commentator besides being a serial quiz show contestant!
Check out our latest newsletter. The link can be found on the Group's introduction page.
Check out our latest newsletter. The link can be found on the Group's introduction page.
Next Meeting: Thursday 14th May 2026 at 7.30pm Old Independent Church Hall - The Change in your Pocket: with Charmian Thompson
Small change, big history….
We spend them, stack them, and forget them in our pockets, but coins are actually 'information technology' disguised as money. They’ve survived the fall of Rome, funded the Crusades, and survived the invention of paper money. This talk is a journey through numismatics - uncovering hidden stories behind the images that have circulated for centuries and looking at the more recent history lessons we have when we spend our change.
Please note that the meeting will be preceded by a very quick AGM.
EVERYONE WELCOME
For further details on venue and regular meetings see Introduction page
A lighthearted social evening with refreshments
Secretary: Charmian Thompson
5 Hadrian Close,
Haverhill,
Suffolk, CB9 0NH
or by Email: haverhill@suffolkfhs.org.uk to our Secretary
