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It traces the decline caused by changing fashions in the 16th century and contrasts it with the continued prosperity of nearby Long Melford, emphasizing the lasting timber-framed houses and historic 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\nPhotographed by John Curtis  \nThe charming medieval town of Lavenhamlies in the heart of the Suffolk wool country.This important settlement was granted amarket charter in 1257 and exports of itsfamous blue broadcloth went as far afieldas Russia.It is said that Russian EmpressCatherine the Great loved the fabric for itsunique texture and insulation properties.Lavenham was among the twenty richesttowns in England during medieval timesbut fell into a steep decline during the 16thcentury when lighter and more fashionablecloth was introduced by Dutch refugees.Just five miles away in the heart of the lushStour Valley is Long Melford,famous forhaving the longest village high street in thecountry.It too became prosperous by virtueof the woollen cloth trade and its  \n# INTRODUCTION\n\narchitecture serves as a beautifullyconserved reminder of this time.Thereare at least twelve magnificent timber-framed hall houses in the village centre,two historic mansions and a mostimpressive ‘wool'church.  \nThe change in fortunes of these and other'wool'settlements may now be regarded asa blessing,for development was halted andmany of the original 15th century buildingsremain intact.Lavenham alone has overthree hundred listed ancient buildingsnoted as being of architectural andhistorical interest.  \nThe lush rolling hills around the Suffolkwool towns remain ideal for the rearingof sheep and the famous black-faced Suffolkis now a familiar sight all over the world.  \nHigh Street,Lavenham  \nThe profusion of half-timbered buildingsin the High Street earns Lavenham the titleof \"The most complete medieval town inBritain'and the jumble of crooked timber-framed merchants'mansions interspersedwith small colourful cottages is a delight.  \nSwan Hotel,Lavenham  \nThe Swan,dating from 1425,was a thrivingtrading post with stabling for fifty horses.Known as \"The Capital Old-established FreePublic and Posting House',it serviced theLavenham Machine Coach which travelledregularly to London.","cbCaioo19jB4lWBi","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaioo19jB4lWBi","pdf",3754994,"English","# INTRODUCTION\n## Lavenham in Suffolk’s wool country\n## Long Melford and architectural preservation\n## High Street and historic buildings\n## Swan Hotel and transport history","[{\"question\":\"What made Lavenham important in medieval times?\",\"answer\":\"Lavenham was granted a market charter in 1257 and its exports of blue broadcloth reached far beyond England.\"},{\"question\":\"Why did Lavenham decline in the 16th century?\",\"answer\":\"Its fortunes fell as lighter and more fashionable cloth replaced woollen goods after Dutch refugees introduced new styles.\"},{\"question\":\"What is Long Melford known for nearby?\",\"answer\":\"Long Melford is noted for having the longest village high street in the country and prospering through the woollen cloth trade.\"}]","Lavenham, Long Melford and the Suffolk Wool Country - Introduction | PDF",62]