Cultural environment
In this section
- Visitor Information Centres
- Discover the area
- Getting there
- Getting around
- What to see and do
- Where to stay
- Dedham Vale AONB Public Transport Guide
- Walking and cycling
- Buy local
- Further afield
- What is an AONB?
- Cultural environment
- The natural environment
- Ask a question
- Useful Links
- What to look out for in the valley
"I associate my careless boyhood with all that lies on the banks of the Stour. Those scenes made me a painter" - John Constable
The layers of history in the Stour Valley have helped to influence how we see the area today. From ancient times, archaeological features such as crop marks are a silent witness to thousands of years' worth of history in the Stour Valley.
After the Battle of Hastings in 1066 a castle was built at Clare. Later, the thriving wool trade in the Middle Ages left the valley with the legacy of fine flint churches and impressive houses (which include Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall). Even later during the 18th and 19th centuries the River Stour Navigation was an important trading route.
This diverse landscape has inspired artists and writers to reflect upon the pastoral scenes.
Today, the valley still inspires artists and writers, and new local industries continue to increase the diverse cultural heritage of the area.
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