Dedham is a picturesque village in Constable country just south of the county boundary with Suffolk. The painter attended Dedham Grammar School and walked daily from his home in East Bergholt across Dedham Vale, later the subject of many of his paintings. His sister married the miller and lived in the watermill at Dedham, which still stands.
In the 14th-century Dedham, like many other towns in the region, became prosperous on the wool trade and the church of St.Mary, which was built in 1492, reflects the affluence of the time. The church is depicted on the two-sided sign which is positioned near to the watermill, at the entrance to the village car park. The painted carving shows a montage of village buildings and activities; in addition to the church can be seen the Congregational church and the market cross, with a latterday Constable at work. On the other side are some of the timber-framed houses which make the village such an attractive place to visit, with a cricket match in progress. The sign was erected in 2000 to commemorate the millennium.
Written by Ken Savage, VSS Member