Debenham is a large, peaceful village, which belies its past as a thriving wool centre - although evidence of the wool trade can be seen in the timber-framed merchants´ houses dating from the 14th C. Some of the most historic of these line the streets, although a number of the older village houses were destroyed by fire in 1744, creating the varying width of the main street. The market cross and the village sign are also indicative of Debenham´s wool-trading status.
The River Deben, from which Debenham derives its name, surrounds the village and is crossed by many of its access roads.
Named in the Domesday Book of 1086, it appears to have been one of the most populated places in the area. East Anglian Kings are reported to have held occasional court here - and a field on the outskirts of Debenham, 'Blood Field', is so named from accounts of a great battle against the Danes. It is thought settlers have been in the area from Roman and early English times.
The world-famous Carters Teapot Pottery can be found a short distance away and is signed from the heart of the village.
Open all year. 1 January to 24 March - Monday to Friday, 0900-1615; Saturday, 1000-1315; closed Sunday. 25 March - 1100-1700. 26 March to 31 October - Monday to Friday, 0900-1645; Saturday,1000-1645; Sunday, 1100-1645. 1 November to 31 December - Monday to Friday, 0900-1615; Saturday, 1000-1545; closed Sunday.