Brent Eleigh

A chart showing the 1881 occupational structure of males and females

The occupational structure in 1881 was somewhat different from the present. A large number of females' occupation was unknown, however, more females than men had professional occupations, including subordinate medical service and schoolmaster. Also more females were employed in domestic offices or services. In 1881, Brent Eleigh relied heavily on the agriculture sector as a main source of income.[9] Brent Eleigh's rural location is a reason for the reliance on the agricultural sector.[10]

In 1831, the population in the village was 290, and 51 of the residents were labourers and servants, which was the most common occupation, due to the basic skills needed compared to that of a professional, such as a headmaster.[11]

In the 2011 census, the sector of occupation that most people were employed as were Managers, Directors and Senior Officials, with 23 people. On the whole, 79 residents aged 16 to 74 were in employment in Brent Eleigh in 2011.[12] There were 34 females and 45 males in employment between the ages of 16 and 74.[13] Compared to the occupations in 1881, more females are involved in occupations such as Manager, director and senior official roles, instead of domestic services and servants like in 1881.

Total population of Brent Eleigh Civil Parish, Suffolk from 1801 to 2011

Brent Eleigh is a small village, therefore the population has never been large; however, in 1801, there were 243 residents compared to 174 in the last census in 2011. The population has fluctuated over the past couple of centuries, peaking at 298 in 1821 and being at its lowest in 1961 with 134 residents. Between 1911 and 1921, the population fell from 223 to 168, and in this period was World War I, demonstrating one cause for the rapid fall in locals.[14] High population growth, by the 1970s, had spread to East Anglia, where the county of Suffolk is located.[15]

Brent Eleigh Hall's early history is unknown; however, its appearance now is Georgian. Sir Edwin Lutyens produced the impressive door case in 1933–34, which is one feature that makes the hall a place of interest, and adds to its history.[21]

Within the grounds is a beautiful Victorian walled kitchen garden spread over nearly two acres, which requires resuscitation.[22]

The Hall lies to the north of the village, close to St Mary's Church, and is a listed building.[23] The portrait of Richard Colman was at Brent Eleigh Hall but was later passed to the Tate in 1997. The Colman line ended in 1739 with the death of Edward Colman. The Hall was taken over by the Goates, then later the Browns. The estate was sold in 1922 to the Barran family. During the Second War the hall was lived in by Sir Connop Guthrie Bt and family, who is commemorated on a plaque in the church. The US Air Force were at Lavenham Airifeld and used the Hall as a popular way mark, it being a distinctive colour, known as the Perpermint Palace. Sir David Barran was Chairman of Shell UK, and it is said the Brent Oil Field is named after Brent Eleigh. Following the death of Lady Barran, it became empty until 2015, and since subject of major restoration.

St Mary's Church, built in the 14th century

This 13th-century church has not had as big of an impression as people first expected, when the 14th-century paintings were first discovered, and is not known widely for its significant and impressive features.

In the centre is the crucifixion, at once a delightful example of medieval folk art, and yet also one of the most powerful medieval images in the Suffolk canon.[24]

The Harrowing of Hell is placed beside the crucifixion, an image that is usually associated with Orthodox churches. The memorial of Edward Colman, a family member who owned Brent Eleigh Hall, is located in the chancel.[24]

St Mary's church is situated on Hall Road, off of the A1141 main road and is externally decorated, expressing its Victorian window to the east and the sanctuary contains "the three-sided communion rails", which there are only a few of in East Anglia.[24]

The church being open for visitors, sadly led to the vandalism of the wall paintings in late 2016, but they have happily since been restored by one of the UK's top conservation specialists.