M  i  d  d  l  e  t  o  n
A  r  c  h

Photo Submitted by and Copyright of :- J P Zajac.

Sitting in a field and looking rather out of place is this delightful arch at Middleton. It is said to be built from material that came from Lavenham Church, which is situated some 6.5 miles [10km] to the north east, whilst the arch itself is close to the local church of All Saints at Middleton.
It was built by the Rev Oliver Raymond who was the rector for All Saints for 70 years, who finally met his employer in September 1889.
Middleton church has a reredos [ ornamented screen behind the altar ] that is dedicated to the memory of the rector.

The arch bears an inscription to say it was erected in 1841 by Rev' Raymond, to commemorate the birth of 'HRH The Prince's Birth'. This would have been Albert Edward Wettin, or Prince Edward as he was usually known. The Prince incidentally waited 60 years before becoming King, and then only reigned for nine years, though it is generally recognised he enjoyed life while waiting for the throne.


The arch was originally associated with an avenue of oak trees that the rector also planted, but these have since disappeared. They were still evident on an 1880 Ordnance Survey map though. This showed the trees as 'Prince of Wales Avenue' running in an east to west direction north of the church, and south of Middleton Hall.

Photo Submitted by and Copyright of :- J P Zajac.

The appeal of follies like this, is that they are now just ghostly remains of what was once a totally different landscape. Do they have more appeal though in the present day, as you try to picture the trees in your mind ?

Co-Ords: 587250 239750 / TL 870396   

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