Saxon Street

Saxon Street probably had its origins as an Anglo-Saxon settlement alongside the Roman road, Icknield Way, which skirts the hamlet, 'Street' suggesting Roman connections. The Doomsday Book records the place as Sextone, and Saxham in later records. The early history of land ownership is probably very similar to that of Woodditton.
Saxon Hall, or Saxton Hall as it was originally known was a separate Manor with very early origins, probably going back to the 11th century, its lands extending into part of present day Newmarket. The present owners have retained the title, although the existing house was built in the mid-20th century on the site of an older house. In the 17th century Saxton Hall was associated with the great horse-racing personalities Lord Sidney Godolphin and William Tregonwell Frampton. The former was Lord of the Manor of Saxton Hall and the latter, known as 'The Father of the Turf', lived there as his tenant.

Saxon Street was once described as 'a considerable hamlet of Woodditton'. Its children shared the same school, giving it strong ties with the parent village. Although Saxon Street is still part of Woodditton parish, today it has more of an air of independence and looking down 'The Street' one gets the impression of local pride in a well kept community, with many of the old properties beautifuly restored and improved.
Saxon Street also shows much evidence of its close association with Newmarket with several impressive buildings devoted to the care of racehorses. The Rutland Stud, founded in the 1930's by the late Mr Edgar Cooper Bland, together with much of the local land, is owned by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum and managed by Darley Stud Management.

Quite a lot goes on in this small community which has the advantage of the Methodist Church Hall for meetings. A successful Girl's Brigade Group meeting is held there on Wednesday evenings and a public access computer is also available there, see Local Clubs page for details.
The old flint and brick pub 'The Reindeer' includes a restaurant ( currently under refurbishment ? ).

Left: The original Saxon Street Methodist Chapel. Right: The new chapel built in 1885
A contemporary writer described the old building thus: "A cursory glance at the old chapel is enough to show that not a single penny had been spent
for unnecessary decoration. The highest offer we had for this building, when it was no longer needed, was £20, for which sum it was sold"

The Rutland Stud, The Street, Saxon Street