Raydon

Raydon is a village and civil parish in Suffolk, England. Located around two miles south-east of Hadleigh, it is part of Babergh district. The parish also includes the hamlets of Lower Raydon and The Woodlands. In 2001 its population was 487.

The south west of the parish, including Lower Raydon, is part of the Dedham Vale AONB. The northern part of the parish contains several nature reserves; Raydon Great Wood, Long Wood, Squares Grove and Tom's Wood, all of which are Ancient Woodland. The abandoned Hadleigh Branch Line previously ran through the Great Wood, with a station at Raydon Wood. The line is now also a nature reserve.

During World War II an airfield was built near the village, which was initially known as United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Station 157, later becoming RAF Raydon. Construction began when American engineers from the 833rd and 862nd battalions arrived in summer 1942. Airfield personnel lived close to Great Wenham. [ [http://www.hadleigh.org.uk/content/Raydon%20airfield.htm Raydon airfield] Hadleigh website] The remaining buildings from the airfield are today part of Notley Enterprise Park.

References

External links

* [http://www.onesuffolk.co.uk/RaydonPC/ Parish council website]