Acton
Old sign - 1984 - Village Sign Society Photobase
New sign replaced in 2007
The Sign
The main feature of the sign is a replica of the brass of Sir Robert de Bures (1331) which can be found in the church of All Saints at the northern end of the village. His arms can be seen on his shield, whereas the other lords have a smaller shield at the base of the sign; Fitzwalter on the left and DeVere on the right. There are also carved oak leaves on each corner. The village sign was erected in June 1984, presented by the Women’s Institute. The sign was replaced in 2007 with a similar theme, but in a different pose. The sign can be found on the High Street of the village at the junction with Queensway.
The Name and Population
The popular name of Acton usually means ‘the farmstead or estate by the oak trees or the specialised farm where oak timber is worked’, however here in Suffolk it means ‘the farmstead or estate of a man called Aca’. Both are Old English in origin. It was called Achetuna in the Domesday Book and Acantun in the 11th century (1000-2). The population of the village was 1,811 in 2011.
Other Points of Interest
The Robin Reliant car was produced here between 2001-2002.
Catherine Foster resided here; she was the last woman to be hanged at Bury St Edmunds.
Ronald Blythe, the author of 'Akenfield' was born here.
Village Website