The Sign (Notes from a plaque on the village sign)
Apart from a name on the map the village of Cretingham was unidentifiable until in 1976, it was felt that a village sign depicting the origin and meaning of the name, would be informative as well as decorative.

The sign depicts, on one side a typical agricultural scene, with a family at work using the tools of the day. In all probability there were Viking raids and battles and the other side of the sign shows them sailing up the river (Deben?) with existing dwellers fleeing in terror.
The sign is unusual in that it is a mosaic of traditional cut tesserae that is set in a wrought iron frame mounted on a 12ft. long overall oak post, cut at Shrubland Park saw mill. The panel was designed and made by Jessica Costello of Kelsale cum Carlton and the wrought iron frame by Hector Moore of Brandeston.On the May Bank Holiday 1981 Mr. Tom Ramsey, the oldest inhabitant born in the Parish, unveiled the sign on Oak Corner, before a large crowd. This was followed by Morris and Maypole dancing, side shows and competitions made the merrier by the New Bell Inn staying open.
For the record: the unusual construction of the sign was chosen for durability and minimum maintenance. The total cost was £800. Some 21 years on the tesserae (vitrious glass) tiles were as good as new, but weather (and the occasional football) had caused serious deterioration to the single sheet of marine ply on which they were mounted. To save further damage the sign and frame were removed from the post during 2002. Initial inspection decided it would be impractical to reconstruct.
Early in 2004 Eric Brown and Michael Pinner took a close look at the sign and concluded that with a great deal of patience it would be possible to reconstruct. Several months were spent in selecting and trialing materials and adhesives to meet exacting specifications for it's long term survival.
Eventually during 2005 the original sign was painstakingly taken apart and the illustrations faithfully transferred to two fibreglass panels. A total of 225 hours was spent on putting 6217 mosaic pieces in place. The total cost was £590 of which over £400 was spent on polycarbonate protective sheets in front of the mosaics.
On the May Bank Holiday 2006 and exactly 25 years to the day of the first unveiling the sign was once again unveiled but on this occasion by Mrs Constance (Connie) Ransome the oldest person born and still living in the Parish. The ceremony was attended by a good sized crowd who went on to enjoy themselves with refreshments, Maypole dancing and side shows.
May 2006
Thanks to: R H Barrell (Engineering), Betts Group (Fibreglass), Bostick (Adhesive), Ceramic Tiles (Sealant), Panduro (Tesserae).

The Name and Population
The population was 196 at the 2011 census. The earliest spellings of the village name are Gretingeham or Gretincgeham. The ham is Old English meaning home. The first part of the name is based on Greotingas, meaning folk living in a gritty or sandy district, which describes the land close to the river. This being so, the name would be identical with the Gothic affinities and could mean Cretingham may have been founded by a Goth as early as the 5th or 6th centuries A.D. It is the only place in Great Britain, and possibly in the world, of that name.

Other Points of Interest

The church is dedicated to St Peter.