The Sign
Earl Soham in Suffolk has a rather unusual village sign, carved in a dark wood. It was erected by the WI to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth originally and carved by Ray Exworth, but has since been replicated by Nick Deans in 1990. The figure represents a medieval falconer. The Falconer’; dressed in traditional short tunic and tights with a long cloak and cap, he has a falcon on his hand by his right shoulder. Earl Soham had been part of the lands of the Bigods, Earls of Norfolk and Suffolk based at Framlingham from the twelfth century. They had established a hunting lodge with falconry at Earl Soham.

The Name and Population
The village sits on an old Roman Road with a population of 455 in 2011. The population was at its highest in the 19th century with 750 people. It was called Earl Saham in the Domesday Book. The name means "a village with a pool"; a reedy lake lies to the west of the village that was once stocked with fish. The Earl refers to the Earl of Norfolk who had possession of the village.

Other Points of Interest

The village is situated on the A1120, Suffolk Tourist Route.

The church is dedicated to St Mary.