The Sign
The sign is simply explained as it depicts the Bell Cage in the churchyard. The church tower was begun in 1525 with Cardinal Wolsey as one of the benefactors, but his fall from grace and death in 1530 meant it was never completed, so the bell cage was erected in 1531 as a temporary measure until the tower was built, which it never was. There are five bells which weigh in total 4,400 kilograms or 4.3 tons. Restoration work was done on the cage in 1972 and were rehung on ball bearings in 1973. As the date indicates on the post, the sign was erected in 1995 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The sign is located opposite the site of John Constable's house.

The Name and Population
The population, including Flatford, was 2,765 at the 2011 census. It was known as Bercolt in the Domesday Book. The name means "Hill Wood", with east as a prefix.

Other Points of Interest
The church is dedicated to St Mary.

East Bergholt is the birthplace of painter John Constable whose father owned Flatford Mill.