The Sign
The signs are almost identical with exception to the space above the main panel; the original sign has a dove of peace representing the end of the Second World War, erected late in 1997 and the newer sign a golden crown celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

The original sign was designed by Jenny Toombs of Benhall taken from drawings of local school children. The sign master pattern for the shield and frame was made by Terry Pearce of Brandeston Forge and the shield was cast by Roger Pearce of the Jays Foundry in Norwich.

The sign is split into three segments: In the top left are farm animals including the Suffolk black faced sheep and what looks like a Frisian cow. The top right shows the church of St John the Baptist. The bottom segment is taken up by the Market Hall which was presented to the town by the Long Family who lived in Hurt's Hall. Below the name, in the spandrels are what looks like fencing emphasising the agriculture of the area.

The whole sign constitutes the town councils coat of arms. The text on the town hall "DIEU ET MA PATRIE" means 'God and my country or homeland'.

The Name and Population
The population was 4,777 at the 2021 census. It was called Saxmondeham, Sasmunde(s)ham in the Domesday Book and Saxmundham in 1213. The name means "The homestead or village of a man called Seaxmund", from Old English.

Other Points of Interest

Saxmundham has had a market charter since at least 1272.

Brother Eadulf has become Saxmundham's most famous international fictional character, through the best-selling Sister Fidelma mysteries by Peter Tremayne (a pseudonym of the Celtic scholar and author Peter Berresford Ellis)

Saxmundham St John the Baptist