ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

A recent ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ documentary saw the Look East's weather presenter, Julie Reinger visit some of the most awe-inspiring man-made wonders in the region.Μύ At the top of the nominations, voted for by ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ audiences, was the historic town of Lavenham.

Retaining an assortment of timber-framed Tudor buildings, Lavenham is an area of timeless beauty and character. β€œThe whole village is an amazing man-made wonder, it’s not just one or two buildings," says Julie.Μύ "It was built on the riches of the medieval cloth trade and it has no fewer than 361 beautiful listed buildings. It certainly deserves to be on the list.”

Wonky timber-framed Tudor building

Julie explored the town with Jane Gosling who works for the National Trust at the Lavenham Guildhall.Μύ β€œGreat wealth was generated in Lavenham," Jane says.Μύ "There were multi-millionaires that lived here and by 1524 it was the 14th richest town in the country. It paid more tax than York and Lincoln and all the big cities.”

According to Jane, wealthy merchants rebuilt their houses with close studded timbers between 1450 and 1530 to show off their wealth: β€œThey were saying β€˜Look at my building, look at my bank balance,” she says.

Curiosity shop, Lavenham

Lavenham certainly has a fascinating history. The town became famous for its blue broadcloth exports during the reign of Edward III but in the 16th century Dutch refugees colonizing Colchester introduced a cheaper, lighter and more fashionable cloth. Lavenham's industry went into a steep decline and the regular building of its houses and places of work ceased.

Eileen Huffy, whose father used to be the blacksmith, and Nellie Smith, who was 99 shortly after filming took place last year have lived in Lavenham all their lives.Μύβ€œWhen I first came here the buildings were holding each other up," says Nellie.Μύ "They were all tumbling down.Μύ I know we grumble about people coming in from outside but at least they have saved the place and spent a bit of money on it.”

The results of the seven man-made wonders programme are as follows:
Μύ
Chappell Viaduct, Wakes Colne, Essex,
Colchester Castle, Colchester, Essex
Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Lavenham, Suffolk
Norfolk Broads, Norfolk
Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire
Triangular Lodge, Rushton, Northamptonshire