The Village and Parish

The name of the parish appears to have been formed from the Saxon words for a heath or juniper and a field and is written in records , Gocefeild, Gorefeld, Gorsfeild and Gosfend, or possibly from Goosefield, God's field or Gorse Field .
The village or Parish is not mentioned in the Doomsday book as at this time the area formed part of the adjoining lands and Lordships of Hedingham Castle.
It appears to have been separated during the reign of Henry II, this is evident from a mention in a charter of the Earl of Oxford, and also from an ancient family, surnamed de Gosfeld, who existed in the area during the reigns of King Henry II (1154-1189), Richard Ist (1189-1199) and King John (1199-1216).
The land in the Parish appears to have been divided during the middle ages into several Manors.
The Manor of Bellowes, or otherwise Gosfield Hall, the Manor of Gosfield, or Montherer, the Manor of Hodings, alias Church-Hall, the Manor of Parke-Hall, the Manor of Lifton-Hall, the Manor of Shardlowes, the Manor of Morells, the Manor of Aylewards, and the Manor of Biggs.
The first village church appears to have been built around 1190 by Aubrey de Vere(1120-1194), and the present St Catherine's Church was built in 1435 by Sir Thomas Rolf.

Gosfield Hall was built in 1545 by Sir John Wentworth, a wealthy landowner and former member of Cardinal Wolsey's household. The symmetrical brick courtyard house had two storeys. In 1561 Sir John entertained Queen Elizabeth I at Gosfield Hall. His grandson sold Gosfield Hall in 1631 and the house changed hands on many occasions. “The Hall has recently been thoroughly restored as a High class Wedding venue and The Kings Head are on their recommended list for Usher’s breakfasts and pre or post wedding food and drinks. Have a look at: www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk

PLACES TO STAY Should you be wishing to stay locally we can whole heartedly recommend the two following Bed and Breakfast style venues. Gosfield B&B are just situated on the boarder of the village but walking distance from the pub (hurray). The chalet style accommodation offers rooms for 4 – 6 people with a self catering English breakfast with cereals included with your stay. These are very reasonably priced and can be booked for single days or longer stays. Contact David or Linda on 01787 474696.

If you want a longer stay and are “doing it in style” then a short distance out of the village is Froyz Hall Barn. This converted barn is a place of beauty and tranquillity for those wishing to stay with a group of friends or just to splash out on the two of you. Sleeping up to 9 people, the barn can be rented for weekends or longer (sorry no single day occupancy) and is self catering with breakfast included each day. Visit their website at: www.froyzhall.co.uk and talk with Judie or Michael. Gosfield lake has been a favourite spot for visitors for many years. Located only a mile away from the Kings Head, the amenities include water skiing, angling and picnic areas.