Dunwich

Dunwich, in the county of Suffolk, was once the capital of the Kingdom of the Angles and one of the most prosperous ports and harbours in the county. By the seventh century, it had an Episcopal see (established by St Felix), and by 672 the diocese was divided between Dunwich and Elmham. And this continued as such till the 950s, when the two sees were united under one bishop with the bishop's ecclesiastical jurisdiction (Episcopal Seat) at Elmham.

A quote from Domesday book - 1086

'Edric of Laxfield held Dunwich before 1066 as one manor; now Robert Malet holds it; then two carucates of land, now one, the sea carried off the other (carucate).'

Domesday also mentions three churches in Dunwich, though by the 13th century had eight in total. Not that this would last for long, however. On January 1st 1286, a storm destroyed buildings on the eastern edge of the town, and there were floods in February 1287 and December 1287. Another storm followed in 1347, and by 1362 another flood caused even more destruction.

What is left though, of its medieval heyday, is a 13th century Franciscan Priory and the Leper hospital of St James

And it did retain the right to send two members to Parliament until the 1832 Reform Act, which ousted any Rotten Boroughs (which of course Dunwich was!)

In its present state Dunwich is a charming village by the sea complete with gorgeous views, a lovely pub and of course it has a museum (donations are welcomed). It is well worth a visit even if you're not into history ;)