BRAMFIELD features in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Bufelda - a settlement held by William The Conqueror’s companion Alan The Red. Bronze and Iron Age archaeological sites have been identified nearby in east Suffolk. But despite all that charm Bramfield has - including two churches, two schools, a pub, shop and village hall - what constituted a village green up until now was a small patch of land on which stands a bus shelter, where the Nos 521 and 522 occasionally stop.
Charlie Mackesy is helping to transform the village green in the Suffolk village of Bramfield (Image: David Loftus) All that, though, is changing thanks largely to the generosity and efforts of Oscar-winner Charlie Mackesy, the artist, illustrator, and the best-selling author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Mackesy’s drawings feature the four characters having heartfelt and deep conversations about the meaning of life, universal truths and friendship and touched the hearts of literally millions all around the world. The book was turned into an animated film, landing Mackesy an Oscar in March of last year.
Charlie's book has touched the hearts of millions Last summer, the 61-year-old delighted a packed audience at Thorington Theatre with stories of career as well as producing live drawings live on stage. His visit was to boost funds to bring Bramfield its own proper village green and the £10,000 it brought in enabled the purchase of the agricultural land - where, fittingly, two horses used to .