5 things I know about Suffolk since moving from London

I moved into my flat in Ipswich just over seven months ago and ever since I've made sure to really explore Suffolk and try to learn about its history and culture.

So, here are five of the most important things I've learnt, from peculiar place names to mythical creatures and wonderful people.

1. Place pronunciations 

I have been amazed by how many unique place names there are across Suffolk and I found pronouncing a few of them a real stumbling block at first.

The village of 'sp-ror-t'n' (Image: Archant) One of my first memories of moving here was experiencing a comical, yet serious, bout of outrage let out by a cab driver when I mispronounced the name of his village, Sproughton.

To my surprise, I learnt that Sproughton is pronounced 'sp-ror-t'n' by Suffolk locals on that fateful drive.

I also experienced a similar degree of embarrassment and disgrace when I attempted to pronounce the village Bures, situated at the Suffolk-Essex border - pronounced 'b-you-ers'. 

2. Suffolk terminology

Suffolk has a rich and diverse dialect with phrases such as 'How yer gittin' on tergither?' and 'on the drag' offering up a charming way to describe life.

Author Charlie Haylock says people in Suffolk must preserve the Suffolk accent. (Image: Archant) As you can imagine, I was bamboozled when my landlady described a picture at my new accommodation in Ipswich as being 'slightly on the huh'. 

On another note, I have been shocked by the use of the term high school to describe a secondary school in Ipswich. 

Although this is specifically an Ipswich thing, I found it very peculiar and I am actively trying to find out where this has come from.

3. Mythical creatures

East Anglia has a wonderful folkloric history and is home to at least 26 mythical beasts.

Suffolk on it's own hosts a freakish dog-headed monk, a white shuck, a mermaid, a sea dragon, a group of magical singing mice and, of course, the infamous black shuck.

The Black Shuck (Image: Archant Library/Sam Robbins)

It was only when I moved to Suffolk that I realised that many of my favourite songs by The Darkness were inspired by these aforementioned mythical creatures.

For example, their song "Black Shuck", even mentions the nearby village of Blythburgh - which I now know is pronounced 'Bly-bruh'.

4. Suffolk is beautiful 

I like to cycle, and Suffolk has been a blessing for someone who enjoys relatively flat paved cycling routes studded with beautiful villages and even quaint friendly pubs.

Sunset at Holbrook Creek in Shotley Peninsula (Image: Newsquest) On my rides I have really enjoyed visiting the Shotley Peninsula, just a short trip from Ipswich and offering breathtaking views of the River Orwell and The River Stour.

The Butt & Oyster on the peninsula in Pin Mill is definitely worth a visit.

READ MORE: Suffolk racecourse named among most attended in UK

I have also been struck by the beauty of Suffolk's coastline, with villages and towns such as Southwold and Covehithe offering brilliant days out, as well as scenic spots like Framlingham Castle, made famous by Ed Sheeran's hit "Castle on the Hill", offering an equally enjoyable experience.

5. Ipswich Town means a lot

One of the biggest things that I underestimated when I moved to Suffolk was the deep and almost religious sense of power that Ipswich Town Football Club has to rally the people.

Town were promoted to the Premier League in May (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In May, I was blown away by the celebrations of fans after the club's promotion into the Premier League and I genuinely hope to see them continue their success this year.

Although I'll always be watching my beloved Brentford FC, I'll also be hoping Ipswich Town survive their first year in the Premier League - because the fans deserve it.

Overall, I've enjoyed my first seven months in Suffolk and I look forward to learning more about the county.

If you have any Suffolk phrases that you feel I should know please contact me here.