The ancient market town in the UK that inspired a Disney classic
SUDBURY is a charming ancient town in Suffolk that people may not realise was the inspiration for a hit Disney film.
Locations in Sudbury, like the drinking fountain and horse trough by St Peter’s Church featured in 101 Dalmatians – because the author lived nearby.
Dodie Smith, who was famous for writing the Disney classic 101 Dalmatians, spent her adult life living in the Essex village of Finchingfield.
As a result, she used to regularly visit Sudbury, which was half an hour away, to do her shopping.
Parts of Sudbury was used for the setting of the classic children’s story, including the drinking fountain and horse trough by St Peter’s Church.
It is mentioned as the place where Pongo and Perdita stop to have a drink while trying to track down the lost puppies.
The town is even named in the book, it reads: “Just before midnight they came to the market town of Sudbury. Pongo paused as they crossed the bridge over the River Stour.”
Walt Disney visited Dodie at her home in Finchingfield called The Barretts.
It’s rumoured the Grade II listed Georgian manor Greys Hall, in the nearby village of Sible Hedingham, was the inspiration for Cruella de Vil’s home.
101 Dalmatians is honoured in The Talbot Trail – which is a series of 14 statues around Sudbury.
The trail depicts the town’s history, other statues include the town gaol.
On Gaol Lane is the statue that was the gateway to Sudbury Court where prisoners were locked up to await trial.
There’s also ‘The Running Boy’ which tells the story of James Bigmore, a boy who ran alongside a coach, all the way from Sudbury to Norwich in six hours.
Another is the fearsome Queen of the Iceni, Boudicea as well as the artist Thomas Gainsborough.
Sudbury is also home to the National Trust property The Children’s Country House.
It re-opened after a big makeover in 2022 – with its property and gardens all aimed at entertaining kids
Unlike most National Trust properties, children are encouraged to go wild, run around and touch everything with no roped-off areas.
While features of the historic country home can still be enjoyed, the new wing includes everything from interactive displays to a dressing-up room.
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