Here’s a handful of fascinating facts about Suffolk County – the stateside region named after our very own.
It’s no surprise that a number of places across the United States have been named after settlements here in the United Kingdom. Well did you know there’s another Suffolk county? Find out how New York’s Suffolk compares to ours, how it got its name and what it’s like there.
Much like the rest of the East of England, Suffolk, UK was settled towards the end of the 5th century by the Angles, one of the Germanic groups who arrived in Britain in the post-Roman era. Some of the county’s earliest towns that were established during that time include Sudbury and Ipswich, which are still thriving some 1,600 years on.
Head over across the Atlantic and there you will find Suffolk County. Based in the state of New York, Suffolk County dates back to the late 17th century, and was originally part of the Connecticut Colony, an English puritan colony which was comprised of a number of settlers from Suffolk, UK – hence the name.
Prior to Suffolk County’s colonisation in 1683, the region was occupied by Montauk Indians who had been there some 10,000 years prior.
In terms of size, Suffolk, UK measures roughly 3,798 km², whereas Suffolk County, NY is 6,150 km² – making it nearly twice as big as its English counterpart.
Some of Suffolk, UK’s biggest settlements include the county town of Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Felixstowe and Sudbury. Suffolk, UK has an estimated population of around 760,472, according to 2019 statistics.
Compare that to Suffolk County, NY - which is home to towns such as Southampton, Southold (named after our very own Southwold), East Hampton and Fire Island - it boasts a staggering total population of 1.477 million as of 2019. Situated on Long Island, Suffolk is the largest of its four counties.
Differences aside, the two Suffolks also happen to share a striking number of similarities.
For starters, both counties are coastal regions known for their miles of stunning coastline and abundance of wildlife. Suffolk, UK borders the North Sea to its east, while Suffolk County is surrounded by bodies of water including the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound.
Iconic landmarks are in abundance across the two counties, with Suffolk, UK home to a number of lighthouses including those in Lowestoft and Southwold. Over in Suffolk County, NY, you will find maritime architectural wonders such as Fire Island Lighthouse, Orient Point Lighthouse and the iconic Montauk Point Light. Measuring 34 metres, the Montauk Point Light was the first lighthouse in the state of New York and is currently the fourth-oldest active lighthouse in the entire country.
While we have the Orwell Bridge that spans across the River Orwell, Suffolk County, NY is home to the Great South Bay Bridge – an impressive cantilevered steel through arch bridge that crosses the Great South Bay and measures 3,206.3 metres in length.
In terms of tipples, the two counties both share a love of that hoppy nectar we call beer. Suffolk, UK proudly boasts some of the country’s best names in the beer game, including Adnams, Greene King and Briarbank Brewing Company to name but a few.
If you ever happen to head over to Suffolk County, NY you’ll find they take their beer just as seriously as we do. The town of Riverhead alone is home to a handful of microbreweries including Moustache Brewing Company, Long Ireland Beer Company and Crooked Ladder Brewing Company.
And finally, if it’s all things weird and wonderful you’re after – both Suffolks have you covered. Here in Suffolk, UK, we’re fortunate enough to call some of the country’s most kooky buildings our own, including the crooked houses in Lavenham, The Balancing Barn in Halesworth and Thorpeness’ The House in the Clouds.
Over in Flanders, Suffolk County, NY, they’ve got The Big Duck. That’s right – a 6.1 metre tall building in the shape of a giant duck. Built in 1931 by duck farmer Martin Maurer, it was once used as a shop to sell ducks and duck eggs.
Have you been to Suffolk County in New York? Or have you been elsewhere abroad that’s named after somewhere in Suffolk? Get in touch with danielle.lett@archant.co.uk to share your stories or photos.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here