LAXFIELD, a parish in the hundred of HOXNE,
county of SUFFOLK, 6 miles (N. by E.) from Framlingham,
containing 1158 inhabitants. The living is a discharged
vicarage, with that of Cratfield, in the archdeaconry
of Suffolk, and diocese of Norwich, rated in the
king's books at £9. 13.4., and in the patronage of Lord
Huntingfield. The church is dedicated to All Saints.
There is a place of worship for Baptists. A free school
was founded, in 1718, hy John Smith, who endowed it
with the proceeds of his manor and other estates -. the
income is £ 170 per annum; twenty hoys are instructed
and four apprenticed yearly and partly clothed. A sum
of £5 per annum is paid to a schoolmistress for teaching
twelve poor girls to read and work, and a similar
sum is assigned in aid of the Sunday school: it is in
contemplation to extend these schools, in consequence
of the increased value of the endowment. A free school
was founded, under the will of Ann Ward, in 1721, who
devised £30 for that and other charitable purposes:
£20 per annum is paid to a schoolmaster, who instructs
ten poor children; and £ 10 is paid to the schoolmistress
under Smith's charity, for teaching ten girls.