Bungay Halloween Pumpkin Parade 1

The origin of the name of Bungay is thought to derive from the Anglo-Saxon title 'Bunincga-haye', signifying the land belonging to the tribe of Bonna, a Saxon chieftain. Due to its high position, protected by the River Waveney and marshes, the site was in a good defensive position and attracted settlers from early times. During the Roman occupation, Bungay was an important military station[citation needed] and various Roman artifacts have been found in the region. When the Romans returned to their own homeland in the early 5th century, Britain was invaded by Saxon tribes, and the extensive settlement at Bungay is indicated by the large burial site in the Joyce Road area dating from the 6th - 7th century.[citation needed]

Bungay Castle was built by the Normans, but was later rebuilt by Roger Bigod and his family, who also owned Framlingham Castle. Bungay's village sign shows the castle. The Church of St. Mary was once the church of the Benedictine Priory (founded by Gundreda, wife of Roger Bigod). It was here that one of the most famous episodes in Bungay's history occurred:

Black ShuckOn Sunday August 4, 1577 at St Mary's Church during a service, the ghostly hound Black Shuck, also known as 'The Black Dog of Bungay' or the 'Snarleyow', is said to have killed two and left another injured. The dog was later believed to have visited the Cathedral of the Marches at Blythburgh (Holy Trinity Church) during the same thunderstorm within an hour of the appearance at Bungay. In that appearance the hound, after charging down the aisle, fled through the North door of the church. Large black scorched gouges can still be seen on the door.

The legend of Black Shuck has inspired several of the town's sporting events. An annual marathon "The Black Dog Marathon" begins in Bungay, and follows the course of the River Waveney and the town's football club is nicknamed the "Black Dogs". Black Shuck was also the subject of a song by The Darkness.

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