A look back at Framlingham where Ed Sheeran is from

Sheeran, who was raised in Framlingham, has always been clear about his love for Suffolk, and some of his very first gigs were in East Anglia.

However, the Shape of You singer recently announced that he would be moving to America ahead of his tour of the States. 

Ed Sheeran wore a Framlingham FC top during his 2019 show in Chantry Park  (Image: Archant) We have taken a nostalgic look back at his links to the Suffolk town. 

Where did Ed Sheeran go to school?

The global superstar was raised in Framlingham and was educated at Thomas Mills High School. 

Sheeran attended the school for several years when he was younger, after growing up in the town. 

Ed Sheeran regularly visits his former school in Framlingham (Image: Tom Cann) He has gone back to his old school a number of times since leaving, including for the annual awards evening in December 2022 and for the school's performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last year.

In 2024, Sheeran returned to the school to open a new recording studio, which was specially built on the premises, and was made possible through the financial support of the Shape of You singer, through the Framlingham Foundation.

Young musicians Tom Peck, Frank Evans, Emile Burgoyne, Lucy Kirkun, Evie White and Hal Keys-Holloway received tips from Ed Sheeran during a workshop at Thomas Mills High School in 2014 (Image: Newsquest)

Ed Sheeran signed his first record deal in Framlingham

Sheeran signed his first record deal in 2011 with Asylum Records, part of Atlantic Records, at his home in Framlingham.

To celebrate the six-album deal, Sheeran took the label bosses to his local pub, The Station, for a celebratory pint with his family. 

Ed Sheeran with, from left, Ben Cook, Stuart Camp and Ed Howard at The Station Hotel in Framlingham after signing his first record deal (Image: Alex Fairfull)

Speaking at the time, Sheeran said: "It was a long time coming, so I feel happy. It’s a new stage that’s starting, and I felt it was time for it to happen."

Inspiration for one of his biggest songs 

Framlingham also inspired one of Sheeran's biggest ever hits, Castle on the Hill.

The hit single was influenced by his upbringing in the town and its famous Framlingham Castle. 

Framlingham Castle inspired one of Sheeran's biggest singles (Image: Newsquest)

The music video for Castle On The Hill was also largely shot in Suffolk.

Speaking at the time of release, Sheeran described Castle on the Hill as a “love song for Suffolk”. It tells of his time growing up in the county and his feelings about coming home.

Bringing famous faces back to Framlingham

Sheeran has never been afraid to show off his love for his hometown, especially to his other celebrity friends. 

Some of the biggest A-lister names Sheeran has been spotted with in Framlingham are Taylor Swift and Nicole Scherzinger. 

Ed Sheeran with Nicole Scherzinger and Taylor Swift at the Framlingham pub (Image: Newsquest)

In 2013, the Lego House singer was spotted back at The Station pub shortly before Christmas, and he was accompanied by fellow music star Swift.

Then again, in 2015, Sheeran was back at The Station with Scherzinger, where the pair posed for photos with fans. 

Home to his favourite fish and chip shop 

In 2019, The A Team singer took to social media to show his love for local fish and chip shop Framlingham Fish Bar. 

The global superstar took to Instagram to share his excitement after ordering from the ‘amazing as ever’ Framlingham Fish Bar on College Road.

In the post, Ed shows off his latest dinner of fish and chips from the east Suffolk establishment, describing it as “Framlingham fish bar, amazing as ever.”

Obviously, we were sad to hear the news of Sheeran departing the county for a move to the States, but to quote the man himself, we are sure he "can't wait to come home".