It was created in 1934 by the merger of the disbanded Bosmere and Claydon Rural District and the disbanded East Stow Rural District, under a County Review Order.

Its area was reduced slightly in 1952 by an expansion of the county borough of Ipswich.

On 1 April 1974 it was abolished under the Local Government Act 1972, and has since formed part of the District of Mid Suffolk.

The council established its headquarters at a large eighteenth century house called "Hurstlea" at 131 High Street in Needham Market.

[4][5] After the council's abolition in 1974 the building passed to the new Mid Suffolk District Council, who built a large extension to the rear which opened in 1982 to serve as its main offices.