Pictures of Polstead

About Polstead

Looking around this picturesque village few would have thought it to be the scene of a gruesome murder, but it was. The murder eventually became known as the Red Barn Murder when in 1827 the body of William Corder was found buried in a barn. He had been killed by his lover Maria Marten, whose cottage stood in Martens Lane. It is a chilling tale for so picturesque a place, for the village is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the midst of the light and shade of East Anglia's beautiful countryside which was the inspiration for many of Constable's beautiful paintings.

This delightful village has all the charm of a picture postcard. Almost overlooking the main village street and the village pond is the beautiful church dedicated to St. Mary which has the only medieval stone spire in Suffolk. The rich interior of the church is a glowing combination of stark white walls, red brick arches, stone floors, and intricately carved ancient woodwork, central to which is the magnificent pulpit and beautiful alter-rails. Outside, the church is surrounded by a well tended churchyard full of ancient tombs and gravestones from centuries past.

Village cottages and houses are in a variety of architectural styles, a village pond adds to the timeless enchanted feel of Polstead which is also famous for luscious Polstead Black Cherries growing in many of the surrounding orchards, and sold in supermarkets all over the country. The Cock Inn is a pleasant place for a quiet drink and enjoyable meal, and there is a well stocked village stores and post office. Polstead acknowledges the villagers who died in two World Wars with an impressive War Memorial occupying a commanding position overlooking spacious open countryside.

This village makes a lovely destination for a romantic weekend, within the tempting range of accommodation for visitors is a pretty touring park for tents and caravans which is in a picturesque position close to the village.

Polstead is in the south of Suffolk, between Hadleigh and Nayland and is but a short distance from Ipswich and Sudbury, the birthplace of painter Thomas Gainsborough.