Polstead

The name Polstead is derived from "Place by a pool" There are still two large ponds in the village. The village was the site of the Red Barn Murder in 1827. The victim Maria Marten was re-buried in the churchyard of St Mary's Church, but her gravestone was subsequently entirely removed by souvenir hunters. Marten is now commemorated by a sign located near to the grave site, and by Marten's Lane which adjoins Water Lane and Mill Street. The church dates from the 12th century and features some very early English-made bricks. The tower, which is 14th-century, is the only one in Suffolk which still has its original spire, although Pevsner says the spire is later than the tower. Next to the…

The main village is situated around Polstead Green and the Hill, although Polstead also comprises several hamlets including Polstead Heath, Hadleigh Heath, Bower House Tye, Bell's Corner, Mill Street and Whitestreet Green. The village has one pub, the 17th century Cock Inn, a community shop and post office and a playing field. The playing field hosts an annual music festival around the summer solstice called "Polstice". In the 19th century a two-day fair was held on Polstead Green. Polstead is famous for its cherries and lends its name to a variety, the Polstead Black. ]]