Get To Know Purleigh & Stow Maries
Purleigh is situated on Church Hill between the historic town of Maldon, City of Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers. Purleigh is first mentioned in a Saxon will of AD 998 but, like most parishes, no detailed information is available about it until 1086 when it appears in Domesday Book.
Stow Maries Halt
This walk explores the countryside around the hilltop village of Purleigh and provides an opportunity to visit a working vineyard and an historic World War One aerodrome near Stow Maries.
The site has significant natural heritage value and is in Natural England’s Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme. Ponds and a meadow have been created and the land supports declining farmland species such as brown hare, corn bunting, yellowhammer and a variety of owls, including barn owls and wintering short-eared owls.
Originally opened in 1916 as home to B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, the aerodrome saw the birth of the Air Defence of Great Britain in response to the first raids by Zeppelins and Gotha bombers on London and the South East. It played a key role in the Battle for Britain (the first London Blitz) the following year. It was at Stow Maries that No 37 Squadron transitioned from the Royal Flying Corps to the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. It
The Purleigh Bell has been an ale house since 1635. Lawrence Washington - the last member of George Washington’s family to live in England, was a regular in the early C16th. Since then, the pub has grown to make the most of each landlord’s interests becoming a butcher and stable over the years.
Today the owners are inspired by the traditional English tavern. We have an open fire, hops hanging from the beams and lanterns outside on the benches. They serve good ale and hearty food to encourage banter, repartee and some would say, creative thought..... You never know you may even see Prince Charles & Camilla popping in!
All in all, I think you will agree that these are two quintessential English villages to live in and visit. Thinking of Selling or buying in Purleigh or Stow Maries, give Church & Hawes a call and we would be more than pleased to assist, Call Church & Hawes 01621 855195.