VILLAGE INDEX

All Saints Church

The church was built in the 14th century but has a major restoration in 1892. This restoration was paid by Americans in memory of Laurence Washington who was Rector from 1632 to 1643 . The reason for this generosity? Rector Washington was Great Grandfather of the first president of USA.
The chancel remains 14th century as does the stained glass in the heads of the chancel.
The Bell Public house still stands alongside the Church. Rev Washington enjoyed his beer and was a regular visitor to the Bell.
The incumbents of Purleigh Church go back as far as 1220 when William De London was Rector.
Another famous incumbent was Edmund Freake who officiated from 1567 to 1575 . He then went on to become Canon of Westminster, Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth 1 and Archbishop of Canterbury. Although his wife outlived him she was brought back to Purleigh for burial. 

New Hall Vineyards

A 14th century vineyard run by the Greenwood family making prize winning English white wine.
Guided tours can be booked.- 01621 828343

Hazeleigh Hall
An attractive 16th century timber frame and plaster building
 to view a photograph of Hazeleigh Hall 

Colony House, Hackmans Lane, Cock Clarks

Colony House pictured in 2008
In 1897 a group of men from Croydon led by William Sinclair and John Kneworthy decided to test their theories of socialist brotherhood by forming an Anglo/Russian colony.
The group built a house at Cock Clarks which they called Grey House or Colony House as it quickly became known.
Residents included a number of Russian Princes in exile.
The group lived a life a spartan simplicity with each man spending a maximum of 5 shillings a week on his keep.
In 1899 the Cock Clarks Colony was disbanded and most of the occupants resettled in Canada