London Trampers explore Purleigh in Essex.
- 18th May 2009 -

and discover a connection with George Washington, and a local vinyard.

Purleigh, one of those villages in the north eastern part of Essex, a bit off the beaten track passed by when going elsewhere.  Set high up on a hill with beautiful views of the River Blackwater and surrounding countryside. Twenty five of us (and a dog) met up at “The Bellâ€� pub with twenty of us actually doing the walk.
The Bell is a 14th century pub on top of the hill. in a small conservation area next to the church and with the original village buildings nearby.

Click on the photo to see a larger picture in a separate window.

After the usual group photo by Derek Germaney, we set off down the hill and through the thicket

into the open fields.  Fortunately the ground was quite good considering the weather the day before.  The route then takes us downhill to a vineyard where we skirted round neatly rowed vines just blooming into life, and cross the road.  Here the walk goes on to common land where we do a circular route back to the road. 

Skirting a field on high ground, with views down to the Blackwater Estuary.

Now the weather changes and the forecast of showers start.  Fortunately we are able to shelter for a while under a tree then back up the hill towards the pub, stopping to visit the church.   The church has American connections via George Washington, the first President of America.  George was the great grandson of one of the vicars. The Washington family financed the church's reconstruction to its present beauty. 

Then its back to the pub The food and beer were up to expectation and all agreed an enjoyable day.

Text: Dave Risk (ramble organiser)

Photos: Derek Germaney; Dave Risk

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posted May 24th. 2009