Polstead
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2 open pubs
6 closed premises
brewery
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Population (2021) of Polstead: 861.
Local authority for Polstead is Babergh
Introduction
A parish of many greens and tyes, scattered over a wide area. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon "place of pools", some of which can still be seen below the village today. Polstead was recorded in Domesday as "Polesteda". The area is well known for cherry trees and still has a large number of orchards; the Polstead Black is a special cultivar in the village. Author Ruth Rendell was a long-time Polstead resident, though she has since moved to nearby Groton.
Bower House Tye (Brewers' Arms) is a tiny hamlet which lies on the A1071 (one and a half miles north of the village). Brewery Farm, on Holt Road, was the location of the Lilley & family brewery, which mainly brewed for the farm and country house trade but may have sold some beer to local pubs.
Polstead Heath (Shoulder of Mutton) is a very scattered hamlet comprising many fine half timbered buildings. The heath has long vanished.
Whitestreet Green (Bakers' Arms) is a small settlement close to Boxford. During gravel workings in 1926, an Iron Age cemetery was discovered here.
The lost village of Riddlestone is thought to have been somewhere in Polstead parish.
Gospel Oak stood between the church and the hall…
History
The 1844 White's Directory also lists Edw. Epleford as a beer house keeper.
The 1851 census also lists Edward Epteford, Brewer, Stoke Street, Head/Married/54/born Polstead.
The 1861 census also lists:
Edward Eppleford, Innkeeper, Stoke Street, Head/Married/64/born Polstead.
William Tricker, Innkeeper & Farmer, Head/Married/45/born Often.
The 1865 Kelly's Directory also lists Edward Eppleford, Samuel Lilley (& grocer) and William Tricker as beer retailers.
The 1871 census also lists William King, Carrier, Beer House, Stoke Street, Head/Married/31/born Polstead.…
Acknowledgements
Some historical information from English Heritage's National Monuments Record.
