Bures, on the B1508 halfway between Sudbury and Colchester, is in fact three parishes, Bures St Mary, Bures Hamlet, and Mount Bures, with a total population approaching 3,000. As well as encompassing three parishes Bures straddles two counties - Bures Hamlet is on the western (Essex) side of the Suffolk-Essex border - and one of the loveliest little rivers in the country, the Stour. The Stour Valley footpath traverses the area, a good way of exploring it. The village probably owes its origins to a crossing of the Stour, possibly dating back as far as the ninth century. It is certain that there was a crossing here by the early 13th century, and it had already gone through many versions before the present cast-iron structure was erected in 1881. Much of the life of the village revolved around the river. There has been a mill by the river since 1190, the present white-washed incarnation converted to a private residence after the last animal feed was milled on the site in 1980. Some of Bures Mill probably dates from 1640, but the majority is Georgian. The river was opened to navigation in 1715, helping the mill prosper, as it did the tannery in the village, now long gone. The railway’s arrival in 1849 reduced the importance of river transport, and Bures still has a station on the branch line to Marks Tey. There are said to be more than 100 listed buildings in Bures. Some are at the grander end of the scale: 14th century St Mary’s church; and Smallbridge Hall, a moated property built in 1555 that enjoyed two very costly visits by Queen Elizabeth in 1561 and 1579. Others are more down-to-earth, with Tudor cottages and old barns, the maltings, and forge.
Charity
International Justice Mission UK
Classes
Doctor
Market
Pub and Bar
Eight Bells
Swan Inn
Three Horse Shoes
School
Taxi
Sports Clubs
Bures TC (Tennis)
Places to Stay near Bures
Gladwins Farm (3.55 miles)
Set in 22 acres of the rolling countryside typical of the Stour Valley made famous by John Constable, Gladwins Farm offers a selection of high quality accommodation. Guests staying in any of our 5* or ... More | visit website
The Case Restaurant with Rooms (3.75 miles)
Highbury Barn (3.97 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
Warm and welcoming, the Highbury Barn is situated close to the historic market town of Sudbury, which is off the banks of the River ... More
Stoke by Nayland Club Hotel (4.26 miles)
The Stoke by Nayland Club Hotel offers superb accommodation in a unique setting. The hotel is located in the heart of ... More
The Steam Mill House (4.32 miles)
A warm welcome awaits you at The Steam Mill House, with luxurious rooms and a choice of breakfasts. Our handsome listed house is in the centre of the heritage village of Nayland, with its shops, ... More | visit website
De Vere Arms Hotel (4.45 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
Great Style and Flair.The the de Vere Arms tell a simple story, Nine elegant rooms and a 50- Seat Award winning fine dining Restaurant speak ... More
Hill Lodge (4.83 miles)
Family run, close to Sudbury town centre and all local amenities. 16 en- suite rooms with tea making, tv and internet access. Residents lounge bar, dining room. Off road parking, conferencing ... More
Olde Bull Hotel (4.86 miles)
A comfortable B & B for contractors, business people and holiday makers a like. Make use of our large hot tub and activity room with its exercise equipment. 16th Century Grade 1 ... More
Hotel Elizabeth, The Mill (5.04 miles)
Sudbury is the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, the famous portrait artist and the Gainsborough Museum is close by. Sudbury is a thriving historic market town bordered by water meadows with ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |