Visit Hartest

Hartest lies in West Suffolk, in an area known as `High Suffolk` at the north-western extremity of Babergh district, on the B1066 and midway between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. Hartest Hill is said to be the steepest hill in Suffolk and anyone who has walked, run or cycled up it would certainly agree.  The larger villages of Glemsford, Lavenham and Long Melford are all within a six mile radius. The adjoining hamlets of Boxted and Somerton are closely linked with Hartest. A small river flows through Hartest from its source in Somerton.

The Green is at the heart of the village. Close to the Green are the medieval parish church of All Saints, the primary school, the Hartest and Boxted Institute, the doctors’ surgery and the Crown public house. A reputable butcher’s shop and the village garage also face the Green. 

On the Green is the Hartest Stone .

History tells us that the stone was dug out of High Field in Somerton, on 7th July 1713 it was decided to move it to the Village Green to commemorate the victories of the Duke of Marlborough in the war of the Spanish Succession.

A sledge was constructed and a sledge was pulled to Hartest Green by 45 horses with Mr Marks of Rivets Hall sitting on top and blowing the trumpet. The story goes that the whole village celebrated for the rest of the day.

. A 300 year anniversary event was held on Hartest Green in 2013 to celebrate the placing of the Stone on the Green on 7th June 1713. Families from the villages of Hartest, Boxted, Fensted End and Somerton brought picnics and there was a lit bbq for those who wanted to cook!   Children from Hartest School participated in a re-enactment of the Stone coming to the Green plus enjoying Maypole dancing..

Where is Suffolk?

Suffolk is a coastal county in the east of England