Situated in `High Suffolk`,

Hartest is one of the prettiest villages in the area.

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

 Click here for images of the village and surroundings

For more information and a very interesting read, click here to access information about  `Hartest - A Village History` - this book edited by Clive Paine and researched by the Hartest Local History Group, has plenty of information about Hartest through the ages .  You will also find information about how to purchase this book.