This section contains a growing collection of knowledge from a variety of sources about Purdown's rich and interesting past. Follow the 'features link' for details of specific landmarks, or 'general history' for more of an overview. This last section contains a transcript of an excellent lecture by Wally Jenkins on Purdown given some years back.

** page under construction (31st March 2004) **

Historical features

Field House foundations and gardens: At the southern tip of Purdown, Muller Road runs through where the main building used to be. But what are the foundations in the woods to the south of the square field? Field House is likely the farm featured on this 1839 Tithe map of Stapleton.

Heath House: Heath house on the above map is not exactly the site of today's Heath house, a relatively new building (c. 1850). If you follow the path in the meadow beside the allotments you come to an elevated area just before the Sir John's Lane end. This is definite evidence of a manmade structure possibly foundations to a medival building.

Bank and Ditch, Earthen Circle: At the southern end of Lower Purdown.

Sir Johns Lane: A medival track for light carriage up over Purdown.

Beaufort Estate Gardens: Landscaped mid 18th Century.

Monument and Tomb to Lady Beaufort:

The Dower House:

Timeline