Polstead Church overlooks Stoke by Nayland, below the wooded drive is the large village pond. Earliest of English brick is reputed to be used here. The tragic story of Maria Marten is told here, her body lies in the churchyard, one William Corder was tried for her murder and hanged in front of 10000 spectators in Bury St Edmunds in 1828, known throughout the land as 'The Red Barn Murder' it hit national headlines
The church at Polstead is that dedicated to St Mary, the views from the chancel end over looking the Stour Valley (Constable Country to some!) is magnificent. This church has a Roman connection and the churchyard has a connection with an infamous murderer where Maria Marten is laid to rest. So do a little Googling and look up Red Barn Murder Polstead, it is a very sad story and when the murderer was publicly hanged in Bury St Edmunds 10000 people turned up to witness this event