The Village of Sturmer

Some Landmarks in Sturmer

St Mary's Church

A very old and interesting church, where local inhabitants have worshipped for over 900 years. (pre Norman Conquest). Over the years, the building has been altered and improved many times and now represents craftsmanship and styles from different periods. Like many churches, St Mary's underwent considerable renovation in the 19th century, but there remains a number of features which are of great historical interest.

None more than the three bells which date as far back as the 15th century. The bells have been silent for decades, but now ring again after much hard work in the belfry by a local man

The Red Lion

A picturesque thatched property dating back to the 15th century. Originally three cottages, it was converted in to an inn serving the Cambridge to Colchester road in the 19th century. A Greene King house, it served ales from the wood until it was revamped in 1988 and a cellar installed. The pub has been under new management since January 2003 and is looking to maintain a reputation for fine food

The Village Hall

The Village Hall was built originally as the Village School; the proposed plans for the school being approved on 27th May 1875. At that time, the school was needed as it was too far for the younger children to walk to school in Haverhill, return to Sturmer for lunch and back to school for the afternoon The older children had special permission to take lunch with them to eat at school. The school opened on January 8th 1877.

The register of 29th March 1877 lists 35 boys and 51 girls. A school inspector’s report of 27th March 1879, report number 17A Haverhill Schools Boards (Essex) states "The children are orderly and are carefully taught, the desk accommodation is hardly sufficient. If the numbers of children in attendance increased, the erection of a classroom will be necessary for the efficiency of the school". On June 19th 1879 plans were approved for an additional classroom, and, by 21st July 1881, 93 children were attending the school. The school was also used for night classes where pattern making and dressmaking were among subjects taught.

• The school was handed to the Essex County Education Committee on 1st. October 1903.

• From the Sturmer Parish Council minutes of 18th April 1947 proposed closure of Sturmer School.

• 9th June 1952 proposed letting of school for village functions was considered prohibitive.

• By conveyance dated 1st May 1962 the school was bought for use as a Village Hall from the Essex County Council.