Purley

A Thames-side village between Pangbourne and Tilehurst, Purley shares its rather narrow riverside site with both the main road and railway, yet remains very attractive for all that.
The village, now with a great deal of new housing development on both sides of the railway, has two recreation grounds and a Memorial Hall that was built wholly by volunteer labour.

Purley church on the north side of the railway, is another of Street’s designs, largely rebuilt in 1870, although he retained the original brick tower of 1626 and reused the Norman chancel arch. Considerably enlarged in 1983, the church has a decorated Norman font and a number of monuments of interest.

As well as its church, the village possesses two large and quite notable houses. The oldest is Purley Hall dating from the early l7th century although it has later alterations and additions. The entrance hall contains wall paintings in the Thornhill manner.

By the lake is a late Georgian summer house and by the entrance is a 'Gothic' lodge. The house was rented from 1786 by the Government, for the use of Warren Hastings during his seven year trial.