Welcome to Mistley
pThe parish of Mistley is situated in the Tendring District of Northeast Essex beside the Stour estuary just to the West of Manningtree approximately 11 miles from Colchester. It is a pretty village with it's own small 'High Street' lined predominently with Period and Georgian buildings.
Mistley is well served with rail links via Manningtree to London and by the Mayflower line to Harwich.
As for notable history, the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, was said to have lived in the village from 1645-1647 supposedly owning the Mistley Inn. He was buried a few hours after his death in the graveyard of the Church of St Mary the Virgin. The original Georgian parish church built on this site in the classical style has now been demolished; all that is left on the site are the twin towers, Mistley Towers.
In the late 18th century Mistley Quay, known as The Port of Mistley, saw small-scale shipbuilding taking place and a number of smaller warships were built for the Royal Navy here.
One of 5 Cold War control rooms is located in Mistley – built in 1951, it was opened as a museum called the Secret Bunker in 1996 but closed in 2002.
In the woods at Furze Hill in Mistley there is an ancient oak tree called Old Knobbley. It's thought that he's about 800 years old and could have been a sanctuary for hunted witches, according to local folklore.
The award-winning hotel and restaurant The Mistley Thorn is found at the heart of the village and if you've not been there, you really should plan a visit.
Sports facilities at Furze Hill offer pitches for thriving football and rugby clubs. and the village is also home to Mistley Cricket Club.
Have we missed something? We'd love to hear from you.
Please email us with your Business details, points of interest and local history and we'd be glad to add it here.
Photo credit: AJDRONEOGRAPHY
Images of Mistley
