Project Purley

The Local History Society for Purley on Thames

H0000 level 1 26/11/2018

Purley on Thames

Purley on Thames is an ancient village nestling in a sweep of the River Thames to the west of Reading. As with many such villages its first documented mention is in the Domesday Book of 1086; but in a Reading Abbey document of 1135 it is described as 'ancient' so we believe it dates back to around 800 at least. For over 1000 years it remained a small isolated village with a population of some 150-200. When the 20th century broke we see the start of development until by the start of the 21st Century it had become almost a suburb of Reading, or at least its south eastern part was.

There are so many aspects to describe that it is very difficult to know how to organise the information. However this will get you started - just click on the bold headings:-

General Description

History

Perspectives of Purley

Chronicles

Natural History and Ecology

Public Services

Education

Governance

People and Families

The Built Environment

Roads and Maps

The Workplace

The Church

The River

Social History

Activities

Our Neighbours

Places with Purley connections

Records and Sources

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