Stapleford Abbotts-England | Entrancing Village in the Enchanting Epping Forest.

Stapleford Abbotts is a pleasant and charming small centre of England,a tiny and entrancing village situated in the enchanting Epping Forest which also form a district corresponding to a huge woody and verdant area of approximately 2500 hectares considered the biggest natural space of Greater London and including in its boundaries different municipalities.

That immense territory of approximately 19,0 kilometres in length is also historically very relevant because it links the eastern Londoner site of Manor Park to Epping a town in the County of Essex which gives the name to that immense British  lung and which was a considerable centre since ancient times.

Located at approximately 35,0 km from London downtown,Stapleford Abbotts with its 960 inhabitants is a tiny village, a peaceful oasis of serenity in the beautiful English countryside covering a territorial area of approximately 957 hectares.

Bordered by the river Roding the current name derives from the Saxon word Staple,synonymous of stepping stones or sheep´s fleece washed at the river Roding forming a ford,while abbotts because a minor ecclesiastical order was present in the area.

The Saxon word "Staple" certifies a former settlement related to that people coming originally from the Northern German lands who founded once reached the coasts of the former Anglia  the current County of Essex which including Epping Forest and its surroundings part of the historic Kingdom of the Eastern Saxons established in  the 6th Century.

The village consists in a group of houses some occupaying after an integral restoration or total architectonic change buildings which were dated 15th and 16th century such as Bons Farm,Hammonds Farm, Kirtons Farm,Mitchells Farm and Battles Hall and others mainly dated the 19th and 20th century stretching for about a mile along Romford to Ongar Road.

Historically the former village was included in the hundred of Ongar and since 1894 the current village was part of the rural district of that municipality which is located approximately 7,0 kilometres away and some years later absorbed into Epping Forest district.

The main local highlight is the beautiful  medieval Church of St.Mary.Although largely rebuilt and remodelled in the 19th century, there is evidence of a Religious building erected in the 14th century.

One of the most important attractions is visible in its splendid and well preserved facade with a carved arcade entrance consists in the stained glass window dated 14th century depicting the figure of Edward the Confessor holding a ring and sceptre.Legend and tradition affirms that the big sapphire in the Cross of the Imperial Crown is the original stone from the ring.

The current tower was built in the year 1815 well integrated and in harmony thanks to its fine lines and materials used for its construction while rest of the structure was re established 46 years later.

In its interior you can admire a beautiful Chapel was established in in the year1638 and the Abdy Memorials inside it link Abdy family with Albyns the nearest house erected in the 16th century and demolished after war bombing.Behind you will notice the presence of the choir stalls the oldest element existing in the original layout of the Church.

Historically the origin of that Church is linked to one of several resting places where the body of St. Edmund the Martyr King of East Anglia was rested on return from London to Bury in the year 1013. St. Edmund’s register that one night in 1013 the Lord of Stapleford was miraculously cured of a lingering illness by the presence of the body of St. Edmund which had been rested overnight at Stapleford Hall.

Thanks to his recovery the Lord granted the Manor and its lands to the Abbey for ever but unfortunately due to the famous historic event linked to the dissolution of the monasteries in England managed during thee Reign of the Monarch Henry VIII in the year 1513 also decreed that all the land had to be as a property of the Royal Crown.

The Church is located in a very isolated position about 2,0 km away from that tiny entrancing village and all that reflects the fact that there was probably there an inhabited agglomeration with houses surrounding the Parish until the 20th century.

The area corresponding to knolls Hills is a a pleasant territory highlighted by a verdant territory characterised by low hilly plateaus over the river Roding and it is also a very strategic gateway leading enjoying brilliant excursions to discover some places which represents the rural soul of Essex and England.

In the immediate surroundings you can visit the area of Navestock and Tysea Hill Chapel a territory which will show the beauty of the English countryside with large green spaces highlighted by stylish cottages and other farms.

On the eastern side of Romford Road you can reach a place which reflect all that consisting in Bons Farm a splendid plastered and wooden house highlighted by a charming facade with a central doorway and two wings.Some architectonic elements as the wing on its eastern side are probably are dating back the 16th century confirming the existence of a previous structure.

The village also has in its boundaries a famous 45 holes Golf Club ideal place to play that more than trendy sport in a fabulous green oasis of calm and tranquillity which also offers lessons and tuition and in which take place national competitions.

Other amenities are three traditional English pubs such as the Royal Oak,The Plough and The Rabbits all them all offering traditional English cuisine,and a wide variety of beers,ideal destinations to have a lunch or dinner in establishments characterised by a traditional English atmosphere in their interiors.

 

Stapleford Abbotts is closely linked and part of Epping Forest of which it is part,a very distinctive historic value since many centuries ago when it was a natural hallway for the former Saxon settlers who established in that forest a strategic corridor for their trades and operations linked to create their Reign to reach the boundaries of the current Capital of the United Kingdom in its most eastern side from the coast of the County.

For the same purposes that land including the village was used by the Normans and highlighted during the course of the dynasties successions of that population to the Reign of King Henry VIII when that area became a Royal Hunting Reserve and a consequent very famous meeting point of the highest sphere of the English Aristocracy which found there a magnificent set and environment to enjoy that activity and also horse rising totally in love with that enchanting forest.

Moved under rule of the Municipality of London in the year 1878 for a decree by the Parliament despite several disputes and different controversial opinions if that was a right choice,the city started to preserve and conserve that large territory with the iconic revaluation of some iconic places as the Centenary Walk a fascinating long path created in the year 1978 retracing the route of the old rulers.

Furthermore were created in its boundaries some special places as Nature protected areas one of them is Gilwell Park which was concretely inaugurated in the year 1919 and much more developed and maintained in recent times becoming a notorious parkland of approximately 44,0 hectares and well known for its capacity able to contain over 10.000 people.

Ideal place for excursions,trekking and focal point of the Scout Movement created by Sir Robert Baden Powell Baron of Gilwell from who derives the name of that site,today is considered in its kind one of the most considered destinations in Great Britain to enjoy such activities so close to a large metropolitan area as that one of London.

Undoubtedly such presence of that stupendous natural attraction is a notable incentive for all people who planning an itinerary in England obviously including London and loving to visit,discover and know more very peaceful sites also discovering something of extremely interesting you can also find in that scenic and quaint village a more than appropriate stage combining it with the advantage to practise several outdoor activities in the surroundings.

The proximity of the International Airport of London Stansted which is situated at just half hour driving

along the M11 is certainly another aspect to take in great consideration.

With several Low Cost Flights landing in such airport and in the case of a tailor made tour with different stops including a Fly & Drive,that entrancing village called Stapleford Abbots for a visit could be excellent with a superb choice of Hotels and accommodations in the nearest Romford (just 10 minutes driving) or immediate surroundings,

That solution can also for a very comfortable for a car drop off or why not in a late pick up of the vehicle you can reach that town in a very short time without entering in the heavy metropolitan traffic of London having in the next morning after a delicious and energetic full English Breakfast the chance for an immediate visit and why not playing golf ended it.

Currently Stapleford Abbotts is mostly an agricultural and rural area but it is also a great place simply perfect to escape from the metropolitan stressful rhythms and enjoying the great relaxing atmosphere of the beautiful green landscapes of England also in a magnificent area as the enchanting Epping Forest.

Francesco Mari


Recommeded Accomodations in Romford and surroundinngs close to Stapleford Abbotts

The Blue Boar (at Abridge approximately 8 minutes driving away)
Montorose Guest House (At Romford)
Harefield Manor Hotel (At Romford)


www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk
www.staplefordabbottsgolf.co.uk
www.theblueboarabridge.co.uk
www.montroseguesthouse.co.uk
www.harefieldmanor.c
www.visitessex.com
www.picturesofengland.com