Chrishall Village History

The life and times of a North Essex Village
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Two Ears of Barley

Two Ears of Barley

Jul 14, 2018 | Builden End, Village Folk

I was recently loaned a lovely little book called Two Ears of Barley, written by Jack Wilkerson and published in 1969 and all about the history of Barley in Cambridgeshire.  Barley is only about three miles from Chrishall as the crow flies and there are lots of...
Horses at Builden End

Horses at Builden End

Aug 4, 2015 | Builden End

We think this photograph may have been taken at the back of The Wells farmhouse which is down a small track on the left as you go into Building End. However we would love to know exactly where it is and who is holding the horse! Update November 2016: Another...
William Cranwell 1899

William Cranwell 1899

Aug 8, 2015 | Builden End, Village Folk

William Cranwell outside his cottage in Builden End. William was born in Chrishall and had a large family although he was widowed fairly young.  He was a gardener by trade and played the clarinet in church services before the church had an organ. You can follow him...
Hollyhock Cottage

Hollyhock Cottage

Aug 4, 2015 | Builden End

The photograph above shows Hollyhock when it was still two cottages.  It seems in rather a state of dis-repair although the roof looks new so maybe this picture was taken when it was in the process of being renovated.  Certainly there are stories of various occupants...
Keepers Cottage

Keepers Cottage

Aug 4, 2015 | Builden End

Keepers Cottage was a two up two down cottage on Common Lane which is the no-through lane on the right as you go down Building End.  The cottage has been demolished and replaced with a large house built in traditional materials and oak timber frame and is now known as...
Traction Engine at Builden End

Traction Engine at Builden End

Aug 7, 2015 | At Work, Builden End

This carefully posed photograph is nonetheless delightful and shows the degree of labour once employed locally, for there are 14 individuals in view. Note the high chimney stack of the engine to minimise the risk of straw fires. This is believed to be in Builden...