Step into the Enchanting History of Chrishall in North West Essex
Welcome to Chrishall, a village steeped in history that stretches back to before the Domesday Book was penned. This website serves as your gateway to the rich tapestry of tales and traditions that define our community and its extraordinary inhabitants. Beyond the digital realm, we invite you to explore our delightful Archive, where we curate captivating displays that bring our history to life. Don’t miss out—subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on our events and ongoing research.
Discover What’s On
Join us at our Archive during the summer months, where we open our doors from 2 to 5 PM. Indulge in delicious refreshments as you immerse yourself in our current exhibition, which showcases the fascinating journey of the village hall and its roots as a Methodist Chapel. There are no more planned openings for 2025 but do get in touch if you would like to arrange a private visit – or keep an eye out for new dates for 2026.
Available now!
Available now!The history of Chrishall Village Hall and its background as a Primitive Methodist Chapel. This little booklet may be small but contains a wealth of information and stories about how methodism first came to Chrishall and was so embraced by the community that they contributed every penny they had, practically, to make sure they had their own building to worship in.
Copies are available at the Archive but can be posted out. Please use the contact form on this page to request copies and quote for postage.
Village walks to download
Discover the hidden gems of Chrishall with our curated walking routes. Each path tells a story of our rich history and stunning landscapes. Download our guides and embark on an adventure that connects you with the heart of our community.
Articles to read
Village Green 1940s
Photograph from the Bruce Drury Collection View from Church road towards Martenholme in the 1940s or early 1950s. Note the (red & white?) kerbs - was this a wartime safety measure? The gates you can see in the centre of the picture were apparently, at one time,...
Mrs Flack’s story of Mary Rumbell
The picture above is Mrs Albert Flack outside Chapel Cottage in Crawley End. Mrs Flack lived in Chrishall all her life but in the story below you can hear the tale of what happened to her one day when she got lost in Chrishall... She tells her story to Mrs Irene...
School Christmas Party 1963
Held in the same school rooms as yesterday's School concert, today we have a Christmas Party from 1963 when Mr and Mrs Nelson were head teachers at Chrishall School. Mr Nelson was trying the 'new technology' of film so there is no sound on this clip, although you can...
1886 29 January
On Friday 29th January 1886 the 'Herts and Cambs Reporter' reports on a most enjoyable concert evening held in the old school. CHRISHALL CONCERT. - On Friday, 15th inst., a concert was given in the Schoolroom. The programme was as follows: - Part I, duet, pianoforte,...
1887 June 24th
On the 20th June 1887, Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee. Chrishall took part in the celebrations with a tea in the field called Thorns to the east side of High Street. Herts and Cambs Reporter Celebrations of the Queen's Jubilee in the District...
Chapman and Andre 1777
Time for a game - spot the difference. Above you can see an extract from the Chapman and Andre map of 1777 (reproduced with permission from Essex Record Office). The Chapman and Andre maps of this date are reputed to be the most accurate maps of the time, but I can...
The Schools postcard
A clear picture of Chrishall old school on this postcard, interestingly titled as 'The Schools'. This was presumably because there were two classes held in the school at the time. The school mistress or master would have lived in the school house to the right of the...
And then it snowed
The photograph above is looking up Crawley End from near the pond on the green, in 1963. You can just see the top of the bus as it comes round the corner and the roof of Wire Farm. Irene Cranwell had some memories of heavy snow falls in Chrishall. On Christmas Day in...
Charles and Mary-Ann Flack
Charles and Mary-Ann Flack who lived in High Street in Chrishall next door to the Guiver's who lived at 'Kemps'. Charles and Mary-Ann had two sons and a daughter according to the 1911 census. Charles was one of the traction engine drivers as was his eldest son,...
Updates to existing content:
- June 2025
- April 2025
- Additional material and photo of Mrs Guiver added to the page about Kemps
- Additional material about Nash’s Farmhouse
- Name research on the Hearth Tax details and addition of 1670 return
- January 2025
- Update to the Links page
- January 2024:
- Update to the details of Rev Leachman on the Vicars of Chrishall page
- March 2022:
- October 2022
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- Update to the War Memorial page to include names of local special constables
