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
Lettice Martin Trail: Thomas Meade
The Meade family have links with Elmdon in terms of property but were close relatives of Lettice Martin in Chrishall. Thomas Meade’s mother was Lettice’s sister, Johan the elder and Thomas was therefore Lettice’s nephew. His mother seems to have died quite young and...
Ethel Fanny Everett
Above is Mullion Cottage at the top of Church Road as you might not have seen it before. Mullion used to be two cottages with a shop in the middle. The shop at the time of this photograph was Hicks’ Butchers, and the Hicks family lived in the cottage on the right of...
A Poor Law Cupid
This lovely news story was found in The Daily News, Perth and published on 26 November 1903. Two disappointed lovers brought together In September last an old lady, accompanied by her daughter, called at the house of the relieving officer at Saffron Walden, England,...
Exodus Timeline
Exodus Timeline Who left for Australia and when did they go? 1849 Wrights and Pitches The first to leave Chrishall in this era. We have a report of Joseph and Mary Pitches (nee Pigg) arriving in Melbourne 7 January 1849 and setting up divine worship in their home. The...
Thomas Green
Thomas Green was a farm labourer living with his parents, Charles and Naomi Green and his younger brother Ernest. We think the Green family were living in one of the cottages that was originally on the left hand side of the chapel (now the village hall). There were...
Leonard Rogers
Leonard Rogers lived at Home Farm in High Street and was the son of Albert and Alice Rogers. Albert was a carpenter who later became a farmer. Leonard was an agricultural worker and was therefore exempt from compulsory military service. However he still signed up....
Herbert Margham
Herbert Margham was a Shepherd at Chrishall Grange, living with his parents Herbert and Hannah. He served with the Hampshire Regiment and was posted Killed in Action on 20 September 1917 aged 26 years old. From the Church Magazine, January 1918: A memorial service was...
Robert Brand
Robert Brand was born in Chrishall in 1899, the son of William and Beatrice Brand from Builden End Farm. He was the older brother of William Walter Brand and the family were farmers and fruit growers. Robert was posted as Killed in Action on 23rd August 1918 aged 19...
Harry Easter
Harry was born at Cheveley in Newmarket but moved with his parents to Brick Row where they are listed on the 1911 census: parents Fred and Elizabeth, children George, Walter, Harry, Sidney and sister Mabel. Harry’s father was a gamekeeper and they moved into the...
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
