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
George Cranwell
George was an agricultural labourer and lived at Ramblers Crawley End with his parents, older brother Ralph and younger sister Ivy. He served with the Essex Regiment and was killed in action on 23rd October 1916 aged 21 during the battles of the Somme. His body was...
Eustace Hooper
Eustace Hooper was a Land Agent’s Clerk working for Matthew Gray at Chrishall Grange estate when he enrolled for military service in November of 1915. He was called forward for service in April of 1916 and commissioned the following March. He was killed at the battle...
Charles Healey
Charles Healey was a gamekeeper who had worked at Chrishall Grange. He was married to Laura and they had three children, Warren, Noreen and Mildred. He enlisted at Saffron Walden and was a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was posted as Killed in Action on...
The Warren and Eliza Griggs
With many thanks to Denise from Australia who has been so inspired by the Exodus exhibition that she has been doing some research of her own! A little bit of history of Marrickville where Eliza Griggs (nee Woods) and her husband lived, late 1890’s It seems that many...
George and Mary Pitches
(Photos kindly loaned by Maree Harris, Australia) George Pitches was born in Chrishall in 1837, the son of James and Mary Pitches (nee Kemp). James was the Innkeeper of the Red Cow. George married Ellen (nee Manning) in 1858 and emigrated to Australia the same year,...
Joseph and Mary Pitches
Among the first families to leave the village, Joseph and Mary Pitches arrived in Melbourne on 7th January 1849. According to Mrs Richardson’s research for the history of the chapel they lived at Camps Cottage in Broad Green. They opened their house for church...
The Cane Family
Joseph and Ann Cane are listed on the 1841 census both aged 35. Joseph was a farmer and they had 8 children at the time of the 1841 census. However several of these children were destined to end up in Australia. The Cane exodus to Australia really started with their...
Exodus childrens activities
Image from www.freevector.com (These links all open in a new window) Have a go at making this pop up galleon "We can have free passage": activities from an Australia Digital Classroom "Migration to Australia in the 1800s" more digital classroom activites from the...
Corby Family
The Chrishall Archive Group receives correspondence from time to time from the descendants of people who emigrated from Chrishall and last year David Corby in Australia emailed with information about his family history. His great-grandfather, William Corby was born in...
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
-
- Update to the War Memorial page to include names of local special constables
