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
The Royal Observer Corps
The following article was written by Joe Hagger who was one of the village cobblers or shoe-makers and lived in the cottage that faces the green next to The Red Cow. (This article is published as written and the language reflects the time at which Mr Hagger was...
Dancing round the Maypole
I hope you were out at the crack of dawn this morning to wash in the morning dew to preserve your youth and dancing round your maypoles! I remember dancing round the maypole in Chrishall old school playground, although how the pole was held up I can't remember. I...
Bryan Rogers: childhood in Chrishall and the outbreak of WWII
(Pictured above: Dot and Charlie Rogers with sons Leonard and Bryan and daughter Gwen. Dot's mother "Nan-Nan" Rush. Mr and Mrs Jim Archer, friends from Saffron Walden. On holiday in Frinton, last week of August 1939 just before WWII was declared.) Who am I? I was born...
Local quotes
Some local quotes The following extract comes from a newspaper article of 10 August 1962. The article was written for the Royston Crow which at that time appears to have been called the Herts and Ca(mbridge Observer?) and Royston Crow - I only have part of the...
Abrams Family Group
This photograph was given to the collection by Romaine - many thanks. It might add something to the Abrams jigsaw! It is thought to have been taken in 1914 after Clara Ives marriage to Will Drury. Standing from left to right: Lucy and Samuel Abrams, Nell and Will...
Art and Archive 2019
On November 23rd we ran the third Irene Cranwell Memorial Lecture. This year it took the form of an afternoon exhibition plus evening talk. We were very pleased to work with SOCA, the Society of Chrishall Artists at this event. Chrishall Archive Group had a history...
Remembrance Sunday 2019
Members of Chrishall Archive Group joined with the Parish Council to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. The church service this year was held in Chishill where the names of all those listed on the war memorials from all the group of churches were read out. It was felt it...
Green Wedding 1907
This is the wedding of Walter Green and Rhoda Brand which took place on 22nd June 1907. They are pictured outside Peacock Cottage in Crawley End. We know some of the people on the photograph but not all of them so if you can name anyone else do please let us know in...
Chrishall Observation Post
On the corner of Hertford Lane, is Chrishall Observation Post. It is a concrete structure, fairly substantial but also fairly well hidden in the undergrowth and hedging that grew up around it. The article below, written by Stephen Foote for the village magazine,...
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
