Abbess Roding, Essex

My ancestors

My Grandfather was born at Matching Green in 1879 His name was Charles Pavitt.He had many bros and sisters ,James William Henry Emily .His parents were Joseph and Jane Jane was born 1851 nee Radley Joseph was born 1848. The Pavitt family would have been quite well known . I myself have never been to Matching Green but it is a... [more]

Fisiting grandparents

Church Road - there was a row of old ricketty cottages where my grandparents, Thomas and Alice Wilkinson lived. Next door to them was an old lady always dressed in a long black skirt and a hat. She talked to herself and we were half scared of her -but realise now that she was lonely. Miss Prentice used to make... [more]

Summer 1980

My memories of the heath are from 1980 when my mother - Kathleen (Topsy) Whybrow and father bought me and my brother to the heath in the summer of 1980 for five months.   My parents had emigrated to NZ and gave myself and my brother a choice - a swiming pool or a trip to the UK.  I was only 8... [more]

Tales of years gone by!!

Hello! I am Arnold Chapman, my father was the minister of the little chapel (now a private house). I used to play with a lad called I think Ronald Babcock?? who lived in a farm nearly opposite. I think one time the barn caught fire. I recall going to the little school, sometimes getting a ride in a local farm cart!!... [more]

Fond holiday memories

In the summer of 1963 my Dad took my sister (11), brother (4) and me (6) to stay with my Auntie Marie.  She lived in the house adjoining the pub.  I think it had a name like Penryn and appeared on the front cover of Country Life in the early 70's.  I remember sleeping in the bedroom over the archway and... [more]

The last village policeman - Keith Brookes

My wife, family and I jumped at the chance of moving to Roxwell in 1982 for me to take over the position of resident Police Officer for Roxwell and its surrounding area.  It transpired to be the best move we ever made. It was a job that I could not have done without my wife's support and assistance. The Police House/Office... [more]

Our Old Pub

My family used to run this pub. First, a Jane Tanner in the 19th century and then my great grandfather, Charlie Green in the 1920s. He also ran The Kings Head in Ongar for many years, leaving  in the 1940s.

Small church in Ongar

Hey there, can anyone help me please. My mum is trying to find a small church in Ongar which comes off the Ongar Road, it's on the right hand side and it has a gravel lane, the church is at the end of the gravel lane with a field on the left hand side.  I would be very grateful if anyone... [more]