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Cressing
Cressing maps
Historic maps of Cressing and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis. View all Cressing maps
Cressing area books
Displaying 1 of 18 books about Cressing and the local area. View all books for this area
You can read extracts and browse photos from these books.
Memories of Cressing
Displaying a selection of personal
memories of Cressing.
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or of a photo of Cressing.
The Peculiar People's Chapel
Mark Pierson (hello Mark - we know each other) suggests the Peculiar People's chapel was in the Street - but it was definitely situated at Hawbush Green, at least during my early childhood in the Fifties. I distinctly remember hearing services held there as the congregation sang with gusto and without the benefit of any accompaniment - it was round the corner from where I used to live. By the way "Peculiar" in the title means "set apart" not "odd"! The chapel sadly closed soon after that but the Evangelical Church filled the gap. I remember Mark's father John very well, though I was no longer living in the village by that time - he became a good friend.
Cressing - The Street
This picture must have been taken when the former 'Peculiar People' chapel visible on the right of the photograph (one of the few buildings then on that side) was built. It has just celebrated its centenary. Now 'Cressing Evangelical Church' it was opened in August 1909, and is very much still in use for regular worship. I live nearby, in Braintree, and my late father came as Pastor there in 1968. If you know or knew the village, you may have come across him - John Pierson.
If you are interested further please contact me on "marktpierson@hotmail.com".
God bless!
Essex memories
Grandmother
I have little information, other than my paternal Grandmother was the eldest of 16 children born in Bradwell approximately at this time, or much earlier, possibly 1875 onwards. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Cook. A cousin of mine says we should have a lot of relatives in Bradwell! Unfortunately we have no record of them. My Grandmother married a Edward Bennett and later they became a Victualer of The Fox Tavern. 81 Bolyn Rd., Islington in 1910. This information I found in The Historical Directory of London, My email address is marleneroy@telus.net . I live in Canada
My Early Years
I lived in Cressing Road, went to Chapel Hill Primary School and then to Braintree County High School. I left there in 1952 when my father was transferred by Crittall Metal Windows, to Dunedin, New Zealand. I remember the 750th Anniversary celebrations in 1949 and had always said I would like to return for the 800th Anniversary, but I couldn't make it. I would love to hear from some old friends of my early school days - maybe someone will read this and remember me. I have fond memories of my early childhood, even thogh it was the start of the 1939-45 war. My parents used to billet some servicemen, three of whom I remember well - Ron Hamnet, Jimmy Galloway, and John Andrews who all played football for Crittall Athletic. Some old school friends I remember were Douggie Kemp and Malcolm Wassell, and John Mews. Our neighbours in Cressing Road were the Potters (Tony and Jill were my age), and the Foulkes. The Little family had a small general... Read more
My Early Years
I'm sorry to hear of Malcolm's death - I had tried to get in touch with him for many years. Do you have any more memories of early(for me) Braintree days. I seem to have lost touch with all those that I knew.
Manor St. Brush Works
My father had his hand brush making business in Manor St. My Grandfather started the business in 1918 above horse stables that lay behind the Sun Public House. Because of this he called it "The Sunbrush Works". They later moved to premises in Manor St. I wonder if anyone remembers buying any brushes from them. Sadly the small factory was closed in 1971 when dad retired.
Manor Street School
The wall on the left in the photo is Manor Street School which I attended from about 1953 until 1959. I am still in touch with Rod Gray. Does anyone else remember me or Rod from that time? The Headmistress was Miss Jarvis who was always accompanied by her Dachsund dog!
