The two "fields", in this case, are the villages of Great Bardfield and Finchingfield, which we visited recently. We had a quick wander around each village to enjoy some of their beauty and quirkiness.
Great Bardfield gives the impression that it once had ambitions to be a small town, and in different circumstances could have expanded into a modest hub for the surrounding villages. However things went in the other direction and there's evidence of many former pubs and shops now converted to dwellings. Commerce's loss has been beauty's gain.
That little building in the last picture is The Cage, the old village lock-up, where minor miscreants could be detained overnight till they either sobered up or could be dealt with by the local magistrates. The half-timbered building in photo number 7 had a sign on it claiming that it dates from 1325. Its official listing confirms that it dates, in part at least, from the fourteenth century. I don't know why anyone would have a life-size model of a deer in their window!
Finchingfield is a very different settlement, being much more haphazard in its general plan and gathered around a central green and duck-pond. It attracts far more tourists than Great Bardfield, especially in mid-summer. There are also many former pubs here - they must have been an extraordinarily thirsty lot around here in times gone by!
For anyone visiting the area, by all means go to Finchingfield, but get there mid-morning, mid-week, to avoid the crowds. But it's also worth exploring many of the villages hereabouts. Many are part of The One-Hundred Parishes, an unofficial body aimed at increasing appreciation of the villages in this little-known corner of Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Take care.
There is something beyond sheer charm about these villages with so much history all around. I feel that to live in one of these structures one would almost have to step back in time, wear period clothes perhaps, ride a horse, quaff mead! You show us some exquisite corners of your green and pleasant land, John.
ReplyDeleteSimply delightful. Commerce's loss is VERY often beauty's gain.
ReplyDeleteNot much att paid to windmill which is outstanding building at Finchingfield.
ReplyDeleteI can't help wondering about how much difference Tesco, Waitrose, Asda and the like have made to these villages and the demise of the village shops which in one way must have made them so different from what they used to be and is this a good thing or a bad thing?
ReplyDeleteHi John - stunning photos and description of them ... English villages are just stunning and particularly at this time of year ... beautiful early Summer. Thank you - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteLove seeing those wonderful old buildings...and villages where they nest together. I do wonder what that metal sculpture (I almost said doo-dad) is that is propped on the side of one building! But now that I see the ...Lion Tavern has a sign propped in the same manner, perhaps that is what it was in history. Thanks for an enjoyable peek.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun tour, John. Loved all of those quaint buildings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful area. There are some houses with a much different look.
ReplyDeleteTwo lovely villages to walk through there. Love these photos.
ReplyDeleteImagine living in a dwelling called Hope Cottage. It doesn’t get more charming than that. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete"We live in Hope!"
DeleteAnother lovely area that you took us to, John.
ReplyDeleteThe two villages are so beautiful, I would also love to be able to walk around there.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are fantastic!
Wonderful shots. The deer made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteSo many delightful cottages.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos. Ales Food B & B is an interesting building, on a hill shaped street. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteLovely villages! English houses with flowers are romantic.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lot of interesting architectural touches on those buildings. Like whatever is sticking out of the upper floor on the pink building in the second village. What is it?
ReplyDeleteNothing that old around here. We did sign up for a historic barn tour in June. SHould learn more about our barn I think by visiting ones labeled historic.
I THINK it's the rather ornate bracket for hanging an old pub sign, like the one three photos above it. They would have been made by the local blacksmith - they did a lot more work than just shoeing horses.
DeleteLovely, John. The old buildings have such charm.
ReplyDeleteKnow it well John. Near Wethersfield. Wish I had a pound for every time I have driven through there.
ReplyDeleteIf only! I would gladly visit either one or both if given half a chance. They have such appeal.
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