Abridge
| Abridge | |
| Essex | |
|---|---|
 Abridge | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ466969 |
| Location: | 51°39’8"N, -0°7’9"E |
| Data | |
| Population: | 1,500 (2001) |
| Post town: | Romford |
| Postcode: | RM4 |
| Dialling code: | 01992 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Epping Forest |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Brentwood and Ongar |
Abridge is a village in Essex. It stands on the River Roding, 16 miles south-west of the county town of Chelmsford. It is part of the civil parish of Lambourne.
Abridge takes its name from the brick bridge over the River Roding, which is situated just to the north of the modern centre, on the road to Theydon Bois. On the Saxton's Map of Essex, 1576 it is marked as Heybridge.
History
Abridge lies on the historically important stagecoach route between London and Chipping Ongar and has been an important crossing point of the River Roding for many centuries. The boundary of the Conservation Area includes the historic core of the village which is evident on the Chapman and Andre Map of 1777.
Part of the ancient parish of Lambourne, Holy Trinity Church was built in 1836; before this, parishioners had to walk to three miles to Lambourne Church by a footpath. A Wesleyan chapel was built in Abridge in 1833; it became Congregational in 1844.[1] The hymn tune "Abridge" was named after the village by Isaac Smith 1734-1805.[2]
Listed buildings include the Blue Boar Inn (early 19th century), the group of mediæval buildings that form the Roding Restaurant, the 18th century house immediately north east of the restaurant, Roding House (late mediæval) and River Cottage in Ongar Road, and The Maltsters Arms (18th century).
To the east of the village is Stapleford Aerodrome formerly RAF Stapleford Tawney of 11 Group east sector.
Geography
The village stands on the banks of the River Roding and is surrounded by fields. The nearest towns of any size are Loughton two miles to the West, Chigwell 2½ miles to the south-west and Theydon Bois 1½ miles north-east of the village.
Abridge lies within the M25 orbital, but its closest major road link is the M11 motorway at junction 5 (towards London only). The main road that links the village with the M11 is the A113.
Woodlands
To the south-east is APSE grove, commonly incorrectly called APES grove and has been nicknamed Bluebell. Most woodlands are open to public use.
Walks
Spectacular views over the Roding Valley are to be enjoyed when walking south to Lambourne church via various easy walking routes through spectacular open farmland, which is being sympathetically farmed to preserve this unique Green Belt space for all.
Train
The nearest train stations are London Underground services and are from Loughton, Debden and Theydon Bois whence frequent trains operate directly to London.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Abridge) |