A Daughter of Albion

Coggeshall, Essex

The old Gardner's brewery in Bridge Street

This was a medieval wool town on the route of the old Roman Stane Street. Its history really develops from 1140 when a large Cistercian abbey was founded here. The monks were extensively sheep farmers so this promoted the wool trade from the 15th to the 18th century and Coggeshall's prosperity was based on this.

Coggeshall is sited on the banks of the River Blackwater in north-east Essex. It is steeped in history from pre-Roman to modern times and many communities worldwide have traced their ancestral roots back to this charming village.

has around 5000 inhabitants and over 200 listed buildings which includes two important National Trust properties – Grange Barn and Paycocke House. The remains of a 12^th century Cistercian Abbey lie on the outskirts of the village and on Church Green stands the church of St Peter-ad-Vincula, an Essex 'wool' church. Just a mile or so outside of Coggeshall is Marks Hall, an outstanding country estate and arboretum. Coggeshall has much to offer to both the casual visitor or those looking for a great place to live.

Coggeshall Village Crest

Coggeshall Abbey

was founded c. 1140 by the

Sauvignac order and was made possible

by Queen Matilda, wife of

King Stephen, through her

inheritance of

Coggeshall Manor.

the Sauvignacs became part of the

Cistercian order.

sheep farming was undertaken by

the Cistercians and this laid the

great impetus to the woollen

and cloth trade which would

eventually make Coggeshall

so prosperous

Coggeshall Museum and Heritage Centre

currently undergoing refurbishing

and will reopen in the Spring 2005

Coggeshall Parish Council

Coggeshall's main website

with some delightful pictures

and a map of the town

Marks Hall

about a mile outside Coggeshall.

a garden of trees, a place to

wind down, and watch wildlife.

vistors can wander, at will, through

over 100 acres of arboretum containing

lakes and the

17th century walled garden

and over 8 miles of woodland walks

and footpaths.

the Visitor Centre, housed in a

beautiful Sixteenth Century barn,

provides an information base,

gift shop and tea shop

with teas, coffees and lunches,

featuring home-made soups and cakes

The Footsteps of History

take a walk around Coggeshall

without getting muddy shoes!

related internet links

Public Rights of Way

in Essex

there are over 6,100 kilometres

(3800 miles) of public rights of way

and everyone has a right to

use them and a responsibility

to look after them.

The Essex Way

a long-distance path stretching right

across the County of Essex

from Epping in the south-west

to the port of Harwich in

the north-east.

Following footpaths

and ancient green

lanes it covers a distance of 81 miles.
The path leads you through

ancient woodlands, open farmland,

tree-lined river valleys and

leafy green lanes,

unveiling historic towns

and villages along the way

The Essex Way passes very

close to Coggeshall.

Welcome to Hidden Treasures

of Essex

there are hidden treasures waiting

to be discovered throughout the

beautiful country of Essex.

villages, heritage, vibrant culture.

tranquil gardens, brilliant attractions,

an awsome coastline, and that's

just to start with. don't take our

word for it, go and visit the website

and then go and visit Essex

The Albion Chronicles Website is