My Adventures 3: Norpar Barn

I set off for a local walk of 5.5 miles with my dog Ben. We walked up by Alecs Restaurant in Navestock Side. This was formerly the Green Man Public House.

We walked diagonally across a ploughed field, had it not been for the viewranger app on my phone, I would have had no idea as to where the path was.

At the next field I didn't check the app and went slightly wrong, not by much but it meant walking through a wood and out on the road a short way from where the path led.

I walked down to Dudbrook Hall which is now a care home.

Dudbrook Hall, was a country manor house and ancestral home of the Waldegrave family dating back to 1602. During the 2nd world war the hall was given to East & West Ham to evacuate the sick from London during the blitz and to billet and hospitalize the RAF at the nearby Stapleford and Weald aerodromes. The old Howard Lodge was built in the grounds of Dudbrook Hall in 1993 and tactfully converted the inside of the building to meet the care requirements of their residents.

There is a remembrance garden to Princess Diana in the home with seating areas in the front and rear garden. The rear garden has a water feature for residents and their families to enjoy.

We walk up Howard Lodge Road and past some lovely houses, all was tranquil until an Alsatian dog leapt up at the fence barking away, scared the life out of me!

Now we cross Beacon Hill Road onto Beacon Hill.

We take a path alongside a ploughed field with amazing views. The grass was long and wet and I regret not wearing my walking boots.

We cross over into another field and more wet grass, my feet are now squelching a bit in the shoes.

But my mind is soon diverted away from the discomfort as I can hear and see 5 buzzards soaring overhead on the thermals.

To my left according to the map is a mound and moat (Navestock Slades), but nothing could be clearly seen through the trees.

This appears to be Earthwork remains of a 16th century manor house and moat. The circular moated mound is like a miniature motte but nothing significant was seen on its summit. Nothing remains of the original manor of Slades, except heavy scatter of 16th century brick and tile evident in the 'L'-shaped pond suggesting two rectangular moated arms; but there are no traces of the other arms which would complete the enclosure. The ditch of this mound is fed by a drain and culvert which are possibly contemporary with the manor house. Another pond on higher ground to the south east of the house site was probably a supply pond to the moat. The whole complex has an ornamental appearance contemporary with the manor house.

A 1335 deed which mentions "a windmill outside the gates" suggests that mound is a windmill mound and not the motte suggested by King (although King did call it rather doubtful). However, the immediate post-Conquest history of the site was one of dispute between Ralph de Marcy and the canon's of St Paul's (see VCH) so just possibly started as defensive, or more likely symbolic, mound to assert tenurial claim. Later alteration of such a mound, as a windmill stead and garden prospect mound, do not exclude earlier use.

Kelvedon Common

We leave the fields onto a track with a high bank, I stop to wring the water from my socks before walking on.

An Asian Wedding appeared to be taking place over the back of this field probably on Navestock Hall farm.

We walk out onto Dudbrook Road Ladys Hill and follow this down to the end.

The western edge of the parish was within the ancient forest of Essex, and two boundary stones still mark its limits. Enclosure of common land took place in 1770. Navestock was an early centre for cricket, which has been played on the green at Navestock Side since the 18th century.

Navestock Hall farm

At the end of the road we turn right and follow this up to St Thomas the Apostle Church.

St Thomas the Apostle Church, Navestock Heath, Essex. This church dates back to 1181 when it was appropriated by St. Paul's Cathedral who owned the manor of Navestock. The timber-framed belfry dates to 15th century and said to be the oldest in Essex.

The church was closed probably due to it being decorated ready for the Harvest festival.

After a walk about the church we headed down to Norpar Barns. I have seen the sign many times before but this is my first visit.

Here you can get tea and cake or at certain times of the year Cream teas in the Barn.

Norpar has been established since 1969 starting out as a farm diversification business growing & drying flowers on the family run farm in Navestock.

Their wholesale business operates from the same site & has a varied & loyal customer base from gift & furniture shops, manufacturers, florists & niche businesses nationwide.

Alongside the Barns in the old farmyard is The Granary museum, an original farm building dating back to the 14th century. It now houses old farming & household implements collected from the farm's bygone days & is open for all to see.

They also have a few Simmential cows and a small group of guinea fowl & peacocks. Winding down the country lane is the only way to reach this tranquil place. Once discovered it's never forgotten.