Pictures of Beauchamp Roding

About Beauchamp Roding

This is just one of a group of delightful Essex village's all bearing the name Roding. The name is probably taken from the River Roding which winds its way through the region watering fertile fields and meadows.

The parish church of the village is St. Botolphs, this stands alone in a field, its 16th century tower providing a landmark for the local community. It is a pleasant church comprising of nave and chancel, it was much restored late in the 19th century, but has an attractive rood screen and an old piscina, these stand out against the new windows, pulpit and other fitments.

A colourful legend exists of a local farm labourer who made good. Isaac Mead had worked on a farm for years, by 1882 he had saved sufficient funds to have his own farm. He was eternally grateful to the land from which he made his fortune that he had the corner of a field consecrated as a final resting place for himself and his family.

Translated the name Beauchamp Roding means "Beautiful Field". Historically, the manor of Roding was held by Aubrey de Vere, ancestor of the Earls of Oxford, as tenant of Alan, Count of Brittany. After the Norman Conquest the estate was mentioned in the Doomsday Book as the Manor of Beauchamp Roding.

There are several pretty properties in the region, some old and some of a newer build, the Old School House from late in the 19th century is an excellent example of a Victorian building - this is now a private dwelling.

With leafy lanes, a river, streams, wildlife, and surprises around almost every corner, this lovely group of villages make a pleasant place to visit, or to tarry for a few days while you explore the pleasant Essex countryside.