Pictures of Blackmore

About Blackmore

The village of Blackmore has a long and fascinating history. It lies in an area mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, and one of its oldest and most attractive buildings is the Priory Church of St. Lawrence, founded as an Augustinian Priory in 1170, with a bell tower of 1400.

On entering the village the eye is drawn to a picturesque village green with a lofty village sign and a smaller, quaint sign requesting motorist to slow down for ducks! Despite passing traffic, the green exudes tranquillity, it has a pretty pond with central island and weeping willows, epitomising the best of the English country scene.

Blackmore is crammed with buildings from every era, at the side of the green a modern bungalow stands at the side of a handsome black and white property of yesteryear. The ancient inn, The Bull, was built around 1385, this is a superb example of medieval architecture, with atmospheric exposed beams, a priests hole and escape tunnel from the time of the Reformation. Dating a little earlier than The Bull, is Hope Cottage which is believed to have been built around 1340.

This is a village visitors really can enjoy, it has all the usual village amenities with a good choice of venues for refreshments. In sharp contrast to its historic inns is the modern restaurant The Leather Bottle, offering a superb dining experience in elegant surroundings.

Blackmore can be found in spacious countryside a few miles south-west of Chelmsford, with the nearest place for more concentrated shopping being the delightful market town, Chipping Onger, which has the remains of a 12th century castle. It also has easy access to the lovely Essex coast and the estuary of the River Thames.