Pictures of Writtle

About Writtle

This is an ancient area, ringed with beautiful parklands and historic forests which were once the hunting ground of Kings. Writtle was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and is the largest parish in Essex. At the time of King Harold it was a royal manor passing to William the Conqueror, and later it became one of King John's hunting lodges.

Today, Writtle is a charming combination of houses of all styles with a concentration of lovely Tudor buildings lying close to All Saints Church, a beautiful stone building with a robust clock tower, which dates around 13th-century. Looking around one immediately senses that this is a prosperous area, the well manicured lawns surrounded by decorative flower beds speak of gentility and care. It is therefore not surprising to spot a 'best kept Essex village' sign close to the war memorial on picturesque Writtle Green.

Hyland House, one of Writtle's major attractions, is a magnificent neo-classical Grade II listed mansion set in over 600 acres of glorious parkland. The house is used for a wide variety of functions, including weddings and provides an atmospheric venue for outdoor musical concerts and theatrical productions held here during the months of summer. For 2005 the Scouting movement will be holding its European Jamboree in the grounds of Hyland House during late July and early August. Both house and parkland are open to visitors.

With several pubs, all of which offer a warm welcome to visitors, and close to the Rivers Wid and Cam, Writtle offers a pleasant place in which to spend a few delightful hours or to use as a base for exploring Chelmsford and the picturesque estuaries along the River Blackwater.