West Bergholt

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West Bergholt

Coordinates: 51.91° N 0.85° E
OS grid reference	TL965270
District	Colchester
Shire county	Essex
Region	East
Constituent country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	Colchester
Postcode district	CO6
Dial code	01206
Police	Essex
Fire	Essex
Ambulance	East of England
UK Parliament	North Essex
European Parliament	East of England
List of places: UK • England • Essex

West Bergholt is a large rural village lying on the border of the English counties of Essex and Suffolk, near to the ancient town of Colchester. With a history going back to medieval times the village is now part of the Colchester Borough Council seat of West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green, and has its own Parish Council and concert band.

1 The Village And Its Surroundings
2 The Buildings
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] The Village And Its Surroundings

The village is centred at the intersection of two roads: Colchester Road and Lexden Road, but in fact extends out a great distance in all directions. It is served by a local shop which has changed ownership a number of times in recent years, beginning as a locally run enterprise, called Elmer's, and now run by the Co-operative society. It was recently enlarged now having three times the old floorspace.

Around the village lie numerous farms and large areas of woodland, including Hilhouse Wood, always known locally as Bluebell Wood, which was purchased by Woodland Trust, with the help of the local people. Many walks exist through the wood, and a migrant population of various breeds of deer can sometimes be seen.

[edit] The Buildings

As well as two active churches (namely St. Mary's, Church of England and West Bergholt Methodist Church), The village has a third church, not used for regular services, which is also called St. Mary's. A number of legends exist about the church and its history, but none has been confirmed.

The village also boasts a primary school, Heathlands, set on the heath at the centre of the village, as well as extensive playing fields, and a village hall, called the Orpen Hall after one of the former directors of the local brewery. Behind the hall is where the football club play. In recent years, the village acquired funding, and built two hard court tennis courts in the area around the Orpen Hall called the Lorkin Daniel Memorial Field, which are now used by local children and adults alike.

On the outskirts of the village is the cricket club