West Bergholt

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West Bergholt
West Bergholt (Essex)
West Bergholt

West Bergholt shown within Essex
OS grid reference TL965270
District Colchester
Shire county Essex
Region East
Constituent country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town Colchester
Postcode district CO6
Dialling code 01206
Police Essex
Fire Essex
Ambulance East of England
European Parliament East of England
UK Parliament North Essex
List of places: UK • England • Essex

Coordinates: 51°55′N 0°51′E / 51.91, 0.85

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.

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[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 The 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. This church is a real gem. Locally called "St Marys' Old Church", it used to be in the centre of the village, but as time passed the village grew away from it. While no longer in regular use, it remains consecrated and it is maintained by The Churches Conservation Trust. Like many churches it has evolved over the years. Parts date from the 11th Century and the astute observer will find reused Roman bricks in its fabric, and ancient graffiti from pilgrims who have visited over the years. Its position at the end of what is little more than a farm track in the East Anglian Countryside, and on the Essex Way long distance footpath, adds to its great charm. It stands in a small graveyard which features a headstone with an impressive death's head design. It is possible to drive there, but there is no formal parking area. The route 66 bus from Colchester stops about 10 minutes walk away. Ask for the Hall Road stop, walk down that road, turn left after the small wood and continue walking for about another 5 minutes. The church is usually open at weekends. At other times two local residents (details on the church itself) will happily trust you with the key on a promise that you will return it when finished. A visit may easily be combined with a walk to nearby Hillhouse Wood (continue for another 10 minutes along the track with the church on your left) which is spectacular in bluebell season (late April into May)when you may encounter nightingales. Roe and muntjac deer are common, although usually only seen at dusk or early morning.

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 named The Manor Road Ground which is home to a 1sts, 2nds, an evening league and colts teams

[edit] Transport

West Bergholt is served by six bus services, these are:

[edit] See also

[edit] External links