About the village of Aldham

Aldham is a small village with a population of a little over 500. The ecclesiastical parish has the same boundaries as the civil parish. It is situated 5 miles west of Colchester, and its proximity to Marks Tey station means that commuting to London is easily feasible. Employment within the village consists of small craft workshops, three working farms, and a commercial orchard specialising in rare varieties of apple.

The village sign, which is sited between the church and the Village Hall, depicts the church, the profile of Philip Morant historian of Essex, who was Rector of Aldham from 1745 to 1770. An apple tree and the bridge over the river Colne which forms part of the boundary of the parish. It was made by local resident, Fred Patten.

The parish covers approximately 3 square miles and has two main population centres, one around the church and the other at Ford Street on the A1124. New housing in the village is currently restricted by planning law to replacement.

Aldham is an old village, first mentioned in the Domesday Book. The Church of St Catherine and St Margaret was moved from its original position on Church House Farm, Rectory Road, where it had stood since the 13th Century, to its present position. It was rebuilt and completed in 1855. Some of the original features can still be seen, including the porch, which was brought from the original site.

Ford Street is the oldest part of the village. Some of the houses date back to the 15th Century, and in the past this street was a hive of activity, with a mill, blacksmiths, butcher, baker, cooper and even a shoe shop.

Gallows Green, on the corner of the Halstead Road and Green Lane, has a pond and is a protected area. It is managed by the Parish Council. On the corner of the junction is a small cottage known as Tollgate Cottage and this was the toll keeper’s cottage in the 18th and 19th Century.

There are many footpaths and walks around the village.  The Essex Way passes through the village following the course of the river Colne.

Hoe Wood on Tey Road is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust and is open to members of the public with views across the valley towards Chappel and the thirty-two arches of the railway viaduct.

There is no school in Aldham. The designated primary school is in neighbouring Eight Ash Green.

Millennium Playing Field on Brook Road is leased to the Village and managed by the Parish Council. Play equipment and picnic tables for all to enjoy but no dogs allowed as this is part of the lease conditions and is strictly enforced.