Cannons Common

Downs, Moorland in Essex Uttlesford

England

Cannons Common

Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart These are each the names of woods nearby. The B183 runs across ahead in the shot.
Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart Credit: Trevor Harris

Cannons Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Essex, England. Situated amidst the stunning countryside landscape, it encompasses a combination of downs and moorland. Covering a vast expanse of land, Cannons Common is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The common boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to various species of birds, including skylarks and kestrels, which can be spotted soaring high above the open grasslands. The rich biodiversity of the area is further enhanced by the presence of vibrant wildflowers, creating a colorful tapestry that dots the landscape.

Visitors to Cannons Common can explore its well-maintained footpaths and trails, which wind their way through the rolling hills and heathland. The common offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and distant hills, providing ample opportunities for photography and picnicking.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cannons Common also holds historical significance. The site has remnants of ancient burial mounds and archaeological finds, dating back centuries. These artifacts serve as a reminder of the area's rich cultural heritage.

Cannons Common is a true gem in the heart of Essex, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. Its idyllic landscape, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Cannons Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.838664/0.25417596 or Grid Reference TL5517. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart These are each the names of woods nearby. The B183 runs across ahead in the shot.
Road junction between Brickkiln Spring and Canfield Hart
These are each the names of woods nearby. The B183 runs across ahead in the shot.
Lane to Great Canfield
Lane to Great Canfield
Junction and Sign The meeting of Hatfield Forest Road/ Wood Row/ Greenhill.
Junction and Sign
The meeting of Hatfield Forest Road/ Wood Row/ Greenhill.
Cannons Lane, Hatfield Broad Oak The Broad Street Green part of the village.
Cannons Lane, Hatfield Broad Oak
The Broad Street Green part of the village.
Shed with trailers  One of the farm buildings at Crabbs Green Farm.
Shed with trailers
One of the farm buildings at Crabbs Green Farm.
Field and farm track at Crabbs Green Farm The field has been freshly ploughed and a harrow is working nearby.
Field and farm track at Crabbs Green Farm
The field has been freshly ploughed and a harrow is working nearby.
Field north of Crabbs Green Farm Taken from Crabbs Green Lane looking west. The tractor track dead ahead shows the line of the public footpath crossing this field.
Field north of Crabbs Green Farm
Taken from Crabbs Green Lane looking west. The tractor track dead ahead shows the line of the public footpath crossing this field.
Road junction at Taverners Green With the lane called Crabbs Green on the left ahead.
Road junction at Taverners Green
With the lane called Crabbs Green on the left ahead.
On the lane to Broomshawbury Looking north here with the fingerpost for Boxley Lane just visible in the centre ahead.
On the lane to Broomshawbury
Looking north here with the fingerpost for Boxley Lane just visible in the centre ahead.
Footpath through The Marsh This area north of Hatfield Broad Oak, formerly apparently common grazing, is a good wildlife habitat. Though there are some areas of standing water (one can be seen to the right here), most of the marshy area was dry today - as was Pincey Brook, whose course the path runs beside.
Footpath through The Marsh
This area north of Hatfield Broad Oak, formerly apparently common grazing, is a good wildlife habitat. Though there are some areas of standing water (one can be seen to the right here), most of the marshy area was dry today - as was Pincey Brook, whose course the path runs beside.
Pillars of an ecclesiastical dispute Or maybe not. This is the east end of St Mary the Virgin. The pillars here are the remaining two of four pillars which supported the central tower of the Benedictine Priory church - which until the Dissolution was twice as long as the present church. So much is not in dispute; however notes in the church say the church was divided by this east wall following violent disputes between the parish and its priest, and the monks - who the parishioners accused of not maintaining the then-shared. This was supposedly carried out on the orders of the king as a solution to the dispute. I can't find any reference to these events on-line, in Victoria County History etc although other disputes are recorded concerning the priory. I suspect that maybe the east wall was constructed in 1536 when the priory was dissolved in order to reduce the church to more manageable proportions - though I stand to be corrected.
Pillars of an ecclesiastical dispute
Or maybe not. This is the east end of St Mary the Virgin. The pillars here are the remaining two of four pillars which supported the central tower of the Benedictine Priory church - which until the Dissolution was twice as long as the present church. So much is not in dispute; however notes in the church say the church was divided by this east wall following violent disputes between the parish and its priest, and the monks - who the parishioners accused of not maintaining the then-shared. This was supposedly carried out on the orders of the king as a solution to the dispute. I can't find any reference to these events on-line, in Victoria County History etc although other disputes are recorded concerning the priory. I suspect that maybe the east wall was constructed in 1536 when the priory was dissolved in order to reduce the church to more manageable proportions - though I stand to be corrected.
Straight road near Forest Farm This very straight section is about a kilometre in length and may mark the route of a Roman road heading for Takeley Street (several other straight sections occur between here and Takeley Street). "Street" in a place name often denotes a settlement on a Roman road and indeed Takeley Street is on Stane Street running east to west. I think it's not too fanciful to see this as a Roman route to Stane Street.
Straight road near Forest Farm
This very straight section is about a kilometre in length and may mark the route of a Roman road heading for Takeley Street (several other straight sections occur between here and Takeley Street). "Street" in a place name often denotes a settlement on a Roman road and indeed Takeley Street is on Stane Street running east to west. I think it's not too fanciful to see this as a Roman route to Stane Street.
Finger post at junction near Bridgefoot Farm Directions shown are left to Takeley and Hatfield Forest, right to Hatfield Broad Oak, and towards the photographer, to Woodside Green and Hallingbury. For a close-up see photo from contributor David Bremner <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7329457">TL5418 : Junction and Sign</a>
Finger post at junction near Bridgefoot Farm
Directions shown are left to Takeley and Hatfield Forest, right to Hatfield Broad Oak, and towards the photographer, to Woodside Green and Hallingbury. For a close-up see photo from contributor David Bremner TL5418 : Junction and Sign
Little Barrington Hall Farm
Little Barrington Hall Farm
Field south of Greenhill Is beside, or was part of Brumsted Common.
Field south of Greenhill
Is beside, or was part of Brumsted Common.
Hatfield Forest. Now a popular park cared for by the National Trust.
Hatfield Forest.
Now a popular park cared for by the National Trust.
Village pump and main street, Hatfield Broad Oak. The village pump is a feature of many rural villages in Essex.  The signpost is a fairly new one made in a traditional style.
Village pump and main street, Hatfield Broad Oak.
The village pump is a feature of many rural villages in Essex. The signpost is a fairly new one made in a traditional style.
Thatched cottages, Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex
Thatched cottages, Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex
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Cannons Common is located at Grid Ref: TL5517 (Lat: 51.838664, Lng: 0.25417596)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Uttlesford

Police Authority: Essex

What 3 Words

///contemplate.ties.bulky. Near Takeley, Essex

Nearby Locations

Cannons Common Park Wood

Related Wikis

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.838664,0.25417596
Bus Stop
Barrington Hall
Naptan AtcoCode: 15004632152
Naptan NaptanCode: esxjgpjt
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan
Lat/Long: 51.8372412/0.2529726
Bus Stop
Barrington Hall
Naptan AtcoCode: 15004632153
Naptan NaptanCode: esxjgpjw
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan
Lat/Long: 51.8373625/0.2532109
Colour: red and white
Marker: aerial
Utility: gas
Lat/Long: 51.8417306/0.2543326
Colour: yellow
Marker: post
Utility: gas
Lat/Long: 51.841734/0.2541794
Brumsted Common
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 51.8428627/0.2560586
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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