Blackchapel

Heritage Site in Essex Chelmsford

England

Blackchapel

St John the Evangelist, Ford End - north-west elevation This is one of many Victorian churches in Essex whose architect was Frederic Chancellor. — St John the Evangelist, Ford End - north-west elevation Credit: David Kemp

Blackchapel is a small village located in the county of Essex, in the eastern part of England. Known for its rich heritage, it is considered a significant heritage site in the region. The village is nestled amidst beautiful countryside, characterized by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

The origins of Blackchapel can be traced back to medieval times, with the first records of the village dating back to the 12th century. The name "Blackchapel" is believed to derive from the presence of a dark-colored chapel or church that once stood here.

One of the highlights of Blackchapel is its historic church, dedicated to St. Mary. Built in the 14th century, this magnificent stone church is a fine example of medieval architecture. It features a striking tower, adorned with intricate carvings, and stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes. The church is still actively used for worship and attracts both locals and tourists interested in its historical significance.

In addition to its church, Blackchapel boasts several other noteworthy heritage buildings, including charming thatched-roof cottages and old farmhouses. These buildings offer a glimpse into the village's rural past and add to its overall charm.

Furthermore, the village is surrounded by an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The tranquil countryside provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, Blackchapel, Essex is a remarkable heritage site that preserves the historical and architectural treasures of the region. Its medieval church, traditional buildings, and scenic countryside make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into the past.

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Blackchapel Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.83/0.417 or Grid Reference TL6617. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St John the Evangelist, Ford End - north-west elevation

This is one of many Victorian churches in Essex whose architect was Frederic Chancellor.

David Kemp

St John the Evangelist, Ford End - interior

The church is unusual in that it has no east window(s) behind the altar. The original building of 1870-1 had an apse which subsequently subsided and had to be replaced by another in 1892-3. However this second apse was demolished in 1984-5, hence the blank wall.

David Kemp

Blackchapel, North End (1)

This little building - with its priest's house attached at the west end - stands by itself, well apart from any other habitation. The view here is from the east - my eye being attracted to the jumble of roof heights. Pevsner (in the Essex volume of 'The Buildings of England') has this to say: 'The rare case of a surviving entirely timber-framed ecclesiastical building, and also the rare case of a medieval chapel with attached priest's house'. - To which I would add that from outside it isn't obvious that this is a timber building, though the timber frame is clearly visible once you peep through the windows. Inside there are traces of medieval wall paintings, but outside it is the 'Gothick' windows, neat plaster-work and cottagey barge-boards (under the eaves) that catch the eye. The Gothick features date from the Gothic Revival of the late 18th and early 19th centuries - and it seems to me that features of that period set the tone. It takes some effort to imagine the building as it may have looked 500 years ago. I suspect the timber structure was then less well concealed. You have to imagine away the present-day primness and think, say, of Thaxted: Link

Stefan Czapski

Blackchapel, North End (2)

View from the south-east. The scale is cottagey, the structure timber-framed, and the building stands at a distance from any village or hamlet. The nave and chancel are medieval in origin, whereas the north aisle (to the right in this picture) is said to be a 19th-century addition.

Stefan Czapski

Blackchapel: Gothick window

One of three such windows in the south wall of the nave, extending dormer-fashion above the eaves.

Stefan Czapski

Blackchapel: chapel and priest's house

Of the three 'boxes', the nearest is the chapel's chancel, the longest is the nave, and the furthest is the priest's house. In the Essex volume of 'The Buildings of England', Pevsner has this to say: 'The rare case of a surviving entirely timber-framed ecclesiastical building, and also the rare case of a medieval chapel with attached priest's house'. A structural detail that can be seen in this shot is that while the walls of the priest's house are upright, the chapel is narrower at the eaves than at ground level - the walls lean inwards (in technical terms they are 'battered'). The east wall, too, shows a batter.

Stefan Czapski

Walkers on Pleshey Road, 1982

A circular walk from Great Waltham via the White Horse at Pleshey. The Pleshey church tower just breaks the horizon on the right. There was just enough sun for shadows, which helped a lot in locating this view.

Robin Webster

Private track

This is gated off from the public lane and heads towards a pond which might be used for fishing.

Robin Webster

Power lines towards Lawn Hall

The wooden poles of this type of low voltage line often assume quite skew angles, which is very inconvenient when trying to level a photograph!

Robin Webster

Onslow Green

The green is managed as a nature reserve. Onslow Green was known as Hounslow Green not so long ago.

Robin Webster

North End

The notice board is headed 'Great Waltham Parish Council'. Great Waltham village is a fair distance away, but it has a large parish, and North End is the north end of the parish.

Robin Webster

Black Chapel Lane meets the B1008

The main road used to be the A130.

Robin Webster

Absol Bridge

The bridge takes Mill Road over the River Chelmer.

Robin Webster

River Chelmer above Absol Bridge

It is not a very impressive river this far up, but it is probably at about minimum flow for the year and could do with some weed clearance.

Robin Webster

River Chelmer below Absol Bridge

It is noticeable how much less congested the channel is under the shade of trees where growth of water plants in inhibited. Trees bring their own blockage problems however, as may be seen.

Robin Webster

The end of the tarmac road

The good road serves Blakes and nearby houses on the right. The continuation seems to have the status of a road for a short distance, then becomes a byway.

Robin Webster