The Parish
of Henham consists of Henham on the Hill, as it has been known in
historical documentation, and the two hamlets Little Henham and Pledgdon
(sometime known as Prison Green). Henham is the third highest point in
the county of Essex in England, Archaeological digs have revealed
evidence of occupation during Neolithic and Roman times and the village is
documented in the Domesday Survey of 1086.
The Parish remained an almost exclusively agricultural community until the
early 20th century. At that time there were about 14 different trades
people here. We had three churches, three pubs
and several beer-houses, and at least 12 shops throughout the parish.
We were largely self sufficient. There is now only one community run
village shop which incorporates the village post office, one pub and one
church.
This area has a number of
natural springs, which must have been a decisive factor to the first
settlers The river Cam, also known as Granta, rises in this area.
Henham's picture-postcard setting is dominated by the ponds and thatched - roof cottages.
The trades-people used the ponds, such as the wheelwright who swelled the wood in order to keep the metal binding bands secure.
The fields and properties retain ancient names such
as Claypits and Sandpits, depicting their original uses.
The break-up of the landed
estates, which saw the auctioning of properties
between 1860 and 1922, brought a rapid decline for men, women and children
employed in domestic service.
The construction of the Elsenham-Thaxted Railway
in 1913 gave access to the mainline to London and Cambridge. Post World War
II mechanisation reduced the need for agricultural workers and turned the
area
into a satellite commuting village for the two cities.
This line was closed in 1952 thus contributing to the
increase of cars in the village
There is little
opportunity for local employment and the lack of affordable housing for our
young people has forced them to move from their home village to more urban
areas of habitation.
When
this web site was envisaged, it was anticipated that there were going to be
just a few interesting articles. However, the web site has taken a life
unto itself and it grows monthly. Each month I will show what new
articles have been included. I have used a cut-off date of 1955. If
you want information regarding present Henham life visit our village website
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