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Sunday 26 July 2015

Essex Dove Houses

An illustration taken from 'Pigeon Cotes and
Dove Houses in Essex' (1931)
Essex Dove Houses (S/LIB/3/8)

The archive document lists dovecotes photographed in preparation for ‘Pigeon Cotes and Dove Houses in Essex’ by Donald Smith was published by Simpkin Marshall, London, in 1931. Limited edition of 100.  176 pages, 58 drawing. Copy number 36 is in Essex Society for Archaeology and History Library.  

The book is not a comprehensive list of Essex dovecotes.

To find out more about surviving examples visit the Unlocking Essex weblink  http://unlockingessex.essexcc.gov.uk/uep/custom_pages/monument_search_results.asp?content_page_id=81&content_parents=61,62&monument_name=dovecote&search_related=0#  and links annotated alongside the original list.

Unfortunately the Internet does not have many photographs perhaps because they are sited on private property.

“List of 65 films and 40 plates, given by Messrs Donald Smith and J A Bullock, 1931. Negatives in Colchester Museum, 1986. D.C.

Essex Dove Houses. List of 65 films and 40 plates. Jan 1931.

Essex Dove Houses. Films taken by Donald Smith, 1929-30.
Parish: House [list rearranged in alphabetical order].
Birchanger: Birchanger Place
Boreham: Cheese Hall Farm
Broomfield: Chobbings
Castle Hedingham: Castle Park. Interior  [see http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-409496-hedingham-castle-dovecote-approximately-#.VbSD3vlViko .  The dovecote is featured in an article in Transactions, Third Series, Volume 28, written by John McCann]
Castle Hedingham: Castle Park. Two views. W & S
Chickney: Sibleys [see http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-122148-dovecote-at-sibley-s-farm-chickney-essex . The former gatehouse is mentioned in Essex Archaeology and History, Third Series, Volume 15]
Chingford: Pimp Hall Farm. Two views. E & N.W. [see photo and description; http://www.heritage-explorer.co.uk/web/he/searchdetail.aspx?id=8332&crit=barn ]
Downham: The Hall. Two views. [By the Church. See photos: http://www.wickfordhistory.org.uk/page_id__460.aspx ]
Earls Colne: The Priory
Elsenham: Elsenham Place Farm
Finchingfield: Cornish Hall
Finchingfield: Jekylls
Finchingfield: Oldbournes
Ford End, Great Waltham: Wall Farm [Barn conversion property. See http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-36183850.html ]
Gestingthorpe: Moat House Farm
Gestingthorpe: Moat House Farm
Great Bardfield: The Hall
Great Chishall: Rectory Farm. (Cambridgeshire, formerly Essex). Two views
Great Maplestead: Chelmshoe House [see photo: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/115254517 ]
Great Waltham: Fitz Johns
Hatfield Peverel: Mowden Hall Farm
Ingatestone: The Hall
Little Sampford: Farm opposite church
Marks Hall: W Coggeshall
Matching Green: Kingdons
Matching:  The Hall.  Two views
Newport: Heatons
Pleshey: Pleshey Bury [see http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-426055-dovecote-or-granary-west-of-plesheybury-#.VbSNk_lViko  The illustration posted is reproduced from Smith’s book, and from the cover of Essex Archaeology and History News, No. 103 (August 1988)]
Saling Bardfield [Great Saling]: Woolpits. Two views. [The Dovecote, Woolpits Road, is a conversion to a property and available to let:  http://www.grayandcompany.co.uk/LettingsDetails.asp?propcode=238&graycode=dovecote

Steeple Bumpstead: Bower Hall  [The illustration posted is reproduced from Smith’s book, and from the cover of Essex Archaeology and History News, No. 103 (August 1988)]
Stisted: Hotfield Grange
Wendon Lofts: The Hall. Interior
West Thurrock (Purfleet): High House. Two views S.W. & N.E.  [The Essex Society for Archaeology and History visited this dovecote in 1990 and 2014.]
Wethersfield: Great Codham Hall
Widdington: Ringers
Witham: Witham Lodge

Essex Dove Houses.  Plates taken by J H Bullock Esq., M.A. in 1914-15.

Parish: House  [list rearranged in alphabetical order]
Finchingfield: Cornish Hall Farm. Two views S.E. & N.W.
Finchingfield: Jekylls
Finchingfield: Oldbournes
Finchingfield: Spains Hall
Gestingthorpe: Moat House Farm
Gestingthorpe: Over Hall. Two views S & N
Great Bardfield: The Hall. Two views
Great Maplestead: Chelmshoe House
Great Maplestead: Dynes Hall
Great Maplestead: Dynes Hall. Two views
Great Saling (Bardfield Saling): Woolpits. Two views
Great Yeldham: The Hall
Little Easton
Marks Hall: The Hall
Matching Green: Kingdons
Newport: Heatons
Newport: Shortgrove
Rickling Green: Bury Farm
Rickling: Church End Farm
Steeple Bumpstead: Bower Hall
Steeple Bumpstead: Claydon’s Cottage
Wendon Lofts: The Hall. Exterior S.E.
Wendon Lofts: The Hall. Two exteriors N.W.
Wendon Lofts: The Hall. Two interiors
West Thurrock (Purfleet): High House. Two views
West Thurrock: Montgomerys Farm. Two views
Widdington: Ringers
Widdington: Ringers
Wimbish: Tiptofts. Two of same
Wimbish: Tiptofts. Two views

Sunday 19 July 2015

Copped Hall, Epping is next Society Visit

Members of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History will be visiting Copped Hall near Epping for a tour of 18th century building followed by a look at the excavations of the demolished Tudor Mansion. Sunday 26 July 2015. 10.30am. Includes refreshments. Cost £7.00 in advance, £8.00 on the day.

Friday 17 July 2015

Archaeology of the Chelmer Foreshore, Maldon: 24-26 July 2015

CITiZAN
Coastal and Intertidal Zone Archaeological Network

FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY 2015
Archaeology on the Chelmer foreshore

Ever wanted to try your hand at Archaeology?

For the 2015 Festival of Archaeology CITIZAN will be exploring the archaeology of boats and vessels at the 'barge graveyard', Promenade Park, Maldon, on 24-26 July 2015 from 10am onwards.

We'll be hosting free guided walks and talks from archaeological experts as well as the opportunity to help us record the site with our free taster sessions in survey techniques. There's also the chance to visit a Thames Sailing Barge to learn more about the history of these fascinating vessels.

All three days are family friendly with activities for younger would-be archaeologists to get involved in where access to the foreshore is not suitable for children.
To book your place go to:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/localkitizan/

For more information contact Oliver on 07718570382 or Lara via email at lband@mola.org.uk

Much of our island's history is simply being washed away. Significant archaeological sites along our coast and on the foreshores of our tidal estuaries are continually eroded by winds, waves and tidal scour. Alarmed by the rate of loss, the location of many of these sites was noted during the national 'Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey' programme initiated by English Heritage and by archaeological groups around the country. To date there has been no systematic standardised system to record these vulnerable sites in detail or to regularly monitor their fate over the longer term. Coastal erosion can rarely be halted, but at least exposed archaeological sites can be recorded before they are destroyed.

What will the project do?

CITiZAN is the first systematic national response to these threats. The project focuses on nationally important, exposed archaeological sites: the remains of prehistoric forests and settlements, Roman buildings, ancient salt-working sites, lost medieval ports, fishing settlements, harbour works, coastal defences from both World Wars and countless abandoned boats, barges and ships. The CITiZAN team delivers community-based training and creates an infrastructure and network of volunteers with the skills and systems to be able to monitor and survey the highly significant but threatened archaeological sites around England's coast and foreshores.

CITiZAN is supported by the HLF, with additional support from The Crown Estate and National Trust. The project is run from three offices: the main office at MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) in London, and offices at the Council for British Archaeology in York and at the Nautical Archaeology Society in Portsmouth.

From 2015-2018 CITiZAN will • Establish a national network of active individuals and groups to work together on a major project • Train enthusiastic volunteers to monitor and survey selected coastal and intertidal archaeological sites • Engage with the public through our interactive website, outreach programme and other activities • Create a standardised survey, monitoring and web-based recording system compatible with methods used in Scotland and Wales

Visit www.citizan.org.uk for more information or email citizan@mola.org.uk

Nature Day at Braintree Museum in Honour of John Ray: 28 November 2015

On Saturday 28th November 2015 Braintree District Museum is holding an exciting nature day to mark the anniversary of the birth of local nature hero John Ray. The day includes a range of talks, workshops and stands, with something for all ages and for nature novices through to wildlife experts. We are pleased to be hosting two prominent speakers — Roger Tabor, TV wildlife and nature presenter, and Dr Roos of Lincoln University - who will be giving us insights into Ray's life, work and scientific travels. Other highlights include a wildlife drawing workshop at 11:30am and the chance to meet Alamanda Therapy's two miniature American horses.

Tickets are £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children and can be purchased in advance by calling 01376 328868. Places on each talk and workshop can also be booked in advance. Full details of the activity programme are below.

John Ray founded natural history as a scientific, experiment-based and university-worthy subject in Britain. He rose from humble beginnings as the son of the village blacksmith to pursue a successful career at the University of Cambridge, and then an even more successful independent research career after leaving the university in 1662. He developed the first scientific definition of a species and used this to produce the first scientific classification of plants, animals, birds, fish, reptiles and insects. His three-volume History of Plants included over 15,000 species and covered much of the known world. His work helped pave the way for Linnaeus' classification system and Darwin's work on evolution. Ray invented the terms petal and pollen, and was the first scientist to study and record the complete life cycle of the butterfly. Discover more at our John Ray day, and don't forget to explore our John Ray gallery as well. The Museum would like to thank the John Ray Trust for their support of this event.

Talks
10:30am Introduction to John Ray with Roger Tabor
Learn more about the amazing work of John Ray from a contemporary naturalist who has been inspired by Ray's work. Roger Tabor is a television presenter, biologist, naturalist, behaviourist and award-winning author. He has broadcast on wildlife, plants and animals, but is particularly known for his groundbreaking BBC series 'Cats'.

11:30am John Ray's European Travels with Francis Willughby and Martin Lister with Dr Anna Marie Roos
During his continental tour of 1663-66, John Ray went to Montpellier, where he encountered Martin Lister, a medical student who would become the first scientific arachnologist (studier of spiders) and conchologist (studier of mussel shells). Lister's travel diary and student notebook were rediscovered in the Bodleian Library, and their travels and natural history observations in the south of France were reconstructed in a British Academy funded website, mapping stages of their journey from England to Montpellier and back via Paris and documenting them photographically. This talk discusses how these images of landscape, natural history specimens, and museums and artifacts were conceived as a form of humanistic fieldwork, allowing us to reconstruct the mental world of Ray and Lister. Dr Roos is a Senior Lecturer in the History of Science and Medicine at the University of Lincoln and a regular public science speaker on the radio.

1:30pm A Year in the Wildlife of Bocking with Alexander Bass
This talk looks at the diverse range of wildlife found over a typical year around a range of habitats in Bocking, including the Bocking Blackwater local nature reserve, The Fennes Estate and the Pant Valley. Alexander is a biodiversity and wildlife tutor for the WEA Eastern Region.

2:30pm John Ray's Legacy for the 21" Century with Malcolm Bryan How scientific discoveries challenge us to take an active part in protecting the Natural World. Workshops

11:30am —12:30pm Wildlife Illustration Workshop Pen and Ink workshop with Alexander Bass — Advance booking advised Suitable for all ages

All day — Drop in nature activities in the John Ray Gallery

• Have a go at our birdsong and animal sounds test - can you identify the bird or animal from their call? • Discover insects under the microscope • Make a seedball for the wild birds in your garden

Drop in Stands
Essex Rock and Mineral Society Fossil Display Essex Mammals, including a book signing with Darren Tansley of 'Mammals of Essex' 2014 John Ray Trust Braintree District Council Landscape Services Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens Meet some local Guide Dogs for the Blind Alamanda Therapy North Essex Badger Group

www.braintreemuseum.co.uk
info@braintreemuseum.co.uk 
Press Enquiries: Jennifer Brown 01376 325 266
@museumbraintree

Braintree District Museum

Monday 13 July 2015

'The History of the Hoffmann Company, 1898-1989': 23 July 2015

The High Country History Group meet on Thursday 23 July 2015 at 8pm when their speaker will be Stephen Norris, author of the recently published book 'From A Borough To A City. A History of Chelmsford, 1888-2012'. His topic will be about one of the world leader's in the supply of ball bearings: 'The History of the Hoffmann Company, 1898-1989'.

The talk will be of interest to members of the Essex Industrial Archaeology Group.

Everyone welcome. Members of HCHG: £1, Visitors: £3. Including refreshments.

Venue: Toot Hill Village Hall, Toot Hill, Stanford Rivers. CM5 9LR 

Sunday 12 July 2015

Essex Society for Archaeology and History: Book Sale #5

Books given to the Society but not needed for accession to our Library are offered for sale in support of future historical and archaeological research. A large number of books have now been sorted and are offered in Sale #5. Go to our Online Bookshop to see the lengthy List.

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Monday 6 July 2015

Essex Industrial Heritage Fair: Braintree Museum: Saturday 10 October 2015


There are already 15 societies and organisations signed up to have stands at the Fair and more are available. These include local groups such as Alderford water mill, Upminster Windmill and the Bulmer Brick and Tile Company, plus national organisations such as the Association for Industrial Archaeology and the European Route for Industrial Heritage (ERIH), which has a route covering Essex and the rest of East Anglia.

There will be five short talks given on the textile industries of Essex, the public water supply in Colchester, industry of the Tilbury area and ERIH.

Visitors will also be able to see the displays on local industry in the Braintree District Museum (for which an admission fee is payable) and there will be Braintree Town Trail leaflets available should visitors wish to follow a self-guided trail of industrial heritage sites in Braintree.


It all promises to be a very exciting, interesting and stimulating day, so please put the date in your diaries, tell your family and friends all about it and encourage any local heritage groups to which you belong to take part in the day.

Sunday 5 July 2015

Essex Industrial Archaeology Group - Information

The Essex Industrial Archaeology Group is a part of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History.  

For information relating to the group follow this link.

The Group has a dedicated e mail address for you to contact. 

Important Update on Marconi's Hall Street Factory Project

News from the Essex Industrial Heritage Group:

A partnership which includes the Marconi Heritage Group and Chelmsford Civic Society are seeking to buy the lease on half of the ground floor of the Marconi Hall Street factory – the first wireless factory in the world – to create a community and heritage asset. They have launched a national and international appeal for the funds to purchase a 99 year lease, after which they will be applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for equipping and fitting it out as an educational and heritage resource. Pledges are already mounting up, but much more is needed. To read more about the appeal and pledge money to this very worthwhile project go to: https://spacehive.com/marconiscienceworX

Visit Colchester- More than just Britain's oldest recorded town

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'Old Series' Volumes 1, 2 and 3

ESAH160: Transactions Transcriptions: 'Old Series' Volumes ...: An updated and improved contents listing of these three earliest volumes in now available via this link.

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'Old Series' Volume 4...

ESAH160: Transactions Transcriptions: 'Old Series' Volume 4...: The Essex Society for Archaeology and History has updated and improved the Contents listing of this rare volume.

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'Old Series' Volume 5

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: Old Series Volume 5: Paper copies of these transactions are very rare. The following articles have not been published online.   Transactions ‘Old Series. Volume 5 Contents listing updated

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 1

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 1: Paper copies of this volume are extremely rare.  Contact us for further information. Transactions ‘New Series. Volume 1 Contents list updated.

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 2

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 2: Paper copies of this volume is rare.  Contact us for more information.  Updated Contents listing now available..

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 3

ESAH160: Transactions Transcriptions: 'New Series' Volume 3...:  Contents listing updated for 'New Series' Volume 3.

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 4

ESAH160: Transactions Contents: 'New Series' Volume 4: Transactions ‘New Series. Volume 4. Contents listing updated

Saturday 4 July 2015

The First World War In Biscuits: until 15 July 2015

At the Minories Galleries, Colchester, we have an exhibition that we feel may interest you. 'The First World War in Biscuits' - A unique collection of 100 year-old ration biscuits, personally modified by soldiers, alongside a range of archive materials, interviews, photographs and film-footage exploring the relationship between food, creativity and conflict.



We hope you to see you at The Minories soon.  The exhibition runs until 15 July 2015.