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Altitude: m. ASL.
Region:
United Kingdom (UK) > Essex
Cache type: Traditional
Size: Micro
Status:
Ready for Search
Date hidden: 21-12-2024
Date created: 03-01-2025
Date published: 03-01-2025
Last modification: 03-01-2025 
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Description
EN
Downham is the largest of the three South Hanningfield Parish Wards. School Road is the heart of the village, featuring the pond which is part of the highway drainage system but can still be used for watering animals. Opposite the pond are the Jubilee Gardens and village sign, commemorating the Queen’s Silver and Gold Jubilees, with the village hall nearby.
Downham’s origins trace back to Roman times, although it’s not mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The history of Downham involves three main manors: Fremnells (linked to Guy Fawkes), Barn Hall, and Downham Hall, owned by notable families like the Tyrell, De Vere, and De Beauvoir. In 1934, Downham merged into the newly formed South Hanningfield Parish.
To the south is the church of Saint Margaret of Antioch, built on a Saxon church site after the Norman invasion. With its Norman embattled tower, it stands on Essex’s second highest point, offering views to the Thames Estuary and Kent coast. The church, which suffered a fire in 1977, has been restored, and features an 18th-century Dovecote and one of England’s oldest Field Maple trees. Downham Hall, now a remnant of the original manor, is also located here.
Downham hosts the Essex Wildlife Centre on Hawkswood Road, providing access to Hanningfield Reservoir’s wildlife, along with a shop and visitor assistance. The village, along with Ramsden Heath and South Hanningfield, boasts well-maintained public footpaths and rights of way for countryside exploration.
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