Easy hikes and walks around Little Easton

St Mary the Virgin is an unusual church, built in three stages with completely different styles. The 13th-century nave is the oldest section, with a wonderful main window. The porch is 17th century, with the tower added in the 18th century. The brick extension was added in the Victorian period.

These ponds were part of the formal gardens of Little Easton Manor. They are still part of the estate, currently used as fishing lakes. The pond at the road is called Horse Pond with the larger pond to the north called Great Pond.

Sign and view on the Filtch Way, next to the entrance into Hatfield Forest.

15th-century village pub. Cosy. Tables outside.

Hiking boots.

St John The Evangelist Church, Bush End In 1850’s there was a move by the gentry to construct Churches to provide a Christian faith for the less fortunate. On Friday 5th August 1859 the consecration of this neat little structure, situated in the ancient forest of Hatfield, and on what was formerly considered the most wild and destitute part of the parish. Two notable men lay at the heart of the Church. These being: John Archer Houblon Rev. Thomas Francis Hall The early years…….  The church was built in the Gothic style favoured at that time  The foundation stone was laid on 8th July 1856 and can be seen on the outside of the south-east end of the church, it reads:  “To the glory of the eternal Trinity. This dedication stone of the church of St John the Evangelist was laid July 8 1856 by Sarah daughter of the late Stanes Chamberlyne Esq. formerly of the Ryes in this parish”. The connection with Hatfield Forest The names of the Houblon family and the Rev T Hall occur many times in the history of the church. The Houblon family owned Hallingbury Park that once stood adjacent to the forest. It was used as a hunting forest and they enjoyed country pursuits by the lake. Indeed the famous landscape gardener Capability Brown redesigned the lake and surrounding parkland. The stained glass windows of the apse of St Peter was presented by Georgina Anne Archer Houblon in 1857. The centre window is that of the patronal dedication - St John the Evangelist. This was given in memory of Robert Impey first born child of Thomas Hall MA Vicar of the parish and Mary Phillippa his wife. The right hand window was presented by Joseph Clarke Esq. the Diocesan architect in 1844. There are also two in Hatfield Heath church in memory of Mr Hall’s infant daughter Mary jane who died from scarlet fever in 1844. Mr Hall himself died in 1858 one year before the consecration of the two churches that he brought into being. Indeed it was said that he died in consequence from anxiety, of frequent disappointment and of over exertion in his endeavors to get the churches built! Mr Houblon indeed was to say at the consecration “….had he lived to see these churches consecrated he was sure it would have been one of the happiest days of his life.” The Parish of Bush End…. The power of faith….  In 1864 Bush End became a separate parish but was resided by the vicar of Hatfield Broad oak as was Hatfield Heath. In 1929 the living became vacant and since that date has been linked with that of Broad Oak. Indeed the name Broad Oak is linked to that of the famous Doodle Oak tree that stood in the Hatfield Forest parkland.  The church has an early english inscription of the ten commandments written in red and black. It is worthy of record that whereas the neighbourhood used formerly to be the most notorious for thieves, poachers and deer stealers, not one of the reverend’s gentlemen’s flock has been before the magistrate since the vicar was resident within them! Dedication of organ as a war memorial at Bush End….. Within the church there once was a church organ donated by the Rev. F W Galpin as a memorial to those who fell in the great war 1914-1919 within the parish. The only evidence today is the brass plaque that would have been located on the organ. It’s cost was £200 but sadly this memorial was either sold or donated to another church.