Chrishall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chrishall |
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 Holy Trinity Church, Chrishall |
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 Chrishall
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| Population | 555 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TL446392 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ROYSTON |
| Postcode district | SG8 |
| Dialling code | 01763 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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| Website | Chrishall Parish Council |
Chrishall (pronounced Chris hall) is a small village in Essex, England. It's part of the Uttlesford area. The village is close to the borders of Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. It is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Cambridge. Chrishall is also about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the old market towns of Saffron Walden and Royston.
The village was first mentioned in the Domesday Book as Cristeshalla. This name means "nook of land dedicated to Christ." Later, in 1422, it was called "Cristeshale." The Icknield Way, a very old path from the Stone Age, goes through the area.
Chrishall is special because it sits at the highest point in Essex. It is 147 meters (482 feet) above sea level. Because of this high ground, main roads tend to go around it. This means Chrishall is a bit "off the beaten track." Even so, the village has a pre-school and a primary school. It also has a sports field, a new playground, a church, and a village hall. There are many clubs and groups, plus a pub called the Red Cow.
The number of people living in Chrishall has stayed much the same for a long time. In 1841, there were 518 residents. Today, about 450 people live in the village. A famous person from Chrishall is the English composer, John Rutter.
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Exploring Chrishall's Past
After the Norman Conquest (when William the Conqueror took over England), the land around Chrishall was given to Eustace of Boulogne. He built a house on a hill south of where the church is now. He called his house "Flanders." His daughter, Matilda of Boulogne, grew up there. Matilda later became the wife of King Stephen. A letter from Queen Matilda still exists. In it, she asked for the people of Chrishall to be taken care of. The house was around until the 1400s. It is thought to have been on the same spot where Chiswick Hall was built later.
Chrishall has had a church for over a thousand years. Before the Normans arrived, there was a small church. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and stood where the current church is today.
The church you see now was started in the 1100s. It has a main area (nave), side sections (aisles), a special area for the altar (chancel), and a stone tower. The tower holds six bells. Long ago, this church was connected to Westminster Abbey in London. Inside the church, you can find special metal pictures called monumental brasses. One important brass remembers Sir John de la Pole and his wife from 1380.
Chrishall Common: Essex's Highest Point
On the edge of Chrishall parish is Chrishall Common. This hill is 147 meters (482 feet) high. This makes it the highest point in all of Essex. It is also the highest point in the wider region of East Anglia.
Important Buildings in Chrishall
The village has several important places. These include a pub, a church, a primary school, a village hall, and an adventure playground.
The barn connected to The Red Cow pub is the oldest building in Chrishall, besides the church. It is thought to be from the year 1500. There used to be a village shop in front of the pub, but it is now closed.
Holy Trinity Church is a very old building. It was built in the 1100s and is a Grade I Listed Building. This means it's a very important historic building. The church is located at the edge of the main village. You can find many pictures and a detailed history of Holy Trinity Church on the parish website.
In the middle of the village, you'll find Chrishall Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas C of E Primary School. Nearby are Jigney's meadow and the adventure playground, which is a fun spot for kids.
The village hall has recently moved. It is now located in the old Methodist chapel in an area called Crawley End.
Chrishall in Stories
Chrishall is believed to be the setting for a short ghost story. It's called The Story of a Disappearance and an Appearance. The famous ghost story writer M.R. James wrote it. The story was published in 1919 in his book A Thin Ghost and Others. It's told through letters, and the first letter is sent from 'Great Chrishall'.
