Elmdon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elmdon |
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![]() Elmdon village |
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Population | 610 (2011 Census) |
OS grid reference | TL465395 |
District |
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Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | SAFFRON WALDEN |
Postcode district | CB11 |
Dialling code | 01763 |
Police | Essex |
Fire | Essex |
Ambulance | East of England |
EU Parliament | East of England |
UK Parliament |
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Elmdon is a small village in the Uttlesford area of Essex, England. It is located near the borders of Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. The land around Elmdon is quite hilly. This makes it different from the flat countryside found further north.
History of Elmdon
Elmdon has a long and interesting history. A special hill called 'castle hill' still stands today. This was once a Norman fort. It belonged to Robert de Lucy. He was the brother of Richard de Lucy, an important advisor to King Stephen and King Henry II.
Around the year 1180, Robert de Lucy gave the church in Elmdon to Lesnes Abbey. This abbey was founded by his brother, Richard de Lucy.
About a mile west of Elmdon is the highest point in Essex. Here, Eustace II, Count of Boulogne built a moated house called 'Flanders'. Eustace was the father of Matilda of Boulogne. She later became the wife of King Stephen.
Elmdon has two very old and important buildings. They are called Grade II* listed buildings. One is the village church. Most of it was rebuilt in the 1800s, but it stands on very old foundations. The other is Pigots, a large manor house from the early 1500s. The Mead family lived there for over 200 years.
The name Elmdon means 'hill of elms'. Elms are a type of tree. Today, Elmdon has a village hall, a church, and a recreation ground. This ground is used for sports like cricket and football.
Getting Around Elmdon
Elmdon has a bus service, but it does not run very often. The buses can take you to Bishop's Stortford.
There are three roads that lead out of Elmdon. Two of these are smaller roads that go to other villages. The third road helps you get to the nearest train station. This station is Audley End railway station. It is on the West Anglia Main Line.
Utilities and Internet
Elmdon village does not have a main gas supply. Homes in Elmdon use heating oil systems instead.
The village is connected to the internet. This connection comes through the Chrishall exchange. This means homes can get broadband internet using their phone lines. However, there are no cable television services in the village.
Fun and Games in Elmdon
Elmdon has sports teams that play in local leagues. It is also a great place for cross-country running. There are many trails that are between 3 and 30 kilometers long. Some of these trails avoid busy roads.
You can walk or cycle on these trails from March to November. They can get very wet and muddy outside of these months.
The Icknield Way Path goes right through Elmdon. This long path is about 177 kilometers (110 miles) long. It stretches from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath in Suffolk. This path is open for people walking, horse riding, and cycling off-road.