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Latchingdon
Latchingdon Sign - geograph.org.uk - 130393.jpg
The village sign at Latchingdon. The street
in the background is Buchanan Way.
Latchingdon is located in Essex
Latchingdon
Latchingdon
Population 1,241 (2011)
OS grid reference TL885005
District
  • Maldon
Shire county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town Chelmsford
Postcode district CM3
Dialling code 01621
Police Essex
Fire Essex
Ambulance East of England
EU Parliament East of England
UK Parliament
  • Maldon and East Chelmsford
List of places
UK
England
Essex
51°40′17″N 0°43′34″E / 51.671278°N 0.726128°E / 51.671278; 0.726128

Latchingdon is a small village in Essex, England. It is located on the Dengie Peninsula, south of the city of Chelmsford. The village is known for its quiet charm and interesting history.

The name 'Latchingdon' has a long history. It was first recorded in 1065 as Laecedune. Later, in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, it appeared as Lacenduna. Experts believe the name might come from an old English word, *læcce*, which means 'a trap'. So, 'Latchingdon' could mean 'hill with a trap'. This trap was likely used to catch animals.

Village Churches

Latchingdon has a few interesting churches, each with its own story.

Christ Church

The village's Christ Church was built in 1857. It features a special type of bell tower called an Essex bell-cote. This church is still an important part of the community today.

St Michael's Church

St Michael's Church is much older, built in the late 1200s. Its use became limited after Christ Church was built. This was because the village population grew, and Christ Church was more central. St Michael's was used as a chapel for burials for a while. In the late 1950s, it was no longer used as a church. In 1976, it was changed into a private home.

Congregational Church

A Congregational Church was also built in Latchingdon. However, it later closed down. This building is now also a private house.

Village Support and Governance

Villages like Latchingdon have ways of supporting their residents and managing local affairs.

Helping Those in Need

In the past, under a system called the Poor Law of 1834, Latchingdon and a nearby area called Snoreham worked together. They became part of the Maldon Union. This system helped to provide support for people in need within the community.

Parish Council Meetings

The Latchingdon Parish Council helps run the village. This council meets every month. Their meetings take place at the Latchingdon village hall. They discuss important local matters and make decisions for the community.

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