Little Maplestead facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Little Maplestead
Church of St John the Baptist
Little Maplestead
Population	294 (2001) 270 (2011)
OS grid reference	TL8234
Civil parish	Little Maplestead
District	Braintree
Shire county	Essex
Region	East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	HALSTEAD
Postcode district	CO9
Dialling code	01787
Police	Essex
Fire	Essex
Ambulance	East of England
EU Parliament	East of England
UK Parliament	Braintree
List of places UK England Essex 51°58′29″N 0°39′17″E / 51.9748°N 0.6546°E / 51.9748; 0.6546

Little Maplestead is a small village in Essex, England. It is part of the Braintree area. A civil parish is a local government area, and Little Maplestead has its own.

What to See in Little Maplestead

Little Maplestead has a rich history. It was once home to a special building belonging to the Knights Hospitaller. These were a group of knights who helped sick and injured people during the Middle Ages. Their building here was called Little Maplestead Preceptory.

The Round Church

The most famous building in Little Maplestead is the parish church of St John the Baptist. It's very special because it's one of only four medieval round churches still standing in England! The Knights Hospitaller built this church around 1335.

The main part of the church, called the nave, is circular. It has six arched sections inside. The church was mostly rebuilt between 1849 and 1855, but its unique round shape and many old features remain. This church is so important that it is a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a very important historic building.

In 2013, the church received £5,000 from the National Churches Trust. This money helped with a big project to restore the church. They needed to raise £100,000 in total for the repairs.

In 1836, a man named William Wallen wrote a book about the history of this round church.

Annual Service

Every year, on the first Sunday in June, a special event happens at the church. The Order of St John in Essex holds an annual service. Knights and other important people from the Order wear their formal, ceremonial cloaks for a procession.

Famous People from Little Maplestead

Some well-known people have lived in Little Maplestead. These include:

• Matt Cardle, who won X Factor in 2010.
• Barbara Hicks, an actress.
• David Price, a former World and European Bridge Champion.

Location

		Wickham St. Paul
	Great Maplestead		Pebmarsh
		Little Maplestead
		Halstead