Little Totham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Totham |
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 The Swan |
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 Little Totham
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| Population | 400 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TL889118 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Maldon |
| Postcode district | CM9 |
| Dialling code | 01621 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Little Totham is a small village located in Essex, England. In 2011, about 400 people lived here. The village stretches from the wide open lands near Tiptree all the way down to the River Blackwater.
Little Totham is about 6 miles (10 km) from Maldon and 5 miles (8 km) from Tiptree. It sits on a quiet road between Goldhanger and the main road that goes from Maldon to Colchester. The village is part of the Maldon District Council area.
Most people in Little Totham live near the main road. This road runs past a well-known building called The Swan and a children's play area. The rest of the village area is mostly farmland. The roads and fields still look much like they did way back in 1086, when the Domesday Book was written.
Contents
Discovering Little Totham's Past
Little Totham has a long and interesting history. Some of its oldest buildings, like the halls of Little Totham and Rook Hall, date back to the 1100s.
Ancient Church and Its Secrets
The parish church of All Saints is very old. You can see its 12th-century style in the doorways. This church is right next to Little Totham Hall (Farm). It has a friendly community that helps people and organizes activities. Inside, you can find one of the oldest stone doorways in the country. It was built around 1085 AD! The church also has a detailed history document you can read.
Smugglers and Bronze Age Life
The main road through the village today was once a secret path. Smugglers used it to bring goods like fancy fabrics from the River Blackwater. They would then trade these items for money on the open plains.
People have lived in Little Totham for a very long time. Near the River Blackwater and Osea Island, there is proof of people living here 6,000 years ago. This was during the Bronze Age. They even melted metals using wood from the huge forests that once covered the area.
Village Growth and Old Buildings
The main farms in the area started developing in the 11th century. Life in the village revolved around these farms for a long time. Then, in the late 1500s, more homes were built along the old smugglers' route.
One famous old building is the White Horse. It is now a private home called the White House. But it used to be a place where travelers could stay and eat until the early 1900s. There are many walking paths around the area. These paths were first made by farm workers walking to and from their jobs.
Little Totham has always had people who moved around for work. This included farm workers and smugglers. They often rested for a while on the wide open lands known as 'The Plains'. These plains are some of the largest common lands in the country. They are great for pleasant walks.
How the Village Changed Over Time
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, more homes for farm workers were built. These were located around the main road, and the village grew bigger. Around this time, three more places to get drinks opened up for the thirsty workers.
The Swan, a building from the 1600s, became a well-known gathering place. Further along the road, the White Hart used to be a similar spot but is now gone. On Plains Road, The Eagle (now a private house) served travelers who came to work on the land during certain seasons.
During this period, a special church called the Peculiar People's Chapel was built on the common. It is still an active Evangelical Church today.
Little Totham Today
Today, Little Totham is a mix of old houses and newer buildings. The people living here are also a mix. Some work from home, while others travel to nearby towns like Maldon, Witham, Chelmsford, Colchester, or even London for work. There are also retired people and skilled craftspeople.
The farms in the area are still active. They mainly grow crops like cereals and rape. You can also find farms with chickens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. Some land has been changed from farming. Gravel was dug out, and the land was turned into lakes. These lakes are now used for nature trails and fishing.
Fun Events: Car Show and Fête
Every year, Little Totham hosts two exciting events on the Village Green. There is a Classic Car Show and a Village Fête.
The Car Show always brings a lot of attention to the village. The Fête is also very popular. Many amazing cars show up, from very old ones made in the 1920s to cars from the 1980s.
These events are currently organized by David Oram and his family. They work together with the team from All Saints’ Church and the parish council to make sure everyone has a great time.
See also
In Spanish: Little Totham para niños
