Middleton, Essex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middleton |
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 All Saints' Church, Middleton |
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| OS grid reference | TL870395 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SUDBURY |
| Postcode district | CO10 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Middleton is a small village and civil parish in the Braintree District of Essex, England. It is located about 1 kilometer (1 mile) south of the Ballingdon area of Sudbury. The village's parish stretches about 2 kilometers (1 mile) from east to west and less than 1 mile from north to south. It shares borders with Suffolk county to the north and east. The River Stour also forms the eastern border of the parish.
Contents
A Look at Middleton's Past
Middleton has a history that shows how life changed over the years.
Schools in Middleton
In 1818, there were about 90 people living in Middleton, but there was no school for the children. Later, things changed!
- In 1875, a "National School" was built. It could teach up to 40 children.
- By 1914, this school had become a "Public Elementary School," showing how education was developing in the area.
Old Businesses and Farms
In the past, Middleton was mainly a farming area.
- In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the main businesses were farms.
- Middleton Hall Farm, in the north of the parish, had a turkey farm and a company that sold vehicles.
- Over time, other small businesses appeared, like a carpenter in 1894 and a baker in 1902.
Village Size and Population
The size of Middleton parish was around 868 to 890 acres (about 3.5 to 3.6 square kilometers) at the end of the 19th century.
- The soil in the area was a mix of clay, loam, and gravel. Farmers grew crops like wheat, barley, beans, and turnips.
- Between 1881 and 1911, the number of people living in Middleton decreased from 165 to 133.
All Saints' Church
The Parish Church of All Saints' is a very old and important building in Middleton.
- It dates back to the mid-12th century, which means it's nearly 900 years old!
- The church is a Grade I listed building, meaning it's considered very special and protected.
- Inside the church, there's a 14th-century Purbeck marble floor slab. It marks the grave of a rector (a type of priest) of Middleton who died in 1349.
- The church's records, called the parish register, go all the way back to 1700.
- All Saints' Church was repaired and updated in the 19th century. During this time, parts like the bell tower and south porch were rebuilt.
- In 1882, a painting of the Annunciation (a religious scene) was reported to be above the church's chancel arch. Some thought it might have been painted by a 16th-century artist named Andrea Schiavone.
Historic Buildings in Middleton
Besides the church, Middleton has other interesting old buildings.
Middleton Hall
- Middleton Hall was built in 1864.
- It is partly surrounded by an old, rectangular moat, which is a ditch filled with water that used to protect buildings. This moat is a listed monument.
Other Listed Buildings
- About 250 meters (273 yards) southeast of the church, there's a Grade II listed thatched cottage. It has two stories and dates back to the 17th century.
- South of the church, about 60 meters (66 yards) away, is Queens Beeches. This is a Grade II listed house built in the early 19th century. It's made of grey brick and has attached stables and a carriage house.
