Stondon Massey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stondon Massey |
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 The Bricklayers Arms, Stondon Massey |
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 Stondon Massey
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| Population | 767 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TL584004 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BRENTWOOD |
| Postcode district | CM15 |
| Dialling code | 01277 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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| Website | Stondon Massey Parish Council |
Stondon Massey is a small village in Essex, England. It is located north of Brentwood, between the villages of Blackmore and Doddinghurst. Stondon Massey is also a civil parish, which is a local government area.
Every year, the village holds a fun event called a village fete on the village green. In 2006, Stondon Massey was even named the winner of the "Best Kept Village" competition in its group for Essex!
Contents
Village Name and History
What Does "Stondon" Mean?
The name "Stondon" comes from old English words meaning "stone hill." Long ago, a Saxon settlement was built near where the church of St Peter's & St Paul's stands today. This church dates back to the 12th century. A low, gravelly hill was known as a 'down', which led to the name Stondon.
The "Massey" Part
The second part of the name, "Massey," comes from a Norman knight named Serlo de Marcy. He lived in a place called Marks Hall in Margaret Roding.
Old Houses and Famous Residents
Over time, three large country houses, known as manor houses, have stood in Stondon Massey. The oldest one is Stondon Hall, which is near the church. Part of this hall was built in the 15th century.
Another important house was Stondon Place. It started as a farmhouse but was rebuilt around 1707. After a fire, it was rebuilt again around 1880. From 1593 to 1623, Stondon Place was the home of William Byrd. He was a very famous English composer from the Tudor period, known for his beautiful music. He is likely buried near the church.
The Village Church
The church of St Peter and St Paul is very old. It still has parts from the year 1100, including its main hall (nave) and altar area (chancel), and some original round-shaped arches. Inside, you can see old brass plaques. One from 1570 honors John Carre, a London merchant, showing him and his two wives. Another from 1573 is for Rainold Hollingsworth.
A church leader named Nathaniel Ward was the Rector of Stondon from 1623 to 1633. He had to leave his position because he did not agree with some church rules. He later moved to New England in America and helped create the first set of laws for Massachusetts in 1641.
Village Growth
The main part of Stondon Massey village is now about a mile south of the old church. This change likely happened after the Black Death plague in 1350. Stondon Massey is still mostly a countryside area. However, some new houses have been built there over the last 30 years.
Sports in Stondon Massey
Greyhound Racing History
For a short time in 1928, there was a greyhound racing track at Brook Farm. This track was a grass circuit where dogs raced. It was an independent track, meaning it wasn't part of the main racing organization. These types of tracks were often called "flapping tracks." The track, known as Stondon and Blackmore, held races for two summers and was quite popular.
