Wicken Bonhunt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wicken Bonhunt |
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 St Margaret's Church, Wicken Bonhunt |
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 Wicken Bonhunt
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| Population | 223 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TL4988733346 |
| • London | 35 mi (56 km) SSW |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SAFFRON WALDEN |
| Postcode district | CB11 |
| Dialling code | 01799 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Wicken Bonhunt is a small village in the northwest part of Essex, England. It is located in the Uttlesford area. The village sits along the B1038 road, between the larger villages of Newport and Clavering.
The closest town to Wicken Bonhunt is Saffron Walden, which is about 5 miles (8 km) away. Stansted Airport is also nearby, roughly 10 miles (16 km) from the village. In 2011, the village had a population of 223 people.
The Story of Wicken Bonhunt
Wicken Bonhunt might have started as two separate places long ago. Its name probably comes from old English words. Wic means "dairy farm," and bann-huntan refers to "huntsmen who could be called upon."
The village is mentioned in the famous Domesday Book. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086. In the Domesday Book, Wicken Bonhunt was listed as 'Wica' and 'Banhunta'. It had 23 households, including villagers, small farmers, and slaves. Later, in 1238, it was called 'Wykes Bonhunte' in official records.
Ancient Buildings and Discoveries
One of the oldest buildings in eastern England is found here. It is the former Chapel of St Helen. This chapel dates back to the 10th or 11th century. It is located on the grounds of Bonhunt Farm. People still hold an annual service at this historic site.
In the 1970s, during the building of the M11 motorway, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They found signs of a large settlement from the Middle Saxon period. This was in the fields near the Chapel. They uncovered about 30 structures, including a long room. The items found suggested it might have been a royal manor.
St Margaret's Church
The Parish Church of St Margaret is another important old building. Some parts of the church, like the chancel, are from the early 13th century. The church was greatly repaired and rebuilt in the 1850s. It was designed to look like a 14th-century building.
St Margaret's Church is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building. Inside, you can see a font that is believed to be from the 12th century. Another old building in the village is the Brick House, a Grade II* listed building from the 16th century.
What Can You Find in Wicken Bonhunt?
Wicken Bonhunt has a local pub, which used to be called the Coach & Horses. It reopened in 2012 as a Thai food pub. It serves delicious Thai food and traditional real ales.
A place called Wicken House used to be a study center for young people. It closed in 2008 and was sold in 2009. However, the village got a new community center in February 2012. This new "hub" is located at St Margaret's Church.
The project cost £200,000 and received grants from Essex County Council. This new center is a meeting place for youth and community events. It helps bring people together in the village.
See also
In Spanish: Wicken Bonhunt para niños
