Hunts of Earls Colne

The Hunts Family were a major family in Earls Colne for over 160 years. The Atlas Works, R.Hunt & Co at one stage employed over half the men in the village, turning Earls Colne from an agricultural to an industrial village. Today, their legacy remains visible in many ways - over 150 houses built by the Hunts, the Library, the Recreation Club & the Atlas works - now a mix of residential and light industrial are just a few examples of their philanthropy. The Heritage Museum itself, is located in the Old Water Tower - in the heart of the Atlas Works.