HELIONS BUMPSTEAD: Braintree Parish #1 of 63

HELIONS BUMPSTEAD – Reedy Place, belonging to the de Helion Family Right then Essex, its been a number of years since I was here, so it feels like we need to make up for a bit of lost time. We’re here all week, but let’s start with where we are today. This is the brilliantly named Helions Bumpstead, in the north‑west corner of Essex, close to the Suffolk border. The name has a long tale behind it. “Bumpstead” is thought to come from Old English words meaning “reedy place” or “place by the valley.” The “Helions” part arrived later, taken from the de Helion family. They were Norman landholders who settled here after the Conquest. There are two Bumpsteads in this area. The other one is a far larger village than this – and we’ll see it tomorrow. Both had early farming long before the Domesday survey, which recorded them as part of a wider estate held by Ralph de Limesy. Defining Helions Bumpstead now, is something far younger. Just outside the village is an old airfield. Built during the Second World War, it played a role in training and support work. Parts of it survive as tracks, buildings, and open ground – but its not actually in the parish. We’ll cover it in a later episode but no fear, there’s plenty more to spot as we wander around this one, which all add character. St Andrew’s Church is the best. Standing on a rise, with a tower that can be seen across the fields, the locals know it as The Fairytale Church. Work here has always centred on the land. Farming dominated for centuries, and today, agriculture still plays a big part, but its joined by small local businesses, workshops, and people who commute to nearby towns. ---- A few well‑known names have passed through Helions. One of the most noted was the aviator Claude Grahame‑White, who used the airfield during wartime training. Local records also mention writers, artists, and campaigners who a bit more of a quiet life in the area. Folklore pops up too. There’s a brilliant legend about some hidden treasure buried near this one’s ancient boundaries, and there’s a long‑told rumour of a spectral horseman seen on misty evenings near the green. Believe what you will. In recent years, local news has focused on planning issues, road safety concerns, and the upkeep of historic features like the stocks and the green. There have also been discussions about protecting footpaths and wildlife corridors. Helions Bumpstead therefore, is no different to any average Essex village, but I’ll do my best to put this one on the map in its own right. If nothing else that its a place where the past sits comfortably alongside the present, giving us plenty to look. Lets get going. **** #HelionsBumpstead, #SteepleBumpstead, #Bumpstead, #Essex, #Braintree, #Haverhill, #Churches, #Halls, #Chapels, #Pubs, #Moats, #Cricket, #Windmills, #Riots, **** Some of the following music tracks may appear in this video: Brendan Perkins - “Foxsnow” (B. Perkins)    • Foxsnow   Brendan Perkins - “Mickey's House” (B. Perkins)    • Mickey's House   The Keyhouse - "Voices" (H. Flunder)    • Voices   The Keyhouse - "Circles" (H. Flunder)    • The Keyhouse - Circles (official audio)   Helen Flunder - "Sun" (H. Flunder)    • Helen Flunder - 'Sun' (Official Audio)   Helen Flunder - “Angels” (H. Flunder)    • Helen Flunder - Angels (Official Audio)   Helen Flunder - “C Song” (H. Flunder)    • Caistor and the Lincolnshire Wolds   Ending Song made by Suno AI I have me a Facebook page too!   / the-village-idiot-226069228730989   And now an INSTAGRAM - @andythevillageidiot Come and join The Village People! (Subscribers only!)   / 1037756120085304   Please consider buying me a coffee to support the channel! The more I get the faster I'll get to your parish! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thevilla... Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @thevillageidiot