A little history of Greensted, Essex, England

Greensted, Essex, England

Greensted is a small village in the civil parish of Ongar, within the Epping Forest District of Essex, England. Historically, it was a separate civil parish until its merger with Ongar in 1965, though it remains an ecclesiastical parish under the name Greensted-juxta-Ongar. The village is situated approximately one mile west of Chipping Ongar, along Greensted Road, with the hamlet of Greensted Green located slightly further west.

The name "Greensted" derives from Old English, meaning "green place," reflecting its location within a natural clearing in the dense Epping Forest. The area has a rich history, with evidence of a church existing since Saxon times. Archaeological excavations beneath the current church have uncovered earlier timber structures dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The present church, dedicated to St. Andrew, is reputedly the oldest surviving wooden church in the world, with its nave constructed from large split oak tree trunks.

In 1086, during the Domesday survey, Greensted was recorded as a manor held by Haimo the sheriff, Ralph of Marcy, and Serlo. The settlement was assessed at 2.87 hides for tax, with a recorded population of 41 heads of household, including villagers, smallholders, and slaves. The manor was valued at 8 pounds in 1086, indicating its significance during that period.

Over the centuries, Greensted has maintained its historical charm, with landmarks such as Greensted Hall, a large house adjacent to the church, and the surrounding natural beauty of Epping Forest. Today, it remains a picturesque village that offers a glimpse into England's rich past.