Earls Colne offers several ways to explore the area’s history: a church with features from different centuries, a Norman priory, a long Quaker tradition and a local history museum. There is also a nature reserve and numerous walking trails in the surrounding countryside. During your stay, you can choose what to focus on, from architectural history and religious history to exploring the outdoors.
Church and priory: different historical layers
The Parish Church of St Andrew has features dating from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, as well as earlier origins. The nave roof dates from the 16th century. For those interested in architecture, it is worth distinguishing between these details: they describe both the church’s longer building history and a specific feature with its own date.
Another historical landmark is Earls Colne Priory, a well-documented Norman priory. Its history spans from its foundation in the 12th century to its destruction in the 16th century. The priory is located 500 metres east of the village of Earls Colne, on the western bank of the River Colne. This places the site of the former priory in clear relation to the village and the riverbank.
Quaker history and local museum
Worship has taken place at the Earls Colne Quaker Meeting House site since the 1670s. The current building was probably built around 1733, replacing an earlier building from 1674. These two dates tell different parts of the story: worship at the site dates back further than the current building. Worship takes place every Sunday at 10:30 am; everyone is welcome. Check the current schedule before you travel.
The Earls Colne Heritage Museum operates and manages a local history museum at the Old Water Tower, 1 Reuben Walk. This provides a dedicated place to explore the area’s history alongside its church and religious history. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.
Trails and countryside
Brickfield and Long Meadow Local Nature Reserve lies south of Park Lane in Earls Colne. Numerous walking trails make it possible to explore the surrounding countryside. The River Colne also winds through the grounds of Colne Valley Golf Club.
Earls Colne can be reached via the A1124. Braintree is the nearest railway station; check current train services separately for your travel date. The historical and natural attractions mentioned offer different ways to plan your visit. If you are looking for a hotel in Earls Colne, first consider whether churches and Quaker history, the local museum, or walking trails and countryside will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Great Yeldham, St Lawrence, Broxted, Brightlingsea, Witham, Dedham, Colchester, Coggeshall.
For the main travel overview: Essex.
