Little Easton

infobox UK place
country = England
static_

static_image_caption =
latitude = 51.892597
longitude = 0.33534
official_name = Little Easton
population =
civil_parish =
shire_district =
shire_county = Essex
region = East of England
constituency_westminster =
post_town = Chelmsford
postcode_district = CM6
postcode_area = CM
dial_code =
os_grid_reference = TL605235

Little Easton is a small village in Essex, England, which dates from the 12th century. The village has a population of just a few hundred people, one pub, "The Stag", and one church [ [http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit_page.jsp?u_id=10239114 A Vision of Britain: information on Little Easton] ] . The village of Great Easton lies one mile (1.6km) to the north.

Little Easton is recorded in the " [Domesday Book] " in 1086 as "Estaines Parva". [ [http://www.manninghouse.co.uk/FamilyTree/Places/LittleEastonChurch.htm Manninghouse.co.uk] ]

During the second world war the US Air Force created an airfield at nearby Easton Lodge, which was the base of the 386th Bomb Group (Marauders) of the 9th AF USAAF. Although the airfield has long been transformed back into fields, the outline of the airport can still be seen from the air, as can be witnessed through Google Earth, just to the right of the current Stansted Airport.

Easton Lodge itself was built in 1597 by Henry Maynard, to replace a medieval manor house which was situated by the church. Most of the original house has been destroyed over the years by fires, but there is a project underway to restore the gardens. [ [http://www.eastonlodge.co.uk/ The Gardens of Easton Lodge A site showcasing the efforts to restore the gardens of Easton Lodge] ] It gave its name to a railway station on the now-closed line between Braintree and Bishops Stortford.

There is also an impressive Manor house in the village, which is not open to the public, although there are several ornamental lakes which are open to the public and can be used for recreation, including fishing.

References