England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Langham St Mary

The Parish

The parish of Langham lies in the extreme north of Essex, indeed it forms part of the border with neighbouring Suffolk. Langham is located about 5 miles north of Colchester and sits just west of the bust A12 dual carriageway which connects London with Lowestoft. Langham has a distinct centre, in the southern part of the parish, but is a rather dispersed settlement spread parallel to the A12 as north as the banks of the River Stour, the iconic Dedham Vale of Constable fame. Langham's economy would have been farming based, arable on higher ground with pastures in the valley bottoms. Today little has changed although many of the farms are now exclusive dwellings, a process aided by the commuters attracted by the the communication of not only the A12 but also the nearby station of Manningtree with connections to the capital. Langham is drained to the east by a small tributary of the Stour and both soon reach the North Sea through the port of Harwich. Langham is sited at around 40 metres above the sea, the area is gentle rolling, a familiar scene from Constable's paintings. Langham parish was of a fairly typical size for the area, it covered just under 3,000 acres and would have supported a population of just over 800 parishioners. In Domesday time Langham by one Richard, the son of Count Gilbert, it could offer 8 ploughs, small meadows & woodland plus 2 mills and an impressive array of livestock topped by 1,000 pigs.

The Church

St Mary's church sits in the northernmost part of Langham parish and is a mile and a half from the notional centre of the village. The church stands within the grounds of the 18th century Langham Hall. The church has been here for a very long time, the Norman style nave incorporates Roman brickwork. The western tower has a 13th century date and the nave was rebuilt and extended to reach it. From the 14th century comes the aisles and chancel, in the Decorated style of that period. As usual a Victorian restoration took place, this time in the 1860s when the northern & southern porches were added. The church is approached through the white painted gates of the hall along a lengthy tree-lined driveway eventually bending right to reach the church. The area is a popular local walking area and both Essex Way and Stour Valley Path pass close by to the church. A small parking area can be found close to the church which stands in an extensive and mostly open setting allowing good photographic angles.