It was sad to read about the (short) lives and deaths of village soldiers in Little Hadham church. Also, it was interesting to see the expensive memorials on the sides of the church, remembering rich parishioners who left money for the "deserving" (in their eyes) poor in their wills. The money was invested in Government gilts or annuities (loans) and the income (3 or 4% pa) used to pay for this relief. Leaving aside the morality of this, I wonder what happened to the capital they had left? This practice of leaving money for the "poor" was relatively common. Will try and find out.
Description
The tiny area of acid grass heathland that survives at Patmore Heath is a now-rare example in south east England of this kind of terrain, with a big variety of plants packed into its nine hectares and newts in the rushy ponds. This circular walk through the nearby countryside also packs in gentle rolling paths with lovely views, picturesque churches, thatched cottages, Tudor mansions and a classic country pub.
By Phoebe Taplin
ROUTE
Start/parking: Patmore Heath; parking on the north side, grid ref TL442258 Is it for me? Mostly good paths and lanes. Can get quite muddy; a couple of gentle climbs.
Stiles: One
PLANNING
Nearest town: Bishop's Stortford
Refreshments: The Catherine Wheel pub near start/end (www.thecatherinewheelalbury.co.uk, 01279 771191)
Public toilets: None
Public transport: Buses from Bishop's Stortford (not Sun). C G Myall runs a couple of buses (No.20) a week to Albury. The 386 (Richmonds) and 351 (Trustybus) run several times a day to Little Hadham (near point 4).
Maps: OS Explorer 167; Landranger 194
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