Whispers of the Past: Unravelling the ghosts of Bicknacre Priory (Part One)
Bicknacre Priory today In a long forgotten meadow, deep in the wilds of Essex, stands a lonely stone arch, holding stubbornly steadfast against the elements, the solitary remains of what was Wodeham Priory, perhaps better known in contemporary times as Bicknacre Priory, which was first adopted in the 13th Century. The arch, or more correctly, the western arch of the central crossing of the church, to the Nave, is the only remains of the Priory still left today, with even the stone foundations being robbed at some point in the past. An 1832 engraving of Bicknacre Priory Thankfully, the arch was preserved by the then landowner, in 1830, who thankfully had the foresight to protect it for future generations by fitting an iron tie-rod, around the top section of the arch and, tiling the exposed upper surface. Both protective measures can still be seen, in situ, today. Historical background Sadly, very little of the Priory’s history is known today, the majority of records being lost over...