Pleshey Castle and Essex Way

The village can trace its history back as far as the Iron Age, when the outer ditch of the fortifications was first dug. Later, the site was used by the Romans. It was the Normans who gave the village its name, which is derived from the French word 'plessis', meaning an enclosed space. The entire village is surrounded by an outer rampart and ditch. This was constructed on the orders of Geoffrey de Mandeville, who was given the manor of Pleshey by William the Conqueror in about 1100.

The walk begins at the pretty but simple Holy Trininty church, where a stained glass window is dedicated to John Tufnell, who died in 1864. His ancestors rebuilt the church in 1725.

From the church, the route follows the huge earthwork, which is now almost totally overgrown. Large trees are growing within the ditch, which would have been kept clear of vegetation when the defences were in use. However, it is still possible to see the extent of the defences, and easy to imagine how impressive they must have been.

The walk continues along part of the Essex Way, then passes a willow plantation. The trees are grown to make cricket bats and to provide cover for breeding pheasants. Willows, a feature of this walk, line the course of Walthambury Brook.

You returned to Pleshey along an old bridleway, now hardly used. It is full of wild scabious and numerous butterflies in summer. The route continues to the centre of the picturesque village, and takes in the Pleshey Mount viewing area. Beautifully landscaped, this provides a fine vantage point from which to admire the impressive moat and mound.

On the way back to the starting point, you passed the mound itself, which may be seen by appointment. The bridge over the moat gives access to a gap in the outer mound, allowing a view of the inner area and central mound. Now a peaceful scene, with greazing sheep, it quite modesty belies the fact that it is one of England's most impressive Norman baronial castle earthworks.