|
It is in essence, a
traditional English village with its pub, corner
shop, church and village green. Surely nowhere else
in the Borough of Thurrock can there be a more
picturesque group of 17th and 18th century cottages,
so well preserved and lovingly looked after.
All the houses on the north side of the central High
Road (formerly called Stifford Street) look out over
the Mardyke River valley which is rich in an
abundance of wildlife, trees, wild flowers and
plants.
As you enter the village from the east you will find
the Park Inn (formerly the
Stifford Lodge)
nestled behind the trees.
Then on the left we see
St Mary's, an 11th Century
Church.
Further on is the village green, cricket ground,
village hall and children's play area.
Next on the right is the
Dog & Partridge Pub.
Opposite there is one corner shop which is
a general store and off licence.
Fortunately, over the years, the
houses which have been built between
the old cottages have mostly been
designed in a thoughtful and
tasteful way. The old and the new
buildings now stand side by side,
blending together in relative
harmony.
|