The tiny Essex village that is even smaller than it was 300 years ago

Berners Roding, Ongar
-Credit:google street view


When you think of a traditional English village, you think of rolling village greens, countryside pubs and cute independent stores. This Essex village, while it has a small tight-knit community, has hardly changed in almost 300 years - and hardly any stores or amenities.

Berners Roding, located in the Epping Forest District, is a tiny village of just 481 people, according to the 2011 census. It has a farm and a fishing tackle shop - and that is about it!

Beyond the Point, an explorer blog, says of Berners Roding: "Berners Roding is a tiny village in the mid-Essex countryside. In fact, it is barely a village at all. Compared to a 1777 map, the village appears to have hardly changed, perhaps even shrunk.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more: The Essex walk through one of the UK's 'best woodlands' with an ancient trail and ending in a cosy pub

Read more: Basildon recycling centre fire sees huge pile of waste in flames

"Consisting of a few farm buildings and a row of houses, it may not even be established enough to be classed as a village if it was not for its now-abandoned All Saints church. The actual church building was deconsecrated in 1985 and unfortunately it has been gradually falling apart ever since."

This mysterious church today lies just off of a public footpath which runs through its graveyard, overseen by Epping Forest Countrycare. Whilst seemingly in reasonable condition at first glance, a peek inside reveals that its western wall is cracked down either side and could give way at any moment!

The pulpit still remains as do several other features and memorials, although for the most part it has been completely stripped. Despite being Grade II listed, its future seems uncertain, although any chance of rescue seems to have flown long ago.

ADVERTISEMENT

Public transport to and from this village is incredibly difficult, as there is just one bus that serves Berners Roding. Most residents use cars as a mode of getting around!

This quiet village life may not appeal to many, as it is rather isolated in terms of transport. However, the green fields that engulf Berners Roding in addition to its quaint countryside homes makes an idyllic location for people looking for some peace and quiet.