These fields originally formed part of a large area of land owned by Bicknacre Priory, which dates back to c1150. Part of that land later became known as Priory Farm. The farm was sold in 2001 and 7 acres, including the remaining Priory Arch, were given to the local parish.
Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre Parish Council formed a volunteer group called the Friends of Priory Fields who are responsible for developing and maintaining these peaceful surroundings for the benefit of the local and wider community. In 2007 the Friends purchased a further 25 acres, with the aid of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to create the landscape as seen today.
Following years of research and geophysical tests around the one remaining arch of Bicknacre Priory by the Maldon Archaeological and Historical Group, we have now been given an insight into how the original priory probably looked. Bernard Mutton, a consultant of monastic & ecclesiastical architecture has taken the measurements and findings …
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