In December 2003, I enjoyed a day tour around The Rodings, taking in several of the ancient churches and a couple of good old pubs. Essex historian Peter Foley provided expert suggestions on places to visit, and a historical booklet he wrote some years before titled "The Rodings - Eight Ancient Parishes of Essex and a Lost Hamlet." This was extremely interesting in adding historical context to the area and the places visited.
The Rodings is the name given to an area of Essex, England, about 30 miles North East of the City of London. It's name almost certainly commemorates the Saxon Chieftain `Hroda` and his people, collectively `the Hrodingas`, who settled this land when Essex was still pagan country. The place names we know today are listed in `The Domesday Book`. The area is dissected by the River Roding, and the old "Venta to Londinium" Roman Road, the river and road crossing at the area's centre.
The churches in the Rodings are extremely old, and they are also extremely well maintained, making for a fascinating visit. The nave in the St Andrews church of Willingale was built in the early 12th century and stands today, together with 12th century north door. The parish registers date back to the 1500's.
The sense of `ancient, yet ordinary, history` (a history largely therefore untold), a peacefulness about the place, almost seeming remote despite it's proximity to London, the green and pleasing countryside, narrow twisting roads, ancient churches, and old low ceiling pubs all combine to help make The Rodings experience. It is in largest part to the writing of Peter Foley that I owe my debt for enhancing this sense of history and creating for me a special aura about the place.
The Black Lion Inn in High Roding was particularly good pub for a pint and lunch, and has been on subsequent visits.
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