About the History Centre
Since the beginning of the 20th century many people including some eminent local historians, have been interested in researching and documenting the story of Little Baddow. This has generated a large collection of photographs, pictures, maps and documents which form Little Baddow’s “Parish Chest”.
For some years the possibility of providing purpose-built accommodation for these records was discussed. Led by the URC who agreed to release some land and act as guarantors for the project, the History Centre was completed in 2004 following a local fund-raising appeal and receipt of grant awards. Our first programme of exhibitions and events began in February 2005.
The History Centre is managed by a committee of representatives from the village. It is run by volunteers and its running costs are met by donations.
The American Connection
Two of America’s founding fathers are believed to have taught at a non-conformist school in Little Baddow. Thomas Hooker became ‘The Father of American Democracy’ and John Eliot the ‘Apostle to the North American Indians’. Links between Little Baddow and North America have been re-established through the United Reformed Church.
In the religious turmoil of the 17th century, Little Baddow strongly supported non-conformist ideas. The Chapel, now the United Reformed Church, was built in 1707 and is one of the earliest non-conformist chapels in Essex with a fascinating history.
Educational Resources
Little Baddow History Centre offers an ideal resource for schools and other organisations. As well as our advertised exhibitions, we have others, some organised by the United Reformed Church, which can be displayed as required to meet the needs of specific interest groups.
Would you like to join us?
The History Centre is run by a team of volunteers who archive the many photos, articles and pieces of local information that come to us, produce the exhibitions and events, staff the centre during its regular opening hours, and answer queries about Little Baddow, its houses and its families, that are sent to us.
Volunteers work together in small groups on projects, learning from one another as they discover more material on the village. From April to October, these sessions take place when the History Centre is open. During the winter months, we generally meet on Thursday mornings from 10am to noon.
Each session is an opportunity to get together over a coffee or tea, to chat and to share our interest in the history of Little Baddow. If you would like to join us please send us an email. No experience is necessary, simply a desire to explore and celebrate the history of Little Baddow.
There is plenty to do and you will be very welcome!