our environment
Around old Springfield
Start anywhere you want along the route but we are going to start outside All Saints Church. This is marked by the Church symbol on the map at the bottom of the page.
1. All Saints Church was built over 1000 years ago by Ralph son of William the Conqueror. You can read the churches history on the All Saints website.
2. Opposite the Church is Dukes Cottages where Oliver Goldsmith a poet in the 1770s is said to have lived. Walk towards Springfield Green and on your left you will see Springfield place, which used to be the home of the Jackson family at the 
turn of last century. It later became a college for students from Marconi's before being converted to flats.
3. Further around the green there is the old Almshouses that were built at the time for those in the parish in need.
4. Head towards the railway bridge and then turn right along the footpath that runs alongside Springfield Green, with the railway to your left hand side. As you leave the green you will see Dukes Priory Hospital, which is a hospital for those with mental health concerns. 
5. Cross over Stump Lane still staying beside the railway. The railway was built in the 1840s with the first through trip from Colchester to London on 27 February 1843. Interestingly the train was late! The time to London from Chelmsford took one hour forty minutes and six trains ran a day. Fares were 1st class 7s, second class 5s 6d and third class 4s 6d. A lot of money in those days.
6. When you get to the road, Arbour Lane turn right and follow the road round the right hand bend into Church Lane. the Tulip Public house on your left is the only pub in England to bear that name. it serves a good pint of beer and usually has beer from The Mighty Oak Brewery in Maldon on sale. 
7. The green space on your right is Pollards Meadow and there used to be natural springs here. Part of the reason why the area is called Springfield and why this area has not been built upon.
The pictures are, from the top: All Saints Church Springfield, Springfield Place, Almshouses, Springfield Green, Springfield Green, The Tulip, Pollards Meadow
