parishes , including Saffron Walden and the surrounding parishes . Whilst the whole area enjoys a recurring set of special characteristics , each parish has its own identity . We hope that our initiative will encourage both residents and visitors to learn more about the area and will inspire them to explore and cherish it .

Our website www . hundredparishes . org . uk explains the idea more fully . It includes an introduction to each parish , a series of walks from railway stations and a short introduction to a number of notable people associated with the area . The website shows local attractions and there is a ‘ What ’ s On ’ page that lists forthcoming events that offer opportunities to learn more and to get to places that you may not know .

The Society is a registered charity and the website includes details of how to become a member for a nominal subscription of £ 10 a year per family or organisation . Whether or not you become a member , we hope you will make regular use of the website and that it will inspire you to increase your knowledge , appreciation and enjoyment of the Hundred Parishes .

The Hundred Parishes Society is an initiative to raise awareness of a large area of northwest Essex , northeast Hertfordshire and southern Cambridgeshire that is particularly notable for its exceptional depth of heritage . Those who live here may take our ancient countryside and wealth of listed buildings somewhat for granted , but visitors are usually surprised when they discover the charm of our villages , small market towns and attractive countryside .

Until recently , the area ’ s anonymity was probably due largely to the lack of a name , so we created one that we hope will eventually become as wellknown as the Chilterns or Constable Country . We have called the area the Hundred Parishes to recognise that it contains just over 100 administrative

Bartlow Hills

After almost 2,000 years , there is still considerable evidence of Roman occupation of this area . It was not until their arrival in 43 AD that a national network of all-weather roads was built . The first were constructed between the capital , London , and bases used by the Roman legions . The network was maintained and extended through almost 400 years of Roman occupation . Main highways were either gravel or paved with stone . They were so well constructed that they could be used in all weathers .

The main roads were originally built by the Roman army . Those in our area included Ermine Street ( which ran north from London and in the 20th century was designated A10 ) and Stane Street ( later A120 ) between Braughing , a substantial Roman fort on Ermine Street , and Colchester , the original Roman capital of Britain . Another substantial fort-cum-town developed at Great Chesterford . Artefacts from there can be seen at Saffron Walden Museum .

A review of local Ordnance Survey maps will soon reveal tell-tale straight lines that indicate a route of Roman origin . At least twenty of today ’ s Hundred Parishes were served by a Roman road .

The fact that these routes were welltravelled and linked forts and other settlements means that we have a rich source of Roman remains . Recycled Roman bricks , usually flatter and longer than the modern equivalent , can be found in several parish churches . They include Great Canfield , Great and Little Hallingbury , Sheering , Takeley , Wendens Ambo , Westmill and White Roding .

One of the finest Roman burial sites in Europe can be visited at Bartlow . The intrepid explorer can climb a wooden stairway to the top of the largest surviving barrow , some 40 feet high . You can read about the “ Bartlow Hills ” within the introduction to Bartlow parish on our website www . hundredparishes . org . uk

Ken McDonald , Secretary .