Old Heath History
Old Heath is the parish to the south east of Colchester and is bordered by the River Colne and the Mersea Road. At its’ southern boundary is Rowhedge and Fingringhoe and from the north it is approached along Military Road or Mersea Road. The Village of Old Heath (originally Old Hythe) has existed since Saxon times though it has largely lost its’ village look now. Nevertheless there is a good community atmosphere and we are ‘steeped’ in history. A book recently published by Father Richard (The Vicar) and Patrick Denney (Local resident and historian) is worth a read and is available from Fr Richard , from the Post Office or from Red Lion Books in Colchester High Street.
The stream known as Bourne Stream which flows from Bourne Mill upper pond down to the river Colne marks the parish boundary between Old Heath and New Town St.Stephens.
The Saxons created the first Port for Colchester in a meander in the river between what is now Haven Road and Quay and the boundary with Rowhedge.What we now call'The Hythe' was formerly known as 'New Hythe' signifying the fact that Colchester's Port had moved up river.
The Parish Church (On Abbot’s Road)was first established in 1874 having previously been served from St.Giles which is near the Town Station. The old church was demolished in 1949 having been declared unsafe and the new church built. It is, to say the least, plain outside but undoubtedly beautiful inside and serves as a real centre for the community.
Bourne Mill sits on one boundary and Distillery Pond(so called because a Malt Distillery was located there from 1812) with its historic associations is firmly within the parish. We have a Post Office,a Pub, a number of convenient shops , a thriving school, a Senior Citizens’ Activity Centre, three sheltered homes for the aged and a Community Centre.In addition to the parish Church (Church of England) there is a small Chapel known locally as the ‘Tin tabernacle’ which is a Congregational Chapel.
Housing varies from the early developments in the 18th and 19th centuries to the developments along the Old Heath Road which are largely 1920’s -1940’s structures. A later housing estate grew up on Speedwell Road and further developments along Abbot’s Road and now down by the Quay have increased our population to in the region of 6,000 people many of whose families have lived here for generations. A large Industrial Estate provides employment
It is a good safe place to live and we are surrounded by the Military Ranges and open spaces and so keep our distinctive existence whilst being firmly and proudly a part of Colchester.
If you are interested in more of the history you really will need to buy the book.
Father Richard,
Vicar.
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