- Toppesfield
infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 52.007
longitude= 0.532
official_name= Toppesfield
population = ~300
shire_district= Braintree
shire_county =Essex
region= East of Englandconstituency_westminster=Saffron Walden
post_town=
postcode_area=CO
postcode_district= CO9
dial_code= 01787
os_grid_reference= TL739372Toppesfield is a small
village , historically associated with arablefarming , in North-westEssex ,England .Inhabitants
Toppesfield has approximately three-hundred inhabitants. Around one mile south-south east from the village lies the
hamlet of Gainsford End, which has approximately fifty inhabitants and used to boast a countryside museum.Derivation
The derivation of the name 'Toppesfield' is assumed to be an agglomeration of the phrase 'Top of the Field' meaning it is located on a rise.
Geographic
As stated, Toppesfield sits atop a small and shallow hill. This means that all roads lead downhill from its centre (a covered water pump). This also results in Toppesfield church tower being easily visible from other villages more than 10 miles distant.
Toppesfield is situated in North-west Essex, which has considerably hillier terrain than most other areas of
Essex . It is situated close (8 miles) to theSuffolk borders.hop
In recent years Toppesfield has built, stocked and operated its own
co-operative ly owned general goods store, exclusively manned by volunteers. This is in contrast to many nearby villages, which remain without a shop.Pub
The single
public house in Toppesfield is the Green Man. This is owned by theGreene King brewery, based in Suffolk.chool
The village operates a single
primary school , affiliated with thechurch of England , called St Margarets.Church
Affiliated with the
Church of England , the church is of traditional design. A small graveyard surrounds the church. The church is administered by the localReverend who is based inGreat Yeldham and currently administers and presides at a number of local churches.Pump
The pump is the centre part of Toppesfield and is an exciting aspect of the old village. Many events have taken place in and around the pump such as the Golden Jubilee celebrations in June 2002.
Village Hall
Attached to the village shop and post office the village hall is a well used section of the village. Playing host to the annual Flower Show and The Millennium Party held in 1999-2000.
Neighbouring Villages
Neighbouring Toppesfield are the villages of
Great Yeldham andStambourne and the hamlet of Gainsford End.External links
* http://www.yeldhamchurches.org Website for St Margaret’s Church Toppesfield & the Upper Colne Parishes
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