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Pictures of Dedham

in the county of Essex

High Street, Dedham

About Dedham

There are two things that immediately strike you about this enchanting village, the first is the opulence of the beautiful 15th-century church, and the second is the fascinating view of the River Stour, which, like the church, has featured in Constable paintings.

A saunter through the main streets of the village reveals an attractive array of Georgian fronted buildings and old inns. Of particular note is the Marlborough Head Inn, an impressive medieval half timber frame building of the 15th-century that was the home of a clothier until it became an inn in the 17th-century. The old grammar school, dates 1732 was attended by Constable, he would have walked here from his home in nearby East Bergholt. Worthy of note too, is Shermans Hall which has connections with General Sherman of the American Civil War. The Sherman family were medieval wool merchants. Apart from these historic 'showpiece' properties, the road into the village is interspersed with lovely old houses and cottages, that are each fronted by attractive lawned and flower bedecked gardens. It is a very English picture were roses ramble at will around old front doors.

The church of St.Mary the Virgin, remains in testimoney to the huge generosity of the wool merchants of medieval times. The nave roof is richly decorated with the Insignia of the Guilds of Weavers and Millers and the ceiling of the passage through the tower shows glorious carvings embellished with designs of the Tudor Rose and Portcullis, together with the trademark of Thomas Webbe one of the leading wealthy wool merchants whose money helped to fund the church. Interestingly, a pew in the church commemorates the first moon landing. The church is overwhelming in it's magnificence, it has many ancient reminders of the village's historic past and is a constant source of fascination.

It is not surprising to learn that John Constable's father had a watermill here. This is now replaced by one of red brick but the original watermill was featured in one of Constable's paintings that hangs in the Victoria and Albert museum. This is a beautiful village that will give you many pleasant memories.

Places to visit - Flatford Mill and Lock, Misterly Towers and Beth Chatto Gardens. The nearby town of Colchester has a museum and there are enjoyable trips on the beautiful River Stour which leads to the open sea at Harwich.

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Hotels & Accommodation in Dedham

Book the Ramada Colchester in Old Ipswich Road, A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, Essex, England3 stars

Ramada Colchester

Old Ipswich Road, A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, Essex, England (3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction SW)
The Ramada Colchester is a fine base for exploring Constable Country and the East Anglian coastline. The hotel is convenient for all major routes from London and Harwich and is close to the principal ...
More info and book online..  Price from £55.00

Book the Best Western The Rose & Crown Hotel in East Street, Colchester, Essex, England3 stars

Best Western The Rose & Crown Hotel

East Street, Colchester, Essex, England (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction SW)
The Rose and Crown Hotel is a 14th-century posting house, lovingly restored over the centuries to a modern-day hotel. It is located within walking distance of Colchester town centre and accessible to ...
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Book the Best Western Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa in Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex, England3 stars

Best Western Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex, England (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction NW)
The Stoke By Nayland Hotel is considered to be one of the finest venues of its kind in East Anglia, close to Colchester and the A12. The Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa is situated in 300 acres ...
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Book the Riverside Hotel in 2 North Station Rd, Colchester, Essex, England

Riverside Hotel

2 North Station Rd, Colchester, Essex, England (6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction SW)
The Riverside Hotel is a 16th century Tudor building (1604) situated on the bank of the river Colne. The hotel is set in England's oldest recorded town of Colchester. Take a walk through the beautiful...
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Wivenhoe House Hotel

Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, England (6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction S)
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Nearby travel help

Manningtree Station(2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction E)
Mistley Station(4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction E)
London Stansted Airport(32.4 miles, 52.2 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 8(34.3 miles, 55.2 km, direction W)
M11 Junction 9(35.2 miles, 56.6 km, direction W)
Cambridge Airport(38.6 miles, 62.2 km, direction NW)
Dedham to London(57.2 miles, 92.0 km, direction SW)

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