Felsted - 'charming' Essex village famous for Felsted School

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We are shining a light on a "charming" Essex village famous for a "prestigious" school which educated four of Oliver Cromwell's sons.

Nestled in the district of Uttlesford is the village and civil parish of Felsted - a "charming village steeped in history and surrounded by rolling green landscapes," according to Visit Essex.

First recorded in the Domesday Book, Felsted "boasts a rich heritage that visitors can explore through its historic buildings and scenic walks".

Visit Essex claims the village is "renowned" for private boarding and day school Felsted School.

Felsted School groundsFelsted School was founded in 1564 (Image: Visit Essex)

It was founded in 1564 by Richard Rich, who served as Lord Chancellor under Edward VI.

Visit Essex describes Felsted School as "prestigious" and the school's website notes its "safe, rural 90-acre village campus in stunning north Essex".

Oliver Cromwell sent all four of his sons - Robert, Oliver, Richard, and Henry - to Felsted School.

Felsted CastleFelsted Castle (Image: Visit Essex)

For those visiting Felsted, Visit Essex recommends a walk around the 15-mile Flitch Way Country Park - a former railway line offering "tranquil walking and cycling routes through unspoiled countryside" connecting Felsted to Little Dunmow.

The surrounding area is dotted with "charming hamlets and scenic trails, making Felsted an ideal base for walkers and cyclists".

The former train line opened in February 1869 but in 1952 it closed to passengers, according to Explore Essex.

In 1971 the line closed to freight and in the following year it closed completely and never reopened.

The Swan Inn in FelstedThe Swan Inn (Image: Visit Essex)

The village offers two pubs - The Swan Inn in Station Road and The Chequers in Braintree Road.

The Swan Inn's website says its owners "have embarked on a transformative journey" guided by their "unwavering commitment to extraordinary hospitality and a profound admiration for the art of culinary craftsmanship".

The boozer has a 4.4 out of five star average rating on Google.

In Braintree Road, The Chequers has a 4.3 average rating.

View from Station Road in FelstedView from Station Road (Image: Visit Essex)

According to data from Rightmove, Felsted had an overall average house price of £681,530 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in the village during the last year were detached properties, fetching an average price of £763,645.

Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £469,800, whilst terraced properties averaged £180,000.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Felsted over the last year were 14 per cent down on the previous year and 13pc down on the 2022 peak of £781,408.

Visit Essex concludes: "With its blend of history, rural beauty, and warm hospitality, Felsted is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic slice of English village life."

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