Once upon a time in Witham

ANYONE who takes even the shortest walk around Witham will notice evidence of the town’s history, from the fine buildings on Newland Street to the charming cottages of Chipping Hill.
Excavations have confirmed Witham’s history to stretch back more than 1,000 years, with the discovery of an Iron Age settlement dating to 1000 BC. The Romans too left their mark in the shape of the road from Colchester to London and a ritual site in the Hatfield Road area.
In Saxon times Witham centred on Chipping Hill, where a weekly market was held. The Newland Street area was developed later by the Knights Templar, who had received a large grant of land from Queen Matilda in 1137.
Although not untouched by national events in the succeeding centuries, Witham faired well enough to be judged by Daniel Defoe as, ‘pleasant [and] well situated’ in the 18th century. At this time the town was further improved by the addition of a spa, although this was somewhat short-lived.
The railway arrived in Witham in 1843, bringing improved links with London for both passengers and freight. During the 20th century both housing and industry contributed to a further development in the size of the town.
The Essex Record Office holds a substantial collection of photographs of Witham, some of which are shown here.

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