Win

WIN a watercolour original of The Half Moon Inn in Belchamp St Paul

PUBLISHED: 16:13 16 October 2019 | UPDATED: 16:37 16 October 2019

THE HALF MOON INN On the green at Belchamp St. Paul, alongside the aptly named and lovely Half Moon Cottages.

Archant

James Merriott continues his watercolour tour of the county with a visit to The Belchamps, a group of three villages in the stunning landscape of the Stour Valley

The Belchamps, three villages in close proximity to one another taking the Belchamp prefix, I decided to complete as a single feature. I selected four scenes from Belchamp St Paul and one each from Belchamp Otten and Belchamp Water.

ALL SAINTS AND ST. ETHELRBERTS CHURCH In a superb location, behind an area of a large green and churchyard at Belchamp Otten.

It's heart-warming to be able to put together three exquisitely picturesque villages all within the sublime landscapes of the Stour Valley that I love so much, as this is indeed where I love to be more than anywhere else in the world.

DOVECOT-LYMBURNERS COTTAGE The conspicuous white dovecot was the first thing I noticed arriving at Belchamp St. Paul.

Elaborating on this fact, I add my adoration of the Stour Valley (everything southwards to the River Lea) for I have lived in this area during my entire 78 years.

GLEBE COTTAGE Also, on the green at Belchamp St. Paul is the historic water pump complimented by the beautiful Glebe Cottage.

I was born off the Lea Bridge Road and relate with great pride that this is where poet laureate, Sir John Betjeman was speaking of when he said, 'I feel I am in Essex long before I'm out of North East London'.

GREENLEA COTTAGE Stunningly beautiful with thatch and flowers, I spotted this cottage as I made my way to Belchamp Water village centre

I know from the feedback I receive that Essex Life magazine reaches all corners of the world, so wherever you might call home if you're ever visiting Essex for the first time or like me have lived here all your life, don't forget the Belchamps and the fabulous surrounding countryside of Essex.