A Brief History of Manningtree and Mistley
View across the Water
Picture Copyright of Fulcrum Communication, Suffolk
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In 1848, William White's Gazetteer of Essex described Manningtree
as "...an improving market town, and forms with Mistley, a port....
pleasantly situated on the south side of the Stour..."
Today, Manningtree and Mistley combine the virtues of the intimacy of two picturesque adjoining villages with the many benefits of comprehensive amenities normally only available in much larger towns. The two towns form the focal point for such nearby villages as Lawford, East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford, Stratford-St-Mary and Ardleigh. Manningtree and Mistley are more than just a gateway to the famous Constable Country. They are steeped in their own history. In the 16th century, Weavers, who fled the Netherlands, constructed many cottages there. The French Huguenots, following in the 17th century, added further buildings that reflected another architectural style. One of the most famous contributors to the area was Richard Rigby who had lavish plans to turn Mistley into a spa town. The area aquired its Georgian character from his attention. He engaged the famous architect Robert Adam, but his plans were never brought to fruition as money ran out when Rigby was disgraced because of his mismanagement of his position as Paymaster of the Forces. Mistley Towers and the Swan Fountain are perhaps the most notable remains of Adam's work. For two centuries, Manningtree and Mistley were important brewing centres and ports. Even today, although perhaps on a reduced scale, the brewing industry is still well represented and Mistley is a small but thriving port. The unprepossessing outer parts of Manningtree give little clue to the extraordinary charm the Georgian and Victorian buildings in the High Street which house an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. A more detailed history of Manningtree and Mistley is available from The Manningtree Museum and Local History Group, High St, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1AD |