Great Bardfield Historical Society to publish new book

A History of Great Bardfield is an updated and extended edition of historical research written by late couple Wilfred and Betty Dunell, which was originally published by the society in 1986.

A History of Great Bardfield by Wilfred and Betty Dunell (Image: Between The Lines Press) Starting with the Domesday Book, the book spans the centuries through to the Millennium celebrations in 2000.

The book reproduces Wilfred and Betty's original research, re-examining its findings and adding explanations and additional material, along with more photographs.

Four new chapters have been added, one of which covers the medieval court of 14th century noblewoman Elizabeth de Burgh, granddaughter of Edward I, who regularly spent summers in her 'beloved Bardfield' and was widowed three times before she was 26.

The chapter features recent research with new discoveries about Elizabeth, illustrated with images from medieval manuscripts showing what court life would have been like in the village.

There are also two chapters on straw plaiting and corn dolly making in Great Bardfield. 

Straw plaiting was introduced to the region in the late 18th century, and by the mid 19th century became an important means of supplementing low agricultural wages.

This ancient rural craft was practised mostly by women and children, and the plaits were sold to make hats.

Wilfred and Betty Dunell in Aberdeen in June 1939 (Image: Between The Lines Press) The chapters include a profile of Fred Mizen, who was commissioned to create huge lion and unicorn figures for the 1951 Festival of Britain.

The final new chapter covers the 800-year-old Bardfield horse fair - an annual event which brought hundreds of visitors to the village.

The horse fair ended around the time of World War I, when horses were needed for the battlefield, and the fair was used as a theme in the village's Millennium celebrations.

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Original researchers Wilfred and Betty Dunell met when Wilfred was a radio officer in the Navy and Betty was the daughter of the captain of the ship.

Wilfred was born in Southend but moved to Great Bardfield in 1928, aged around nine.

Great Bardfield Historical Society will launch the book on Friday, November 22 at Between The Lines bookshop from 7pm.