Walking the Grounds at Creeksea Place
Creeksea Place in Burnham-on-Crouch, England, was built in the 16th Century by Sir Arthur Harris.
Set among impeccable gardens, an orchard, endless lawn, and fairy-tale landscape features, this distinguished property offers the ultimate in English landscape walking experiences.
This present-day wedding venue entices the nostalgic soul back in time, gently sweeping the imagination to the days of horse-and-carriage and teas in the parlor.
"The historic beauty of this exquisite Elizabethan mansion, with its rich history, wondrous tranquility and meticulously kept gardens, will provide a unique and exquisite setting for your party." https://www.creekseaplace.co.uk/
"When not being utilized as a filming location (Great Expectations, BBC’s The murder Game) Creeksea Place opens its doors to the UK’s most exclusive bespoke weddings. The Eastern Wing, nicknamed ‘The cottage’, is the Bridal Suite for these occasions. Whilst the rest of the house will be closed off, you will enjoy secured parking, a truly lovely, award winning cafe next door." https://www.creekseaplace.co.uk/the-cottage/
"Creeksea Place was reputed to have been the home of Anne Boleyn and that her spirit was said to have been seen walking from the old cottage near the Cricksea ferry. Her daughter, Queen Elizabeth, is thought to have met her soldiers here and that they were supposed to have come to meet her through a subterranean tunnel connected with Rochford." https://www.creekseaplace.co.uk/history/
When completely immersed in the spirit of this historical estate, you can feel the soft tenor of another time. The sound of horse's hooves on gravel roadways, the swish of servants' long skirts as they prepare for a very important guest, and the clatter of teacups awaken the mind like a distant memory.
Walking here is when I truly began to understand the true meaning of the phrase "strolling through the English country-side," because to fully experience Creeksea Place, you must stroll. There is no rushing here.
In fact, generally speaking, there is so much to see in the English country-side that it is impossible to rush. Abandoned foundations, stone walls and fences stitched together with vines, aged wooden gates stationed along footpaths, rolling hillsides reaching for the night-time star ( yes, I walk at night), and enchanted forests draping in moss, are common features of an English walk.
"Tracing back the fascinating history of Creeksea Place (or Cricksea as it appears in some records) over the centuries we have uncovered some exciting facts and legends about the building and the surrounding area. We know for certain that Creeksea Place (built by Sir Arthur Harris and one of whose sons, John Harris and his wife, emigrated to the New Colony of Virginia in the United States around 1621) probably consisted in those days of three, or possibly, four buildings surrounding a courtyard and with a long wing running from North to South." https://www.creekseaplace.co.uk/history/
How many carriages have crossed this bridge?
How many serious discussions have happened here?
A common sight in an English forest; vines and branches entangled in artful arrangement.
A great big tree with a great big personality.
While exploring a wooded area, I happened upon this. Walking anywhere in the English country-side inspires the imagination, especially that of a writer. Imagine what went through my mind at this discovery!
Another doorway leading to another place.
I always marvel at the secret spaces in the English landscapes. Creeksea Place is no exception.
Creeksea Place. For the writer. For the nature lover. For the deep-thinker. For the historian. And quite possibly, for the betrothed.
Angela McMullen is a poet, forest writing workshop facilitator and freelance writer who lives and writes in maritime Nova Scotia, where she is inspired by the rhythm of the Bay of Fundy tides, the pulse of long-standing forests, the expansive fields of the Annapolis Valley, the backdrop of North and South mountain ranges, and the distinction of the four seasons.
https://www.facebook.com/forestwriting
Angela's most recent work is a slim book of poetry that captures the pure essence of nature and her unwavering resilience. Infused with undertones of Italian influence, this collection of poetry speaks for itself. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=angela+hutchinson+mcmullen+poplars+dancing+in+the+wind&ref=nb_sb_noss