Brentwood Borough Council Community - The Parishes - Mountnessing

Mountnessing

The parish has an area of 2,775 acres and a population of approximately 1,185

Mountnessing is one of the group of 'ing' villages. (The suggested origin of the 'ing' part is mentioned in the page dealing with Ingatestone and Fryerning). The other parts of the name refer to a medieval owner of the manor called de Monteny from a place in Western France named either Montenay or Montigny.

There was no ancient village of Mountnessing. It was a large parish of scattered farms, which are still to be found set in the area between the A12 trunk road and Billericay - an area which must represent some of the loveliest and least developed country within a 25 mile radius of London.

Thoby Priory occupies the site of a 12th century priory of Austin Canons which was dissolved in 1536. The medieval archway and some of the old walling still remain.

The parish church, near the 17th century Hall, stands some way from the village; it dates from Norman times with early English and perpendicular alterations, and displays re-used Roman bricks and tiles in its structure. This church is particularly celebrated for the massive and intricate timberwork of its 15th century turret.

The main feature of Mountnessing is its windmill, Mountnessing Post Mill, which was built in the early 19th century. It is preserved and owned by Essex County Council and is a picturesque timber structure on a circular brick base. The Mill is no longer used, but it remains a landmark visible for miles around.

An interesting name in Mountnessing is the Chainbridge which is now a 20th century concrete structure taking the B1002 road (formerly the A12 trunk road) across the little River Wid. The bridge is so named because it was first built for Sir William Petre about 1550. He kept it chained and locked. The key was kept at Cambridge Farm and, presumably, only handed to members of the Petre family or their friends.