Birdbrook is a village in rural Essex, with a population of about 300. The parish also encompasses New England, Baythorne End and Finkle Green. The parish lies on the Roman Military Road from Colchester to Cambridge, the line of which almost exactly corresponds with that of the old Colne Valley Railway. Birdbrook lies between Halstead, Braintree, Saffron Walden and Cambridge.
The name Birdbrook is supposed to be derived from the brook which passes through part of the Parish. It appears to have no relation to birds, and in Doomsday is written Bridebroe.
Birdbrook in 1977 received an award for being one of the best kept villages in Essex.
The bowling green, and the back of the Community Hall (right).
The Plough, Birdbrook
Birbrook has a picturesque church dating from 1050. As well as the services, concerts are held in the church several times a year.
The village has a pub, a childrens' play area, a thatched Community Hall, with a bowling green behind it, a chinese restaurant (with accommodation) at New England, and an occasional bus!
There is a Village Club, a Village Ladies Group, and a Bowls Club.
There is a 'pop in' coffee morning at the church each Tuesday 10.30am; and an Essex mobile library stops outside the church each Wednesday 3.55 to 4.15pm.
Birdbrook borders on Moyns Park, a country estate. Muilman's History of Essex, published in 1770 says:- "The name of the Manor of Moynes came from a family called Lemoigne (i.e. Monk) sometimes written Mohun, who were ancient owners of it. In September, 1494, it was bought by Joan, widow of William Gent, from Richard Martin of Long Melford. Her grandson William succeeded her, and his son, Thomas Gent, succeeded him,"
The property was used as a convalescent home during the Second World War, and was the home, until recently, of Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
The village duck pond