Horndon-on-the-Hill

Horndon-on-the-Hill is located in Essex, twenty miles East of London, three miles North of the River Thames. This part of Essex, alongside the Thames is mainly industrialised or urban sprawl but the historic village of Horndon has been insulated from this by green belt land and retains its rural character.

Horndon has several historic buildings including:-

The Church of St Peter and St Paul. This is a beautiful old building first consecrated in 1230 AD. The wooden belfry frame is a wonderful fifteenth century construction with huge long beams joined with wooden pegs. The village sign is taken from a small stained glass window in the church, this sign has been 'borrowed' and altered for the 10 K race logo with gravestones replaced by runners in the foreground. A Flower Festival is held in the Church on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (where the Sunday is Race Day).

The Wool Market, bottom right in the photo above, was built in the sixteenth century as an auction room for the wool trade.

The Bell Inn, dating from the fifteenth century has won numerous awards for it's food, wine and beer. A custom started in 1901 is to fasten a hot cross bun to the ceiling beams on Good Friday. This has continued to the present day, the 'buns' hung during the war years of rationing are made from concrete.

Little is known of the history of the Swan but evidence suggests it dates back to the sixteenth century. The Swan is highly recommended for fast, friendly service and it's guest beers.

Phil Vincent

 

High House is famous as the family home of Phil Vincent the designer of Vincent motorcycles. Click here for more information and pictures.

Later on High House became the home of Eileen Fowler the first Radio and TV keep fit motivator. See http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/adults/other/british.htm for more information.

The Feast and Fayre:-

Originally founded by Royal Charter in the thirteenth century, the Feast and Fayre was revived in 1974. This is a two day event taking place on the Saturday and Sunday (where the Sunday is Race day, the last Sunday in June). There are Craft and Charity stalls, all day Street Entertainment, Music and plenty of food. This makes the Horndon 10K Race an enjoyable day out for non-running friends and families of runners.

Running:-

Horndon has for many years been a focus for those who enjoy all aspects of running, ranging from family fun runs, through the keenly contested Horndon 10k, to groups setting of from the Bell early on a Sunday morning for a fifteen or twenty mile London Marathon training run.

Horndon Fun Runs (RIP) :-

Bell Fun Runs have taken place throughout each year from 1976 to 2000. A pleasant 5k cross country route through woods and tracks to finish at the Bell in Horndon. An event for all ages and abilities, just turn up at the start which is located in Westley Heights car park behind the Crown at Langdon Hills. Unfortunately the speed and quantity of traffic along the Horndon bypass has made the road crossing too difficult to marshal especially as children take part in the race. Pitsea Running Club now organise a safe off-road, through-the-woods run starting and finishing at the Crown. See their web site for details.

 

 

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