Bell Common, Epping

Bell Common provides an important transition in the landscape between Epping Forest and the built-up area which forms the outskirts of Epping. The area was once known as "Beacon Common" and it has been suggested that the settlement of Epping Heath (Epping) was founded to maintain an ancient beacon. High Road became a toll road in the late 18th century and the southern toll gate stood close by the turning to Ivy Chimneys (Theydon Road) - the toll house was Belle Vue house. The nearby "Forest Gate Inn" perpetuates the memory.

Bell Common c1908

Bell Common c1908

Bell Common is no longer managed as a common and it is rapidly being taken over by scrub and young woodland. There are two groups of attractive 19th century cottages along the High Road (Griffins Wood Cottages and Creeds Cottages) which were built for workers from the Copped Hall Estate. On the south side of the Common there are several small, traditional weatherboarded cottages - No.49 (18th century), No.73 (early 17th century), and Nos.115 and 117 (c.1600), which are all listed. Creeds Farmhouse (18th century), Highfield Cottage and Apple Tree Cottage (16th/17th century), also form an attractive group of listed buildings at the junction of Bury Lane.

Click here to view a map of Bell Common Conservation Area

Bell Common, Epping

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