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THE PARISH OF MISTLEY WITH MANNINGTREE
In the extreme north-east of Essex, close to the famous Constable Country and Dedham Vale, stand the two adjacent parishes of Manningtree and Mistley on the southern bank of the Stour Estuary, facing the beautiful Suffolk landscape across the mile-wide river.
Manningtree, the smallest town in England, covers some 40 acres, whilst Mistley, by contrast, covers more than 2000 acres. Harwich and Dovercourt lie some 10 miles north, and Colchester a similar distance to the south-west.
The scenery along the riverside road from Manningtree to Mistley Towers can only be described as picturesque. At low tide many birds can be seen exploring the mud-flats. At full tide dozens of small boats ride at anchor, whilst large numbers of swans enhance the fascinating and unforgettable scene.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT MISTLEY AND MANNINGTREE
Mistley is 'the pasture where the mistletoe grows'. In 1225 it was called Misteleg.
Richard Rigby began to develop Mistley into a spa town. The dream came to nothing but Mistley developed into a centre for the malting industry. Mistley Towers, designed by Robert Adam in 1776 still dominates the skyline - all that remains of the eighteenth century parish church.
Nelson's flagship 'Amphian' was built at Mistley. Sailing remains at the heart of community life.
Manningtree was the home of the Manni Tribe which greeted Julius Caesar in 55BC.
Shakespeare's Falstaff was 'that roasted Manningtree ox'.
Find us on the A137 from Colchester or Ipswich (from the A12 or A14).
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