An Afternoon Ride Trivia Quiz

Answer: The saffron crocus

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, and the crocus from which it comes was widely grown in this area in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, giving the town its name. Because it has never been damaged by fire or invaders many of the buildings in Saffron Walden, especially in the town centre, go back many centuries and give it a very distinct identity.

Answer: Gustav Holst

Thaxted appears in the Domesday Book and the name comes from "place where thatch was got". It remains largely unspoilt with a Guildhall dating back to 1405, many lovely half timbered buildings, and the oldest revival Morris dancing group in England. Gustav Holst lived there for many years and part of "The Planets" was written in his cottage.

In 1916 he started the Thaxted Music Festival, which continues to this day.

Answer: A side of bacon

The town of Great Dunmow can trace its roots back to Roman times. The Dunmow Flitch Trial is held once every four years, and to win it a married couple must convince a jury of 6 bachelors and 6 spinsters that they have not argued, or wished themselves not married, for a year and a day.

The origins of this ceremony are lost in time, but it is very ancient and is mentioned in "The Canterbury Tales" in "The Wife of Bath's Tale". In recent years couples from as far away as America, Canada and Australia have come to compete for the flitch.

Answer: Chelmsford

Chelsmford is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and has been the county town of Essex since 1218. In the seventeenth century many victims of the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, spent their last days in Chelmsford jail before appearing at the Assizes and being hanged for witchcraft. Marconi opened his first wireless factory in the town in 1889, and the first regular radio broadcasts for entertainment came from just outside Chelmsford in 1922.

Answer: Colchester

Colchester's claim to be the oldest recorded town in Britain comes from the fact it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in AD77. At one time it was the Roman capital of Britain. It was sacked by Boudica in AD61 during her rebellion against the Romans. In 2004 Colchester Archaeological Trust discovered the remains of a Roman chariot racing circuit underneath Colchester Garrison.

Answer: Tiptree

Jams and marmalades have been made in Tiptree by Wilkin & Sons since 1885 and are exported all over the world. The Wilkin family have farmed in the area for some 300 years, and many Wilkin & Son jams are still made from fruits grown on their own farms. Despite expansion in recent years Tiptree still retains village status, a 1999 referendum having overwhelmingly rejected town status. It is now a serious contender for title of largest village in England.
Tiptree Heath is the largest surviving piece of heath in Essex and has been given special scientific interest status.

Answer: Kelvedon Hatch

The Kelvedon Hatch bunker was built in 1952/53 as part of the air defence network and was designed to provide control and command for London Fighter Command. From the 1960's through to the early 1990's it was maintained by the Government as a nuclear shelter to provide regional government in the event of nuclear war.

Some 38 metres underground and with three floors it would provide shelter for several hundred people. With entry to it gained through an ordinary looking bungalow even the local civilian population did not know of its existence until it was decommissioned, sold into private hands, and opened as a tourist attraction in the early 1990s.

Answer: Constable Country

Dedham Vale and the surrounding Stour Valley were immortalised by John Constable. A walk from the village of Dedham to Flatford Mill takes you to the location of one of his most famous paintings, and there are various walking and cycling trails to follow taking you to other locations painted by Constable. The whole area is designated one of outstanding natural beauty.

Answer: Hyde Hall Garden

Hyde Hall Garden at Rettendon in Essex is young in garden terms. There was no garden there at all as recently as 1955. Hyde Hall itself was a typical Essex farmhouse and the land around the house had been put to a variety of uses. Today the garden is a tribute to all those who have laboured in it.

The rose gardens are particularly beautiful and, as with all great gardens, it is in a constant state of development.

Answer: Tilbury

Built by Henry VIII in 1539 Tilbury Fort was designed to protect London from attack by sea. Anything coming up the Thames towards London would have to pass Tilbury and it was well armed to repel invaders. It was designed to cross fire with a similar structure at Gravesend. Elizabeth I rallied her army at West Tilbury while they waited for the Spanish Armada.

The Fort was again a strategic defence position during the Napoleonic Wars and it was used as an anti-aircraft defence point in both World Wars, shooting down a Zeppelin during World War One.