HISTORY OF ESSEX
ABRIDGE
Abridge is located on the Ongar Road, 13 miles from Whitechapel and 1½ miles southeast of Theydon Bois station. A bridge over the River Roding gave Abridge its name. The river that flows from Molehill Green in Essex is well-known for bursting its banks. Local lords and gentry maintained the river crossing until the county took control in 1707 and paid a carpenter £178 to build a wooden bridge. In the mid-1800s locals moaned that the bridge was unusable at times due to high water which resulted in a brick one being built for £380.
A storm starting on 13th June 1903 produced the wettest month on record in Britain. It rained and rained non-stop. Clouds hung over southern England; despite the heavy rain there was no thunder. After 58 hours the constant downpour ended, but only for a day, before beginning again. An inch of water fell daily which led to widespread flooding. London Underground had to close and Abridge became one of the areas seriously affected. Hay spoiled and farm animals drowned in the deluge. The eruption of Mount Pelee in Martinique was responsible for the devastation, spewing tons of ash and soot into the atmosphere. Carried by the Gulf Stream the volcanic debris blocked out the sun changing the weather pattern.
Message: "This is the next village to Chigwell. They say it is dreadful now worse than it was in June. The floods are so bad near here look at photo of our garden. Last Sunday week we were nearly flooded."
Message (On front): "An Essex village 8 miles from Ilford by Chigwell. The view is looking towards Abridge from Theydon Bois. The Roding runs by the side of the houses and frequently overflows its banks."
Message: "Miss Annie I've thought it well over about the cost and have decided to take it on. I am sending you a box of treasures. The wedding cake will follow. Fond love Jennie.". Sender's message: "Miss Annie I've thought it well over about the cost and have decided to take it on. I am sending you a box of treasures. The wedding cake will follow. Fond love Jennie."
Posted: 4th January 1904
Message: "Here for a walk"
Posted: 26th September 1903
Message: "Have written all these postcards in the brewery which you may remember. This is the bridge you cross over coming into Abridge, Bob"
Posted: Stamp removed, but probably sent about 1908.
Message: "Dear Maggie, I am having a few days with May. Came up Saturday by coach it is lovely here 14 miles from London near Hillman's Airways station saw 4 land last night. It is lovely. Hope you are well, Nell "
Posted: 3rd September 1935
In the message a reference is made to
'Hillman's Airways'. The airline ran a three-hourly scheduled service between Romford and Clacton-on-Sea with a return journey costing £1. On 1st June 1934 the airline moved its operating base to Stapleford Aerodrome near Abridge village.
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