Essex and Suffolk Group visit to Tillingham

Saturday 21 February 9.30am to 4.15pm

Join the Essex and Suffolk Group for an exclusive visit to a series of private houses around Tillingham. Public access is usually limited, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We'll see buildings spanning the 15th to 18th century, many of which have undergone recent repair and research. Our guides will be the owners and local Conservation Officer.

7 and 9 South Street

This 17th century timber-framed cottage won the Maldon District Conservation & Design award scheme 2025 for Building Conservation. The building has been lovingly repaired by the owner over 6 years, bringing the subdivided building back to one. No.7 had been unoccupied for 50 years and is a time-capsule of historic features, such as taper burns, historic paint etc. The owners work in the cottage is a light-touch and very sympathetic echoing SPAB and its founder’s approach to repair and use of old buildings.

Stows Farmhouse

The 15th century timber-framed medieval house is one of the most fascinating elaborately moulded framed buildings in Essex. Dendrochronology dated from 1478 to 1480 its unassuming external appearance conceals hidden treasures inside its fabric. The moulded king post in the front chamber is not to be missed.

The Kings Head

Following a devastating fire in 2014, it was found that the Kings Head dated from the 15th century with substantial timber framed cross-wing. The owner set about reconstructing the timber frame using what was left to form a very accurate where evidence allowed cross-wing. The owner and local carpenter will be able to talk you through what they found and the complexities of the project.

The Forge

A Georgian smithy that shows how important this type of building would have been to the village economy. The building is late 18th century timber frame of elm & pine and has recently had some repair works to keep it in action for the next 100 years. 

You will need

You will need to bring warm outdoor clothing and wear sturdy footwear.

How to get there

The meeting point is in Tillingham and will be sent with confirmation details.

This is a rural location and public transport is very poor. Parking will be available.

Accessibility

There will be steep ladders / steps
Uneven surfaces / slippery paths
Significant periods of standing / walking
Limited toilet facilities with no disabled toilets
No on-site parking
Our hosts request that you do not post videos or photos on social media
Some owners have requested that no video or photos be taken when visiting their homes
There will be no tea or coffee available in the morning or afternoon, so bring thermos  

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

Photos and filming: We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: 7 and 9 South Street, Tillingham. © Tim Howson