INTRODUCTION

Clavering has a long and varied history and, as you see from the publications section, some of it can be found in the local books. We are aiming to include other aspects on this site, but this will take time in order to ensure that the material is thoroughly checked and as accurate as possible. It would be helpful therefore if all contributors on local history of Clavering could copy their emails to me, Jacqueline Cooper, as below, so that we can make the local history section as helpful and accurate as possible and use it to stimulate interest in our heritage. This is particularly important at the present time as Clavering like all the villages of north-west Essex is under dire threat from the plans to expand Stansted Airport: there has never been a more vital moment to state the significance of our heritage of fine buildings, ancient countryside and long historical traditions. Clavering is a particularly beautiful village with its many greens, large collection of timber-framed houses, medieval church all surrounded by rolling landscape. In pursuing the past, we are not trying to live in the past, but to integrate it into our present-day life, to retain the best of the old while pushing forward with new ideas - like this website! We are most grateful to all contributors to the site who are themselves creating history by putting their own research snippets on the 'Friends of Clavering' section. Please keep sending ideas about what you would like to see on the website, so that it can truly be a reflection of this fascinating village. But if it is to do with local history, do please check it over with me first then we can ensure that the website remains a reliable source of information for those seeking material for their own research.

Jacqueline Cooper
Clavering Local History Recorder