Great Bardfield: Where Art and Village Life Meet
Tucked among rolling fields and winding Essex lanes, Great Bardfield is a village with creativity at its core. Best known as the home of the famous Bardfield Artists—whose bold, colourful works put this quiet corner on the British art map—Great Bardfield has long attracted painters, writers, and makers drawn to its gentle beauty and welcoming spirit.
But there’s more here than just art. The village is dotted with pretty cottages, a handsome medieval church (St Mary the Virgin) with centuries of stories, and a vibrant sense of community that still thrives today. Wander the lanes and you’ll find echoes of bohemian gatherings, open studios, and the kind of inspiration that only comes from a place deeply rooted in both history and imagination.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply in search of a peaceful spot to pause and soak up the atmosphere, Great Bardfield is a village that quietly rewards a closer look.
St Mary the Virgin Church: Heart of Great Bardfield
St Mary the Virgin Church stands proudly at the centre of Great Bardfield, its tall tower a landmark for miles around. Dating back to the 14th century, the church is a beautiful example of English medieval architecture—with flint walls, elegant arches, and a peaceful, light-filled interior.
Historical Highlights & Notable Figures:
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Medieval Origins:
The church’s earliest parts date to the 1300s, though it’s thought that Christian worship has taken place on this site for even longer. Over the centuries, the building has been lovingly restored and expanded, with many original features still visible today. -
The Bardfield Artists’ Connection:
Several of the Bardfield Artists, including Edward Bawden, were closely involved in village life and contributed to the church’s community. Bawden himself designed a striking linocut for the church’s Christmas card and is buried in the churchyard, his grave marked by a simple stone. -
Rev. Guy Mayfield:
The church’s most famous 20th-century incumbent, Rev. Guy Mayfield, was a friend and supporter of the Bardfield Artists. He encouraged their exhibitions and helped foster the creative, open spirit that made Great Bardfield so unique in the post-war years. -
Memorials & Monuments:
Inside, you’ll find centuries-old memorials, including brasses and carved stones commemorating local families and benefactors. The church’s stained glass windows are a highlight, with both ancient and Victorian examples casting colourful light across the nave.
Why Visit:
Whether you’re interested in medieval history, the legacy of the Bardfield Artists, or simply a tranquil spot to reflect, St Mary the Virgin Church is a must-see. Its stories, artistry, and welcoming atmosphere capture the very soul of Great Bardfield.
The Cage
A quirky piece of village history, “The Cage” is a tiny 19th-century lock-up once used to detain local wrongdoers overnight—think of it as a very small, very old village jail! It’s a fun, photogenic curiosity and a reminder of Bardfield’s lively past. Look for the information plaque nearby to learn more about its stories.
Great Bardfield Museum
This small but fascinating museum brings the village’s rich history to life, from rural traditions and local crafts to the extraordinary story of the Bardfield Artists. With changing exhibitions and friendly volunteers, it’s a wonderful place to dig deeper into what makes Bardfield unique.
Great Bardfield Windmill
Just outside the village, the Great Bardfield Windmill is a striking local landmark. Dating from the 18th century, it’s recently been restored and occasionally opens for tours or special events. Even if you can’t go inside, it’s a lovely spot for a photo and a glimpse into the area’s agricultural past.
The Bardfield Artists Trail
Great Bardfield is world-famous for its mid-20th-century community of artists, including Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious, and many more. Follow in their footsteps with a self-guided walk past their former homes and studios—many marked with blue plaques—and see the landscapes that inspired their work.
The Fry Art Gallery in nearby Saffron Walden holds the best collection of Bardfield Artists’ works, but you’ll find echoes of their creativity all around the village.
Great Bardfield Garden Centre
Set just on the edge of the village, the Great Bardfield Garden Centre is a haven for plant lovers and gardeners of all stripes. Browse the colourful displays of flowers, shrubs, and trees, then relax with coffee and cake in the friendly café.
It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful browse or to pick up a little piece of Bardfield to take home.
Bardfield Playing Fields & Village Greens
In Great Bardfield, life moves at a gentler pace—and there’s no better place to soak it in than on the village greens or at the Bardfield Playing Fields.
These open, grassy spaces are perfect for a picnic, a lazy afternoon with a book, or simply sitting and watching the world go by. Whether it’s children playing, locals walking their dogs, or the occasional village event, there’s always a sense of community and calm here that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
Pubs & Coffee Spots in Great Bardfield
Great Bardfield is home to two welcoming pubs, each with its own character and local flavour.
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The Bell Inn is a classic village pub, offering a cosy atmosphere, real ales, and hearty food—perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening pint.
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The Vine is another friendly spot, known for its warm welcome and traditional pub fare. Both are great places to meet locals or unwind after a day exploring.
For coffee lovers, don’t miss The Blue Egg, just outside the village. Part café, part farm shop, it’s famous for its delicious cakes, fresh local produce, and excellent coffee—ideal for a breakfast treat, lunch, or a restorative pit stop on your way through the countryside.
A Potted History of Great Bardfield
Ancient Roots to Medieval Village:
Great Bardfield’s story stretches back to Saxon times, its name likely meaning “the great open land by the ford.” By the Domesday Book of 1086, it was already a thriving settlement. The village grew around its medieval church, St Mary the Virgin, and a network of lanes lined with timber-framed cottages—many of which still stand today.
Market, Community, and Curiosities:
For centuries, Great Bardfield was a rural hub, known for its market, farming, and crafts. The Cage, a tiny 19th-century village lock-up, stands as a quirky reminder of local justice. The village windmill, built in the 18th century, and the surrounding fields speak to Bardfield’s agricultural heritage.
20th Century: Artists, Writers & Creative Energy:
In the mid-20th century, Great Bardfield became a magnet for artists, writers, and designers. The Bardfield Artists’ community turned the village into a creative hotspot, holding open-house exhibitions that drew crowds from London and beyond. Their legacy is woven into the village’s identity—blue plaques now mark their homes and studios, and their influence can be felt in local galleries and community spirit.
Modern Day & TV/Film Fame:
Great Bardfield’s timeless charm and creative reputation have attracted filmmakers and TV producers. The village and surrounding countryside have featured in period dramas, documentaries, and travel programmes celebrating rural Essex and the Bardfield Artists’ legacy.
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TV/Film highlights: The BBC has filmed features on the Bardfield Artists, and local locations have appeared in “Lovejoy” and other British dramas, thanks to their unspoilt, picture-perfect looks.
Fun Facts:
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Edward Bawden, one of Britain’s best-loved illustrators, is buried in the village churchyard.
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The village holds an annual open gardens event, with locals welcoming visitors into their beautiful, creative spaces.
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The Bardfield Artists’ open exhibitions in the 1950s were a radical, community-driven approach to sharing art—pioneering for their time.
The Bardfield Artists:
A Creative Legacy
Great Bardfield’s most famous residents were its artists—a close-knit group whose work became nationally and internationally known. Here are the key figures:
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Edward Bawden (1903–1989):
Illustrator, printmaker, and designer. Renowned for his linocuts, murals, and book illustrations. Royal Designer for Industry and CBE; works held in the Tate and V&A. -
Eric Ravilious (1903–1942):
Painter, designer, and war artist. Famous for his watercolours of the English landscape and as an official war artist in WWII. His work is highly collected and celebrated in major exhibitions. -
John Aldridge (1905–1983):
Painter and wallpaper designer. Known for lyrical landscapes and as a founding member of the Bardfield group. His work is held in the Fry Art Gallery and public collections. -
Sheila Robinson (1925–1988):
Printmaker and illustrator. Taught at the Royal College of Art and created iconic Festival of Britain posters. -
Michael Rothenstein (1908–1993):
Painter, printmaker, and teacher. Known for innovative printmaking techniques and major exhibitions in the UK and abroad. -
Marianne Straub (1909–1994):
Textile designer. Pioneered modern British weaving and designed fabrics for London Underground and major fashion houses. -
Kenneth Rowntree (1915–1997):
Painter and muralist. Official war artist; known for murals in public buildings and vibrant paintings of British life. -
Other notable members:
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George Chapman, Bernard Cheese, Tirzah Garwood, and Chloe Cheese—all respected artists with works in national collections.
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Why They Matter:
The Bardfield Artists were known for their collaborative spirit, open exhibitions, and their vivid, accessible art that captured the beauty and eccentricity of English country life. Their legacy is celebrated at the Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden and in the village itself, where you can follow a trail past their former homes.