Toppesfield



Toppesfield is a small village, historically associated with arable farming, in north Essex, England.

Inhabitants
Toppesfield has approximately three-hundred inhabitants. Around one mile south-south east from the village lies the hamlet of Gainsford End, which has approximately fifty inhabitants and used to boast a countryside museum.

Derivation
The derivation of the name 'Toppesfield' is assumed to be an agglomeration of the phrase 'Top of the Field' meaning it is located on a rise.

Geographic
As stated, Toppesfield sits atop a small and shallow hill. This means that all roads lead downhill from its centre (a covered water pump). This also results in Toppesfield church tower being easily visible from other villages more than 10 miles distant.

Toppesfield is situated in north Essex, which has considerably hillier terrain than most other areas of Essex. It is situated close (8 miles) to the Suffolk borders.

Shop
In recent years Toppesfield has built, stocked and operated its own co-operatively owned general goods store, exclusively manned by volunteers. This is in contrast to many nearby villages, which remain without a shop.

Pub
The single public house in Toppesfield is the Green Man. This is owned by Toppesfield Community Pub Limited ('TCP'), an Industrial & Provident Society which was established in 2012. TCP gained control of the Green Man in December 2012 from Admiral Taverns, a national 'pubco' which had had financial problems for many years. TCP is owned by more than 150 shareholders who raised share capital exceeding £150,000 to help finance the purchase. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-20724492

School
The village operates a single primary school, affiliated with the Church of England, called St Margarets.

Church
Affiliated with the Church of England, the church is of traditional design. A small graveyard surrounds the church. The church is administered by the local Reverend who is based in Great Yeldham and currently administers and presides at a number of local churches.

Pump
The pump is the centre part of Toppesfield and is an exciting aspect of the old village. Many events have taken place in and around the pump such as the Golden Jubilee celebrations in June 2002.

Village hall
Attached to the village shop and post office the village hall is a well used section of the village. Playing host to the annual Flower Show and The Millennium Party held in 1999-2000.

Neighbouring villages
Neighbouring Toppesfield are the villages of Great Yeldham and Stambourne and the hamlet of Gainsford End.