James Merriott continues his watercolour tour of the county with a trip close to home that inspires thoughts of places further afield

Great British Life: POST BOX IN CHURCH ROAD Attractive and conspicuous with its lovely shape under a pitched roof.POST BOX IN CHURCH ROAD Attractive and conspicuous with its lovely shape under a pitched roof. (Image: Archant)

The parish church at Ashingdon sits at the top of a high hill. There is a wooded area beyond the west side but the churchyard is graced with a magnificent open vista at the opposite end, offering wonderful views towards the River Crouch.

Accessible along a narrow lane, Ashingdon church has for me a very special significance as it is built with Ragstone and has a similar structure to many beautiful buildings I discovered in the Dordogne region of France.

Great British Life: ST. ANDREWS CHURCH The first view seen upon entering into the churchyard.ST. ANDREWS CHURCH The first view seen upon entering into the churchyard. (Image: Archant)

It was in the Dordogne, some 35 years ago, that I began to find my style of painting in watercolour.

Revisiting Ashingdon church I again find the same uplifting excitement I found those 35 years ago.

Great British Life: ST. ANDREWSCHURCH FROM THE WEST Without doubt, my favourite view of my favourite Essex Church.ST. ANDREWSCHURCH FROM THE WEST Without doubt, my favourite view of my favourite Essex Church. (Image: Archant)

I also found, at that time, some superb handmade watercolour paper from le Moulin de la Rouzique, at Couze St Front.

Great British Life: THE VICTORY INN Across from the church the Inn could be promoting “Out of the church and into the pub”THE VICTORY INN Across from the church the Inn could be promoting “Out of the church and into the pub” (Image: Archant)

As I no longer travel and instead remain in my native Essex, I am so grateful to be able to revisit at any time the stunning setting of the magnificent Church of St Andrew in Ashingdon to rekindle my memories of the Dordogne.

Great British Life: ASHINGDON HALL Situated in Church Road at the junction with Ashingdon Road.ASHINGDON HALL Situated in Church Road at the junction with Ashingdon Road. (Image: Archant)

For the record, all of these views were recorded before the lockdown guidelines came into force and so there was no need to make an unessential journey to complete these watercolours. 

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