The Society and its archive
About
The High Country History Group recorded and shared the history of Greensted, Stanford Rivers, Stapleford Tawney and Theydon Mount.
Our story
The Society was active from 1999 to 2026. Its members researched local people, buildings, landscapes and events; published journals; collected photographs and memories; and encouraged interest in the history of the four parishes.
The High Country
The name “High Country” reflects the group of Essex parishes at the heart of the Society’s work: Greensted, Stanford Rivers, Stapleford Tawney and Theydon Mount. Each has its own character, while their histories are closely connected through families, estates, churches, schools, agriculture, transport and community life.
The online archive
This website brings together the Society’s journals and a growing collection of articles, events, people, places and photographs. Maps, timelines, census information, quizzes and curated tours provide different ways to explore the collection.
Archive records draw on Society publications, donated material, public records, historical sources and the knowledge of members and contributors. Historical information is presented in good faith and may be expanded or corrected as further evidence becomes available.
Continuing the work
Although the Society concluded its formal activities in 2026, this website continues to be maintained and updated. New archive records, photographs and corrections will be added, and a newsletter will be published in the future to share updates from the collection.
Acknowledgements
We warmly thank the Officers of the Society, its members and all contributors whose research, photographs, publications and memories built this collection. We are also grateful to those who continue caring for the archive.
