The Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat, Pleshey

Check in: 14:00 (2:00pm) - 18:00 (6:00pm) (arrivals may be allowed outside this window if your travel plans can't be adjusted however this is subject to availability)

Check out: Before 09:30 (9:30am)

History

In 1906, two Anglican nuns from the Congregation of the Servants of Christ visited the village while seeking new premises, as their previous residence had become too small. They purchased the Gatehouse, its barn, Parsonage Cottage, Garden Cottage (on the site now occupied by the Evelyn Underhill Room), and surrounding land for £6,104.

They moved in shortly after and were joined by other members of their order. The barn proved unsuitable for conversion and was demolished in 1908. A new convent was constructed on the site, incorporating timbers from the original barn into its staircase and window. The convent was dedicated on 30th September 1909. At its height, 23 nuns lived in the convent while the Gatehouse accommodated guests.

Between 1912 and 1914, the convent advertised annual retreats in the Diocesan Gazette for women and clergy discerning vocations. At the time, the area was part of the Diocese of St Albans.

During the First World War, Belgian soldiers convalesced in the Gatehouse. Parsonage Cottage, originally home to the priest serving the chapel within the castle grounds, was intended for the chaplain to the convent.

Relations with the Bishop of St Albans were positive, but the creation of the Diocese of Chelmsford in 1914, under Bishop Watts-Ditchfield, brought changes. The new Bishop did not permit reservation of the Blessed Sacrament in the convent chapel. As a result, the nuns relocated, eventually settling in Burnham, where the order remains active.

The Diocese then rented the property as a retreat house for £82 per year until 1927, when it was purchased by the Diocesan Mission Society with support from the Diocesan Board of Finance. It became the first Diocesan Retreat House in the country. The first Warden was Annie Harvey, and the first Chaplain was Rev’d Henry Monks, who lived in Parsonage Cottage and was instrumental in establishing the retreat house.

Under successive wardens and chaplains, the retreat house developed a strong spiritual programme. Among its notable retreat conductors was Evelyn Underhill, whose involvement contributed to the retreat’s growing reputation.

In 1933, a new chapel was built and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Nicolas, and All Saints by the Bishop of Chelmsford.

Food & beverage

Guests at The House of Retreat enjoy full board, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided as part of their stay.

The Leather Bottle – a traditional 19th-century pub in Pleshey serving British lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks. It's only a short walk from the retreat house

Grounds & Gardens

The carefully tended garden looks glorious in all seasons. With a mix of shrubs and perennials, there are many small nooks and seating areas for peaceful contemplation. In the Cottage area of the garden fresh vegetables are growing and a mossy green gate leads through to the peaceful grounds of the church.

Other facilities

• The Chapel

The Chapel with its simple white walls, beautiful icons, and windows onto the garden was dedicated in 1933. It is a place where you can, in TS Eliot’s words kneel ‘where prayer has been valid’ through many different decades.

•  The Orangery

A light bright space with tea-coffee-making facilities, and a door straight out into the garden. It can be used on its own by a small group or as a breakout room for a whole house booking. Seats 14.

•  The Lounge

A comfortable room, with soft lighting., and great views of the garden. Ideal for relaxing in or can be used by breakout groups from the main house booking. Seats 10 on a mix of sofas and easy chairs.

• The Library

A peaceful space for personal study, reading, or small group work, with a fascinating collection of some classic texts in Christian theology. Can seat 6 round the table.

• The Underhill Room

The largest group space. With seating for 30 it is being equipped with new blinds, and new projection facilities ready for hybrid learning events. This room has its own small kitchen and servery hatch for teas and coffees, and adjoining toilets for the exclusive use of any group who book the room.