The Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat, Pleshey

History

In 1906 two Anglican nuns of the congregation of the Servants of Christ visited the village. The order was looking for new premises, since their old ones were too small. So impressed were they by the peace of the place, that they bought the Gatehouse, with its barn, Parsonage Cottage, Garden Cottage, which stood where the Evelyn Underhill room now stands, and land for the sum of £6,104. They moved in and were soon joined by others. The barn proved too difficult to convert, so in 1908 it was pulled down and the new convent built. Some of the barn timbers were used to build the staircase and window. The convent was dedicated on 30th September, 1909. 23 nuns lived here and the Gatehouse was reserved for guests. 

In the years 1912-14 the convent advertised in the Diocesan Gazette annual retreats for women and clergy testing their vocations – a foreshadowing of things to come! The Diocese at this time was that of St. Albans.

In the 1914-18 war, Belgian soldiers were sent to convalesce in the Gatehouse. Parsonage Cottage, original home to the priest who served the Gloucester’s’ chapel within the Castle grounds, was intended to house the chaplain to the Convent.

The nuns had a very good relationship with the Bishop of St. Albans, but when in 1914, the Diocese of Chelmsford was established and acquired its first bishop, the devout evangelical Bishop Watts-Ditchfield, matters took a new turn. The new Bishop would not allow the nuns to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in their Chapel and unable to live with this, they moved to Potters Bar and eventually to Burnham, where the Order lives today. 

The convent was rented by the Diocese as a Retreat House for the sum of £82 per annum until 1927 when the Diocesan Mission Society bought the property, with the aid of a loan from the Diocesan Board of Finance, and the first Diocesan Retreat House in the country was established. The first Warden was Annie Harvey and the first Chaplain, who lived in Parsonage Cottage, was Rev’d Henry Monks. It was through Rev’d Monks’ persistence and vision that the Retreat House was established by the diocese. Monks’ Cloister, on the west side of the garden is dedicated to him.

Under successive Wardens and Chaplains the Retreat House flourished and built a considerable spiritual tradition. Amongst the list of Retreat conductors is Evelyn Underhill. Arguably the most distinguished Conductor of that time, it is largely due to Evelyn that the Retreat house became so popular. The House will always owe a great debt of gratitude to both Henry and Evelyn, as do all those who come and enjoy this lovely place today.

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

Food & beverage

The House of Retreat would try to serve the best local produce. They strongly advise booking Full Board, rather than Room only or simply B&B, as local alternative eateries, pubs, etc are limited.

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.