The latest in the occasional series of history features by Susan Yates, chair of Thurrock Historical Society.

Sue writes:- 

ON Saturday, 7 September many local residents will have visited the 116th Orsett Show and I wonder how many of the thousands who attended realise the history of the village and took time to visit it. 

Orsett has more listed buildings than any other place in Thurrock with a total of 46. 

The name comes from 'Or' meaning 'pool' and 'sett' meaning 'place' according to Palin. Orsett was made up of two manors. The Manor of Orsett Hall and the Manor of Lost Hall or as it is now known Loft Hall. Everyone knows Orsett Hall but how many know Loft Hall. This Grade II listed building situated on the A128 Brentwood Road is a late 18^th century house of two storeys built in red brick to an L-shaped plan with a grey slate roof. Later wing at rear.

I suppose the most well-known building locally is Birch Cottage in Rectory Road which is 15^th/16^th century. Originally one house but converted in to 3 dwellings before being returned to sole occupancy. It is timber framed and plastered with thatched roof and consists of a hall range with jettied cross-wing.

Another well-known feature of Orsett village is its pound and lock up, also known as the village cage.  Now situated in the High Road but originally located at the north end of Pound Lane. It was built in the 17^th/18^th century. It is timber framed and weatherboarded with tiled roof.

One of the most picturesque buildings in Orsett is Grade II listed Lorkins Farm in Conways Road. This 15^th century house of two storeys is timber framed, plastered with a red tiled roof and is jettied with a gabled cross-wing at the west end with 17^th century and later red brick chimney stacks. Lorkins Farm was formerly known as Moores-in-the-clay in 1777.

One of my favourite Orsett buildings is the chocolate box image of Larkins Corner. Situated in Maltings Lane near the Vine it is another grade II listed building. This very attractive house is a 17^th century a mixture of exposed timber framing and plaster rendering with red plain tiled roof and is of two storeys.

I think everyone who uses the A13 in this area knows the smock windmill at Baker Street. It is Grade II listed. There was probably a mill on this site as far back as 1674. According to the owner in 1950 it was built in 1765 but there is no evidence of its existence until 1796. 

The windmill has an octagonal base with a gallery at 1st floor height. Its working life ended 1915-1917 possibly due to damage to its winding gear in a gale. Two of its sails were destroyed by fire circa 1926. In 1970 restoration was started by builder John G. Smith and completed by Tony Mudd.

I could not leave Orsett parish without mentioning Slades Hold Cottages. Again grade II listed this late 17^th century terrace of cottages, of two storeys, is timber-framed and plastered, with a thatched roof. Historically this was the original workhouse before the Union workhouse was built.  

Next time you are passing Orsett, stop and have a look around you will be well rewarded for your time.