Sir Henry’s, in Romford Road, Aveley, is a restaurant and pub with almost 750 years of history – and lots of stories to show for it.
The venue takes its name from Henry Gernett, a former sheriff and executioner of Essex who rented the land during the 1300s.
While the original building – built around 1275 – has suffered numerous fires over the centuries, parts of the historic structure are still standing, including the entire front of the restaurant.
A headless horseman is rumoured to ride the grounds of Sir Henry’s (Image: Sir Henry’s)
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Inside, the pub has been designed to highlight its history, with the 800-year-old timbers being the focal point of the restaurant.
But these historic features have attracted tales passed down by locals and staff, including that a man was once hung from one of the beams of the building.
While this might sound simply like a rumour, other goings on at Sir Henry’s suggest it could be haunted.
According to the pub’s website, during closing time footsteps can be heard coming from the restaurant above even though no-one is up there and the door in the main bar bangs loudly “as if someone is trying to escape”.
More paranormal events such as glasses “jumping” off the bar area, gas burners turning on by themselves and frequent cold breezes have also been reported by staff.
Some locals have even seen a headless horseman riding across the grounds to where the main gate of the estate used to be at night.
Outside, Sir Henry’s picturesque pond comes with stories of witches.
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It is believed that the pond was once used for witch trials: four women in Aveley and South Ockendon were accused of being witches, according to the pub’s website, and could have faced the ducking stool at the pond.
Once the building was sold off to Essex County Council in 1937, it fell into disrepair – but was given a new lease of life as a pub in the 1980s.
Since opening as Sir Henry’s in 2013, the venue has focused in on delivering a “hearty” British menu, alongside a selection of wines, beers and spirits.
It has recently opened a wedding and events venue on the site called The Barn, which is described as “beautifully rustic and charming”.
