Galleywood: The Essex village with ‘a rich history’

The village of Galleywood sits astride a Roman road running south from Chelmsford towards Vange Creek and was once part of the Great Baddow parish, comprising two hamlets: Galleywood and Galleyend, about a mile apart.

Area researchers Area Hive described Galleywood as a “charming village located just south of Chelmsford” and “is often touted as a tranquil residential area”.

The village “boasts a rich history, picturesque countryside, and a close-knit community vibe”.

The Horse and Groom (Image: Google) A noticeable feature of Galleywood is its traditionality.

It still retains some properties of old character such as Walters Farmhouse, the old Methodist Chapel (now a private house), the old village school (now the Galleywood Youth Centre) and many traditional, rural Essex cottages and farmhouses.

According to Galleywood Parish Council, the historic names of multiple Galleywood families and farms live on in the village’s road names such as Ponds Road, Pyms Road, Pavitt Meadow and Pryors Road.

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The village has one pub – aptly named The Horse and Groom in Horse and Groom Lane.

It averages a 4.4 Google rating.

Lounge India (Image: Google) Restaurant options include Mediterranean restaurant Ego at Running Mare in Running Mare Lane, Lounge India in Stock Road and Mila Essex Bar and Grill in Watchouse Road.

Galleywood is a 40-minute drive from Romford and a 15-minute drive from Chelmsford town centre, according to Google Maps.

Liverpool Street is a 35-minute train journey from Chelmsford.

Galleywood also has an “excellent network of footpaths”, according to the parish council.

Ego at Running Mare (Image: Google) There are many hectares of green belt land and plenty of open countryside to explore.

Galleywood Common was the historic home of a racecourse from 1759 -1935, made famous by the racehorse Golden Miller – the most successful Cheltenham Gold Cup horse ever.

Galleywood has, according to the parish council, the “only church in the country to be built in the middle of a racecourse” in St Michael and All Angels Church.

Built in 1873, the building sits 277 feet above sea level.

St Michael and All Angels Church (Image: Google) The phrase steeplechase is believed to have come from the Galleywood racecourse and influences the naming of the modern-day athletics event.

The land on which the racecourse sat was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1993.

The common has a 4.6 average Google rating and is described as a “pleasant open space enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse riders” by outdoor specialists Discovering Britain.

“The land has been trampled by racehorses and farm animals, dug up to make bricks and taken over by the military,” it says.

​”The common has changed use and appearance many times for many reasons. 

Galleywood Nature Reserve (Image: Google)As well as the common, Jubilee Park provides an alternative outdoor space and Area Hive labels this a “local favourite”.

According to Rightmove, house prices in Galleywood had an overall average of £412,865 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in Galleywood during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £421,341.

Terraced properties sold for an average of £357,688, with detached properties fetching £610,000.