Tiptree, a Civil Parish and Village in the Colchester Borough in Essex County, England
Tiptree village is also a civil parish in the borough of Colchester in Essex County, England. It lies 10 miles south-west of Colchester and approximately 50 miles north-east of London. It is a rapidly expanding village with many housing estates being established and new houses being built. Despite the expansion, it has retained its status as a village since the town status was rejected by residents in a 1999 local referendum. This village is vying for the title of “largest village in England.”
The town was the scene of the “Tiptree sneeze.” A viral video of a trombonist who sneezed into his trombone while playing with the London Central Fellowship Band on 22 February 2014 at the St Luke’s Parish Church.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Triptree
Shopping in this village is nothing spectacular, but the best buy while in this town is a jar of preserves from the Tiptree Jam Shop. The name of the town is used as a brand name for internationally acclaimed preserves produced by Wilkin & Sons in the village. Wilkins, a local farming family in the village, founded the business in 1885. It provided 220-full time employment and yielded more than £24 million in 2008.
Things to See and Do in Triptree
The 25 - hectare Heath is located to the south of the village. It is the largest parcel of heathland in Essex and is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In history, the area was the centre for convergence for smugglers who took advantage of the sheltered water inlets of Mersea, Salcott cum Virley and Tollesbury. These runners of contraband even hid their loot within the dense heathland. Dexter cattle are made to graze in the heathland during summer, and a herd of Exmoor ponies are allowed to run free throughout the year to help maintain the Heath.