the history

Ye Olde Plough House was originally built in the 14th century as a farmhouse and was owned by Richardatte Napleton. Also Used throughout the years as an alms house, one can imagine the weary pilgrims as they sought shelter, food and hospitality around the central hearth of Ye Olde Plough House, for apart from ruffians, the whole area was rife with Malaria.

The old track from Brentwood through Bulphan to Tilbury once formed part of the pilgrims way for those traveling to the shrines of Thomas A Becket in Canterbury and our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk.Legend has it that King Henry V111 himself sought shelter here, and it is also said that Dick Turpin was well known to ride through the area.The House was bought by Mr Harold Monk in the 1960's and it then started life again as a small coffee shop without mains water or toilets. After many years Mr Monk undertook extensive work to build Ye Olde Plough House as we know it today. You will still find the original house in the landscaped gardens which Mr Monks ancestors reside in to this day.

As well as being a prestigious function venue, today travellers can still find sanctuary on the busy A128 but they are travellers of a different kind. Now Ye Olde Plough House offers a warm welcome to passing motorists, tourists, businessmen, foreign visitors on their way from the docks and anyone who needs for one reason or another to be away from home.

back to top