Braughing
Braughing (pronounced Braffing) can be approached from either direction of the A120; Bishops Stortford or A10, and turn right or left at Standon and then right a further half mile on. You pass Puckeridge railway station which is still just partially visible. It was part of the Hertford, Ware and Buntingford Line that was axed along with many others, by Dr Beeching in 1964. The waiting rooms have since been converted into a private house and the platform flower beds restored to their old glory.
Braughing itself is an old fashioned English village, almost
untouched by modern life. It is a small, neat and tidy place
with its village shop and Post Office and few remaining
tradesmen. The village green stretches down to the ford;
a little further on is Barwick (pronounced Barrick) Ford, neither
of which is totally safe when the river is high, or at night.
It is famous for three things; sausages, Old Man's Day and the
Wheelbarrow Race. Braughing sausages are still produced locally
although available in the surrounding towns and villages in
some outlets. They are a superb, lightly flavoured with herbs
and spices and excellent with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Old Man’s Day
Old Man's Day is celebrated every October 2. Over 400 years ago a local resident of Fleece Lane, Matthew Wall died although only a young man. As his coffin was being carried to the church one of the pallbearers slipped on a stone, causing the coffin to shake and Matthew was returned to life.
By the terms of his will on the anniversary of his 'funeral' the local schoolchildren sweep Fleece Lane whilst the funeral bells toll in the local church. At evening a song especially written for the occasion is sung in the graveyard and the wedding bells are rung.
Matthew Wall lived to a ripe old age and in his will bequeathed a small parcel of
land to the village -
The Wheelbarrow Race is held on the Braughing Annual Fete day towards the end of
July. Together with the usual sideshows and stalls local people dress up in silly
costumes and push wheelbarrows of various eccentric designs complete with passenger
around a special course in a local field -
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