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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 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 - Green End, although not so green now as a row of cottages has been built on it.

 

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 - all for charity.