Stansted Information

Stansted is a small town in Essex, close to London. It has a surprisingly interesting history, and there are several attractions for those interested in British history.
Mountfichet Castle is the only Norman motte and bailey castle in the world. It originated as a fort in the Iron Ages, and was developed into a village in Saxon and Viking times. In 1066, William the Conqueror claimed it for his own, then presented it to his cousin, the Duke of Boulogne, who built the castle. It remained as a Norman stronghold until 1215, when it was destroyed as an act of revenge against Richard de Montfichet II, who had taken part in the operation to make the King seal the Magna Carta. The castle was then abandoned until as recently as the 1970s, when Alan Goldsmith bought and restored it and opened it to the public in 1985.

Today's visitors can find fascinating reconstructions including a blacksmith's smithy, a candlemaker and an alchemist. There is a brewhouse, a falconry, a chicken house, a dovecote, a pottery and a weaving and dying house. You can learn about the Norman way of life, including how they carried out their crafts, including thatching, woodcarving, wattle fence-making and lacemaking. A Norman village has been reconstructed on the site and there are animals and displays including weapons and models of Norman villagers.
The castle attracts about 80,000 visitors a year, testimony to its importance as a historical relic.
Next to Mountfichet Castle, you will find the House on the Hill Toy Museum. This is the largest privately-owned toy museum in Europe, covering 7,000 square feet, and containing thousands of items. It started in 1946 when curater Alan Goldsmith bought a Hornby train set, and today houses exhibits including Victorian toys, space toys, a puppet theatre, military displays, Action Men, Meccano, teddy bears' picnic, dolls houses, trains, books, games and vintage slot machines. There is also a rock ‘n' roll, film and theatre museum.

In the centre of Stansted you will find Mountfichet Windmill, which was built in 1787 as a tower mill, but has not worked since 1910.
Another nearby attraction is Audley End House, a huge country mansion from the early 17th century, one of the finest Jacobean houses in England, with beautiful architectural features.. There is a Great Hall, with carvings and collections of shells and fossils, an organic kitchen garden, and an attractive Gothic chapel. Various picnics take place here, with fireworks and music.
Thaxted Church is one of the grandest churches in Essex, and is connected with composer Gustav Holst, who organised the 1916 Whitsun festival.
Stansted also has a broad range of entertainment with various theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, leisure centres, theme parks and music venues.

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