Lavers, The

The three villages that make up the Lavers lie to the northwest of Ongar, on high ground which is well drained by many streams.The word Laver is derived from the Old English meaning ‘stream pasage’.

Each of the three villages, High, Little and Magdalen retain their own identity and parish church, although they share the same rector and are united in many ways.

To the east is Little Laver, one of the smallest villages in the neighbourhood. The church, rebuilt in the 14th century, was added to in Victorian times and stands in the ground of the old manor house.

In the north is High Laver, where in the 18th century the philosopher John Locke spent the last years of his life with the Masham Family at ‘Otes’ a red brick Tudor manor house. He lived there from 1691 till his death in 1704. He is buried in High Laver churchyard, having written his own epitaph which is now inside the 12th century on the south wall.

Magdalen Laver lies to the south and is a parish of scattered houses with an unusual number of ancient timber framed farmhouses, one of the most attractive is Bushes a 15th century farmhouse.
The parish church of St Mary Magdalen is most picturesque, built in the