Has Your Town got GANTS?

[PeterBirder]

Probably not. GANT is a term unique to Braintree where I live. It derives from the Flemish word "gang" meaning alley or passageway and was introduced in the 14th century by Flemish Weavers who moved here and established the town as a major centre for weaving.

There are many gants in the town and one of the best is "Bailey's Gant"


Here's how it may have looked with an "older" camera.


It passes through the timber framed building, which is possibly 14th century and into a small courtyard.


Here's a view looking back through it.


It then passes through a later (but still old) brick building to the High Street.


At the end of the High Street is the Fountain one of the many philanthropic gifts to the town in the 1930's by the Coutauld family who were later successors to the Flemish weavers.

The church is the Parish Church of St Michael where for many many years my Father was organist and Choirmaster. I was for a while an angelic choirboy.


I've allways wondered why the boy has an Otter with him.

But there are Sea Lions round the pond.


Thanks for looking.

[Zuiko]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Excellent set, Peter. I particularly like the aged sepia shot, it's very much in keeping with the subject. Thanks again for a really enjoyable day.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Thanks John.
I had a great day too.

Regards.

[Guest]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

After John's it is interesting to see your take on Braintree, Peter. It has such loads of historic charm and character. Aside from olde Tasmania, I know of nothing like it in Oz

[Phill D]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Fascinating story and lovely illustrative shots. I'd never heard of a GANT but will look out for them.

[Jim Ford]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

GANT is a term unique to Braintree where I live. It derives from the Flemish word "gang" meaning alley or passageway and was introduced in the 14th century by Flemish Weavers who moved here and established the town as a major centre for weaving.

That's really interesting! I wonder if the lowland Scots word 'gang' meaning 'go' (as in 'gang awa') comes from the same root? Also Northumbrian dialect as in 'ganging along the Scotswood Road'.

The images are great and put a different light on a part of the Home Counties that's often associated with drabness.

Jim

[cariadus]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Never heard of gant either. None here in Barry but my original home town of Cowbridge, about 10 miles away, has Medieval parts and a similar passageway off the High Street.

[birdboy]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Thanks for the interesting explaination Peter. I had never heard of Gant other that in the place Gants Hill near Ilford East London. Chelmsford also has a gant if I am not mistaken,from the high street (near Superdrug)through the car park to the river chelmer?

I have driven past that church and fountain many times but never stopped to admire its beauty so thanks for sharing your pictures.

John

[PeterBirder]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Many thanks for your kind comments folks.

pandora.
The 14th century is relatively recent in our town's history. There has been a settlement here since pre-Roman times. More recently settlers from here founded the town of Braintree Massachusetts in that former colony of ours across the Atlantic.

Jim Ford.
Not sure if there is a common root with Scots/Northumbrian dialect.
Rural North Essex is very different from "sarf Essex" and has much more in common with Suffolk and Norfolk including the local dialect. We regard ourselves as very much East Anglians. TOWI, "Essex Girls", Estuary English and the like have done us no favours.

cariadas.
Yes this type of alley/passageway is not at all uncommon but the term Gant is unique to Braintree.

birdboy.
Gants Hill I believe derives from the Le Gant family who are recorded as living there in 1291.
I know the "gant" in Chelmsford High Street well having worked and lived in Chelmsford previously.

Regards.

[David M]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

A gant would be a ginnel in North West England.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

A gant would be a ginnel in North West England.

Thanks for that David. I was racking my brains trying to recall the other terms I'd heard used for these features.

Regards.

[David M]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

I'm pretty sure there was another name for them in South Cheshire, I just can't remember what it is.

[IainMacD]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Nice images Peter and an interesting story to go with it.

[DerekC]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Interesting story and nice set of images.

[Bikie John]

Re: Has Your Town got GANTS?

Thanks for that David. I was racking my brains trying to recall the other terms I'd heard used for these features.

As well as ginnel, try slype, snicket and twitten. Plus boring old alley, of course. No doubt there are more - gant is a new one on me.

Ciao ... John