Bluebridge Ho olim Ashford
Early-attested site in the Parish of Halstead Rural
Historical Forms
- Aissesford (bridge of), Æsseford, Asse(s)ford 12th Colne
Etymology
Bluebridge Ho olim Ashford is Aissesford (bridge of ), Æsseford , Asse (s )ford 12thColne . The old name is 'Aesc 's ford' or 'ash ford.' This was formerly called Coggeshall Bridge from Coggeshall House built in 1563 by John Cockshall or Cogeshal , whose arms, 'a black cross between four black escallops,' were affixed over the porch, whence the house was called Callops or Collups . In 1722 both house and bridge were known as Blew Bridge because the bridge had been painted blue by John Morley the Halstead butcher and practical joker who had built a new house on the site in 1713.