“Hen and Chicken Lane” Update
Many of you reading this may recall, in the previous GMK, an article on the restoration of “Hen and Chicken Lane”. As a reminder, the lane is situated within the burial ground between the hedging and the rear of the houses built on Lowfield Lane. Archives had suggested it was possibly an old boundary between medieval and Saxon estates, another fascinating historical site within the Parish.
I am happy to report that the initial restoration work, undertaken by the Community Payback Scheme, has been a success in that the overgrown lane has been cleared of debris and discarded litter. The undergrowth and the majority of the hedging have also been cut back. The group worked hard and, despite the wet and cold weather, fulfilled the task in hand. The lane is larger than first anticipated and is certainly a welcomed improvement to the site.
We still have work to complete in Phase 2, with attention to the hedging and work to improve the ground along the lane and entrance. This needs to be done with care and consideration so we do not compromise the historical and visual qualities. As you can appreciate, this next step will take further funding and work by contractors and volunteers, but what a fantastic start!
We will continue to work with the Heritage Group to capture its history and record it for future generations to enjoy and will be happy to keep you informed as we progress with this project. In the meantime, should you require information on the lane, check out the Parish Council Web site, or contact the Heritage Group.
If you or your family have any further information in regard to the history of the site we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact Cllr Sue Green suegreen@gnosallparishcouncil.org.uk or the Parish Clerk, Jayne Cooper clerk@gnosallparishcouncil.org.uk.
Thank you again to the Heritage Group for your valued information and to Jim McGregor for the photographs.
Photographs of Hen and Chicken Lane before and after restoration work