The Asheldham Centre is a 14th century church situated in the heart of the Essex countryside between the rivers Blackwater and Crouch.

Following an investigation by archaeologists, in 1978 evidence was found to suggest that there has been a church building on the site since Saxon times. Evidence of Roman origin was also found and this would tie in with the fact that there was a Roman fort in Asheldham.

The present building was previously St. Lawrence's church until it was formally made a redundant in 1975. It has been in use as a youth centre since then and in 1998 was extensively refurbished and modernised.

The Trustees and Management Committee are committed to preserving the building whilst updating the interior in keeping with current legislation.

As a Management Committee we want to see the The Asheldham Centre grow. However, our vision of growth takes many forms. It will continue to be a location for groups of youth or adults to retreat to ˆwhich we encourageˆ but our facilities will be greater in number and quality.

The size of the Centre of course will increase with the addition of an extension for our disabled users, but also we envisage a slight shift in usage to include school parties studying local geography, history, and natural sciences. It is hoped that a new purpose built block will house accommodation for field studies.

Growth also includes increasing our profile - countywide and across the region. Of course some groups come from outside the region as staying in a 14th century medieval church is something of a unique experience! Apart from the architecture, Asheldham has so much to offer and we are intent on seeing users get the best out of their stay in this, the most remote part of Essex and East Anglia. Our profile is being raised by the inclusion of a facility to undertake the instruction of wilderness and survival skills, and backpacking and campcraft courses using nationally qualified expedition leaders and survival instructors from Hunter Outdoor Training‚.

Our commitment to Education, Care, & Adventure‚ is not diminished by the additions to our schedules and day-to-day work. Our long term plan includes steady but constant change to benefit our clients whether they seek spiritual refreshment, exciting outdoor pursuits, or winter survival training… or simply a quiet break from the concrete jungle.

Those of us that work at the centre are privileged to be in a unique environment. Those of you that stay at the Centre have said that the Asheldham Experience‚ is something very special.Our vision is to maintain, for you, that special nature.