Ardleigh (Ergela) comes from two old English words - Ard meaning High and Ley meaning Pasture. Ardleigh is one of the largest parishes in Tendring Hundred, in the northern division in Essex. The village lays four and a half miles north of Colchester and about four and half miles from Manningtree.

 About the Site

Ardleigh's Past started out purely as a site of genealogical data for family historians whose ancestors were Ardleigh's residents. Due to the unexpected interested in other aspects of information about the village I have been adding more topics. Information currently covers 1086 onwards but in the main parish records cover 1555 up to 1904 to ensure the privacy of those who may be living. 

Accuracy is of importance on this site and in most cases information has relevant sources and references. Please use the information as a guide for your research and where possible examine the primary source. Reference details can be found on the reference page.

 I would like at this point to take the opportunity to thank everyone (all over the world!) for their contributions, support and enthusiasm for the site.  Melanie