The Much Hadham sign was unveiled on 16 December 1999 by Lord Runcie, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury (previously Bishop of St Albans in whose diocese the village lies). The proposal for a sign came from a village couple who noticed the widespread use of signs in Norfolk. It was designed and painted by the well-known designer Mary Moore of Brandeston in Suffolk. Her husband, Hector, the blacksmith, designed the supporting ironwork which includes Bolt End Scrolls and Snub End Scrolls. The post is of Hertfordshire Oak. The Tudor Rose is at the top of the sign because the father of Henry VII, first of the Tudor dynasty, was born in the village. Also shown is the Parish Church of St Andrew with its curved churchyard wall, the River Ash which flows through the village, a particular breed of sheep known as North Country Mules frequently seen locally and featured in Henry Moore’s Sheep Sketchbook (he lived nearby) and the Tree of Life as depicted in the West window of the church. The sign was given by The Much Hadham Recreation Trust.
Written by John Weston, VSS Member