The History of Fennes
Fennes is a Georgian Manor house built in the 1500s by the Tabor family on a 500-acre farm in the peaceful North Essex countryside.
Fennes was erected in the 1500s, with the original beams and fireplace in the Reading Room Bar still intact today. Following 1750, the kitchen and reception rooms were added to the building, and in 1830 the beautiful front fascia was added by John English Tabor.
Throughout its history, Fennes functioned as a 500-acre mixed farm growing cereal and potatoes, as well as managing the dairy herd and beef cattle. The Tabor family has always been innovative in their farming methods and at the forefront of conservation. The family estate of Fennes is also home to extensive ancient woodland, hedgerows and wildlife strips.
In 1979, the estate was passed on to the current owner, Ned Tabor. The estate is still farmed on today but there is no longer a dairy herd to manage and instead, it is now home to the cultivation of wheat, barley and oilseed rape. In 1985, as commonly undertaken by many farmers, Ned Tabor decided to diversify, transforming the potato irrigation lakes into a fishery, which is still very popular with the local people and a great draw for wildlife.
Soon after, The Fennes Shooting School was established and in 1995, marriage laws changed to allow couples to marry in licensed venues. Fennes is proud to be the second licensed venue in the whole of the country.
Following the marriage licence, Fennes gardens were redesigned and in 1996 the iconic bridge was constructed, the lodge was converted into accommodation and the Billiard Room was transformed into the Honeymoon Cottage. The Granary was converted from a barn into accommodation in 2017, making a total of 14 rooms at Fennes. The latest conversion, in 2021, involved the Fennes Lodges, updated in a more eclectic contemporary style.
The Tabor Group is actively involved in the local community, sponsoring events at St Mary’s church, local schools, Bocking gardens, and hosting charity events for those including Starlight Foundation, Red Cross, Little Havens, Macmillan and the Essex Air Ambulance.
In its long history, Fennes has carried on growing and growing and makes many wedding dreams come true each year.
Fennes is one of 3 wedding venues run by The Tabor Group in England.
