Possible site of late 17th century or earlier decoy pond, 'Felstead Decoy', between Pond Park Farm and Leighs Priory (EHER 82225)

Now destroyed. The possible site of a decoy pond described as being situated between Pond Park Farm (see EHER 37068 for the farmhouse) and the site of Leighs Priory (EHER 5956) at Little Leighs. The actual location of this pond is not known and it may have been confused with a fish pond at Leighs Priory (EHER 8937).

Felstead Decoy is described by Christy in The Victoria History of the County of Essex as being situated between Pond Park Farm (see EHER 37068 for the farmhouse) and the site of Leighs Priory (EHER 5956) at Little Leighs. There is a habitation in the vicinity called 'Decoy Cottage.' Nothing is known of the history of this decoy, but an entry of the Maldon Courts of General Session must be associated with it. The following is quoted from it : "Maldon Courts of General Session No. 18, p. 173. "March 17, 1679. "James Maiden, of Felsted, decoyman, free. "James (or possibly Jacob) Maiden, free. "Memorandum that furthermore at the same court, held the " day and place aforesaid, before the aforementioned bailiffs, " there also came James Maiden of Felsted in the county of "Essex, Decoyman, in his own person, and humbly begged that " he might be admitted into the liberties of the same Borough, " etc. " <1> Note: The true location of this decoy pond is not known and the mapped location has been chosen as it is a reflection of the location described by source <1>. The location of the building known as 'Decoy Cottage' is also unknown and it has not been possible to refine the location further. There may be some confusion with the fish ponds of Leighs Priory (EHER 937) and the entry from the Maldon Courts of General Session may be referring to an individual who worked these ponds instead.