This is just an example of what a tunnel might look like, if it was to be discovered under the streets of Great Baddow

There are several references to secret tunnels in Great Baddow. These tunnels are supposedly between St. Mary’s Church and the 17th century White Horse pub, and some reports says that they also run beneath the buildings adjoining the White Horse, namely the Essex Carpet Centre. All of these buildings are old and the idea of tunnels is certainly plausible. One of the rumours also suggests that a monk was trapped in the tunnels and it is this monk that now haunts St Mary’s Church.

The White Horse was formally owned by the Pease family, according to a discussion on the Myfamily website.

“Seems there is a tunnel that runs underground from the church to the restaurant. It has been closed off, but there still is the secret passage way that runs from the second floor up a staircase to the attic. This was used to protect priests in times of trouble. Was able to go up and see the dummy wall partition.” Source: dj0336 on Myfamily.com website

However, during renovation work at St Mary’s in a search for the tunnels was made and apparently nothing was found. This does suggest that the tunnels have long been filled in, or that they never actually existed at all.