Wickham, as it was originally known, was a very small manor at the time of the Domesday Book of 1086 and at that time it belonged to the Bishops of London. Evidence of Roman occupation has also been found.

The village was originally centered around St Peters Church but gradually moved up to the top of the hill and there the current church, St Bartholomews, was built by the Leigh family in 1850. St Peters remains at the other end of the village and is now maintained by the Friends of friendless churches.

Wickham Bishops is now a thriving village of around 2.000 residents situated in a picturesque part of North Essex and since the advent of the railways in 1848 travel to London has been possible and it is now a popular commuter village. The village is built along the Blackwater ridge and the hill is full of natural springs. It remains an agricultural community, arable farming and fruit since 1924. White House Farm, with its 66 acres, has 19 varieties of apples and was a large producer of fruit in the community.

St Bartholomews church is at the heart of village life and worship on a Sunday morning consists of around 100 parishioners drawn from all age groups. Current worship is a mixture of modern and traditional styles and there are a number of groups and activities that take place during the week that seek to give pastoral support to the community. St Bartholomews has an excellent church hall adjacent to the church which is used by the church community and local residents for private, family celebrations.

Sunday Services

Holy Communion – Every first, second, fourth and fifth Sunday at 8.00 am

Parish Eucharist – Every first, second and fourth Sunday at 10.30 am

Morning Praise – Every third Sunday at 10.30 am

There are 6 wonderful country walks around Wickham Bishops village;-

1. River Walk – Distance 4.1 miles, approx time 1 hr 45 mins – 13% on roads or pavements.

2. Sparkey Wood Walk – Distance 2.17 miles, approx 45 mins – 28% on roads or pavements.

3. Shut Heath Wood Walk – Distance 4.35 miles, approx 1hr 45 mins – 45% on roads or pavements.

4. Rail Trail Walk – Distance 3.6 miles, approx 1 hr 35 mins – 37% on roads or pavements.

5. Glen Chantry Walk – Distance 4 miles, approx 1 hr 45 mins – 58% on roads and pavements.

6. Blackwater View Walk – Distance 5.84 miles, approx 2 hrs 45 mins – 37% on roads and pavements.

The commercial centre of the village consists of a small supermarket, where within the Post Office is based. Athough small it is very well stocked with provisions, fresh milk, bread and daily newspapers. There is a Beauty salon, Estate agent, 2 public houses, The Mitre and The Chequers also situated in the main high street.

The village has a very active Tennis Club which can be found just off of the main street together with the local Scout base camp also located nearby. Just on the outskirts of the village you find Benton Hall Golf and Country Club which has an 18 hole championship course, a 9 hole pitch and putting green and with superb leisure facilities of an indoor pool and gym etc, Benton Hall is a great place to visit and practice your skills. The local riding stables, Marvens, is family run and is located within the village, private and individual lessons can be arranged.