Stapleford Tawney – Notes on the Overseers’ Book of Accounts for the years 1723 – 1823

In the year 1723, Edward Luther was Rector of this Parish and signed the book at the Vestry as such. E. Smyth, of Hill Hall. Also signd. At this vestry meeting a document was drawn up and signed by those present. This stated that whereas Thomas Luther, late of Suttons, in the parish of Stapleford Tawney (sic) in the County of Essex., deceased, did in and by his last will and testament in writing, duly executed, bearing date the thirtieth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighteen, give and devise the sum of five pounds per annum to the poor of the parish of Stapleford Tany… for ever and charged several lands…in the said parish with the payment thereof.

Now know ye that we the Churchwardens etc., in vestry assembled…on Monday the eleventh day of April, one thousand seven hundred and twenty-six, In consideration that Jane Luther, of Suttons aforesaid widow, the mother of the said Thomas Luther, deceased, having promised to give four pounds per annum towards the school to be sett up in the said parish of Stapleford Tany, for the instructing the poor children of the said parish…Doe hereby agree and consent as much as in us lyes that the five pounds per annum so devised unto the poor of Stapleford Tany aforesaid, in and by the said Thomas Luther, be applyed and paid annually for ever hereafter to some honest schoolmaster or mistress that shall hereafter reside in the said parish of Stapleford Tany, and instruct the children of such poor persons that are or hereafter shall be, chargeable or likely to become chargeable to the parish aforesaid, in Reading, writing and Accounts, and also in learning them the Church Catechism and bringing them up in the Religion of the Church of England, which said schoolmaster or mistress after the death of the said Jane Luther, to be chosen by the proprietors of the several mansion houses hereinafter named, that is to say the proprietors of the mansion houses called Suttons, Miles, Tany Hall and Bells; and the Rector of the said parish for the time being etc.

Signed. E. Smyth Mary Haddon
Wm. Nicholson Charles Haddon
P. Parkes, Rector Hen. Mott, Jnr.
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David X Trevice
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Charles B. Sworder, Epping