Stanford Rivers Vestry Meetings in 1806

At a public vestry held this 7th day of April 1806, it was resolved to take down the bell which was split and out of order and to dispose of the same, the money arising from such sale to be applied towards repairs of the steeple of the said parish of Stanford Rivers.

At a Special Vestry held in the Parish Church of Stanford Rivers in the County of Essex on the Twentieth day of November 1806. It was agreed between the Revd. Dr. Dowdeswell Rector, the Churchwardens Overseers and others of the Parishioners of the said Parish present at the Vestry of the one part, and Mr. Thomas Mansfield of Ongar Park Hall for an on behalf of Charles Smith Esq. of Suttons in ye Parish of Stapleford Tawney in the said County (of the other part).

That in consideration of the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds to be paid by the said Charles Smith Esq., into the hands of the Parish Officers of Stanford Rivers for the time being: to be applied towards paying off and discharging a Mortgage of Two Hundred Pounds due to Mr. James Grove of Navestock for which the Workhouse of Stanford Rivers is a security: The said Rector, Churchwardens Overseers and Parishioners do, as far as in them lies, sell and assign over unto the said Charles Smith Esq his Heirs and Assigns for ever Two pieces of Land containing Two Acres more or less lying and being in the Common mead of their Parishes and which are free from Tithes and poor Rates and are the property of their Parishes. To have and to hold to the said Charles Smith his Heirs and Assigns for ever free and clear from any future claim or demand for Rent or Charges from the Parishioners of their Parishes and in case contrary to this resolution and Agreement any such claim or demand should be made on the said Charles Smith his Heirs of assigns it is hereby declared that he shall be entitled to claim and demand repayment of the said sum of One Hundred and Twenty pounds which has been paid into the hands of the Parish Officers previous to the signing of this resolution and agreement and the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged.

It is also agreed that in case the said Charles Smith should require any further deed or writing to make valid or secure his uninterrupted possession and enjoyment of the said land the Parishioners will execute the same, he paying the expence of procuring such deed or writing.

It is further agreed by the Parishioners here present that the sum of Eighty Pounds which will remain due to Mr. James Groves after payment of the aforesaid £120 shall be forthwith by cutting down and vale (?) of the Timber now growing upon a field adjoining to the Workhouse of this Parish or out of the first Rates which shall be raised or levied for the relief and maintenance of the Poor of this Parish so that the said Mortgage with the Interest due thereon may be paid off and discharged.

In witness thereof we have severally subscribed our names at a Public Vestry held this 30th day of March 1807
Dowdeswell, Rector
Stephen Jones } Churchwardens
John Crouchman }

Thos. Mansfield } Overseers
William Frost }