Burrows Farm and Farmhouse

As early as 1235, there appears to have been a house here known as "Barwe". Later records mention "Barrows" and "Burroughes". The Chelmsford and Colchester Chronicle, dated September 16, 1768, advertises:

"To let - a farm called "Burroughes" situated at Stanford Rivers with 120 acres of land, 45 acres whereof are arable, the rest rich meadow, with an exceedingly good house, barn, stables and all other convenient outhouses and likewise a very convenient Pot-Ash Office completely fitted up. Mr. Fillis, the present occupier, will show the premises. For further details, enquire of Mr. Dearsley, Attorney at Romford, or Mr. Pettit, Builder in Lime Street, near Leadenhall Street, London".

The present structure must date well before the 18th century. The same newspaper, dated January 25, 1771, refers to an auction of the household effects belonging to John Galpine, Esq. - including four-post bedsteads, linens, pictures, an 8-day clock, brewery and dairy utensils, chariot and horses, etc. - also 120 acres of arable, pasture and meadow. The farm, with the house, was to be let.

Traces of a moat - to keep out marauders and animals - can still be found near the house.

In 1839, it was the property of Champion Edward Branfill, Esq. and was occupied by Mr. Edward Rayner. Hale's Survey of Standford Rivers - compiled in that year - mentions the property and gives the total acreage as 146 acres.

The signature "Elizabeth Rayner", probably cut with a diamond ring, can be seen today on a landing window. This lady was obviously a relative of Mary Rayner (of Greensted), who left money in 1872 to found a Charity for the poor of Stanford Rivers. Although Edward Rayner is shown as a tenant of Burrows, he was listed in 1830 as a "Freeholder" of the parish in 1830, so one can presume that he owned property elsewhere.

An interesting feature to be found in the lovely "old world" farmhouse is a corner cupboard situated on a landing facing east, with hand-painted blocks painted in oils indicating that it may have been used as a small shrine.

During the last 100 years the land has been farmed by the well-known family of Millbank - in 1878 by Charles A. Millbank, in 1922 by Mr. Harry Millbank. Since 1950, it has been farmed by Mr. John Millbank until his death in 1983.

On the death of Mr. John Millbank, the farmhouse was sold to Mr. & Mrs. J. Glover. The farm continued to be farmed by Mr. & Mrs. P. Martin (nephew of Mr. John Millbank) until 1997 when he sold up, and the Glovers purchased the farmyard and home field.