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Post Office Directory of Essex 1855
The Post Office Directory of Essex 1855 provides a valuable snapshot of the county in the mid-nineteenth century. Published as a practical reference work, it contains descriptions of towns and villages together with details of local officials, clergy, landowners, tradespeople and businesses.
For the local historian, directories such as this are especially useful because they show how communities were organised, who lived and worked there, and what services and occupations existed at a particular point in time. The 1855 directory therefore offers an important insight into the people, places and everyday life of Essex during the early Victorian period.
Article · 1 of 4
Post Office Directory of Essex 1855 (Part 1): Chipping Ongar, High Ongar &Greenstead
Chipping Ongar, High Ongar and Greensted
Chipping Ongar
CHIPPING OSGAR, or Ongar ad Castrum, is an ancient town, the chief place of the Hundred bearing its name, and of a Union. It is on the west bank of the river Roding and Cripsey hrook, on the road from Stratford, and elose to the road from Epping to Chelmsford, 7 miles east from Epping, 11 west frum Chelmeford, and 8 north-west from Brentwood and the Eastern Counties (Colchester) Railway.
The parish contains 508 acres, and a populalion of 843.
The market is held on Ssturday, and a petty sessions on the samne day at 12 o'elock. There is a statute fair on the 12th October yearly. Much business is done in barley for malting.
The town is within the area of an old entrenchment, and consists chielly of one street on the main road, situated on the rising bank of the river, with a good view.
The church contains a monument of the Lady Jane, daughter of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell.
The living is a lay rectory, valne £127, in the gift of E. A. Bennett, Esq.; the Rev. E. Fisher is the incumbent.
There is an Independent meeting-house.
The Union workhouse cost £4,416.
Over the Roding is a bridge of three arches.
Many Romsn remains have been found here, and there are relics of the old castle.
High Ongar
HIGH, OLD, GREAT or LITTLE ONGAR, as it is variously named, lies 2 miles east of Chipping Ongar, on the road to Chelmsford, und not far from the river Roding.
The pariah is in the Hundred and Union of Ongar, and has an aren of 4,510 acres, with a population, in 1851, of 1,147.
The church is fine, and the roof lofty, arched, and painted with clonds and the rising sun. The spire contains 5 bells.
The living is a rectory, value £1,282, in the gift of the Rev. Henry J. Earle, M.A., wbo is also tbe incumbent.
Among the seats in this parish are Forest or Folyott's Hall, Chevers, Ashe Hall and Ongar Park.
Astelyns
ASTELYNS, a hamlet in this parish, is remarkable for its ancient sent, now a farm, in which, sccording to tradition, Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfoik, took shelter when fleeing from Queen Elizabeth.
Greensted-juxta-Ongar
GREENSTEAD-JUXTA-ONGAR is an ancient parish in Ongar Hondred and Union, 1 mile from Ongar west-by-north.
The aren is 1,498 acres; the population, in 1861, was 136.
The small timber cbureb, dediested to St. Andrew, is noted as being one of the moet ancient, if not the most ancient, in the kingdon; it has 2 bells.
The chancel has been recentiy restored, and during the operation was found a piscina in good preservation; there are msny old carvings of St. Edmund's head and other relics.
Near this place was found, some few years back, a picce of stained glass about six inches in diameter, haring on it a head and erowu, eupposed to have been that of St. Edmund.
It is fixed in the centre of a modern stained glass window at the end of the nave, which corresponds with a larger one of that deseription in the chancel or eastern end of the church.
Here are several monuments to the 8mith and Ord families.
The churchyard is handeomely decorated and planted with fir-trees and evergreene.
Here is a neat school lately built for boys and girls, the site of which was presented by the Rev. Philip W. Ray, who attends daily to the education of the children.
The nare is composed of trunks of large chesnut or oak trecs, split or sawn asunder, and set upright, clese to each other.
It is supposed to have been a temporary shrine, in whieh the body of St. Edmund, King of the East Angles, was deposited for the night on its translation from London to Bury St. Edmunds.
The living is a rectory, valoed in the K. B. at f6 13a. 4d., and in the gift of the Bishop of London; the Rev. Philip W. Ray, x.A., rector.
The Petty Sessions house was erected in 1854; the magistrates meet every Saturdsy. Attached to the Sessions house is a police station for one inspector and one constable.
Chipping Ongar
Gentry
- Bailey Mrs. Mary Ann
- Baker Willism, esq
- Bawyer Mrs. Elizabeth
- Carter Mrs
- Dalgairna Charles Anderson, esq
- Eve Mra, Mary
- Fisher Rev. Edmnand, x.s. Rectory
- Gibson Henry, csq
- Gibson William, esq
- Hart Henry, en
- Herlock Mrs
- Jennings Rev. Isase [ Independent]
- Keane Goorge, esq
- Pottor Frank Dobson, esq
Traders
- Andrews William, greengrocer
- Anger James, Ashmonger
- Baker Willium, solicitor & elerk to the hoard of geardiaus
- Barlow James, builder
- Bsrltrop Ammos, smith & farrier
- Bridge Jeremiah, boot & shoe muket
- Brown Charles, wholesale grocer & tea desler
- Catchpole Josepb, superintadt.of pollce
- Chapman Richard James, chemist & drnugist, k agent to the Norwich fire & life insurance office
- Coa William, farmet
- Cook William Jaeob, wheelwright
- Cooper Jokn, butcher
- Cooper Willlam, 'Ball, & brewer
- Cowee Thomas, tailoe
- Cowee Thomas, butcher
- Dalgairns Charlea Andersoo, surgcon
- Darby Edward, tallor k draper
- Drake James, hairdresser
- Druke Sauuel, grrengrocer
- Finch John, pork butcher
- Foster Charles, plumber & painter
- Fuller Jaseph, 'Red Lion'
- Gardiner Henry James, upholsterer
- Gitnon Henry, wolicitor
- Ginon William, Selieltor
- Gidley Miss F. dressmaker
- Gittin Gearge, bout & shoe maker
- Gritfin Bonner, watch & elock maker
- Haine: Philip, groeer
- Bird Witliaw, farmer
- Huncock Willinn, bootmaker
- Hart Elzabath [Mrs.), fruiterer
- Honehin James, greengrucer
- Hurloek Charles, ' White Horse'
- Johneton Henry Alexander, corn dealer
- Keane George, sungcon
- Martin Josesh, coach builder
- Macon Wm.Stow, Cock,'& retail brewer
- Milbank Chsrles, farmet
- Mitehell James, ' Anchor
- Mitehe Saruel Thoo,boot & shoe maker
- Mott Churies, china & giaas dealer & stamp distributor
- Mott Charles, jun. scboolmaster
- Mott Rohert, grocer
- Monnings Williem, draper
- Noble Frederick, plumber
- Noble the Missea, seminary
- Noble Richard, hailder
- Oliver Richard, farrier
- Parker Cotherine (Miss), berlin wool wa
- Parker Williat,suddiez &harness muker
- Parsons George, baker & coufectioner
- Pavitt Willisi, tuilor, draper & hatter
- Penson James, iroamonger
- Playl Esther (Mrs.), frulterer
- PlasI Jeremiah, talor & draper
- Pollard George, general draper
- Potter Frank Dobson, surgeo
- Rawlings Elixabth.(Mrs.),"King's Head
- Renoins John, enoper
- Reynolda Thomsa Wm. farniture broker
- Sammes Edward, market gardener
- Seutle George, nuruery & seedsmas
- Sersby William, etatlouer, & bird & animul preserver
- Sieock Jonathan, saddler & harness ma
- Slater George, eating house
- Slocombe Charles, printer, stationer, bookseller, & agent to the County fire otfice
- Starkey Heary, baker
- Stebbing Thes. Creien inn & posting ho
- Stilea Eekiel, grocer
- Stokes Richard, Ongnr academy
- Sackling Jobn, smith & farrier
- Tarnet Johr, wateh & cloek maker
- Treguaso Thomas, grocer, & plamber & paiater
- Wurd David, chemist
- W'aterhouse William, draper
- Waterhonse William & Charles,winemer
- Weleter Arthur, baker
- Webster James, cor merchant
- West Johe, coach proprietor
- White John, coul dealer
- Wood Willismo, sboemsker
- Wright John, ironmonger
High Ongar
Gentry
- Brunton Arehihald Jobn, esq
- Earle Rev. Heury J. M. A. Rectory
- Gitbert Jasiab, esn
- Stane Rev. Jouin Bramston, Forest hanl
Traders
- Attridge Stephen, 'White Horse'
- Baker Barnard, farmer
- Baker William, farmer
- Barltrop Absaleeo, blacksmith
- CatonAbrabaw,farmer&catticsalesman
- Dowsett Witllam, brieklayer
- Fitch John, farmer
- Harvey Thomas, farmer
- Humphrey Isase, turmer
- Johnsen Alex.Hy.malt-ter & corn desler
- Jasling Samvel, farmer
- Joy George Frost, 'Taro Breiers"
- Knight Edwund, shopkeeper
- Kaigbt Samuel, wheelwright
- Ling Ardrew, farmer, Pa-low hall form
- Mibill William, 'Wheatsheaf"
- Mullucks Heney, farmez
- Nuun Mrs. ' Lioe'
- Palmer James, farmer
- Pearson Josiah, heer retailer
- Rand William, briek & tile maker
- Remington Mes. shopkeeper
- Remingtnn Willinm, bricklayer
- Sangers Willium, furmer
- Saltmarsy Henry, grocer
- Spurge Jobn, plutber & g'azier
- Stokea Jes. farmner & collector of tazes
- Tarling John, farmer
- Webster James, miller
Greenstaad
Gentry
- Budworth Captain Philip John, 3.P. Greensterd hall
- Ray Rew. Phillp, W. s.A. Roctory
- Smith Willism, esq. Greenstead green
- Velley Hat, esq
- Wakeling Mrs
Traders
- Brown William, farmer, Newhonse ferra
- Cleve Clement Fisler, Sarmer
- Thorogood Hen. farmer, Harding'sfarm
- Webster Jumea, farmer, Greenatend idg
Postal Services and Public Establishments
Post Office
PosT OFPICE,-William Seruby, receiver. Money orders are granted & paid at this office.
Letters arrive at 8 a.to. & 1 p.m.; delivered i an hour after esch arrival; dispatched kt 8 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Box closes at t before 8 & past 5 p.m. Letters can be posted, by adding an extra stamp, till 5 min. to 8; by 2 extra etamps, till 5 min. to 6.
Bank
Bank, Cbarles Brown, esq. manager.
Insurance Agents
- Accicientel Deuth, Heury A. Johnaton, Marden Ash
- Csunty Fire & Provident Life, C. Slocombe
- Normich Union Fire & Life, R. Chapman
- Royal Ezehange, Henry Alexander Jounston, Marden As
- Sun, Charles Mott
Independent Chapel
Independent Chapel
Public Establishments
- Inland Revenue Ofice, the Lion inn
- Police Station, Joseph Catchpole, superintendent
- Toin Hall, Board of Gagrdiane every tuesday
- Gas Works, William Rand, proprietor
- Union Workhouse, Joeeph llenry Nicholas, master; Mrs. Mary Sewell, metron, Stanferd Rivers
Carriers
To Chelmsford
CHELMSYORD-Henry Wood, from his hoase, monday, wednesday & friday, at } past 7 morn.; returns from the King's Head inn, Chelmsford, the same afternoon.
To London
LONDON-Stephen Clements, from his house, tuesday & friday, at 4 aft.; returns from the 'Sarscen's Head,' Aldgate, & Clemmitt's inn, Oid Bailey, wednesday & saturday, at II mom.
Coach Services
COACH TO LONDON.- From Fyfield, calling at the ' Lion,' every morning at 8; returns from the Bull in, Aldgate, every day (sunday excepted), at 3.
Railway coach leaves Ongar for Brentwood every morning at 8, & afternoon at } to 4.
Railway
RAILWAY. The nearest railway station is Brentwood, being 8 mlles.
Article · 2 of 4
Post Office Directory of Essex 1855 (Part 2): Stanford Rivers
Stanford Rivers
STANFORD RIVERS, supposed to have derived its name from a stone ford over the river Roding, is a parish in the HIundred and Union of Ongar, 2 miles south-west of tbat town, 19 from London, 6 south-east of Epping, and 9 north of Romford.
Its population, in 1851, was 1,082, and its area 4,386 acres.
St. Margaret’s Church
The living is a rectory, valued at C1,007 per annum, in the gift of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; the Rev. Henry Tattam, D.D., rector.
The church, dedicated to St. Margaret, consists of a nave and chancel, 2 bells, square wood tower, and neat spire; there are some very ancient monuments, of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, of the Shelton, Mulcaster, and Gibhs families; a neat stained glass window has heen lutely ereeted in the chancel.
School, Chapel and Workhouse
There is a Nationul rebool for boys and girls.
There is a meeting-house for Independents.
Here is the Union workhouse for Ongar Union.
LITTLERURY is 14 miles east of the church.
Residents
- Jennings Rev. Mr. [Diasenting]
- Kynaston Wm. esq. Stanford Rivere ball
- Tattam Rev. Henry, D.D. Rectory
- Taylor Isaac, erq
Traders
- Allen John & Edmuud, farmers
- Baker Charles, farmer
- Baker Jobn, farmer
- BarnardJohn, haker, beer refailer & frmr
- Barton Mary (Mra.), farmer
- Berkeley Augustus, farmer
- Charge Henry, 'White Bear'
- Cheer -. , farmer
- Clark William, shopkeeper
- Clements Tomas, farmer
- Dix Robert, farmer
- Fitch James, farmer
- Freeman Jahn, cattle dealer & farmer
- Garrett Edward, shoemnaker
- Hawes Jesse, farmer
- Horide Willium, farmer
- Jonninga Mary (Mr :. ), farmer
- Mapsfield John, farmer & stvyr. of roads
- Moore -, miller
- Mott George, carpenter
- Mott John, farmer
- Nicholess Joseph Henry, master of Oogar union workhause
- Noakes James, farmer
- Pavit William, wheelwright
- Rayner William, bricklayer
- Rowan Edward, 'Green Man'
- Rudd Henry, blucksmith
- Sewell Mary (Mrs.), matron of workho
- Stallibrass John, farmer
- ThompsonThos.relleving otlieer& registr
- Wakeling Jesse, shopkeeper & farmer
- Watera Catherine (Mrs.), farmer
- Wilson William, shopkeeper
Post Office
POST OFFICE.- John Barnard, postmaster. Letters from London, by way of Romford, arrive at past 7 a.m.; delivered at 8 a.m.; dispatched at } past 6 p.m. The nearest money order office is at Chipping Ongar.
Article · 3 of 4
Post Office Directory of Essex 1855 (Part 3): Stapleford Abbots &Stapleford Tawney
Stapleford Abbots and Stapleford Tawney
Stapleford Abbots
STAPLEFORD ABBOTS lies jast off the Ongar road, on the south side of the Roding, and is in the Oagar Union, G miles soutb-east from Epping, G north of Romford station, 16 from London, and 6 south-west of Ongar; its population, in 1851, was 492, aud its arca 2,331 acres.
In this parish the river Romn rises. In the year 1010 this village was given to the Abbey of Bury St. Edmund's.
The charch is old, and the llving is a rectory, value £513, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor; the reetor is the Rev. Charles Whitworth Pitt, M.A.
There is an Endowed sehool for 40 boys.
ALBYNS, in this parish, was built by Inigo Jones.
Gentry
- Abdy Sir Thomus Neville, bart. Albyns
- Pitt Rev. Charies, M.A. Rectory
Traders
- Aylett Henry, 'Plough'
- Brewster Mary (Mrs.), furmer
- Clarke Henry, farmer
- Cooper -- , farmer
- Dawkins Francis, wheelwright
- Dawkina Henry, farmer
- Dison James, shopkeepcr
- Thteh Jobn, farmer
- Harrington Mrs. beer retailer
- Mollett Edwin, farmer
- Mollett Mrs. furmer
- Murry John, farmer
- Parish Samuel, schoolmaster
- Spurge WiD. shopkeeper & beer retailer
- Staines James, farmer
- Stevens Charles, miller & farmer
- Surridge James, farmer
- Taylor Philip, farmer
- Viney Henry, farmer
- Wood Charics, farmer
- Young Richard, farmer
Stapleford Tawney
STAPLEFORD TAWNEY, on the other side of the Roding, opposite to Abridge, is a parish in the Hundred and Union of Ongar, 5 miles from Epping, 17 from London, with an area, in 1841, of 1,633 seres, and a popwlation of 333.
The church has a nave and south aisle; and the living ls a reetory, with the rectory of Mouut Theydon annexed, value £740; the Rev. Heury Soames, M.A., is rector.
The 'Talbot' is the principal inn, where coaches change from Chipping Ongar to the Bull inn, Aldgate, London.
Gentry
- Smith Sir Chas, Cunliffe, hart. Sultons
- Soames Rev. Henry, M.A. [rector]
Traders
- Charlton Foster, farmer
- Chariton Ralpb, farmer
- Clark Charles, farmer
- Cooper Benjamin 'Talbot,' & brewer
- Dawkins William, blacksmith
- Miles Cornell, farmer
- Rumbali Joho, farmer
- Sworden William, farmer
Post Office
POST OPPICE.- William Pittam, receiver. Letters, by way of Romford, arrive 7 a.m.; disputchod 3 past 6 p.m. The nearest money order otfice is at Chipping Ongar.
Article · 4 of 4
Post Office Directory of Essex 1855 (Part 4): Theydon Bois, TheydonGarnon & Theydon Mount
Theydon Bois, Theydon Garnon and Theydon Mount
Theydon Bois
THEYDON OF THOYDON BoIs is in Epping Union and Ongar Hundred, stands on the banks of the Roding, uear the highway from London to Ongar, 2 miles south of Epping, 8 south-west of Ongar, and 9 north of Romford station; it contains 2,176 ucres, and a population which was, in 1851, 591.
The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a pleasing edifice of brick and etonc, removed to its present site froin the cast part of the parish for the convenienee af the parishioners, with a nave, chaneel, spire, and 3 bells.
The living is a vicarage; the Rev. George Mambletos, vicar.
There is a charity of £1,000, the interest of which is distributed, sixth part to poor widows and remainder among the poor; also a National school for boys and girls, and four almshouses.
Gentry
- Baxter George, esq
- Hambleton Rev. George [vicar]
- Hines Mrs
Traders
- Cavill James, wheelwright
- Cousins Alexander, 'Bull'
- Dosson Thomas, farmer, Black acre
- Felstead James, beer retailer
- Francis Charles, brick'ayer
- Gil-on Daniel, beer retailer
- Hooper George, farmer, Theydon hall
- Larter Williain, farmer
- Maynard Henry, beer retailer
- Maynard Jonathan, bootmaker
- Milla Jobn, butcher
- Wederell Daniel, blacksmith
- Wederell Wm. farmer, Theydon hall
- Wederell William, jun, farmer
Theydon Garnon
THEYDON GARNON, or COOPERSALE, Is in the same jurisdiction, 2 wiles south of Epping, 6 west of Ongar, and 8 south of Harlew and Roydon stations; its superficies is 3,161 acres, and its population was, in 1851, 1,237.
The church is dedicated to All Saiats, and consists of a nave, chancel, and steeple, containing 5 bells.
The latter was built by Sir John Crosby, of Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate-street, in 1470.
The living is a rectory; Rev. Cavendish Foster, B.A., rector.
Here is an aims-honse for 4 poor widaws; and s new Sunday school bas been erected adjoining the church, and a Union warkhouse, with nearly 300 inmates.
A district church (St. Albans) has been recently erceted in this parish, at the expense of Miss Archer Houblon; also a parish school for boys and girls. Rev. Cadwallader Coker, incumbent.
COOPERSALE is 2 miles nortb.
Gentry
- Foster Rev. Cavendish, B.A. [rector], Rectory
- Houblon Mrs. Coopersale house
- Mareh W. E. esq. Park ball
Traders
- Flower John, farmer
- Gombridge William, farmer
- Humpton Richard, farmer, Brook ho
- Hampton Susaonah (Mrs.), 'Merry Fiddlers'
- Mills Thomas, fisrmer, Garnish hall
- Walsh Henry, brickmaker
Theydon Mount
THBYDON MOUNT is in the Ongar Union and Hundred, 7 miles south-west cf Oagar, 3 south-west of Epping, 17 from London, 6 north-east of Chigwell, 8 north of Romford station, and 8 cast of Waltham Abbey; it is on the banks of the Roding, near Abridge, ou the London road, and has 1,500 acres: the population was 194 in 1851.
The church, St. Michael, was burned in the 17th eentury, but rebuilt by Sir William Smyth; it contains some monuments of the Smyths, and has a brick tower.
The living is a rectory.
Hill Hall, the sent of the Smyths, Baronets, was bailt in the reigu of Queen Elizabeth.
Rev. Henry Soames, X.A., rector.
Traders
- Hyde John, butcher
- Lucking Joseph, farmer
- Meriday Simon, blacksmith
- Miller James, farmer
- Miller Samnel, farmer
- Shepherd Mary (Mrs.), farmer
- Smith Jehn, farmer
- Smith Mary ( Mrs.), farmer
- Smith Spencer, farmer
Post Office
POST OPPICE. James Hampion, rereiver. Letters arrive at f pust 8 a.m. from Epping, & dispatched at 5 p.m. The nearest money order office is at Epping.
