Durrant on … Stapleford Tawney

The following is taken from ‘Durrant’s Handbook For Essex’ written by Miller Christy (Durrant &
Co., Chelmsford, 1887).
Staple’ford Tawney. A.1633; P. 222; Rectory, value(with Theydon Mount) £750; 4m. S.E. from
Epping.
This parish takes its distinctive name from the family of Tany, who held it, with many other estates
in Essex, in the 13 th  cent. The church (St. Mary) is small, picturesque, and of ancient origin, though
most of its interesting features have been restored away. It is chiefly of flint, and consists of nave,
S. aisle, and chancel, with timber tower and spire containing two bells, dated 1611 and 1630
respectively  It is evidently of 13 th  cent. (E. Eng.) origin, as there are in the chancel three tall lancet
windows on the E., and one on the S., also a S. door of the same age, but later windows have
been inserted. There are two ancient square niches or aumbries. On the floor is a tombstone 
which once had a double, inscribed fillet, a cross, and a hand holding a scroll, all in brass, date
about 1491(?). Suttons (Sir C. C. Smith, Bart.) is a modern house of stone, overlooking a
picturesque and well-wooded park, through which flows the Roding.