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Primary Visitation 1920: Stapleford Tawney & Theydon Mount
In 1914 the Diocese of Chelmsford was formed with almost all parishes in Essex transferring from the see of St Albans. Six years later. following the First World War, the first Bishop of Chelmsford. Rt. Rev. J F Watts-Ditch, sent a questionnaire for completion by all incumbents. In total, 49 questions were asked. The document may be found in the Essex Record Office.
Sidney M Stanley, Incumbent of Stapleford Tawney with Theydon Mount, in the Rural Deanery of Chigwell responded as follows.
1. What are the occupation of the people?
Entirely agricultural
What is the average attendance (exclusive of school children) at Moming Prayer and at Evening Prayer on Sunday?
70
6. What was the number of Communicants in cach of the last two years?
| 1918 | 1919 | |
|---|---|---|
| a. on Christmas Day | 32 | 32 |
| b. on Easter Day | 42 | 54 |
| c. on Ascension Day | 6 | 4 |
| d. on Whitsunday | 18 | 13 |
| e. on Holy Days (roughly) | - | - |
What proportion of Communicants are male?
Twenty.
20 What hymn book is used?
Ancient & Modern
21 When you are called upon to marry any couple, are you careful to enquire whether either has been divorced and whose partner is still living?
No.
29. Is there a Sunday School in your parish?
Yes.
30. Please give your opinion briefly as to the condition of your parish with regard to
| a. Poverty (increasing or decreasing) | Decreasing |
| b. Housing | The people are housed very fairly well, but a few more houses are needed. |
| c. Intemperance | Practically non existent |
| d. Sexual Immorality | A very rare occurrence |
| e. Betting and Gambling | Non-existent, as far as my knowledge goes |
| f. Religious indifference | There are cases of this but I don't think it is increasing. |
| g. Sunday observance | Increasing, but the Morning Service is not very well attended. |
44. State what you believe to be the causes of such evil as exists and what efforts - preventative and remedial, you are making to combat them.
Indifference among the men is the chief difficulty. They have been away at the war most of the time I have been here. I am getting to know them better, & winning their confidence by mixing with them, & seeing their leisure hours are well filled. We have started a Village Brass Band, a football & Cricket Club. When we get a meeting place, such as a Hut, I shall make more progress in spiritual matters than I am now.
45. To what extent, whether favourably or unfavourably, has the war affected the spiritual life of your parish?
I can detect very little difference owing to the War.
46. How has the war influenced
| a. demobilised men who were church members before the war? | I see little or no difference - a few attend church more frequently than before. |
| b. demobilised men who were not church members before the War? | 1 am not aware of any. |
48. Are there any special difficulties or hindrances in your work?
The parish is very scattered - many live a long way from the church - the roads are bad, & it is difficult to get people together. Many of the men have necessary work to do on Sundays eg. Cowmen & horsemen.
[Signed] Sidney M Stanley
Date: March 30 1920
Finally at North Weald, with regard to Sunday observance in the parish the incumbent notes, "Excursionists to Epping Forest create a difficulty & nuisance", whilst on housing. "RDC are planning to build 20 houses which are much needed. Existing properties are poor".
