Stanford Rivers by H M Scott (Part 1) – Introduction

This work has been facilitated by the kind assistance of many official and unofficial bodies and by the great kindness of many present and former residents of the parish. A list of Acknowledgements is included and I trust that any unintentional omissions will be forgiven.

The reader should know that it is not intended to be a full-scale, serious history but merely a collection of interesting details, set out to give a picture of the Manors, the houses and residents throughout the centuries. Even after eight years' research, errors will no doubt be found, and in mitigation, I must say that the vast number of documents and works consulted have confused me by their conflicting statements and that much information was unattested.

The work is intended to be mainly of import to local residents and as an adjunct to my incorporeal titles. I trust that it will be treasured by my descendants, and that they will have some degree of the affection for the Parish which I have and remember that I consider it an honour to hold what is one of the oldest known titles in England.

I have endeavoured to compile this book so that it can be easily read by people without academic training. Realising that footnotes and references can be annoying, I have kept them to the bare minimum. I have omitted an index, but included a glossary, as I feel that this will assist the reader to understand a little more of the manorial terms and customs.

Carlyle called the historical researcher "Dryasdust", but during the long period spent on the work, I found it most absorbing and felt the reality of the past. Carlyle did say that the smallest fact about the past of man was more practical than all Shelley and more romantic than all Scott – this is how I felt when writing of the inhabitants and old houses of the parish.

When investigating the history of the old houses, I was reminded of that brilliant Victorian author, designer and craftsman – William Morris – who, when referring to some ancient structures, said:

"These old buildings do not belong to us only – they belong to our descendants. They are not, in any sense, our property to do as we like with them – we are only trustees for those who come after us."

In these days when so little is considered sacred, I feel proud to hold the titles of the lordships, and of the fact that I and my descendants will hold something which is unlikely to be taken away.

During my short association with the village, and in the course of my investigations, I have met with the utmost courtesy and made many good friends as well as "Pen friends" all over the world.

Although my list of "Acknowledgements" is intended to be a tribute to them, I felt that I should give very special thanks to the late Rev. Joseph Sykes (the Rector of the Parish), all members of the Millbank family, the staff of the British Museum in London and Hendon, the Public Record Office, the staff of the Central Westminster Reference Library, the Librarian of the House of Commons, John Biggs-Davison, Esq., M.P., Paul Channon, Esq., M.P. (for allowing me to use extracts of his father's Diary), the staff of the Essex County Record Office, and to Professor John Murphy of the University of Oklahoma.

Note: The reader should realise that much information has been lost over the ages and that the history of the three main manors and the former sub-manors is so interwoven that it has been difficult to clarify.