Stanford Rivers by H. M. Scott – The Millbank Family

The Millbank Family

To give a complete story of this well-known family would be a daunting task. I can only give details of various members and endeavour to convey to the reader some small idea of how they have served the Village community since they first settled in this area over 120 years ago. The names, John, William, Thomas and Charles have been given to the family over the last two centuries at least. The family seem to have been farmers in various parts of Essex for many years but what good fortune led them to Stanford Rivers, we will never know. The first member of the family to live in the vicinity appears to have been John Hinsum Millbank of Great Leighs who came to Bobbingworth Hall in 1846 (married Charlotte Appleby in 1834). He had four sons - John Henry, Wm. Appleby, Arthur Joseph and Charles Alfred-all born between 1837 - 1847. He died at Bobbingworth on July 2nd, 1874 in his 70th year. The brothers, Wm. Appleby and Arthur Joseph Millbank were listed as farmers in Stanford Rivers (White's Directory) in 1863, but we also know that the family farmed at "Widows " as early as 1850. Wm. Appleby Millbank (born 1840- died 1920) married Sarah Jane Parker of Great Warley and had four children Fanny, Alice, Lucy, and Henry William. Henry Wm. Millbank married Miss Eveline Pledge (see "Stewarts") in 1910 and had three children, John, Philip and Lena (the present generation - see below). His sisters all died unmarried - Miss Fanny in 1940, Miss Alice in 1952 and Miss Lucy (born 1879) in 1970. Mr. John (known to all the villagers as "Mr. Jack") now lives at Burrows and farms there and at "Widows". Mr. Philip (and his wife Jean) lives at Colemans and farms there and at Newhouse. Their sister, Lena - married to the Very Rev. George H. Martin, lives just over the boundary of the parish at " Repentance Cottage " (see section Greensted under "Adjoining Manors ").

Further details of the Millbank's farming activities and of their various homes over the years will be found under the heading "Houses and Farms". The family have played a prominent part in the life of Stanford Rivers since they arrived here and it is to be hoped that their connection with the parish will continue for many years to come. I am quoting below a number of Press Notices to give the reader some idea of the gratitude they deserve. Although I have acknowledged elsewhere my thanks to various members of the family for their kind assistance and encouragement I would like to reiterate them and state that without the kind friendship and encouragement of the late Miss Lucy, I might never have continued the enormous amount of work necessary to compile this volume.

To revert back to the last generation Mr. Henry W. Millbank, J.P., C.C., was born at "Blakes" on 20/8/1880 and lived at "Widows" until he married Miss Eveline Pledge (then living at "Blakes"). He then moved to Colemans until 1915, then to "Wealds" and finally moved to "Burrows" in 1920, where he died in 1950. He was for some years the Chairman of the Ongar District Council, a Magistrate on the Ongar Bench, a member of the Essex County Council, and the National Farmers' Union. All local matters secured his interest and his help. It is good that his name is perpetuated in Ongar by the road "Millbank Avenue".

Miss Alice Millbank who died in 1952 at "Widows", was also heavily involved in parish activities and dearly loved by many local residents. At her funeral a Guard of Honour was formed by farm workers. The Rev. J. H. Ward (Rector) and Canon Gallop (the Rural Dean of Ongar) conducted the service with Mrs. W. R. Pearl at the organ. The mourners were-Miss Lucy Millbank, Mrs. Evelyn Millbank (sister-in-law), Mrs. G. H. Martin (niece) and the Very Rev. G. H. Martin (Archdeacon in N. Sudan), Messrs. J. and P. Millbank (nephews), Mr. and Mrs. F. Knightsbridge, Miss Minnie Knightsbridge, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Millbank, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Swain (cousins) and Miss V. Pledge and many friends and local residents.

Miss Fanny-who died in 1940-took a very active part in local affairs, interesting herself in the church, the Sunday School, etc. She was for many years Vice-President of the Ongar W.I. She nursed throughout World War I as a V.A.D. at the temporary Military Hospital at Budworth Hall. She was a keen dairy farmer and won prizes for her butter-making. As regards -Miss Lucythe Press Notices - quoted below - will give full details and I feel that reading them will give the reader an insight into her remarkable character.

Unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of knowing Miss Alice or Miss Fanny, so I cannot write from personal knowledge (as in the case of Miss Lucy) but I am given to understand that their kindness and service to the local community equalled that of their sister.

Press Notices

Extracts from a few Press Notices containing mention of various members of the Millbank family. (West Essex Gazette, etc.)

1897 — The Committee for arranging the opening ceremony of the Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain outside the National School playground included Mr. W. Millbank.

1902 — Mr. H. Millbank is mentioned as being a member of the Committee of the King Edward VII Coronation Celebrations.

1903 — Mr. Henry W. Millbank gave evidence at the Epping Petty Sessions when two lads were fined 5/- and 5/6d. for letting off fireworks !

1903 — At a Presentation ceremony to Major Capel Cure on his marriage-Mr. John H. Millbank, the oldest tenant on his estate (57 years) responded to the toast of "The Tenants". Mr. Millbank also proposed the Major's health.

1903 — Mr. Charles A. Millbank acted as Chairman of the Church School meetings.

1904 — It was reported that Mr. H. W. Millbank attended - as Hon. Secretary the annual meeting of the local Cricket Club, held at Traceys. Mrs. Charles Millbank was thrown from her trap near Widows Cross - but escaped injury. Messrs. Wm. and H. W. Millbank attended the Annual meeting of the Horticultural Society as members of the Committee.

1905 — At a successful entertainment held in the School Room, in aid of the Coal Fund, musical items were rendered by Mr. H. Millbank. A Waxworks representation was ably sustained by Miss F. J. Millbank and Mr. H. Millbank.

1906 — Mr. Harry W. Millbank was Captain of the football team when a match was held (as part of the School Treat) in Mr. Palmer's field (now part of Stewart's Farm).

1907 — Mr. H. W. Millbank-one of the Churchwardens-took the choir to visit Tower Bridge, the Tower, and the London Hippodrome.

1909 — At the Easter Vestry meeting - the Rector, the Rev. J. H. Thomas appointed Mr. H. W. Millbank as his Warden. Mr. W. Millbank contributed to the programme at a concert given at the Workhouse.

1910 — (October). A presentation was made to Mr. Henry W. Millbank before a large number of parishioners in the School Room. Mr. R. Waltham presented Mr. Millbank with a splendid bureaux clock and ink stand, also a list of the subscribers, who were mainly supporters of the Cottage Garden Shows. The marriage took place of Mr. Henry W. Millbank, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Millbank and Miss Eveline Pledge of 380, Barking Road, Plaistow and Blakes Farm, at the Parish Church. Mr. F. G. Knightsbridge, a cousin of the bridegroom, was the best man. The bridesmaids were Miss Violet Pledge and Miss Lucy P. Millbank.

1913 — Mr. A. Millbank was among those present at the funeral of Lady Agnes Smith at Stapleford Tawney.

1914 — Mr. C. A. Millbank of Burrows Farm met with an accident, sustaining only a severe shaking, when he was thrown from his trap near the Rectory.

1914 — (Nov.). A large gathering attended a Concert in the School house. Piano solos were rendered by Miss Lucy Millbank and songs by Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Millbank. A burlesque "The Old Maids of Lee" was given by the Misses F. J. and L. Millbank, Miss Ruby Pledge and Mrs. H. W. Millbank. Encores were numerous. The proceeds of £6 2s 6d were forwarded to the Belgian Refugees Fund.

1918 — At the Annual Vestry -Mr. H. W. Millbank was nominated the Rector's Warden for the twelfth year in succession. Mr. H. W. Millbank was a member of the committee connected with the oaken War Shrine, unveiled by the Lord of the Manor. Mr. C. J. Millbank of Clarks Farm won the first prize of the Ongar section of the Essex Agricultural Society awards.

1919 — Mr. C. Millbank resigned his position as Treasurer of the School. Mr. Charles and his wife escaped with slight injuries when they were thrown from their trap. (Oct.). Great sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. H. Millbank in the loss of their daughter who passed away at the London Hospital after two operations for appendicitis. Miss Eveline Alice Millbank was a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Millbank and of Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Pledge and niece of Mr. G. Pledge, Jnr.

1920 — (Feb.). The death was announced of Mr. W. A. Millbank of Widows Farm. Aged 80, he had resided there for upwards of 57 years. The chief mourners were the Misses F. G. and A. Millbank (daughters), Mr. Harry Millbank (son), Mr. C. A. Millbank (brother) and Miss Minnie Millbank (niece). (Sept.). Messrs. Charles Foster and son will auction the valuable live and dead stock of Burrows Farm, and the contents on instructions from Mr. C. A. Millbank - who is leaving occupation.

1929 — The death announced of Mr. Charles J. Millbank of Clarks Farm, aged 52. He was a well-known and respected resident and had farmed in the area for many years. He was the eldest son of Charles Millbank of Newhouse Farm. He was survived by a widow and two sons.

1926 — (Feb.) Miss F. J. Millbank elected a Manager of the school.

1927 — (Nov.). The late Mrs. Millbank - The funeral of Mrs. S. J. Millbank, widow of Mr. W. A. Millbank, of Widows Farm, Toot Hill, whose death was reported last week, took place at Stanford Rivers Church in the presence of a very large assembly. The Rector, Rev. J. I. Thomas and the Rector of Greensted, Rev. R. Doyle, officiated. The coffin bore the inscription "Sarah Jane Millbank, died Nov. 7th, 1927; aged 78 years". The chief mourners were: Mr. H. W. Millbank, son; the Misses Fanny, Alice and Lucy Millbank, daughters; Mr. J. Parker, brother; Mr. Fred. Knightsbridge, Mr. John Millbank, Mr. George Millbank, nephews; Miss Minnie Millbank, Miss Ellen Millbank, Miss Annie Millbank and Mrs. Butler, nieces. Among others present were Mr. H. J. J. Price, J.P., Major Torrance, J.P., and Mrs. Torrance, Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Hoare, Mrs. F. H. Maud, Dr. R. Ferguson, Nurse Mann, Capt. Voss, M.C., Mr. J. R. Furze, J.P., C.C. and Mrs Furze, Mr. C. H. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Noble, Mr. G. S. Pledge, Sen., Mr. G. Pledge, Jnr., Miss V. Pledge, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Parish, Mr. G. Adamson, Mr. G. White, Mr. C. F. Crouch, Mr. W. McKinlay, Mr. and Mrs. T. Kerr, Mr. J. Green, Mr. and Mrs. L. Rowe, Mr. and Mrs. T. Atkins, Mrs. P. White, Mr. G. A. Howgate, Mr. F. Murton, Miss Lloyd Jones, Mr. W. Bass, Mrs. Dearden, Mrs. East, Miss Blake, Mrs. W. L. Johnston, Mrs. W. R. Pearl, Mrs. and Miss Mugleston, Mr. W. Lane, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Thorogood, Miss G. Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. John Surridge, Mrs. H. Barlow, Mrs. C. W. Green, Mr. and Mrs. J. Warren, Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Everett, Mr. J. Everett, Miss Garrett, Mrs. F. Ginger, Mrs. W. Wood, Mrs. J. Francis, Mrs. S. Staines, Mr. A. Staines, Mrs. C. Burling, Mrs. F. J. Welsh, Mrs. T. Peacock, Mrs. A. King, Mrs. H. King, Mrs. A. Gould, Mrs. W. Attridge, Mrs. W. Freeland, Mrs. G. Little, Mrs. P. W. Gray, Mrs. M. Holt, Mrs. C. Lake, Mrs. J. Tucker, Mrs. C. Barclay and Mrs. Casbolt. There were over 50 floral tributes, including wreaths from the Toot Hill Women's Institute, children of the Stanford Rivers Sunday School, and all at Clatterford End. At a meeting of the Ongar Branch of the Essex County Farmers' Union, Mr. J. R. Furge, J.P., C.C., presiding, a vote of condolence with the family of the late Mrs. W. A. Millbank was unanimously passed; and at a meeting of the County Executive Committee of the County Farmers' Union, Mr. G. Raby, J.P., C.A., in the chair, it was agreed to send a message of sympathy to Mr. H. W. Millbank. At Stanford Rivers Church on Sunday, feeling reference was made by the Rector, Rev. J. I. Thomas, to the deceased lady and her very fine Christian character. At the evening service in Greensted Parish Church, Rev. R. W. Doyle, Rector, paid a similar tribute to Mrs. Millbank's long life marked by usefulness, kindness and Christian character.

1931 — (June). Mr. Charles Millbank resigned as a Manager of the School owing to his increasing age.

1932 — (Nov.). The death reported of Mr. Charles A. Millbank. He was a Churchwarden for 40 years and greatly respected by both rich and poor of the parish. A vote of sympathy was passed by the School Committee with the family. Mr. Millbank had for many years assisted with the management of the school.

1934 — (April). It was reported that Mr. H. W. Millbank and Miss F. J. Millbank were managers of the school.

In 1935 it is recorded that the members of the W.I. had sent a handsome wedding present to Mrs. George Martin (née Miss Lena Millbank). By this time Miss Lucy had been the Secretary for thirteen years.

In 1937 Miss Lucy was chosen to act as a delegate at the N. Fed. W.I. meeting at the Albert Hall. During the period 1939 - 45, the various members of the family did an enormous amount of work for evacuees, war savings, the Red Cross and food production.

In 1944 - the 21st Birthday of the Women's Institute - the Misses Lucy and Alice Millbank were each presented with a token of affection and esteem for their 21 years of faithful service.

In 1951 - Miss Lucy reported to the members that their gift of a teak garden seat had been placed on the Green and that a tree had been planted by Mrs. H. W. Millbank.

1948 — (July). Mr. H. W. Millbank was elected Chairman of the School.

1950 — (Sept.). Tributes were paid to the late Mr. H. W. Millbank, a school manager since 1911. Mr. J. Millbank -a Churchwarden -took his place.

1969 — (March). Miss Lucy Millbank. For over a century the Millbank family has been synonymous with Toot Hill Village. The oldest member of the family still living, Miss Lucy, was ninety on Friday. She was born at Blakes Farm on December 27th, 1878, the third daughter of William and Sarah Jane Millbank. Her younger brother, Harry, became one of the best known public figures in the Ongar area. He died in 1950, Fanny, the eldest sister in 1940, and Alice, with whom Lucy was linked in much of her village work, in 1952. Miss Lucy has been the organist at Greensted Church from 1922 to the present day. After spending some years living in Brighton, she returned after the first World War to the family home at Widows Farm. Her father died in 1920 and her mother in 1927 and the three sisters continued to live at "Widows " until they bought Newhouse Farm in 1933, where she still lives in the 300-yearold Farmhouse. Her two sisters were active at St. Margarets Church. Her work at Greensted Church and various other works have kept her life busy and at 90 she is still going strong. Miss Millbank has two nephews Mr. John who farms "Burrows" and Mr. Philip, who farms both "Colemans" and "Newhouse".

1969 — (Nov.). Miss Lucy Millbank, who at the age of 90, is still the pianist of the Toot Hill Women's Institute, was elected an Hon. Vice-President.

1970 — (June). When a fire broke out in a barn at Stanford Hall Farm, Mr. Jack Millbank-with others - assisted in the rescue of terrified calves.

1970 — (Nov.). The death (on October 31st) was announced at Newhouse, of Lucy Parker Millbank-aged 91 years. The youngest daughter of William and Sarah Millbank. "Aunt Lucy", as she was known to nearly everyone in the locality, was one of three sisters, none of whom married. After the death of their parents, they lived together at "Widows". Fanny, the eldest, died in 1940 and Alice in 1952, when Lucy moved to Newhouse Farm. There was also one brother, Harry, who before his death in 1950 was one of the best known public figures in the Ongar area. Miss Lucy went to Roden House School, Ongar, as a girl, walking 2½ miles each way in the summer and boarding there in the winter. After a period spent with her sister Alice running a boarding house in Brighton, she returned to Toot Hill at the end of the 1914- 18 War. She (and her sister Alice) joined the Toot Hill Women's Institute in 1923 and was Secretary (and later Hon. Vice-President) for over 30 years. In 1922 she became the organist at Greensted Church and officiated there regularly up to a year or so ago. Remarkably active until past 90, Miss Millbank recalled her life on that milestone as "a quiet but happy one, with plenty to keep me busy in the village ". The funeral took place on November 6th at St. Margaret's Church. The Register of St. Margaret's Church shows the date of Miss Lucy's baptism as February 16th, 1879.

Funeral Address for Lucy Parker Millbank, 6 November 1970

Address given by The Very Reverend G. H. Martin, C.B.E., M.A. on the occasion of the funeral of the late Miss Lucy Millbank at St. Margaret's Church, Stanford Rivers. 6th November 1970.

"We are met together this afternoon, relatives and friends of Lucy Parker Millbank, to remember her fine character and her long life, with deep humility and thankfulness - She would have been 92 this next month. She was born at Widows Farm in the Parish and baptised in this Church on February 16th 1879 and her life span covered all the major changes that have taken place in our country, and the world in the last century.

"She saw the tremendous progress of science from the time of Darwin, she saw the moral and physical agony of a world in two great wars, she saw the beginning of the telephone, and motor car, and the subsequent reign of the petrol engine; she saw the world shrinking as it was conquered by the wireless, the aeroplane and television; she saw the wonder of space travel - yes, all this physical progress she saw and welcomed as a fulfilment of man's God given gifts, and she had a wonderful way of accommodating herself to all these changes but she always clung to the spiritual basis of life to things that matter most - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness Gentleness, and Self-Control; so you see, this service must be for all of us here, in no sense whatsoever, a service of mourning we cannot feel sorrow and regret.

"It is first of all a service of Faith.

"Our Christian creed says not 'I believe in death' but 'I believe in life everlasting.'

"Those of us who knew Auntie Lucy well can't think of her as dead - finished but as alive - more alive than ever.

"Old Bishop Gwynne, whom she knew and respected, often used to quote these words of our Lord 'If a man keep my sayings he shall not notice death' - she didn't, she passed on peacefully last Saturday through the Gate into the City.

"This is also a service of Respect There are, and have been, so many who respected Auntie Lucy from the time when she was a pupil and teacher at Roden House School at Ongar, a school long since given up; during her 20 years at Brighton - she corresponded with friends there till a fortnight ago, she kept in constant touch with all her relatives and friends and her nephews, nieces and her great, great nieces gave her much joy in these latter years.

"You and I are here because we respect her body - it was through her body that she expressed herself, it was through her body that her unconquerable spirit shone; it is her body that we lay to rest this afternoon in the family grave with her two sisters - Fanny and the saintly Alice.

"This is also a service of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for all those Christian virtues we saw in her life of service in the community as Secretary of the Parochial Church Council at Greensted and Organist at St. Andrews for 40 years, for her work with the Women's Institute and Sunday School at Toot Hill and indeed her work for all good causes in the village and neighbourhood, for her compassion for the poor and weak; for her deep integrity - if ever she promised to do a thing - she did it: her word was her bond.

"Thanksgiving for her generosity, for her witness to our Lord not only in her faithful attendance at public worship but in her daily living; for her love of truth, and hatred of hypocrisy and indeed thanksgiving for her faults and failings, which enabled us to feel she was at one with ourselves.

"This is also a service of dedication. Auntie Lucy was a dedicated woman, who did not talk very much about her Christian beliefs, but who lived them out day by day.

"If you and I today dedicate ourselves to our and her Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, we too shall find that same love of our fellows, that same honesty of purpose in our lives which was the secret of her life and her love. Like her 'If we keep His sayings, we shall not notice death'.

"Shall we bow our heads for a prayer Almighty Father, God of the Spirits of all flesh, Thyself unchanged, abiding, we bless Thy Holy name for all who have completed their earthly causes in Thy faith and fear and are now at rest. We remember before Thee this day Thy servant Lucy, sending thanks to Thee for the gift of her friendship and for her long life of service and devotion. And we beseech Thee in Thy loving wisdom and almighty power, work in her, as in us all the good purpose of Thy Holy Will, through Jesus Christ our Lord-Amen."

November 1970. At the Annual meeting of the Women's Institute a tribute was paid to the late Miss Lucy Millbank, an active member for 47 years. All stood in remembrance.

December 13th 1970. A service in Memory of Miss Lucy Millbank was held at the Church of St. Andrew, Greensted.

It would be impossible to place on record here full details regarding the activities of the female members of the Millbank family, in the various works of the local Women's Institute (W.I.). From the date of its inception in 1923, the Millbanks have worked to further its success. Early in 1925 we find records of Mrs H. Millbank entertaining members by her songs and acting as M.C. at their Whist Drives.

In 1926 we find Miss Alice giving cooking demonstrations and acting as Treasurer. In 1928 Miss Alice was again Treasurer and Mrs H. Millbank was elected Vice-President.

In 1929 Miss Lucy was presented with a Handbag as a mark of esteem for her six years work as Secretary.

In 1933 a competition was held for "A short history of the Village" * and the winners were the Misses Lena, Lucy and Alice Millbank.

In April 1972 Mr Jack Millbank resigned after twenty-two years as Churchwarden. (His place was taken by Mr W. F. Hinman). Mr Millbank's father (Mr H. W. Millbank) had served for 44 years before him.

Mrs Eveline Millbank

On September 19th 1973 another link with the past was severed with the death of the 86-year-old widow of the late Harry W. Millbank, J.P, C.C. A daughter of the late Mr and Mrs G. S. Pledge, she lived at Blakes Farm before her marriage in 1910. Mrs Millbank was a former president of the Toot Hill Women's Institute, active in the former District Nursing Association and well known locally as an accomplished singer. Various references to this lady's activities in the Parish will be found elsewhere in this work. She leaves two sons, Mr Jack (of Burrows), Mr Philip (of Colemans) and a daughter, Mrs Lena Martin, wife of the Very Reverend George Martin of Repentance Cottage. The funeral took place at Stanford Rivers on September 24th.

Shortly before her death Miss Lucy kindly gave me her own handwritten copy which is a treasured possession.