The Green Man Public House, Toot Hill

The earliest reference to the Green Man appears in a book written in 1818, which describes the Green Man as ‘a comfortable little inn in the midst of picturesque scenery: it is very convenient quarters for sportsmen, who will find some good shooting in this quarter.’
In the 1841 Census, which shows that Thomas Nicholls was the licensee. However in an advertisement in the Chelmsford Chronicle dated 1842, the premises are advertised for sale due to the ill health of Nicholls. The advertisement suggests that the Inn was well established prior to this date, although no earlier reference can at this time be found.

TO BE DISPOSED OF,
With Immediate Possession,
All, that old-established, well known, and respectable INN and BREWERY, in full Trade, The GREEN MAN at Toot Hill, in the parish of Stanford Rivers, on the old high road, about midway from Chipping Ongar to Epping, and 20 miles from London. The present proprietor wishing to retire in consequence of indisposition, and having realised a competency. An eligible opportunity for an industrious person, with sufficient capital for entering into an immediate and lucrative business, capable of considerable improvement, situate in a respectable and populous neighbourhood, and at a considerable distance from any beer shop. For particulars apply to J. Lewis, Water End Farm, near Ongar.
Chelmsford Chronicle 17th June, 1842.

To Brewers, Publicans, and Others
TO LET, with Immediate Possession, that much frequented FREE PUBLIC-HOUSE, known as the Green Man at Toot Hill, in the parish of Stanford Rivers, Essex, with a compact 3-quarter plant. The premises are very convenient and in good repair, with large garden, &c. attached. A considerable wholesale trade is done, and might be much increased by an enterprising man. A Lease will be granted. For particulars apply by letter (post-paid) to Mr Champness, Auctioneer, Surveyor, and Estate Agent, Abridge, Essex.
Chelmsford Chronicle 16th September 1853

Toot-hill, Essex
MR WILLIAM JONES, Sen., will Sell by Auction, on Monday, June 4, at 12, by direction of the proprietor quitting the premises, the Green Man, Toot-hill, near Stanford Rivers, Chipping Ongar, Essex, a Brewer’s 1,180 gallon STORE and other CASKS, mash tub, cooler, underdeck, pulleys, stillion, useful bay mare, spring cart, harness, stable tools, bagatelle board, percussion gun, 8-day clock, and a few lots o Household Furniture of the usual description. Catalogues may be had in a few days on the premises; Green Man Inn, Toot-hill; at the Crown Inn, Ongar; White Hart, Abridge; and at the Auctioneers Office, near Stepney Station, Commercial-road, London.
Morning Advertiser, 23rd May 1855

GREEN MAN INN
TOOT HILL NEAR ONGAR, ESSEX
BREWING PLANT FURNITURE
AND EFFECTS
C. FOSTER

Will SELL BY AUCTION, at the above Inn, by order of the assignees, on Thursday, April 22nd, 1858, at 12 o’clock,
A Capital 20-bushel MASH TUB, beer cooler, 12 feet by 1 feet 6 in,; working tubs, copper brewing pump, 5 four-hogshead store casks, about 80 smaller casks, water cart, trade cart, and useful brown horse.
The FURNITURE, consists of 4-post and other bedsteads, bedding, chests of drawers, chairs, tables, glass, earthenware, and other effects, to be described in catalogues, to be had at the place of sale, the Inns of the neighbourhood, and of the Auctioneer, Chipping Ongar and Epping.
Chelmsford Chronicle 16th April, 1858

Sudden Death – Mr John Owers, baker and landlord of the Green Man Inn, Toot Hill, died very suddenly on Sunday. He was in Ongar on Saturday, and was apparently in his usual health when he went to bed. During the night he was seized with a fit, and was found lying I an unconscious state early the next morning. He never regained consciousness. Mr Owers who was 62 years of age, was well known throughout the district, where his death caused something like a sensation. When there was a class for donkeys at the Essex Agricultural Society’ show, he generally had an animal good enough to catch the judges’ eyes and take the red rosette.
[Essex Newsman 21January 1893]
A smaller licensed investment in Stanford Rivers, known as the Green Man, Toot Hill sold for £2,225.
[Morning Post 28th April 1900]
Before The Ongar Magistrates on the 5th October, Mr. Arnold Richardson applied on behalf of the London and Burton Brewery Company for the approval of plans for the re-building of the Green Man – Approved subject to the formal consent of the Rural Council.
[The Newsman, 12th October 1907]

Licensees
1841 Thomas Nicholls
1845 - 1851 Edward Rowan
1862 John Scott
1867 James Salmon
1870 - 1893 John Owers Baker/ Farmer
1894 – 1910 Charles Owers Baker
1911- 1917 Emma Owers
1917 Frank John Owers
1922 Charles Baker
1925 James Coles
1927 W.C. Kent (temporary licence)
1929 William Charles Kent
1933 Samuel Amis
1937 George William Weston
? John Roads