High Country History Group

The Annual General Meeting was held on the 27 March and was well
attended by some 49 members. It was agreed that subscriptions
would be raised (the first such rise since the society was formed eight
years ago) to cover the increasing costs of producing the Journal.
Elections returned the same Officers as last year.

After the AGM we were treated to several short films (courtesy of
David Welford), including, 'Essex from a Police Car circa 1947',
'Moreton Boxing Day Celebrations 1976' and a 'Magic Lantern
Show.'This was followed by wine and cheese.

It was also decided that from this edition of the Journal, we will be
carrying advertisements to help defray costs.

Sir Thomas Weyland Bowyer-Smyth, 15th Bt.

Born on 25 June 1960, he is the son of Sir Philip Weyland Bowyer-
Smyth, 14th Bt. and Veronica Mary Bower. He succeeded to the title
of 15th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, in 1978.

Sir Philip Weyland Bowyer-Smyth, 14th Bt.

Born on 4 February 1894, he was the son of Clement Weyland
Bowyer-Smijth and Edith Maude Gray. He married, firstly, Margaret,
daughter of Samuel McCall McCowan, on 24 June 1922. They were
divorced in 1951. He married, secondly, Veronica, daughter of
Captain Cyril Whichelo Bower, on 9 June 1951. He died in 1978.

Sir Philip was baptised with the name of Philip Weyland Bowyer-
Smijth. He fought in the First World War as an officer in the Royal
Navy, and succeeded to the title of 14th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall,
on the 4 August 1927. On 4 August 1927 his name was legally
changed to Philip Weyland Bowyer-Smyth. He was Naval Attache to
Rome between 1938/40. He fought in the Second World War,
where he was wounded and mentioned in despatches.

He was Captain of the H.M.A.S. Perth between 1940/41; Director of
Radio Equipment, Admiralty between 1943/44; Commodore of the
fleet in East Africa between 1945/46. He held the office of Aide-de-
Camp to HM King George VI in 1946.

Major Sir Alfred John Bowyer-Smyth, 13th Bt.

Born on 12 September 1850, he was the son of Reverend Alfred John
Edward Bowyer-Smijth and Mary Constantia Roll. He died on 4
August 1927 at age 76, without issue.

Major Sir Alfred John Bowyer-Smyth was baptised with the name of
Alfred John Bowyer-Smijth. He gained the rank of Major in the
service of the 3rd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. He succeeded to
the title of 13th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 22 July 1916. On 22
July 1916 his name was legally changed to Alfred John Bowyer-
Smyth.

He gained the rank of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of
the 3rd Battalion. Hampshire Regiment.

Sir William Bowyer-Smijth, 12th Bt.
Born on 1 September 1840, he was the son of Sir William Bowyer-
Smijth, 11th Bt. and Marianne Frances Meux. He was baptised on
21 September 1840 at 13 Lower Grosvenor Street, London.

Educated at Eton College, Eton, he was in the Diplomatic Service in
1858, holding the office of Third Secretary in 1863; Second
Secretary to Constantinople between 1874/81and the office of
Secretary of Legation to Yeddo between 1881/83.

He succeeded to the title of 12th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 20
November 1883. He held the office of Sheriff of Essex in 1889.

Sir William Bowyer-Smijth, 11th Bt.

Born on 22 April 1814, he was the son of Sir Edward Bowyer-
Smijth, 10th Bt. and Laetitia Cecily Weyland. He married, firstly,
Marianne, daughter of Sir Henry Meux, 1st Bt., on 2 April 1839 at
Cheshunt.

He married, secondly, Eliza Fechnie Malcolm, daughter of David
Baird Malcolm, on 19 March 1875 at Cheltenham, London, England.
He died on 20 November 1883 at age 69 at Twineham Court, Sussex.

He was baptised with the name of William Smijth and was educated
at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge. On 10 June 1839
his name was legally changed to William Bowyer-Smijth. He
succeeded to the title of 11th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on the 15
August 1850.

He was the Member of Parliament for South Essex between 1852/57
and also Deputy Lieutenant of Essex. He gained the rank of
Lieutenant in 1860 in the service of the 19th Essex Volunteers. He
had another son and daughter by his first wife, both of whom died
unmarried.

Sir Edward Bowyer-Smijth, 10th Bt.

Born on 1 March 1785 at Margaret Street, Marylebone, London, he
was the son of Sir William Smijth, 7th Bt. and Anne Windham. He
married Laetitia Cecily Weyland, daughter of John Weyland, on 29

May 1813 at St. George's Church, St. George Street, Hanover
Square, London. He died on 15 August 1850 aged 65 at Hill Hall.

Baptised with the name of Edward Smyth, after 1796 his name was
legally changed to Edward Smijth. He was educated between
1796/1802 at Eton College. He graduated from Trinity College,
Cambridge in 1807 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). He was the Vicar
in 1809 at Camberwell, Surrey. He held the office of Chaplain to
HM King George IV., and was Rector from 1837 to 1838 at Theydon
Mount and Stapleford Tawney. He succeeded to the title of 10th
Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 9 December 1838. On 10 June 1839
his name was legally changed to Edward Bowyer-Smijth by Royal
Licence.

Commander Sir John Smijth, 9th Bt.
Born on 8 June 1782 at Upper Grosvenor Street, London, he was the
son of Sir William Smijth, 7th Bt. and Anne Windham. He died on 9
December 1838 at age 56 at Woodmansterne, Surrey, unmarried and
was buried at Theydon Mount.

He was baptised with the name of John Smyth. He gained the rank of
Commander in the service of the Royal Navy, and succeeded to the
title of 9th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 5 October 1833.

Sir Thomas Smijth, 8th Bt.

Born on 6 February 1781 at Upper Grosvenor Street, London. He
was the son of Sir William Smijth, 7th Bt. and Anne Windham. He
died on 5 October 1833 at age 52 at Hill Hall, unmarried and was
buried at Theydon Mount. He died intestate and his estate was
administered in October 1833.

He was baptised Thomas Smyth. He was educated between 1793/96
at Eton College. On or after 1796 his name was legally changed to
Thomas Smijth. He succeeded to the title of 8th Baronet Smith, of
Hill Hall, on 1 May 1823.

Sir William Smijth, 7th Bt.

Born on 23 April 1746 at Shrewsbury, the son of Rev. Sir William
Smyth, 6th Bt. and Abigail Wood. He married Anne Windham,
daughter of John Windham-Bowyer and Mary Windham, on 22
March 1779 at St. George's Church, St. George Street, Hanover
Square, London. He died on 1 May 1823 at age 77. He was buried at
Theydon Mount.

He was baptised William Smyth. He succeeded to the title of 7th
Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 25 January 1777. Between March
1779 and April 1799 his name was legally changed to William
Smijth. He gained the rank of Colonel in the service of the West
Essex Miiitia, and was a Verderer of Waltham Forest in 1799.

Rev. Sir William Smyth, 6th Bt.

Born circa 1719, he was the son of Sir Edward Smyth, 3rd Bt. and
Anne Hedges. He married Abigail Wood, daughter of Andrew
Wood. He died on 25 January 1777 and was buried on 8 February
1777 at Theydon Mount.

He lived at Horham Hall, Essex. He graduated from Trinity Hall,
Cambridge, in 1754 with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.). He was the
Rector between 1754 and 1755 at Theydon Mount and Stapleford
Tawney. He succeeded to the title of 6th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall,
on 24 March 1773. He lived at Hill Hall.

Sir Charles Smyth, 5th Bt.
He was baptised on 12 October 1711 at St. James' Church,
Westminster, the son of Sir Edward Smyth, 3rd Bt. and Anne
Hedges. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Burgess, on 11
August 1760. He died on 24 March 1773 at age 61, without male
issue. He was buried on 1 April 1773 at Theydon Mount.

He held the office of High Sheriff of Essex from 1760 to 1761. He
succeeded to the title of 5th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 4 March
1760.

Sir Edward Smyth, 4th Bt.

Born on 12 November 1710 at St. James' Court, London, he was the
son of Sir Edward Smyth, 3rd Bt. and Anne Hedges. He was baptised
on 16 November 1710 at St. James's Church, Westminster, London.
He married Elizabeth Mayse, daughter of Joseph Johnson, on 11 June
1747 at Milton Bryan, Bedfordshire. He died on 4 March 1760 at age
49, without issue. He was buried on 8 March 1760 at Theydon
Mount.

He succeeded to the title of 4th Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall, on 16
August 1744.

Sir Edward Smyth, 3rd Bt.

Born in 1686, he was the son of Sir Edward Smyth, 2nd Bt. and Jane
Vandeput. He married, secondly, Elizabeth Wood, daughter of John
Wood. He married, firstly, Anne Hedges, daughter of Rt. Hon. Sir
Charles Hedges, on 16 January 1709/10 at St. George the Martyr.
Bloomsbury; London. He died on 16 August 1744 and was buried
on 28 August 1744 at Theydon Mount.

He succeeded to the title of 3rd Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall on 24
June 1713.

Sir Edward Smyth, 2nd Bt.

Baptised on 28 September 1637 at Thaxted, Essex, he was the son of
Sir Thomas Smith, 1st Bt. and Joan Altham. He married Jane
Vandeput, daughter of Peter Vandeput, on 6 May 1674. He died on
24 June 1713 at age 75. He was buried at Theydon Mount.

He was admitted to Gray's Inn on 4 February 1656/57. He succeeded
to the title of 2nd Baronet Smith, of Hill Halt, on 5 May 1668. He
held the office of Sheriff of Essex from 1680 to 1681.

Sir Thomas Smith, 1st Bt.

Born circa 1602. He was the son of Sir William Smith and Bridget
Fleetwood. He married, firstly, Joan Altham, daughter of Sir Edward
Altham, before 1633. He married, secondly, Hon. Beatrice Annesley,
daughter of Sir Francis Annesley, 1st Viscount Valentia, after 1664.
He died on 5 May 1668, and was buried on 14 May 1668 at Theydon
Mount.

He was admitted to Gray's Inn on 5 February 1619/20. He inherited
the estate of Hill Hall from his nephew. Edward Smith. He was Lord
of the manor of Thaxted, and owned Horham Hall in Thaxted.

He was created 1st Baronet Smith, of Hill Hall on 28 November
1661. He held the office of High Sheriff of Essex from 1663 to 1664.
He had ten other children by his first wife.

Sir William Smith

Born circa 1550. He was the son of George Smith and Isabella (?).
He married Bridget Fleetwood, daughter of Thomas Fleetwood, in
1590. He died in December 1626.

Sir William Smith gained the rank of Colonel in the service of
the Army in Ireland. He held the office of Sheriff of Essex from
1615 to 1616. He lived at Hill Hall.

Between 1877 and 1914, Essex parishes formed part of the (then
new) Diocese of St Albans. It was formed to allow for the great
increase in population in areas adjoining London. The counties of
Essex and Hertfordshire were taken from the Diocese of Rochester
(to which See Essex was transferred from London in 1846). Thomas
Legh Claughton, the first Bishop, transferred from being Bishop of
Rochester. His place of residence was Danbury Palace, now a
management training centre and public park. John Wogan Festing
succeeded him in 1890, then Edgar Jacob in 1903.

Bound Diocesan records for this period are held at the 'Hertfordshire
Archives and Local Studies' at the County Council offices in
Hertford. Whilst searching for information on Blackmore, I came
across the following information relating to the High Country
parishes.

Greensted

Greensted-juxta-Ongar. Co Essex. [1880] Sequestration on death of
Rector. Thomas Legh by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of St
Albans. To our beloved in Christ Philip John Budworth
Churchwarden of the parish of Greensted-juxta-Ongar in the County
of Essex and within the Diocese and jurisdiction Greeting. Whereas
the Parish Church of Greensted-juxta-Ongar aforesaid is become
vacant by the Death of the Reverend Philip William Ray the late
Incumbent thereof and at present is destitute of an Incumbent. We
therefore lest the fruits tithes rents profits and other rights and
emoluments ecclesiastical now due to the said Church or arising or
becoming due during the vacancy thereof should be embezzled
wasted or applied to improper uses have devised the same to be
sequestered and Do sequester the same according and we do by these
presents ordain and appoint you Sequestrator and Special Collector
of the said Church during the vacancy thereof as aforesaid and do
enjoin you forthwith to publish or cause to be published this our
Sequestration at the Church - aforesaid and such there public and
proper places as you shall most expedient and also during the said
vacancy to demand recover and receive into your hands and keep
under safe sequestration All and singular the fruits tithes rents profits
and other rights and emoluments ecclesiastical belonging to the said
church in whose hands soever being or remaining or which hereafter
be or remain. And with the same collected received or sequestered to
cause the cure of souls in the said Parish to be served and all other
charges belonging to the said church to be sustained and discharged.
And to render unto us our Vicar General and Official Principal or
other competent Judge in this behalf when you shall be - thereunto
lawfully required a true and faithful account of the residue for the use
of the next Incumbent or such other person or persons as shall do or
cause to be done in the premises you shall duly certify to us our
Vicar General and Official Principal aforesaid or other competent
Judge in this behalf the seventh day of February in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty. Geo H Knight.
Registrar1.

Greenstead by Ongar. [1902] Faculty to reserve part of the
churchyard and erect a Mural Tablet. John Wogan by Divine
permission Lord Bishop of St Albans. To all whom it may concern
and more especially Howel John James Price of Greenstead Hall
Greenstead by Ongar in the County of Essex Esquire Greetings.
Whereas it hath been represented unto the Worshipful Alfred Bray
Kempe Master of Arts Vicar General and Official Principal of our
Consistorial and Episcopal Court of St Albans ... a petition under the
name of the said Howel John James Prince ... is the Widower of
Mary Catherine Prince late of Greenstead Hall aforesaid ... resided
in and owned the above property for upwards of 50 years past ... is
desirous of reserving to himself and his family an additional space
next to the above grave and of enclosing the whole of the said space
with a marble or stone kerb ... 10 feet in length and 10 feet in
breadth ... is also desirous of placing on the East Wall of the Nave
... a plain copper and iron mural Tablet ... with the following
inscription namely "In memory of Mary Catherine Price died March
20th 1902 aged 43. This Tablet is erected in memory of one who
lived a happy life in this parish beloved by all who knew her and died
trusting in Christ her Saviour". That a meeting of the Vestry of the
said parish was duly summoned on the 27th day of June 1902 ... the
Rector alone was present no parishioners being present ... That the
Reverend Arthur George Breeks Atkinson the present Rector ...
consents to such application. [Granted. 31 August 1902]2.

Stanford Rivers

Ongar Union Workhouse Chaplaincy. [1894] 23 August. The Bishop
signed and sealed a Licence in the following words: John Wogan by
Divine permission Bishop of St Albans. To our well beloved in
Christ Samuel Coode Hare, Clerk, Greetings. Whereas we have
received an application to licence you to perform the Office of
Chaplain to the Ongar Union Workhouse in the parish of Stanford
Rivers in the County of Essex within our Diocese and Jurisdiction
the same being a public Institution within the provisions of "The
Parish Chapels Act 1871" to which you have been appointed now.
We do by these presents give and grant to you our Licence and
Authority (during our pleasure only) to perform as Chaplain to serve
the Chapel belonging to the said Union Workhouse in preaching the
Word of God and in reading the Common prayers and in celebrating
the Holy Communion of the Lord's Supper according to the form
prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer made and published by
authority of parliament and the Canons and constitutions in that
behalf lawfully established and promulged3.

I note that, on 28 July 1901, the Bishop appointed John Ishmael
Thomas, Clerk, BA, as Chaplain to Ongar Workhouse4.

Stanford Rivers. R Res. [1901] 3 July. The Bishop accepted the
resignation made by Robert Bolleston, Clerk, BA of the Rectory of
Stanford Rivers in the County of Essex and Diocese of St Albans and
declared the same to be vacant5.

Stanford Rivers. [1902] 27 January: John Samuel Thomas, Clerk, BA
was instituted to the Rectory of Stanford Rivers in the County of
Essex and Diocese of St Albans vacant by the resignation of Robert
Bollaston, Clerk, the last Incumbent there. On the presentation of His
Most Gracious Majesty the King by reason of the Duchy of
Lancaster in full right (as it is asserted) And Mandate was issued to
the Archdeacon of Essex to induct him°.

Stapleford Tawney

Stapleford Tawney. Co Essex. Petition for consecration of addition to
churchyard. [1882] To the Right Reverend Father in God Thomas
Legh by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of St Albans - The humble
Petition of the Rector Churchwardens and certain Inhabitants of the
Parish of Stapleford Tawney in the county of Essex and your
Lordship's Diocese - Sheweth that the Churchyard of the Parish of
Stapleford Tawney aforesaid is so full of graves that it requests
enlargement - That by a Deed dated the twentieth of July One
thousand eight hundred and eighty two under the hand and seal of Sir
William Bowyer Smyth Baronet of Hill Hall in the parish of
Theydon Mount in the said County and under the authority of the
"Consecration of Churchyards Act 1867" a piece of ground in the
parish of Stapleford Tawney aforesaid containing one the North side
or end thereof next Stapleford Tawney School House Garden sixty
feet or thereabouts on the East side or end thereof next the High
Road, running from Passingford Bridge to Stapleford Tawney
Common one hundred feet or thereabouts on the south side or end
thereof adjoining part of Stapleford Tawney Churchyard seventy five
feet or thereabouts and on the west side or end thereof next to and
adjoining the other part of the said Churchyard ninety five feet or
thereabouts and which said piece of ground is more particularly
delineated ... That the said piece of ground so conveyed as aforesaid
is suitably situate adjoining the said Churchyard and has been
properly levelled and added to and enclosed with the said
Churchyard and is now fit and proper condition for interments and
may advantageously form part of the said Churchyard - Your
Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Lordship will be pleased to
consecrate the said piece of ground ...
Lewis W Prance Rector of Stapleford Tawney and Theydon Mount.
Chas Smith. A Churchwarden for the parish of Stapleford Tawney.
W Sworder Churchwarden. John Lovell Fry. Cornell Fitch. Daniel
Miller. Miller Bros. Jacob Miller7.

Theydon Mount

Rural Dean. Lambourne. [1883] 8 March. The Bishop appointed
Lewis Newcomes Prance Clerk MA Rector of the Rectory of
Stapleford Tawney with Theydon Mount in the County of Essex and
Diocese of St Albans to Rural Dean of the Rural Deanery of
Lambourne in place of Cavendish Harvey Foster Baronet Clerk BA
resigned®.

The company was first established in 1780 by two brothers in the heart of London who established a shop at No.10 Old Jewry. In 1841 the company had to move to larger premises which were located in Cripplegate and in 1862 they had to move yet again to Bishopsgate in London.

By July 1887, the company was producing sports catalogues.

A Gentleman enters Piggott’s shop in 57, 58 & 59, Bishopsgate Street, London. He looks at the company’s hardback catalogue, but at 263 pages, covering an extremely wide range of products, he is somewhat befuddled. A conversation is overheard.
“Good morning”
“Good morning, Sir. Can I help you?” the assistant replied.
“Well, thank you. I am interested in the purchase of a hammock.”
“Come this way to our tent department, please, Sir . . . . We have our selection here.”

“We have three ranges. The white cotton twine hammocks come in six sizes. We also sell Mexican Grass Hammocks, but these are extra large. Them we have The Pocket Ashantee range. We stock three sizes of this.”

“If I may say so, Sir, you are a little taller than average . . . . I will measure you so we may be both safe and sure . . . . um, as I thought the 10 ft. version will be too short, so you should try the 11 ft. or even the 111/2 ft.. You will sleep well in either, Sir”, the assistant advised, adding; “The 11 ft. is 10s. 6d. but it does come with a carrying case. The whole thing weighs around 21/2 lbs.”

“Will you be trekking, Sir?”
“Yes I will be exploring, hoping to make the Rann of Kutch by February. I have lined up a couple of guides, strong enough to carry my wife, who is not taking her horse with her this time. Ah, I see the set up here in your catalogue.”
“Then with respect, The Ashantee is for you, Sir. As for slinging, given two trees about 12 ft. apart the job is conveniently done. We do sell a Patent Trestle Slinging Apparatus at 23s. 6d., . . . . regard it as an investment in your well-being, Sir, . . . . but I can tell that you are not convinced.”
“We expect to be fully laden, is there an alternative.”
“Well, yes there is. The Ashantee comes with two large screw hooks. You can sling one end of the hammock over a chair and the other over, say, a table and attach to the hooks screwed into the floor. You have wooden floors, Sir? Then practise in your living room before you set out.”
“Thank you!”

The Master, Mr John Underwood, reported to the Ongar Board of
Guardians that the children were unable to dine with the other
inmates in the Workhouse on Christmas Day 1908(?), as measles had
broken out among them. "Jolly hard luck!" exclaimed Mr T. Atkins.
"Perhaps," suggested Mr P. Carter, JP, with a smile, "it was just as
well for their little tummies." "I hope," remarked Mr Oswald Clark,
of the Grammar School, "we shall be able to make it up for them in
some other way." "And I'm sure I hope so too," added the Rev. C.
A. Goodhart. This caused Mr J.R. Furze to jocularly observe that Mr
Goodhart evidently had a nature in keeping with his name. "It
seemed like being a fish out of water," said Mr R. Waltham, "to have
a Christmas dinner without the children and their hearty cheers."
There was considerable merriment when Mr G. R. Etherton
interposed, "That statement poses well from a bachelor, I must say.
There is obviously hope for Mr Waltham yet!"

I with my wife (meissima) and niece
I and my wife slept at cousin
Rode to Epping. Rob Jones returned to us from London. 18.

In the Nonconformists' Memorial is an interesting account of Rev.
Francis Chandler, ejected from the sequestrated benefice of Theydon
Mount, Essex. Mr. Chandler kept a Latin Diary, which came into the
hands of a Mr. B. H. Bright, and was lent by him to Rev. Joseph
Hunter. Mr. Hunter made copious extracts from this diary, translating
for the most part, sometimes condensing, and in a few places
transcribing the original Latin. These extracts form part of the
Collectanea Hunteriana in the British Museum (MS. Addl, 24485,
pp. 35-43), and we think are of sufficient interest to deserve
reproduction, especially in view of the numerous references to
ministers ejected in Essex. We have ventured to translate most of
those portions which Hunter left in Latin, excepting where illegibility
makes the sense difficult to ascertain.

1661 .- Aug. 12. I dined at Dr. Meg's, who after dinner took me into
his little study (musacolum), where with many words and in various
manners he endeavoured to induce me to conformity. The result was
that I determined to enjoy my liberty, at least till the affairs of the
church are settled in parliament.

13. Dr. Megs and his wife visited us.
14. My aunt King was this day buried in the chapel at Ongar, when
Mr. Larkin preached.
Chaundler rode to the funeral.
Archer's.
16.
Preached at Garnon both parts of the day on Cant. iv. 7. Dined with
Mr. Mugs, by whom we were kindly received.
20. Rode to Ongar, where heard Mr. Car preach: returning Mr. Car
and I visited Mr. Calendrine.10
22. Baptized the little daughter of Wm. Hovilambe at the request of
Mr. Car in the church at Lambourne; name Maria. Dined with him
with many of his neighbours.
24. Dined with Mr. Bennet.
27. Mr. Borfit visited me.
28. Samuel Hill left school, about to go beyond sea.
29. Ad Nutidinum a Vepribus ? [word illegible] and nephew
Edward Chaundler and his wife.
Sept. 2. I, my wife, and little son Francis rode to Mrs. Archer's, lately
returned from a long journey.
3. Heard Mr. Harris1 at Ongar.
15. Preached at Theydon and Garmon, my wife accompanying me.
After our return my wife fell into labour, and about 8 o'clock brought
forth a son, Deo obstetricanti.
18. Sent £6 to Mr. Purchas13 by brother James.
19. Rode to London, where I visited Mr. Rob. Jones, with whom I
dined, and Mr. Will. Jones recovering from, a disease, and
brother Oglethorpe ; then returned home.
22. Baptized my son by the name of Samuel.14
23. My dear friend Mr. Car died.
26. He was buried ; Mr. Harper1 preached.
30. Rode to Stratford to visit my sister.
Oct. 3. This day Francis Rogers came to us at 55s. a year.
6. Preached at Theydon in the morning and at Garnon at noon, when
the Earl of Anglesey and his lady10 were present, now the second
time.

21.

8. Mr. Brown of Chigwell visited me.
10. Very many of our neighbours at Lambourne congratulated us on
the recovery of my wife. Mr. Palmer, his wife, and Mrs. Gent, Mr.
Tho. Brown, his wife and 2 daughters, Mr. Wil. Brown and his wife,
Mr. Hovilamb and his dr, Jo. Nichols and his wife, with others.
17. Brother Oglethorpe and his brother visited us.
Rode to visit Mr. Archer, with whom I dined. In the journey I
lost my watch (horologium),
27. Preached at Garnon. I, my wife, and nephew Oglethorpe dined at
Mr. Archer's.
31. Preached the lecture at Brentwood, then rode to Chelmsford,
where I slept at the house of cousin Theophilus Aylmer.
Nov. 26. The eldest son of Dr. Megs came to me, and earnestly
besought me that I would go over to his mother and endeavour to
speak with her; his parents being very much exasperated against him
because he had married without their knowledge.
Dec. 1. Preached at Theydon, when I excited the people to charity
towards the Lithuanian Protests.
4. Rode to Rumford, where I received £10 left me by Mr. Francys.
7. Dr. Megs came to rne and complained very much of the
disgraceful marriage of his son cum meretrice as he called her.
12. To-day my scholars rivos clauserunt ' [These classical
expressions are constantly occurring .- T.W.D.].
16. Rode with my wife to visit Mr. Archer, with whom we dined:
then visited the wife of Dr. Megs, and walked to Gamishall to visit
Sir T. Abdy, Knight and Baronet, and his wife [last word cancelled]
when his brother John Abdy was sick.
17. Rode to Mr. Mildmay's at Marks, where I slept.
18. Preached at Romford: dined with Mr. Mildmay, Mr.
Vaughan, Mr. Wells of Hornex, Mr. Stonehouse, and Mr. Cummins
at Marks.
19.

19

Rode to London, taking leave of Mr. Mildmay, from whom I
received 20s. as a gift in gold being lately coined.
1661-2 .- Jan. 20. Sister Dakeyne departed to London.
22. A day of public fast on account of the unseasonable weather.
Preached at Theydon Garnon, where there was a collection for the
poor.
Feb. 3. Dr. Meg told me of some complaints against me being made
to the bishop of London.
Mch. 17. Rode to Chelmsford, where I met brother and nephew
Ange (?)
The cause of brother Ange{?) defendant in an action of
defamation, Dr. Ward complainant, was heard.
1662 .- May 10. We walked to the well at Epsom.
21. Walked to the same well, where I drank beer made of the water,
as I had done the day before.
29.
Theydon on 2 Saml. xix. 14, 15.
June 6. Rode to Epping ; then visited Mr. Archer, and afterwards
rode to Dr. Megs, to whom I gave notice that I should not conform. 1
asked him whether I might continue to preach at Theydon and
Garnon, and continue my school, till the time limited in the Act of
Uniformity. I obtained his consent, and a promise of impunity as far
as it is in his power.
July 1. Preached at Ongar on a sudden, Mr. Calamy18 being absent,
21. Visited Mr. Church, who is about to marry Sister Dakeyne.
29. I married sister Dakeyne to Abraham Church, citizen of London,
in the church of Aldermanbury : we dined at Mr. Smart's, where Mr.
Calamy and his wife and many others were with us.
Aug. 11. Brother and sister Church with her little daughter Eliz.
Dakeyne left us for London.
17. Praedicabam apud Garnon ambabus diet vicibus in Heb. xiii.
20, 21, quando ultimam vale iis dedi populo mullum lacrymis
dolorem exprimente. Eben Ezer.

Preached a sermon commemorative of the king's return at
nobnod

Sent my son Francis to Mrs. Car for change of air. Dined with

Rode to Epping, where many would dissuade me from

I and my wife rode to Chelmsford, and thence to Hadleigh,

I and my wife walked to Maldon, and dined with brother

18. I with my wife dined with the wife of Dr. Meggs, his son, and
his wife on venison sent by the Countess of Anglesey to Mr.
Archer,19
19. Rode to Ongar, where heard Mr. Walker.
20. Dedicated this day to fasting and prayer in my family.
21.
other neighbours at Abraham Staines.
22.
preaching the next Sunday at Theydon, but consulting Mr.
Archer I then learned the acceptable news that there are hopes of
indulgence from the king.
23. Mr. Walker returning from London confirmed the said news.
24. I preached at Theydon, both parts of the day, on Deut. xxx.
19; a quiet assembly. We dined with Mr. Holloway. For the present
I deferred taking leave of the people, on account of the hope of an
Indulgence from the king - but a little after vanishing. This night Mr.
Holloway began to labour under a mortal disease.
25.
where we spent the night.
26.
Robert Francys.
27.
Rode to Tufts, where I met Mr. Purchas20; after dinner visited
Mr. Gilson,2 who is sick; then rode to Graies, where I spent the
night.
28. I rode to Chelmsford,where I received notice of a convention of
ejected brethren. I walked to Moulsham Hall, where I met with Mr.
Willis of Ingatestone, Mr Harrison2, Mr Wray23, Mr Clopton,24 Mr.
Benson,25 Mr. Oakes26 Mr. Taylor,27 and Mr. Rathband2 On my
return I came across brother and sister Aylmer in the way. I passed
the night at the house of kinsman Theophilus Aylmer.
Sept. Brother Coys2 and cousin Plum, with brother and sister
Aylmer, etc., entertained me at the King's Head at the expense of
cousin Plum.
Oct. 1. Dined with Lord Grey of Groby at his house at Epping.
31. Agreed with Mr. Bishop to sell him my lands and tenements at
Woodham Ferrers for £615.
Nov. 3. Cousin Mosse left us for London. Gout in his knee.
27. Saw the reception of the Russian Ambr. which was (?) signift.
We were invited to the house of cousin Church, where we saw the
procession.
Dec. 9. Brother Coys3 left us in poor health.
Jan. 24. Dined with Sir Carew Mildmay at the house of Will. Brown.
Feb. 18. Kept a day of fasting and prayer with Mr. Lavender,31 Mr.
Willis of Ingatestone, Mr. Whiston,32 Mr. Lukin,33 and Mr. Borfit,34
at the house of Mr. Lavender. Mr. Lavender began by prayer, then
Mr. Lukin preached, and then I prayed, and Mr. Borfit ended with
prayer. Slept at cousin Archer's.
1663 .- July 19. A child born whom they call Rebecca. [He had at
this time two sons named Daniel and Francis.] She died on 29th.
Nov. 10. Visited cousin Plumbe; then rode to Camalodunum,35
where I preached in the house of brother Francys.
11. Rode to cousin Alleyncs, where I dined: then to [illegible] and
slept at the house of brother Fenne. [At this period he was often
preaching in private families.]
Nov. 23. Dined with Dr. Castell, to whom I paid 1:10 for his Lexic.
Heptagl., having before deposited 2 :10 in the hands of Samuel
Smith. Baptized the little son of my brother Church,36 named
Abraham.
24. Heard Mr. Tillison37 preach in Lawrence Church on Job xxviii.
20.
25. Preached in the evening in the house of Mr. Smart before 60
persons; amongst whom were Mr. Calamy junr and his mother.
Dec. 8. Rode to Woodford Bridge, expecting the return of my wife
from London: but the coach (currus) did not return that night.
9.
day Mr. Archer was made a Knight.
10. My wife returned to me in safety in the said coach.
11. Rode to Epping ; visited Mrs. Archer, lately made a lady, on
my return.
17. I supped and slept at Lady Archer's. After supper preached
on Phil. i. 28-39.
18. I, my wife, and Lady Archer rode to Mr. Harper's, where we
saw his scholars perform "The Eunuch " of Terence. After our
return I preached in the family of Lady Archer on Ps. cxix. 96 ; and
there I spent the night.
Jan.11. The infant of sister Church died.
18. Nephew Daniel Chandler visited us.
Feb. 2. Kept the 6th anniversary of our wedding day.
4.
preached, Mr. Lukin, Mr. Lavender and I prayed.
Mar. 9. Rode to Romford, met cousin Isaac Francys; then to
Brentwood, where I met with my brothers in tribulation Mr.

Rode to the same place, but the coach was not returned. This

Kept a fast in the house of Mr. Hervey,3 where Mr. Hervey

Horrocks,3 Mr. Scot" and Mr. Clapton.41 Rode to the houses of
cousin Stride and cousin Ben; slept at cousin Archer's.
1664 .- Apl. 10. Preached in the family of cousin Edward Chandler at
Ware.
July 12. Dined at cousin King's with others at the wedding of cousin
Hill with Mr. Cole. After dinner we went by water to a place called
Jamaica in Redriffe, where I met Mr. Crawford of Hertford.
24. A little son of cousin Oglethorpe's, who had been with us eleven
weeks, died.
Aug. 10. Rode to Chelmsford. where I met with Mr. Horrocks and
Mr. Lisle at the house of Mr. Derrival, where I dined. Mr. Lisle had
been delivered out of custody, in which he had been nine months
detained.
Oct. 7. In London. Supped at cousin Mosses.
17. Cousin Richard Cox came to visit us.
Nov. 27. Received letters from brother Coys in which he informs me
of his arrest by Mr. Miller, and pathetically begs that I will come to
him. [On the 3oth he visited him in the Fleet Prison.]
Nov. 30. [Another daughter born, whom he named Rebecca.]
1665 .- Apl. 24. James Manning, who has married niece Hannah
Fenne, visited us.
25.Rode with them to London, and paid to the said James £20
given by my former wife to Hannah Fenne.
26. Visited Mrs. Dodderidge.
May 3. Kept a fast at Mr. Hervey's.
21. Mr. Kiteley visited us, and spoke to me about undertaking the
education of two sons of his sister Hill.
22. Rode to Mr. Kiteley's42 where I met with Mr. Hill, formerly
serjeant-at-law, with his wife. Then it was agreed that I should take
the two sons, receiving fi8 a year for each.
June 14. Mr. Baron Hill43 with his wife visited us.
9.

10.

17. I rode to see Lady Archer, from whom I suffered a sharp
reprimand for publishing a commission as justice lately given to Mr.
Holdsworth Senr. as if Mr. Holdsworth Junr. had been lodging at
home.
July 15. Preached at the house of Baron Hill.
Aug. 2. Baron Hill sent his carriage for me, my wife, and scholars to
come to his house to keep a private fast on account of the plague; the
day being appointed publicly to be observed. Mr. Kitely prayed ; Mr.
Thorowgood44 preached on Job xix. 21; I finished by preaching on Is.
Ixvi. 2.
Mr. Moulder, who married the daughter of Mr. Ferriby,
instead of an antidote took nearly 100 grains of opium. They sent
for me with great importunity ; but I was afraid to accede until the
evening, when Dr. Manton accompanied me.
Mr. Moulden recovered by the great providence of God,
through the efforts of Dr. Stanes, Dr. Mills, and Mr. Pullyn.
12. Rode to London, and received £30 of Mr. Backwell. On the way
I met the wife of my host at the Ram's Head; qui pestam in quadam
domo stabulo super eminenti ope nummos opertune illuc [what
follows is illegible.] Dined with Mr. Clare. Returned home in
safety.
17. This day niece Oglethorpe acquainted us that her brother, coming
to us, took on the road a little boy from a woman who confessed to
him that her husband had died of the plague ; and carried it on his
knee on horseback ; but hitherto he is safe.
22. Dined after prayer, at which Mr. Ambrose Mildmay was present,
at Graies, and then rode with Mr. Mildmay to Moulsam Hall, where I
visited sister Brewer and met aunt Mekin: then rode to cousin
Aylmer at Chelmsford.
25. Rode to Brayntry, where I sent for (?) Gamaliel and William
[illegible] 'Father Car; and afterwards to Felstead, where I dined with
mother Car.
Walked to church, where we heard Mr. Henry Archer.

us.

6.

Rode to Harle End, where Mr. Payne45 and I prayed.
Nephew and niece Aylmer visited us. Walked with them to Wil.

We walked with our three sons to church, where we heard Mr

31. Mr. Agas, chaplain to the Earl of Anglesey, dined with [illegible].
Sept. 6. Another fast at Baron Hill's.
7. Visited the Countess of Carlisle.
1666. May 18, 10, 21. [Visits cousin Peacock, West(?J and Stevens
and cousin Gardner.]
Aug. 9. Visited cousin Hockley, from whom I received a shilling to
drink wine with my wife.
10. Received £10 for a personal gift, out of money left by will to
Ejected Ministers.
Sept. 1. Rode to Pelham Hall to visit brother Alymer; but he with
sister removed thence the day before to the house of his brother at
Wicken. Hac nocte ignis prodigiosus civitatem inva-dere cepit, qui
usque ad diem Jovis Ungrate pergebat.
2.
3. Cousin Hanchet(?) with nephew and niece Aylmer came to visit
Certioris facti sumus de conflagratione ilia miserenda Londini.
5. A day of public fast. Heard Mr. Archer.
This day, thank God, the dreadful conflagration is extinguished :
but three chief parts of the city are burnt.
7.
8.
Westwood's, where I heard that our houses in London were burnt.
9.
Archer on Jer. xvii. 27.
Oct. 19. [Has a son born, whom he calls Abraham.]
Dec. 2. [His little daughter dies.]

The last entry is dated 24 May, 1667; and Mr. Chandler died a few
days later.

The title of this work might sound off-putting, but its content is certainly not. The ‘Ongar Community Tree Strategy’ was commissioned by Ongar Town Council and various local interest groups have made a significant contribution to this booklet. The work (32 pages, A4 size, in colour with photos and maps) gives an outline of the landscape history of the area before considering ‘special’ trees in Ongar, worthy of preservation, civic protection or simply enjoyment. With the declining use of timber for buildings during the twentieth century and pressure for more road building, airport expansion and housing, the Strategy concludes that safeguarding “an environment that supports a green landscape is crucial in the face of these challenges”. Locally, it is a “wake-up call to preserve not only the present tree stock, but perhaps more importantly, ensure that by community action in our own homes and gardens, we leave a healthy tree-filled legacy for future generations”.

At one time the Parish Church of St Margaret, Stanford Rivers, was
believed to possess a painting by Raphael. The painting was first
recorded in the Minutes of the Parochial Church Council Meeting
held on Tuesday 9th December 1947 at 7.30 p.m. in the School
Room;

"Offer of a Picture. A valuable work of art, a painting by Raphael
entitled 'Mother and Child' had been offered to the Church by Sir
Drummond Spencer Smith. Before accepting the picture it was
decided that it should be inspected by the Rector and
Churchwardens."

The next meeting recorded in the minute book is dated Tuesday, 3rd
August 1948. It does appear from the continuity of the minutes that
there was no interim meeting between this meeting and meeting at
which the offer was made known. Under matters arising, a minute
from this meeting notes:

"Picture. It was decided to defer acceptance of this for the time
being.

Recalling the advice about examining the mouths of gift horses in
such circumstances, the P. C. C. may have appeared to lack urgency
in confirming their acceptance of the offer. Now there are problems
with the works of Raphael and maybe the P. C. C. was right to be
circumspect. In 2004 the National Gallery bought, on behalf of the
nation, Raphael's Madonna of the Pinks. The attribution of this
painting has been frequently questioned not least by James Beck, an
art historian from Columbia University. The Madonna of the Pinks is
neither signed nor dated and the picture is not mentioned in the early
sixteenth century. The painting is also criticised stylistically. Despite
these doubts, and the National Gallery possessing eleven of
Raphael's paintings already, £22M was paid to the Duke of
Northumberland to aid his financial burden. So maybe with similar
doubts over the attribution the reticence of the P. C. C. was
understandable and might even have been applauded.

At the Meeting of the P.C.C. held on Thursday, 16th December 1948,
at 8 p.m. in the Baptistry, it is noted;

"That the Churchwardens as Sequestrators and the Honorary
Secretary be given permission to petition for a Faculty for authority

(1.) to erect beneath the 1914-1918 Memorial a Tablet in
memory of those gave their lives in the 1939-45 War and

(2.) to place a picture, which is to be presented by Sir
Drummond Smith, on the north wall of the Church.

With regard to the picture it was agreed that although a Faculty may
be granted it should not be further considered until the arrival of the
new Rector."

From the meeting of the "newly adopted" P.C.C. on Thursday, 28th
April 1949

"The Unveiling and Dedication of the War Memorial and Picture
presented by Sir Drummond Spencer Smith were to take place on
Sunday evening 15th May 1949 at 6.30 p.m .. Sir Drummond had
consented to unveil and the Rector would dedicate. The British
Legion would attend. It was agreed to have special forms of service
printed."

There appears to be no further reference to the painting for twenty
years, until payment for an insurance claim is recorded. Presumably
the painting had been stolen although this act is not mentioned. At
the Meeting of the P.C.C. on 1$t June 1969

"The Rector reported that the insurance company had paid £50 for
the loss of the picture. He had written to the company pointing out
that the claim was for two items, the picture and the frame."

At the next meeting of the Parochial Church Council held on 7th
September 1969

"The Rector reported that he had received a further cheque from the
insurance company for £100 making £150 in all, which had been
paid into the P.C.C. Restoration Account."

This is not quite the end of the matter since the payment into such an
account was opposed by Miss Brock, the Secretary to the P. C. C ..
She later resigned over the matter.

So was the offered painting really by Raphael? Very unlikely, of
course, and an attribution 'after Raphael', escaping the minutes,
would support the insurance value. The initial lack of excitement
generated by the offer of the painting might also be explained by the
eventual value. Of course, in reality, genuine works by Raphael must
rarely be given away! The final settlement by the insurance company
valued the frame at a figure double that of the picture. At a value of
£100 in 1969, it must have been a very nice frame!

Finally, it should be admitted that there is a clear break in the story
above. There is no certainty that the lost painting was the painting
stated to be by Raphael; it has been assumed that it was. There is no
reference to indicate this but it was the only picture mentioned over
the period in question. One other painting, referred to as The Beadon
Portrait belonged to the church, and this was apparently in the
possession of the church in 1969.
Does anyone remember the Raphael? Is there any recollection of the
St Margaret's Madonna and Child in the High Country?

Burials:

1600 - Mother Milton of ye age 105 was buried 1 May.

1606 - John Gray and Zachee Pigot, drowned together, were buried
together, 10th Aug 1606.

Thomas Piggot who was unfortunately killed by an unruly horse on
the first was buried on the third day of July 1735. And affidavit made
and brought in due time of his having been buried in woollen only.
**

The Revd. Mr William Tredwell Bull, late Rector of this Parish, died
October ye 19th and was buried Oct 21, 1738, in the south side of the
Chancel (not far from the door) in the Churchyard.

From the Times, March 18th, 1833.

On Friday last, being market day at Epping, about the middle of the day, a good looking woman, about 30 years of age, was led into the market place with a rope around her neck and waist, by her husband, Thomas Bruce, an hostler, the magistrates sitting in petty sessions at the time in the town. In a few minutes the market place was crowded, and the master of the parochial workhouse, undertaking the office of auctioneer, endeavoured to amuse the multitude by his ludicrous imitation of the professional addresses of these often impressive public orators, in offering the woman for sale, and expariating on her qualifications. She was put up at 1s 6d., and after a bidding which could not be characterised as spirited, knocked down at 2s.6d, to a labourer named James Bradley, who immediately paid down the purchase money, and 6d for duty &c., and carried of his purchase to a public house amidst the shoutings of the assembled multitude. Their noise having reached the bench of justices, an officer was despatched for the husband, who was brought before them in a state of intoxication, having already spent the half-crown in gin. It was proved by the parish officer that he had deserted his wife. He said in his defence, that he had been compelled to marry her six years ago by the parish officers, in consequence of her having sworn a child to him; that he had never since lived with her, and that she had lived in open adultery with the man Bradley, by whom she had been purchased; and that he had been told that by publicly selling her in the market he could get rid of any charge by the parish for the maintenance of her or her children. The magistrates strongly reprobated his conduct, and committed him to prison for having deserted his wife. Our correspondent does not say how they acted towards the parish authority who officiated as auctioneer.

From the Times June 19th, 1928.

An Epping farmer yesterday applied to the Labour Exchange for
twenty men to hoe his turnip field, and as they were not available
there he went to the guardian's institution and asked the master
whether he could send 20 casuals to do the work. He offered to give
the men plenty of food, sleeping accommodation, and the usual
wages.

The master picked out 20 of the most likely men, who proceeded to
the farm. On arrival they asked if, before beginning work, they could
have something to eat. The farmer gave them bread, cheese, and
beer, which they speedily demolished, and they then asked for more.
The farmer went into the house to get another supply and on his
return found that every one of the men had vanished and the field
was till unhoed.

It is interesting to note that the Epping guardians, in spite of their
protests, have just been directed by the Ministry of Health to double
their casual accommodation.

Advertisement: The Times January 21$t, 1823.

At Miss Severn's Seminary, Epping, Essex, where the number is
limited to six, TWO VACANCIES occur. The plan of instruction
includes all the useful and ornamental branches of female education.
The terms are moderate, and every attention is paid to facilitate the
progress of the pupils and promote their domestic comfort. All
letters must be post paid. The most satisfactory references can be
given.

From The Times, Jan 20th 1838.

Samuel Hurl a labourer at Navestock has been apprehended, charged
with being, if not the principal, at least a particeps criminis, in the
setting fire to the stacks and premises at Skipps Corner farm. The
prisoner has undergone an examination, and has been remanded in
order to give time for the production of witnesses.