High Country History Group

Some 12 members, led by Patrick Griggs, walked from Fyfield to Willingale, where we provided with tea and chocolate cake by the volunteers who care for St Andrew’s and All Saints church, which is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

We were also given a guided tour of the church.

The two parishes known as “the Willingales” derive their distinctive names from their owners soon after the Conquest, William d’Ou and Hervey de Spain respectively. Their churches stand in the same churchyard, a thing unparalleled in Essex, but not unknown in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

The tale is told of their having been founded by two sisters out of rivalry can hardly be true, as they are of widely different ages. St Christopher’s was built in the C14th, whilst its neighbour St Andrew and All Saints is a much older building, with a Norman door and windows.

The two benefices were united in 1929, and in 1992 St Andrew’s was handed over to the care of the Trust.

It is perhaps interesting to note that the current title of the benefice is Willingale St Christopher w Shellow and Berners Roding. The church at Shellow Bowells (St Peter and St Paul) was converted to a private house in 1973. It was built around 1754 and is a rare example in Essex of an C18th church. The church at Berners Roding, has no known dedication and is now derelict and in poor repair.

Draper’s Corner is a small grassy triangle at the junction of Greensted Road and the continuation of Mutton Row, Stanford Rivers; walk out of the old Drill House, turn right and a short walk would lead to the corner. The oak tree that had resided there for more than a century was wrenched from the ground on the night of Thursday, 14 June 2012. The combined ivy cover, rain that had both weighed on the tree and had weakened the security of the roots, and a gust of a freakish wind that night had conspired in its destruction. It fell neatly onto the small triangle, avoiding an enforced closure of the road, and missing the new signpost at the corner.

Who was Draper? There has been local debate about the name of Draper. Draper is alleged to have been a sheep stealer. His crime may have been created through a simple association with Mutton Row, the narrow lane that leads to St Margaret’s, Stanford Rivers. Further, it is suggested that Draper was hanged for his crime from an oak tree, but despite some thorough searches of records of criminal trials, no supporting evidence has yet been discovered of the actual sentence of capital punishment.

But some years ago two local boys, teenagers, were returning home from Greensted Green. It was February and dark, if I recall correctly. They had cycled past the tree and under its branches before they arrived home, perhaps 400 metres away. They were distressed, and of an age when they should not expect to be. They described something hanging from the tree – similar in size to a body. The mother of one of the boys, impressed by their story, contacted the police, who did check out the tree perhaps with little conviction. No hanging body was seen.

To my knowledge no further observations have caused similar consternation. I am not a ghost hunter and am usually sceptical, but respectful, of such experiences like that of the boys and Draper. However, driving home in the dark, returning from work, the day after the sighting and unavoidably approaching Draper’s old oak tree, the hairs on the back of the neck briefly rose in expectation!

John Reynolds of Ipswich, Gent, left to the poor of Thoydon Garnon and Epping for ever, the Rents of Lands called Thrapps in Theydon Mount.

This is a curious and unverifiable story. In about 1870, Jonathan Lewis of Water End Farm, Bobbingworth emigrated to Nelson in New Zealand, taking with him two small stained glass panels. According to their previous owner, they had been removed from Greensted church some time before the Rev. Phillip Ray’s restoration of 1848. Mr Lewis’s original intention had been to present these to a church in New Zealand but, after an exchange of correspondence with the Rev G. F. Barlow of Chelmsford, it was agreed that the two panels should be returned to Greensted church. The package containing the glass began its repatriation from Nelson in October 1870 on the Challenger, but unfortunately the ship failed to reach its destination in London. A report from the Scilly Isles indicated that the Challenger of London, coming from Malden Island in the Pacific, had sunk at latitude 48N, longitude 13W, on 14 May 1871 and, though all her crew were saved, her entire cargo, including the package containing the stained glass, had been lost.

Before their dispatch from New Zealand, photographs of the two panels had been sent to the Rev. Barlow. Drawings were made from these by the Chelmsford architect Wykeham Chancellor and published in the Essex Review in 1894. A somewhat fanciful Anglo-Saxon date was attached to them by the New Zealand correspondent but Chancellor’s opinion was that the panels were from a sixteenth century German or Flemish workshop. One carried the inscription ‘Ohne Jhu, esto nucht’ (derived from St John xv, 5: ‘for without me you can do nothing’), the other the letters ‘TE’ linked with an intertwining cord.

If the coordinates of the sinking are correct, the ship foundered far out to sea in the Atlantic and these two small panels stained glass must be permanently lost. It also remains an open question whether the oral tradition that they had come from Greensted church was correct.

One of the best international early music choirs – Cardinall’s Musick - is coming to Stondon Massey on Sunday 2 September for two concerts of music by William Byrd. It forms part of their ‘Byrd Tour’. They are directed by Andrew Carwood, whose other commitments include Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, who took a prominent role in the recent Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Andrew Carwood is particularly keen to visit venues both large and small on the tour, especially those associated with William Byrd. St Peter & St Paul Church, the smallest venue, has been chosen because it is the place where Byrd is thought to have been buried in 1623. He lived his final years as a recusant Catholic in the parish. The sound of this professional choir is magnificent, clear, and moving. This is a rare opportunity to hear performers in an intimate setting as opposed to, for example, a London concert venue. It will be a memorable occasion.
Tickets for each concert – which have different programmes and begin at 3.00pm & 5.30pm – are available from the Civic Theatre Box Office in Chelmsford or by email to apsblackmore@btinternet.com . They cost £10 each.
[See the Advert on page… for further details.]

The funeral of Mr William Pittam, who for 44 years carried on the business of grocer and draper, and was also for that time post master of Passingford Bridge, took place at Stapleford Tawney. The coffin, of polished elm, was borne to the church in a Washington car, followed by two coaches.

The deceased, who was greatly respected, was the oldest tenant on the Suttons estate

THEYDON MOUNT is a parish, on the banks of the Roding and on the London road, 3 miles southeast from Epping station on the Ongar branch of the London and North Eastern Railway, 7 south-west from
Ongar and 17 from London, in the Chelmsford division of the county, Ongar rural district and hundred, Epping petty sessional division, Waltham Abbey county court district, rural deanery of Chigwell, archdeaconry of Southend and Chelmsford diocese. The church of St. Michael, which was struck by lightning and destroyed in the year 1611, was rebuilt by Sir William Bowyer- Smith kt. and re-opened in 1614, and is now an edifice of brick in the Jacobean style, consisting of chancel, nave, south porch and an embattled western tower, containing one bell: there are monuments of the Smijths, or Smiths, from 1577 to 1815, including a canopied tomb, with effigy, to Sir Thomas Smith kt. principal secretary of state to Edward VI. and Queen Elizabeth, ob. 1577, and Philippa, his wife, ob. 1578, and another fine tomb with, effigies to Col. Sir William Smith, of Hill Hall, kt. D.L. ob. 1626, erected by Bridget Fleetwood), his widow: there are 250 sittings.

The register dates from the year 1564. The living is a rectory, united with that of Stapleford Tawney, joint net yearly value £800 in the gift of Lady Edward Hay, and held since 1913 by the Rev. Sidney Margetts Stanley M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin, who resides at Stapleford Tawney rectory, Romford. Hill Hall, a quadrangular mansion of brick with stone dressings, built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, stands in a park and grounds, 239 acres in extent; it is the property and residence of Maj. Lord Edward Douglas John Hay. Mrs. Northcote and Mrs. Battye are ladies of the manor and the principal landowners. The soil is mixed; subsoil, London clay. The chief crops are wheat, barley, roots and beans.

The area is 1*564 acres; the population in 1931 was 169.

Letters from Epping, the nearest M. 0. & T. office.

COMMERCIAL. (Marked thus ° farm 150 acres or over.)

°Calderbank Thos. farmer, Colemans farm. T N Stapleford 304
Chambers Jack, farmer, Skinners frm
Freeman Albt. farmer, Peakes farm
Galloway Kenneth, farmer,Mount frm
°Nosworthy Jn. farmer, Hobbs Cross farm. T N Theydon. Bois 137
Tarling William John, blacksmith.

John was the son of Henry Ayloffe (captain of a Troop of Horse), and Dorothy, daughter and heir of Richard Bulkeley, of Cheadle, in Cheshire. Henry was the third son of Sir Benjamin Ayloffe, 2nd Baronet and his second wife, Margaret, daughter of Thomas Fanshawe of Barking. Sir Benjamin was High Sheriff of Essex and supported the Royalist cause in the English Civil War. Consequently he was imprisoned by Parliament, his estates being sequestrated. After the restoration he was a member of Parliament (M.P.) for Essex from 1661 until his death.
Henry's two elder brothers inherited the baronetcy but both died childless so on the death of Sir Benjamin his uncle, the John inherited the title.
He was educated at Peterhouse College, Cambridge; obtaining his degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA), in 1691; and Master of.Arts (MA), in 1695. He took Holy Orders, and was Rector of Dengie, Essex, from1700 - 1708, and Rector of Stanford Rivers, for thirty-three years, from 1707 until 1730.
He succeeded to the title of 5th Baronet Ayloffe, of Braxted Magna, on the 5th March 1722. He never married and died at Stanford Rivers on the 10th December 1730. He was buried at Braxted, Essex.
He was succeeded to the title by his cousin, Joseph Ayloffe, FRS, (1708 -1781), an English antiquary and the sixth and last baronet.

On the 1st January 1900, the celebration of the new century in London was muted. The Boer War was not going well. Ladysmith was under siege. British Army equipment was being out performed by the enemy’s. Combat deficiencies were to be put right by compulsory army training; even ‘voluntary conscription’ was being proposed. Money had to be raised to support the war through both lottery and public subscription. Perhaps as a distraction, there was a familiar debate in the letters page of The Times about whether the new century did actually start on the 1st January 1900 or would follow in 1901, (surprisingly one letter referred to correspondence echoed in the same pages in 1800!).

Seeking similarities with recent events, it is not easy to find expressions of any widespread celebration either in London or locally. However, maybe this was fortunate. Memories of the 1897 Jubilee of the Queen's Accession were still fresh in the memory. In Stanford Rivers, a public meeting was held to decide how the Jubilee should be commemorated. In March 1898, a local paper reported discontent.

"Bright-eyed, ruddy-faced and genial Mr. MUGLESTON of Littlebury Hall, Stanford Rivers, has given us a call to tell us of the woes of that parish. The tornado of the QUEEN'S Jubilee, it seems, is still blowing over it. When the Jubilee was in prospect a public meeting was held to consider what should be done. Plans were proposed in goodly variety. One wanted a hospital; another, a parish nurse; a third, a reading-room; a fourth, a bell to call the school children; a fifth, a fountain in the school yard, and so on.

When all these bewildering subjects had been threshed out, it was resolved on the motion of Mr. MUGLESTON, that the school bell should be provided, and that a tea should be given both to the adults and the children of the parish. Everything then promised to flourish like a field of goodly wheat; but some enemy went about and sowed tares .... "

A separate private meeting was then organised which reversed the decision, replacing the bell with a fountain and distribution of meat to the elderly. The local paper, perhaps tongue in cheek, proceeded:

"The news, we gathered from Mr. MUGlESTON, fell upon Stanford Rivers like a shower of sleet. Discontent reigned supreme, and on Jubilee-Day, when the rest of the world was merry with music and dancing, three black flags were exhibited - not out of any sort of disloyalty to our beloved Queen, but in disapproval to the exiguous nature of the local rejoicings."

It was claimed by Mr. Mugleston that the splinter group, now in the course of building the fountain, had run short of money, despite, apparently, "availing that the supply of water to the school was quite satisfactory. Mr. Mugleston now' refused to pay his share of the voluntary rate in aid of the schools. The paper concluded:

"We can only hope that order will soon prevail at Stanford Rivers as at Warsaw". Warsaw?

Old Nat Wilson replied by letter. Old Nat pointed out that the water supply to the school was inadequate. 200 "thirsty little souls" having to drink water from the ditch just as he himself had 40 years before. He further claimed that after three inconclusive public meetings, Mr. Mugleston had asked him to form a committee and carry out his own plans. A fountain or monument of York stone was suggested. Furthermore, a "substantial" tea was to be provided for the women and children of the parish, a medal for each child over 15, enhanced prizes for the school sports, and beef to the cottagers over 60. Old Nat, while on the one hand acknowledging the necessity to "cut our coat according to the cloth", clearly believed he had an 'unfettered social mission in "sowing milk and honey for the dear little children" rather than erecting a bell "ting-tangling" in their ears.

Mr. Mugleston disagreed. The Government grant to the school was £150 and 15s for each child with any deficiency taken up by a rate. He observed that this rate was not paid by Old Nat, it being contributed by his landlord, Old Nat's house being assessed at £4 p.a. It was not right for the money for the fountain to be taken from these funds. "Will it be passed by the auditor?" Mr. Mugleston queried.
The correspondence became precise but embittered. The sower of the tares was not Old Nat but Mr. Mugleston who had sought to disrupt the meeting himself. Old Nat surmised that Mr. Mugleston "has been among the aristocrats since last May, and so has greatly refined the word feed into high tea". Mr. Mugleston was accused of only paying half his rate, about 30s a year, towards "our beautiful commodious school". Old Nat, a ratepayer, stuck to his guns.

The fountain was opened by Lady Cunliffe Smith in front of the Stanford Rivers parishioners, assembled en masse, in September. Through the tap, water from the terra cotta fountain gushed forth ‘bright and clear’. Two gun metal cups inscribed ‘VR’ were attached. The fountain was built by Messrs F.N. Noble and Sons, the architect being a Mr. F. Rowntree of Glasgow. The cost was £90 in all.

The school has gone, but the fountain remains today. In recent years, local residents have successfully opposed the removal of the fountain by the local authorities.

A paper book bound in vellum, 16 inches by 6, and 2 inches thick, written on the first page:-
‘This book was bought by John Harris, in the year 1746, for the use of the parish of Stapleford Tawney,’

Thomas Franks Constable of Stapleford Tarney for ye Year 1745. His Disbustment (sic) for the year £1.15s.6d, including 'a return to Eping 1s.6d. or to Ongar 2s.6d.' Another item, ‘for searching for Arms,2s.'

John Harris Churchwarden for ye year 1745.
His Disbustment.

£
s
d
April ye 30
At ye vey (vestry)

5
0

Paid to ye Parater

1
0

For my joney

3
6

For ye Brad and ye Wine

3
7
July ye 13
At ye Institaison

3
0
October ye 12
The Procklemasion
(? Of Charles Edward the Pretender)

2
0

Releved 5 Slaves

2
6

Releved a woman and 2 children

6

Releved three Poor Man

1
0

A Bitch Fox

6
8

A Bock (badger)

8
2

Paid the Church Clark wife for Warishing ye Sirplis and Clening ye Church and Oyle for ye Bels

9

6
Note that one shilling to the Appariter for Citing to the Visitation at Rumford Aprl. 18, 1746 is charged above

1745 Overseer’s Account

April 21
Releved the widow Taylor for 50 weaks at 2s p. week

A Louder for a nus to nus her one weak

2
0

A Loud Saben for his Grand Dafter 2s a weak for 4 weakes

8

0

Paid widow read for Bread and Bear

1

6

Releved Him

1
6

Paid Widow Read for Cleaning of him

1

10

For my Going to Eping

1
0
1746

Paid Donford for 7 weaks Board
1
8
0

For a shurt to Oyntgin (? Anointing)

2

0

For a Sheat and things to Lay him in

6

0

James Pavley for Dressing of Him

5
0

For a New Pear of Sheus and nailing

5

2

Paid Wm. Felsted for his Oath for his Setiffeket

1

6
June 19
For County Bridge Money
1
4
2

For ye Warant

1
6

(Both of the above recur for several years)

For 8 Badges (? Badgers)

2
8

Ann turner for 5 Els of Clorth

4
7

A form of prayer &c

3
0

Church Clark

10
6

A Coffin for Ednd. Bowles

10
0

Affidavit, &c

1
0

Wool

1
0
The principal expenses of the Constable for this year 1746 are:
‘A warrant to Epping 1s.’ the same to Ongar 2s. and to Harlow
Pd. ye Chief Constable for returning ye free holders list 2s.0d

The two Surveyors’ account for the same year shows an outlay of £2.15s. including:-

3

6

For sharping of ye petchexes

2
0

For six helves for ye Peetchexes

2
0

And a receipt of a guinea from the Reverent Mr Lloyd.

1749

March 19
A buttock of Beef

7
7

A Gallon of Rum

8
6

2 pound of Sugar

1
6

Oranges and Lemmons

8

A half-peck Loaf

10
1749

John Grailin The Oversear of the Poar of Stabelfoot Tauney

March 31
Paid for my Instrucksions (this is an annual charge)

4

0

Paid to Mr. King

2
6

Paid for baco and pipes, buter and greens

2

6
April 2
A weaks pay for the Poare

5
6

Bought 2 shifts for prity Jane

5
0

Bought a pair of Stockins

1
2
May 22
Paid for Nusing of William Drache of the Small Pox

4

2

0
Novbr. 15
Paid for the things at Vestry Rum and Leamons

4

10
1750

February 6
Paid fro Janey Pretty a near pen (? New apron) and clogs

6

6
1759
Paid Felstead for nealing (heating) the oven

1

6
1760

August ye 1
For a Coffen and Shroud for Mary Baker

12

3

Ditto for Bear and Bread and Cheas

4

0

Ditto for Payen ye feas and oth

4
4
1762

Nov. 7
Paid Mrs. Furlong for laing the widow Cumberford

5

0
1763

June 25
Paid for a Cooffin

2
0
1764

Bought James Cumd. A hat

1
4

Shurts

5
0

A paer of britehes

2
0

A paer of Stockons

1
0
1764

Aug. ye 18
For Cloose for Threaders Daughter

For a Coate

5
0

A paer of Stays

3
3

For Aprons

2
0

For a Coate

2
3

For a Stomicheher

1
0
1765

Paid Mr.Palmer for a new Comongate and Postes

1

16

4
1766

Paid for the widow Sitchs affidavi

1
0
July 11
Paid towards the Goal
9
13
4
1775

June 4
Gave Dame Crab for Nusen of Edwd Boreham wife ye Smolpox

6

0
June 11
A weaks pay

11
6

Gave Black Jack

5
0
1776

For a cart and hors carrin May Pain to Walthoms and home to Latten with a Norder

17

0
1776

Thomas Glasscock overseer for the Parish of Stapleford Tawney. Disbustments

April 19
Bought a paier of Shows for Harsnetts Gil at Mrs. Woods

3

0

Gave Wider Hills for Nussin Mary Stils

5

0

Gave the Wider Wood by meenes of her complaing to me for more weekly collection

2

6
September 6
To a Jorney attending at Epping Place.

2

6
1778

Aug. 4
Paid for presentments

7
0

Paid for a prayer

2
0

Boarham journey to Rumford

3
6

Several bills for divers years for repairs to Tawney Church house.

1784

Mr Glasscock was paid for highway work

1785
Paid for a Spinning Wheel for the widow Burrell

3

6
1788

To a Bill for taking, keeping and carrying away John Ferrant to Haverhill in Suffolk the sum of

9

0

0

Paid for a Buttock of Beef for the Vestry

11

8

Relieved four Widers with their families with passes.

2

0
1789

For ye Affad a vey for Nightingale wife

1

6

For Laeig of hur Ought

1
0

Pade for Nusen
1
8
0

The book ends with the year’s accounts for 1794. Boarham, Threader, Nightingale, Crabb, Freshwater are names frequently mentioned, and although variously spelt by different overseers during the period covered by these accounts, are still well known in this and adjoining parishes at the present time.

C.B. Sworder, Epping.

MATCH AT PASSINGFORD, ESSEX.
An interesting game was played at the Talbot Inn, Passingford-bridge, Essex on the 30th August, between two sides chosen by the Messrs. B. and S. Cooper.

Score:- Mr S. Cooper’s side – First innings, 62; second innings 49; total, 111; of which -
S. Cooper (run out) obtained 18 and (st. Steere) 1.
Whichford (st. Gee) 6 and (b.Gee) 8.
Basham (b. Banks) 12 and (c and b Banks) 13.
Self (b Gee) 3 and (b Banks) 0.
Wright (c Heard, b Gee) 2 and (Cooper) 8.
Silcock (not out) 5 and (not out) 8.
Steere (b. Gee) 0 and (b Gee) 0.
Mott (b Banks) 3 and (b Banks) 0.
Surridge (run out) 0 and (b Gee) 0.
Byes, &c., 24.

Mr B. Cooper’s side – First Innings, 66; second innings, 45, total, 111; of which
B. Cooper (b Basham) obtained 2 and (b Silcock) 0.
Billings (run out) 3 and (c Basham, b Silcock) 3.
Gee (b Whichcord) 16 and (c Mott, b Basham) 1.
Banks ( cBasham, b Silcock) 13 and (not out) 15.
Heard (b Basham) 0 and (st Basham) 21.
R. Smith (c Mott, b Whichcord) 2 and (c Silcock, b Whichcord) 0.
Carter (b Basham) 1 and (b Basham) 0.
Palmer (b Whichcord) 7 and (run out) 2.
Barnard (not out) 20 and (absent) 0.
Byes, &c., 5.

The company afterwards partook of an excellent dinner provided by Hostess Cooper; and the singing of Mr. T. Gee delighted the company in the evening.

Sir William Bowyer Smijth, of Hill Hall, Epping, died on Tuesday, Nov 20, at Twineham Court, near Brighton, in his 69th year. The late baronet was the eldest son of the late Sir Edward Bowyer Smijth, of Hill Hall (who assumed the additional name of Bowyer by royal license in 1839), by his marriage with Letitia Cicely, daughter of the late Mr. John Weyland, of Woodeaton, Oxon, and was born in 1814. He was educated at Eton and at Trinity College, Cambridge, and formerly held a lieutenant’s commission in the 19th Essex Rifle Volunteers.

Sir William succeeded his father as 11th baronet in 1850, and he sat in Parliament in the Conservative interest, as a member of the old constituency of South Essex, from 1852 until 1857, whene he was defeated by the late Mr. Wingfield Baker by a very narrow majority. He was a magistrate and deputy lieutenant for Essex, and also a magistrate for Norfolk. He married in 1839, Marianne Francis, daughter of the late Sir Henry Meux, but was left a widower in 1875. He is succeeded in the baronetcy by his son, Mr William Bowyer Smijth, who was born in 1840, and is in the Diplomatic Service.

The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, the place of internment being Theydon Mount Churchyard. The obsequies were of the simplest character. The coffin was conveyed on a bier, which was drawn by hand along the private road from Hill Hall to the Church, a distance of nearly half-a-mile. A violet pall was used, and on it were placed tow beautiful wreaths of flowers. Following the bier on foot were the eldest son of the deceased (now Sir William Bowyer Smijth) and Colonel Brise (deceased’s brother in law), as chief mourners, and a number of tenantry on the estates, tradesmen of Epping, and other, the procession numbering in all about 40.

Among the tenants were Mr Jas. Smith, Messrs C. Hugh, and Harry Sworder, Messrs D. and T. Miller, and Mr T. Stubbings. The tradespeople included Messrs T. and A. Clark, G. Willis, E. Lawrence, F. Basham, W. Tweed, W.T. Coles, and J. Nicholson. Mr West (formerly for many years gamekeeper to the deceased) and Mr. Byford (many years schoolmaster and parish clerk of Theydon Mount), also joined the cortege. Waiting in the Church were six of the daughters of the deceased, each of whom brought a wreath of flowers, which were placed on the coffin by Mr. Merriday, the sexton. Among those who assembled to pay a last mark of respect to the memory of the deceased were the Rev. Sir Cavendish Foster, Bart., Capt. Budworth, Major Tait, Rev. C.E. Campbell (Theydon Bois), Dr. Fowler, &c.

The coffin was met at the churchyard gate by the Rev. L.N. Prance (Rector of Theydon Mount), by whom the whole of the burial service was impressively read. The pulpit and reading desk were draped in black, and on each was hung a wreath of flowers. After the lesson the hymn “Brief Life in here our portion,” was sung. Mrs Prance presiding at the harmonium.

At the conclusion of the service in the Church, the bier was wheeled to the grave, which according to the deceased’s own desire, was a plain one, situated in the north eastern corner of the churchyard, where the remainder of the service was read. The coffin was of polished oak with massive brass furniture and fittings, and a brass breast plate, bearing the inscription,

“Sir William Bowyer Smijth, born 22nd April 1814, died 20th Nov., 1883.”

RICHARD BALLARDE of Stanford Rivers husbandman, 9 July 1581.

To CONYERS the smith a bushel of wheat. To Agnes BRETT my servant my sow hog at Richard FINCHE's with the profit of her. To Francis my youngest son my best chest in the parlour. I will that the joined chest standing in the parlour shall remain to the use of him which shall have the house wherein I dwell after the decease of my mother [not named]. If my wife Marion shall chance to marry, she shall deliver out of the goods which I intend to give her to Thomas CLERKE my brother-in-law £10 to be paid by him to my 2 younger sons William and Francis, each £5 at 21; if both die before, the £10 to be equally divided amongst my other children [not named]. And for that my ability is not such that I may give anything to my 2 daughters or my 2 younger sons for their advancement, considering that the small portion of goods is not sufficient for my wife's maintenance and to bring up my children whereupon I die mean and would have surrendered those copyhold lands and tenements after my mother's decease which if I had lived should have been mine to the use of my wife for 6 years [so] that thereby she should not have paid William and Francis and my 2 daughters Joan and Eleanor each £10, but for that I am confirmed that I cannot do anything that may to effect (my mother being alive), therefore in most humble wise I do most trustily desire the lords of whom the lands are holden that my mind (specially that my 2 younger sons and my 2 daughters may have £10 apiece) may be satisfied if it shall please God to call away my mother, my son Richard, or he who shall be the heir thereof to perform the payment of the £10 to his brethren and sisters. The rest of my goods to my wife. I make her and Thomas CLERKE exors. and my brother-in-law Robert PEELE overseer. Wit. John FINCHE the elder, William TYMOND, Andrew GLASCOCK.

JOHN HART of Stanford Rivers yeoman, 18 May, 29 Eliz. 1587.

To the poor people that shall resort to my burial 12s. to be distributed at the discretion of my exors. There shall be bestowed in bread, drink and meat 30s. to make my neighbours and friends drink at my burial. To Thomas DOWSET and John DUNSTON of Stanford 12d. apiece and to 7 other of the poorest householders 8d. apiece at my burial day. To Robert NEWTON, old STEELE, old NEWMAN, and old GLADWIN of Theydon Garnon 6d. apiece. To Gerard DOWSET my son-in-law 20s. To John FORDE of Nazeing my brother. in-law 10s., Joan PICKERING 30s. and Elizabeth BROWNE widow 10s. To each of the brethren and sisters of my wife which are now living 20s. apiece. To Katherine PEYSON of Nazeing 10s. To Susan STANDERD my sister's daughter 20s. To 20 of my godchildren 20d. apiece so that they require it within 1 year after my decease. To Joan now wife of John PEASE my son-in-law £3 6s.8d. to bestow on herself and her children and to Joan HART daughter of my son John my best chest and the old cupboard at his house, and the cupboard in the chamber at Stanford where I lie, at 21 or marriage; if both die before, to the rest of the children of John HART. To Ellen my well-beloved wife £80 and 20s. in the hands of John PEASE her son to be paid by him. She shall have the £80 and 20s. only on condition that she do not claim my jointure, dower or third in my tenement called Stubbes in Theydon Garnon but shall release to John son of my son John her right and title of dower in the said tenement if she be required. To my wife all such goods, linen and woollen which I brought to Stanford and is in the house of John PEASE, except my wearing apparel, 2 cushions and 1 cobiron, which I give to John my son, and 1 coverlet of black and yellow which I give to John PEASE my godson after my wife's decease. My wife shall have an annuity of £3 6s.8d. as it hath been paid to me in the right of my wife, to be paid to her for her life by Richard EVE or any other according to an arbitrament in that behalf made. Whereas there is in the hands of John PEASE £35, he shall be charged therewith towards the payment of other my legacies as the same shall extend. To John son of John HART my son my messuage called Stubbes with the meadow or garden adjoining in Theydon Garnon, on condition that he (John my son's son) shall within 3 years after he is 21 pay and distribute among his brothers and sisters £5 if demanded. To John PEASE my son-in-law 20s. Whereas I have put into the hands of Francis MICHELL of Theydon Garnon gentleman £60 to be apportioned amongst all the children which my son John and Grace his wife shall have at the time of John's death I will that Francis shall be charged with payment thereof according to a recognizance, dated I May 27 Eliz, [1585] acknowledged by him wherein he standeth bound to John HURST of Sheering for payment of the same to the children of John HURST and that my exors. be discharged thereof; provided that my hearty desire and request to my exors. and overseers is that they will aid the children for the recovery of their portions of the £110 at the hands of Francis MYCHELL if cause shall require. To the children of my son John £12 to be equally divided, to remain in stock and be put forth by my exors. and the profit and increase of the stock shall be paid to John and Grace his wife and the longer liver towards the bringing up of their children. To the children of John PEASE my son-in law £3 6s.8d: to- be employed in stock to their use. To the servants of John PEASE 33s 4d. amongst them. I make Thomas HURST of Sheering and John PEASE my son-in-law exors. and for their pains 13s.4d. apiece. I ordain John my son of Theydon Garnon and Andrew GLASCOCKE of Stanford supervisors, and for their pains l0s. apiece. Wit. John HART the father, Thomas HURST, Andrew GLASCOCK, John PEASE, Thomas PEACOCK, John HART.

Codicil. The testator did revoke 40s. given to his son John, and l0s. out of the 30s. given to 'Jerrett'.DOWSETT his son-in-law, and £3 6s.8d. given to his wife to employ in stock amongst his son's children; £5 l0s. taken out of his Will he willed to John PEASE his son-in-law, on condition that he should pay to Jane HARTE daughter of the testator £5 at Michaelmas next after his decease come 7 years, i.e, 1595; in respect whereof Jane should have no part of the £12 given to the children of his son John. Pr. 1 July 1588 by John PEASE one of the exors., the other exor. renouncing; inventory exhibited at £1S4 15s.2d.

***
HENRY STANE of Stanford Rivers yeoman, 1585

To William my son the lease of Barwickes, on condition that he keep me for my life, finding sufficient meat and drink; but if he die before me, the lease shall remain to me again. I will that forth of this lease William shall pay yearly to my son 40s. during the term of the lease to the use of my children that shall have most need. To William all my horses; sheep and cattle (except and reserved 4 of the best kine to me) and my corn in the barn and on ground growing on my farm. I will that William deliver to Elizabeth PACHE my daughter yearly for 10 years, in consideration of 20s. given her by her grandfather's [not named) Will, 6 bushels of the best wheat and pay me yearly to the end of my life 40s. To my son John £10. To my daughter Thomasine SCUAGS [recte SNAGS?1 40s. within 2 years; to my daughter Joan BARRATE 33s.4d.; to my daughter Dorothy FYNCHE 20s.; and to my daughter Grace BIRDE 20s.; all in consideration of their grandfather's Will. To Henry son of John STANE 20s. within 3 years. To John PACHE l0s. within 4 years. To Richard BARRAT 3s.4d. To my son John the bedsteadle and bed which I lie on and 4 pewter platters and my son Robert's children other 4 pewter platters. To the poor people 12s, The rest of my goods to William, whom I make exor. I make John overseer. Wit. John FINCH the elder, Henry ELY, Thomas HOWKINS writer, and for his pains l0s. Pr. 4 Feb. 1585/6.

Allegation concerning the contumacy of Avice widow of Henry STANE, he being of sane mind.

Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 28 April 1939

AWARD FOR GALLANTRY

The Silver Cross has been awarded by the Boy Scouts’ Association to Tenderfoot Scout William Twynham, aged eleven, of the Stanford Rivers Group, who last January saved his younger brother from drowning.

The pair of them were crossing a mill stream by means of a plank bridge, when the younger boy slipped. William, fully clothed, immediately jumped in after hi. Both boys were carried about forty yards down the stream and William, after having lifted his brother to the bank, was so exhausted himself that it was only at the second attempt that he was able to drag himself to safety.

Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 22 December 1939

A Dance was held at the Budworth Hall in aid of the Stanford Rivers Rat and Sparrow Club, 150 being present. Mr. A. Galloway and Mr. J. Gemmill were M.C.’s. Spot dance prizes were won by Mr. Oxley and Mrs. W. Pearl, jun., Mr. T. Kerr and Miss Ella Young. Mr. A. Nicholls and Miss M. Gemmill. Mr. A. Galloway, jun., was hon. Sec.

Chelmsford Chronicle - Friday 28 August 1942

James Everett, aged 40, of Council Houses, Stanford Rivers, fell from a load of hay at Burrows Farm, Toot Hill, and was killed.

Chelmsford Chronicle, Friday 26 Feb 1943

MY SISTER AND I
To the Editor of the Essex Chronicle.

SIR, - My sister and I spent most of our life assisting our parents in looking after cows, and in all those years not one of them ever were diseased.

What is more, none of us was ever ill; so no doctor ever visited the farm.

During all the years that we sent milk to London we never had a complaint concerning the milk, and we never lost a penny. It was reported to us that the milkman placed the milk from a farm at Stanford Rivers, near Ongar, in a class by themselves; for the milk would keep twice as long as any of the other.

In our case, no one but father and mother and we his two daughters milked and fed and tended the cows. At Stanford, the cows were cared for and milked by a mother and her son and two daughters. So we consider that the reason why the milk from these two farms was so highly thought of was that the cows were never touched by hired workers.

We are of the opinion that in those counties in the west and the north of England where the family farm prevails no reasonable man could find fault with the milk.

The real reason for the demand for scalding, alias “pasteurising,” of milk is financial. Finance calls the tune to-day in every activity, and if scalding becomes compulsory, four out of five or more of the dairy farmers will be rendered superfluous.

It has been asserted many times that a thousand or more persons die every year from bovine tuberculosis, but the statement has never been proved. Bovine tuberculosis is not communicable to man.

When the last great propaganda was on for milk scalding, the champion of the Co-operatives, Mr. Walworth, B.Sc., was challenged by Mr. Newton, a Cheshire farmer, to subsist entirely upon pasteurised milk; he would stick to the “raw stuff,” anf the one that cried “hold” first was to pay the other £100.

Mr. Walworth declined.

TWO ESSEX DAIRYMAIDS

The following may be of interest to those of you who are contemplating carrying out research at the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford. The sessions are intended to help you find your way around the ERO and offer a chance to see some of the outstanding items in their keeping.

1. Searchroom Tour

A 45 minute tour will show you how to get the very best from the Record Office’s Searchroom – it’s ideal if you are just starting your research or perhaps want to go beyond using microfiche and microfilm. The staff will also offer some tips on how to use their online catalogue – Seax.

Dates:
Wednesday 26th September – 10.30am
Saturday 27th October – 9.30am
Saturday 10th November – 9.30am.

2. ERO Discovery Day

Find out how the ERO does at this special ‘ERO Discovery Day.’ Meet the archivists, public service team and conservators. See behind the scenes and learn how the Essex record Office can help you with your family, house or local history research.

There will be drop-in sessions to ask the conservators questions about preserving your own family records. There will also be free showings of various archive films relating to Essex. Behind the scenes tours will last about 45 minutes.

Date:
Saturday 8th September: 10.30am; 11.30am; 12.30pm; 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

The tours are FREE but must be booked in advance.

PROGRAMME

2012/2013

“New Towns in Essex”
by Gareth Gunning

8.00pm, Thursday, 25th October
Toot Hill Village Hall

This talk is a repeat of a talk presented to the Essex Society for Archaeology and History at their prestigious annual Morant Lecture. The talk sets out to explore the founding principles of the design of Basildon, and Harlow, in particular. The talk reviews how original intentions have been compromised by new considerations and external factors over sixty years. The talk is copiously illustrated.

The talk for the 22nd November has still to be confirmed.

Meetings are held in Toot Hill Village Hall.
Meetings start at 8.00pm.

Visitors £3. Refreshments.

Details from 01277 364305.

PARISH of STAPLEFORD TAWNEY with THEYDON MOUNT

Friday 12 October 2012

7.00 for 7.30pm

ST MARY’S CHURCH, STAPLEFORD TAWNEY

VICTORIAN MURDERS
IN ESSEX

An illustrated talk by Martyn Lockwood

“The records of the Spring Assizes for the past week teem with a horrible list of crimes, in number and atrocity unparalleled. The county of Essex, as usual, we are afraid we must say, stands first in odious and unenvied fame of criminal notoriety.” [The Guardian March 22, 1851]

Hear all about the infamous Moat Farm murder; the story of Sally Arsenic; the Doddinghurst Tragedy; Mary May and the Harwich Death Club, and other murders that shocked Victorian Essex.

Tickets £10 – includes a free glass of wine and eats

For tickets and further information please contact Anne

All proceeds to the St Mary’s Roof Appeal