Blackmore: War Memorial Project (8)

The Blackmore War Memorial Research Project Group completed its list of inscriptions last week and has sent it to the Clerk of Blackmore Hook End and Wyatts Green Parish Council for forwarding to the engraver.

This has fulfilled one of the objectives to ensure that the transcript is accurate. “I am therefore sending you an update of the inscription, which corrects a great many errors in the original list you sent me [last autumn]. I have not corrected one error – the misspelling of the name Jopson – as we are confident that this was an error in the original carving.”

Work to clean and re-carve the War Memorial begins week commencing 3 May 2010 so this phase of the project was completed in the nick of time.

Blackmore: War Memorial Project (7)

The steadily increasing publication of work of the Group is generating interest from family members of those who lived in Blackmore connected with the First World War as well as the local press asking for a news story.

Our information to the Brentwood Gazette provides information about the re-carving to the War Memorial, to take place soon, as well as the discovery of details for almost all of the names inscribed. The link to the Blackmore Area Local History website http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/ is also given.

The beginning of a major update of the site has commenced. ‘Follow the Poppy’ logo to the mini site currently under construction. This will include the creation of a commemorative page for each of those who gave their lives from Blackmore and some from neighbouring parishes. The first stage is to put the templates in place then fill each page with the relevant detail. Inputting the detail will be lengthy task but the target is to have the site completed by the 90th anniversary of the unveiling of the War Memorial, which is 7 November.

Blackmore: War Memorial Project (6)

The Group has almost completed its research on those who died in the First World War associated with Blackmore. From a list of 45 candidates (one was added very recently: Herbert Game), 31 have been positively identified with a Blackmore connection with 3 warranting further research. There are two candidates who should be regarded as survivors. The remaining 9 are not connected with Blackmore. In addition to the five listed on 11.4.10:

- Frederick and Charles Root both lived at Horsfrith, which is in Highwood parish
- John Crane and Wallace King are associated with High Ongar and are commemorated on that War Memorial.

The intention is to honour them on pages linked to the appropriate parish.

An updated list can be found on http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2010/05/blackmore-war-memorial-project-11.html

Blackmore: War Memorial Project (5)

With the renovation of the War Memorial imminent the Group has met to agree its definitive list of names for recarving. Followers of this blog will be aware that the inscriptions of World War One victims and survivors are badly faded and that certain letters, particularly 'C' and 'G' notoriously difficult to decipher. With the aid of photographs digitally enhanced in PhotoShop and rubbings it has been possible to work out the lettering and superscripts and reconcile these to various source documents. So we know now who among the survivors is George and who is Charles. Our list will be passed to the Parish Council, the custodians of the War Memorial, so that the stonemasons can undertake an accurate refurbishment. Work is due to begin next week (week commencing 3 May 2010).

The Blackmore War Memorial Research Project Group has assigned names to all but one individual carved on the monument (S Ball is a complete mystery) although a handful are, and probably will remain, educated guesses.

Researching around 125 names from the early twentieth century has been, and no doubt will be as more information comes to light, a huge undertaking - and extremely enjoyable. The Group is not content to stop at this point and has always had the objective to publish it findings. This will be done in full online on the main website, with an accompanying file produced hard copy to ensure longevity, plus shorter articles of interest to the more general reader.

Winston Churchill famously said, "This is not the beginning of the end but the end of the beginning". As the Group moves its emphasis from research to publication that comment seems very apt. There is much to be done.

Kelvedon Hatch: Malyon family

Sent
4 April 2010

Hello Gill

You wrote to me recently regarding your connection with the Malyon family (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2010/01/willingale-malyon-crabb-family.html). I wondered whether you are related to Walter Malyon who died in the First World War? Please see attached for more information.

Regards

Andrew
Blackmore Area Local History


Received
4 April 2010

Hi there - thank you so much for remembering me - yes Walter Malyon is my great grandfather (Albert) brother. As I said before they came from Wyatts Green in Blackmore also have address of Doddinghurst - is this inscription on a memorial or in a book somewhere - would love to see it - thank you once again.

Gill Gimbert


Replied
5 April 2010

Dear Gill

Thank you for your E mail.

Walter Malyon’s name does not appear on the War Memorial at Doddinghurst (see ink http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2008/09/doddinghurst-war-memorial.html) Kelvedon Hatch (see link http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/kelvedonhatch/memorial.html) or Blackmore (see http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/blackmorewwone.html) . His last known address, according to our research was Deptford in what is now the London Borough of Lewisham. He is remembered in Brockley Cemetery within the Lewisham area of London (see http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=384705).

In our previous correspondence you mentioned the Malyon’s association with Wilingale (posted on http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2010/01/willingale-malyon-crabb-family.html) but your reference here to Wyatts Green is of particular interest to a group of us who are researching those local men who served and died during the First World War (see http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/BWMRPG). Our evidence suggests that he is not a Blackmore man. If you are able to fill in any gaps we would be grateful.

Many thanks

Andrew


Received
5 April 2010

Yes would love to help. He was born in Blackmore area - I think Kelvedon Hatch - in 1874 his parents were Walter Malyon [b1841] and Sarah Crabb [c1843]. His grandparents were John Malyon and Louisa Hawthorn and his great grandfather was Peter William Malyon born in Willingale Spain in 1791. He married Sophia Wooden in Staines Middx and John was born in Staines but they moved back to Essex and their addresses were always in the Kelvedon Hatch / Doddinghurst / Wyatts Green [Blackmore] area, which from the map are all very close together.

Walter joined up and became a regular soldier and met and married the sister of his brother Albert's [my great grandfather’s] wife Emma Jane - their first daughter was born in Brentwood and then they moved to South London where I believe he worked as a grocer. At the outbreak of the 1st world war he re-enlisted and died in 1916 (we assume from injuries sustained or from gassing). He left a wife and several children.

If you would like any more information please let me know. Thanks again for giving me so much help.

I have enlisted Essex Registrars to find William Peters parents but they have a backlog of 6 to 8 weeks so am keeping fingers crossed.

Gill


Replied
6 April 2010

Dear Gill

Blackmore (Wyatts Green), Doddinghurst and Kelvedon Hatch are all neighbouring parishes. You may find the History House website of particular interest because it has extensive coverage of Kelvedon Hatch parish. For census data visit: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/kelvedonhatch/census.html.

On the 1881 census page I note Walter is aged 7 and Albert, 9.
Parents Walter and Sarah were living in Kelvedon Hatch in 1871.
They are not present in 1861 but both would be under the age of 21.

Best wishes
Andrew

Received
6 April 2010

They were not born until 1871 and 1874 so would not be on previous census - Walter senior was on previous census living with his father John Malyon and mother Louisa Hawthorn. You will also find his father William Peter married to Sophia on several censuses. They had many children amongst them - about three whom were deaf or deaf and blind, which is why they were still living at home into their 20's.

Thank you again for your help. If I can help you in any way please let me know.

Kelvedon Hatch: Remembering ... Walter Malyon

Information compiled by the Blackmore War Memorial Research Project Group: Bruno Giordan, Diana Abel, Andrew Smith

Walter Malyon

CWGC
MALYON, WALTER
Private
Essex Regiment
3rd Battalion
Age: 42
Date of Death: 02/04/1916
Service No: 312367
Cemetery: Brockley Cemetery [Lewisham]
Memorial Reference: Screen Wall A 1855
A Screen Wall Memorial bears the names of those whose graves are not marked by headstones.

Additional information: Son of Mr and Mrs W Malyon of Brentwood, Essex; husband of W Malyon, of 8 Spring Street, Tanners Hill, Deptford, London. Served in the South African Campaign.

Ancestry.com

Military-genealogy.com
Walter Malyon
Essex Regiment
3rd Battalion
Born: Kelvedon Common, Brentwood
Enlisted: Woolwich, Kent
Residence: Deptford, Kent
Rank: Private
Number: 3/2367
Date Died: 02/04/1916
Died
Home

Statutory register

Parish register
Baptism Register for Kelvedon Hatch available at ERO until 1876. This birth is 1874 but no record [ERO D/P 296/1/6].

Census
1881: no Malyon in Blackmore
The 1891 census has a Walter Malyon living in South Weald with his parents. He's 19, a soldier (Private 44th Essex Regiment) born Kelvedon Hatch.
Source Citation: Class: RG12; Piece: 1382; Folio 88; Page 8;

Number 34, aged 7, on the 1881 census in Kelvedon Hatch. Stondon Road is what is now known as School Road, KH.
http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/kelvedonhatch/census_1881.html
Source Citation: Class: RG11; Piece: 1741; Folio: 19; Page: 6;
[Courtesy: Keldon, History House]
1901: only George Malyon, shoe maker age 81, wid., born High Ongar. [He appears in Kellys 1882 and 1898, but not in 1878 or 1908.]

Blackmore: Smyth Family (5)

Received
13 April 2010

Andrew-

I just read once again your updated pages on the Blackmore history web page. In it, there is mention that descendents of Thomas Smyth helped refurbish the tombs. Are you aware of any descendents living in the UK?

Scott

Replied
14 April 2010

Hello Scott

I am not aware of any 'British' Smyth descendents. The family line died out at Blackmore in Essex in 1721. I will post the note on the site and see what happens. You never know!

Andrew

Blackmore: Smyth Hall

Replied
10 April 2010
(to earlier correspondence, published on this blog on 7 January 2010)

Hello Scott

We exchanged numerous E mails earlier this year regarding the Smyth family at Blackmore. You raised a question as to whether there was anywhere a drawing of their ancestral home, Smyth Hall. (See http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2010/01/blackmore-smyth-family-discoveries.html)

One of my friends visited the Society of Genealogists recently, “and found that they have a two volume folio printed set, 1907, about the Carington-Smith family. I foolishly had not thought it necessary to take a camera, so a full copy will have to wait for my next visit, but I have a [not brilliant] photocopy of a pen and ink drawing of Smyth’s Hall in its heyday.”

So here it is! I enclose a copy.

Best wishes.

Andrew

Received
12 April 2010

Hi Andrew!

This is wonderful. I had given up hope of finding any pictures. The architecture is so interesting; quite different from front to rear. My daughter noticed the difference in that the left side of the house (facing the front) is more formal with window boxes and shutters on the rear and the right appears more plain with none of those things. She theorized that maybe the staff lived on one side or it was vacant and the family on the other. We will never know, but interesting speculation. It would be truly amazing to read those 2 volumes on Carrington-Smith. Maybe one day I might be able to travel to do some research. Thank you for sharing this with me. It truly made my day and my children enjoyed it as well. I look forward to continuing to explore this family with you.

Best regards-
Scott

Blackmore: Smyth Family (4)

Received
18 January 2010

Andrew-

This may not really interest you from the perspective of the Church and the Lords there, but I found that there are no direct Smith ancestors of Arthur Smith who came to America. There were no male offspring from Arthur V of Virginia and that is where his line ended. As I am, there are indeed descendents of his brother Thomas. I learned this last week. Also what is more fascinating is that apparently in looking at Arthur's will he left "seal ring of gold" to his oldest son Arthur. This ring I learned passed down through the family (through a Whitehead family...as Arthur V had a daughter who married a Whitehead). The ring was later described as worn but having a crest resembling that from Blackmore! It would be neat to find who has it at this point. Not sure that is possible however.

Best regards-
Scott

Replied
19 January 2010

Dear Scott

Thank you for this information which all adds to the Smyth story. I will assume the “seal ring of gold” was left by the ‘Blackmore’ Arthur Smith to his son on his death in March 1623. So if the item was not posted to Virginia, which I doubt, presumably Arthur received it whilst living in England.

It would be interesting if you could tell me where Arthur’s will is preserved.

Kind regards

Andrew

Received
19 January 2010

With further reading this morning, I find that in fact it was in the will of Arthur III who died in 1742. This was the grandson of Arthur the immigrant. The will was recorded September 27, 1742 in Isle of White County, VA. "Smith, Arthur-Gentleman; leg- wife Mary; son Arthur, my seal ring".

I believe I should be able to find a will for his father Arthur II and possibly Arthur the immigrant to see if there is any mention.

I will write to Virginia for a copy of these wills and will mail to you once I receive them.

What is so fascinating to me is that the peacock shows up not only in the Arthur Smith line through his ring (I presume) but also in a needlepoint of the Thomas Smith line later in 1740. Arthur was clearly the favored son after John(?) as he inherited the entirety of the estate in England and then I assume the entire Smith crest whereas his brother Thomas appears to have received little to nothing...but maybe a portion of the crest through the peacock...interesting.

Scott

Blackmore: Livings Family (2)

Sent
3 April 2010

Hello Michael

If you have been following the website and blog you might be aware that I am engaged in researching with others in the village the names of those recorded on Blackmore parish War Memorial prior to it being cleaned and re-engraved this summer. Of the 102 names listed of fallen and survivors of the First World we have identified data for all but seven. One of them is “Pte T Livings. Essex” who came through the war.

I attach a photograph of the relevant face of the memorial and below list those Livings living in Blackmore in 1901. My question is ‘Do you know who T Livings could be?’

5.8 Pte. T. Livings Essex
2 families, but no realistic candidate:
76 Spriggs Lane Livings Thomas head m 76
76 Spriggs Lane Livings Mary Ann wife m 70
76 Spriggs Lane Livings Jesse son s 32
118 Wyatts Green Livings William head 56
118 Wyatts Green Livings Eliza wife 58
118 Wyatts Green Livings George son 25
118 Wyatts Green Livings Richard son 20

I hope you can help us.

Andrew


Received
3 April 2010

Your finding are correct:
(I am descended from Thomas's eldest Brother, James b 1821).
Thomas Livings born May 1825 Blackmore, Christened 15/05/1825 Blackmore & Died 1903 Ongar
Married 02/08/1851 Fryerning to
Mary Ann Brazier Born 1830 Fryerning
They had 8 children:
Mary Ann b 1851 Fryerning, c Oct 1851 Fryerning, d 1866 Fryerning buried Fryerning 10/11/1866
Eliza b 1853 Fryerning
Eleanor b 1855 Fryerning
Sophia b 1857 Fryerning
Emma 1860 Fryerning
Walter May 1866 Fryerning, c 26/05/1866 Fryerning
Passoover b 1864 Fryerning
Jesse b. Nov 1871 Blackmore, d. 1933


Replied
3 April 2010

Hello Michael

Thanks for this information. I am looking for a ‘T Livings’ who came through the 1914-18 war and is commemorated on the Blackmore War Memorial. Your Thomas is not the right one because of the date of his death in 1903. In all probability, though, the T Livings is a Thomas. Blackmore’s Burial Register has a Thomas Livings who died in 1934 aged 79 but this would make him too old to serve in the First World War. Do you have any clues please?

Specifically to your ancestors I can confirm the following information from Blackmore’s Burial Register (1893-1992), the original of which is kept in the church safe at St Laurence Church, Blackmore:
Thomas Livings born May 1825 Blackmore, Christened 15/05/1825 Blackmore. Buried. 22.12.1903. 78 years
Married 02/08/1851 Fryerning to Mary Ann Brazier Born 1830 Fryerning. Buried. 6.1.1911. Age 81. Abode “55 Cromwell Road, South Weald”
They had 8 children:
Mary Ann b 1851 Fryerning, c Oct 1851 Fryerning, d 1866 Fryerning buried Fryerning 10/11/1866
Eliza b 1853 Fryerning
Eleanor b 1855 Fryerning
Sophia b 1857 Fryerning
Emma 1860 Fryerning
Walter May 1866 Fryerning, c 26/05/1866 Fryerning
Passoover b 1864 Fryerning. Burial: Passover Livings. Fingrith Hall Lane, Blackmore. 23.12.1944. age 82.
Jesse b. Nov 1871 Blackmore, d. 1933

Comments welcome

Andrew

Received
3 April 2010

I am not aware of any Livings descendants of Thomas Livings (1825), although I know that his Son Passoover (1864) in 1894 married Rebecca Ovel at Ongar. She was born 1864 at High Ongar.
They had 4 children:
Thomas Livings b 1896 High Ongar
Nellie b 1898 High Ongar
Mary b 1899 High Ongar
Joseph b 1900 High Ongar

If you ever discover any other descendants of Thomas, please let me know.


Received
3 April 2010

Probably then it is the son of William & Eliza. Thomas Livings b1873/4, who died about 1915 (WWI as Rfn A/1211)

otherwise, Thomas Livings b 1896 High Ongar, son of Passoover Livings & Rebecca Ovel


Replied
3 April 2010

Hello Michael

Passover and Rebecca Livings appear on the Electoral Register for 1918 (see http://seax.essexcc.gov.uk/Images.Net/?ID=887942&intThisRecordsOffSet=&intOffSet=) so I am reasonably confident that their son Thomas is the person recorded as the survivor on the War Memorial.

The other Thomas, who served in the 7th Battalion King’s Rifle Corps as Rifleman Thomas Livings, died on 30 July 1915 and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. (CWGC reference: http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1619121).

Many thanks for helping us to identify one of the names.

Andrew


Received
3 April 2010

Thank you for the extra war service information.

Thomas Livings 1896 and I are 2nd cousins, twice removed. Our common ancestors are Thomas Livings 1798 of Blackmore & Sarah Joice c1800 of Shenfield.

It would be so nice to be able to find direct-line descendants of all the inscribed names and perhaps have them photographed at the refurbished memorial. Very much doubt if this would be possible or likely, but perhaps some would be able to attend.


Replied
4 April 2010

Hello Michael

The Blackmore War Memorial Research Project Group has turned up some additional information about the Livings family which may be of interest to you.

In the 1911 census there is a Thomas Livings from 'Blashmore', born 1874, living in Barking with his family. He worked in the building trade. His wife came from Mountnessing and among the children is a son called Thomas. Thomas (the father) is probably the Thomas who died in the Great War.

Then there is the 1881 census which shows the family composition with Thomas (aforementioned grandfather to Thomas recorded on the War Memorial as a survivor) as Head and Passover, father of our Thomas, in 1881.

Finally, there was some discussion as to whether Pte T Livings could be Pte J Livings. We discounted this because the letters are distinct on the War Memorial, but not before commenting about a Joseph Livings (aka Dangger) was buried at Blackmore in 1979 aged 78 so may be just old enough to serve but too young (by weeks) to be on the 1901 census.

“Well, Dangar is a name to conjure with. He lived in Church Street Cottage, anciently the Kings Head. He did some obscure and unspecified work for Ted Marriage, and we always said hullo as he came past”

Dangger's life is covered in Blackmore's Silver Jubilee booklet (1977). I was around someone's home with invited local residents. His name came up in conversation. "All the characters have gone now" one said. I replied rather dryly that they hadn't and that they were probably all sitting around the table at this moment!

Regards

Andrew


Received
4 April 2010

Thank you for your emails.

After having acquired almost 1600 members of my family tree, I am surprised that there still may be other branches that I have yet to add. I have been researching for a couple of years now and so far it has not cost me a penny. However, I think that the time has come now for me to fork-out and start looking into the post 1880 entries.

Incidentally and I don't know if it has any bearing on your own research, but Thomas Livings' middle name was James (this Thomas Livings, born 1895, whose parents were Passover Livings and Rebecca Ovel).

Michael

Blackmore: Livings Family (1)

Received
30 March 2010

Your website has been a massive storehouse of information for me and has also provided me with many leads enabling me to search other sites.

I have traced the Livings family back to Joseph Livings 1776 and the family appeared to have remained in Blackmore until about 1900 after which they moved to London, presumably for work.

Would you have any information as to any of the Livings family that might be buried at The Priory Church of St Laurence. I am hoping to visit Blackmore for the first time soon and would love to be able to look forward to seeing a gravestone with my name on it!

Kindest Regards,

Michael Livings


Replied
31 March 2010

Hello Michael

Thank you for your E mail and kind comments. I’m especially pleased that you have found the ‘Blackmore Area Local History’ website and blog interesting. It was created to share our local heritage and family history, and to encourage people to find out what is out there.

I am glad you have managed to trace the Livings family back to 1776. If you wish to share your findings online I would be happy to publish. The Livings name is common in Blackmore throughout the twentieth century with 11 entries in Blackmore’s Burial Register for 1893 to 1992. One served and came through the First World War. I cannot vouch that all those named have a gravestone.

Do come to Blackmore! Have lunch at The Bull, Leather Bottle or Prince Albert. Visit the church on weekday afternoons (days to be announced) or Sunday afternoons in the summer.

Regards

Andrew


Received
3 April 2010

I am very excited about the opportunity to be able to contribute to your website.

In what format would I need to submit my Livings family tree?

Without going to the trouble of looking in the churchyard itself, are you aware of any gravestones bearing the Livings name?


Replied
5 April 2010

Dear Michael

As promised I am picking up on two outstanding matters on which you asked me to respond.

Firstly, publication. I am happy to consider any relevant material to share on the website. As a matter of course I post all correspondence on the blog (http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/) which Google has provided with a handy ‘search’ facility.

Then you asked about relatives buried in St Laurence, Blackmore churchyard. I made a quick visit and found one livings grave which is situated due west of the bell tower. It is to George L Livings who died 8 November 1959, aged 74, and Mabel June Livings, who died 25 June 1978, aged 93. The grave seems to commemorate George as “our brother”. There may be other Livings buried at Blackmore.

You may be interested to know that the Essex Record Office has a copy of ‘Monumental Inscriptions at St Laurence, Blackmore 1594-1997’ undertaken by the Essex Society for Family History. Reference: ERO T/Z 151/109.

Best wishes

Andrew

Area: History House website

History House, subtitled ‘a dip into Essex history’ is the brainchild of Keldon, whose work on our local heritage is similar to the aims of ‘Blackmore Area Local History’. History House covers the whole of the county and is an enormous undertaking.

“History House seeks to provide free information on the history of Essex and to help you research your family history. The entire White's Directory of Essex 1848 has been transcribed and I am currently working on the Post Office Directory 1874. It is hoped that other directories will follow. History House is researched and written by Phil George (Keldon)”.

The following covers the ‘High Country History Group’ area.

Greensted: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/placeG/essexg36.html

Stanford Rivers: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/placeG/essexg36.html

Stapleford Tawney: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/placeS/essexs26.html

Theydon Mount: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/placeT/essext09.html

History House’s featured village is nearby Kelvedon Hatch: http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/kelvedonhatch/index.html

Kelvedon Hatch: Remembering ... John King

Research compiled by Bruno Giordan, Diana Ovel and Andrew Smith as part of the Blackmore War Memorial Research Project.

John King

War Memorial
Kelvedon Hatch
and Ongar & District War Memorial Hospital Roll of Honour (Kelvedon) [ERO A10815]

CWGC
KING, JOHN
Private
Essex Regiment
13th Battalion
Date of Death: 13/11/1916
Service No: 43136
Cemetery: Serre Road Cemetery No 2
Grave / Memorial Reference: II. B. 5

Military-genealogy.com
John King
Essex Regiment
13th Battalion
Born: Kelvedon Common, Brentwood
Enlisted: Brentwood
Residence: Kelvedon Common, Brentwood
Rank: Private
Number: 43136
Died Date: 13/11/1916
Killed in action
France & Flanders

Parish register
Baptism Register for Kelvedon Hatch available at ERO until 1876. This birth is 1891.

Census
Appears on the 1901 census in KH aged 10. Lived on what is now the Ongar Road, just north of the Eagle PH.
Source Citation: Class: RG13; Piece: 1644; Folio: 20; Page: 9.
And on the 1891 census, number 9.
http://www.historyhouse.co.uk/kelvedonhatch/census_1891.html
[Source: Keldon, History House]

Blackmore Connection
No. Kelvedon Hatch

Blackmore: Casualty Dates

I wrote to the Commonwealth WarGraves Commission to enquire whether there was a cut-off point for commemoration of the war dead with a CWGC stone. I received the following reply.

Received
15 March 2010

Dear Mr Smith

Thank you for your e-mail of 29 January 2010.

I would explain that the Commission is responsible for the commemoration of serving members of the Commonwealth Forces who died during the two World Wars.

For purposes of commemoration the dates are as follows:

4 August 1914 to 31 August 1921

3 September 1939 to 31 December 1947

I hope that the information is useful.

Yours sincerely,

Maureen Annetts
Enquiries Section

Area: Victoria County History - Ongar Hundred (2)

British History Online (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/) has published Volume IV of the ‘Victoria County History’ (VCH) of Essex which concentrates on the Hundred of Ongar. It was edited by W R [Ray] Powell (1920 – 2008). Volume IV was first published in 1956.

The Ongar Hundred comprises 26 parishes, which include those in the High Country History Group area near Chipping Ongar.

For an overview of the volume go to: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.aspx?pubid=53

A description of Ongar Hundred: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15527

Then for the High Country parishes:

Greensted (spelt Greenstead)
Introduction: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15553
Manor: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15554
Church: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15555
Schools: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15556
Poor Relief: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15554
Charities: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15558

Stanford Rivers
Introduction: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15664
Manors: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15665
Church: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15666
Roman Catholicism: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15667
Protestant nonconformity: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15668
Parish Government and Poor Relief: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15669
Schools: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15670
Charities: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15671

Stapleford Tawney
Introduction: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15680
Manors: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15681
Church: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15682
Parish Government and Poor Relief: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15683
Schools: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15684
Charities: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15685

Theydon Mount
Introduction: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15709
Manors: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15710
Churches: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15711
Parish Government and Poor Relief: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15712
Schools: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15713
Charities: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=15714

Doddinghurst: War Memorial

The names of those commemorated on the Doddinghurst War Memorial now appear on a new webpage. Go to http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/doddinghurstwwone.html.

Writtle: Local Heroes

John Trusler’s book ‘Local Heroes. The Villagers of Writtle Who Gave Their Lives in The Great War’ (2008) charts the First World War and, with pictures, commemorates those who died. He lists and remembers not only those who are commemorated on the War Memorial but also those who had a connection with the parish. This 252 page A4 book is a major study of the life and times.

Blackmore: War Memorial Project (4)

The group has been researching the names of 125 men either commemorated on the Blackmore War Memorial as those who died or those who survived the First World War, or those who gave their lives who may be associated with the Essex village in some way or another. At the last meeting five names were established as not having a connection with Blackmore. These are:

- Bertie Cowling, who has a strong association with Navestock and Kelvedon Hatch;
- Fred Garnham, who although his residency was given as Blackmore is more associated with Stondon Massey then Highwood and Roxwell;
- John King, connected with Kelvedon Hatch;
- Walter Malyon, who has a connection with Kelvedon Hatch and South Weald; and
- George William Wright, who although has a residency given as Blackmore (and previously thought to be a Blackmore man) was, in fact, living near Rookery Farm just over the Blackmore boundary in High Ongar.

Fred Garnham is already honoured on the website and G W Wright's place will be changed to High Ongar once publication nears completion. The Kelvedon Hatch men will be remembered on this blog.

Blackmore: Wheal family

Received
13 March 2010

Hi

I’m a Navestock / Stapleford Abbots Wheal who has been researching the name for a number of years, but alas have not found a direct family connection with Blackmore (yet).

I am interested in those members of the Wheal Family who served or were killed in both World Wars. I notice from the War Memorial there a number of Wheal’s mentioned. I am a bit confused as it appears on your website that there are 5 A Wheal’s mentioned. One died and four came home. Have I read this right? I am also interested in attending the War Memorial event mentioned this year if not too late as an unconnected “Wheal”.

Also are there any Wheal’s still in the village?

Hoping you can clarify my confusion.

Dave Wheal
Colchester


Replied
14 March 2010

Hello Dave

Thank you for visiting the website and thank you for your E mail.

Research on the lives of those recorded on the War Memorial is ongoing and can be followed on the Blackmore Area Local History blog, http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/. The blog has a handy search facility so typing in your family name will reveal everything published to date on this site. There are several entries so far for Wheal.

The main website includes a list of those who died (http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/blackmorewwone.html) and those who survived the Great War but returned home (http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/blackmorewwonesurvivors.html ). The Memorial on the village green contains the names of those from the First World War only.

The War Memorial records three Wheals, all with an initial ‘A’.

Driver Alfred John Wheal was killed. The research team has been able to establish his details and place of death and burial. Blackmore’s Baptism Register [ERO D/P 266/1/11] records an Alfred John Wheal baptised on 13th December 1885 (with the Vicar adding “born 19/8/85”). His parents were Charles, a labourer, and Sarah, of Swallows Cross, Blackmore.

There are two survivors: a Lance Corporal A Wheal who served in the Machine Gun Corps, and a Stoker A Wheal who served in the Royal Navy. Researching the survivors is more difficult. From the documents analysed so far we have four possible candidates to allocate to two possible names. So there is quite a lot of sorting to do on this one and we are hoping that somewhere out there, there is a Wheal who can identify who is who.

At the time of writing I am not sure of the Parish Council’s intentions regarding a potential rededication event following completion of the cleaning and re-engraving. I will establish the timescale for the work itself and will let you know, posting any information I have on this on both the website and the blog. Of course, whether or not the work is completed, the annual Remembrance Service around the War Memorial will be held this year at 10.50am on Sunday 14 November 2010.

To my knowledge there are no Wheals remaining in the village.

If you are able to fill in any details I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Regards

Andrew


Received
14 March 2010

Hi Andrew

Found the attached which might be of use. Please could I ask that the info is checked (I might have made a slip of the pen!)

Regards

Dave


Information:
Charles Wheal & Sarah Ann Little had a number of children, including:

Arthur Charles Wheal.
Born 10 January 1881. Doddinghurst.
Served in the Royal Navy K37757 Stoker
Married Annie Florence Ovel 1920ish
And died 15 January 1944

Albert Edward Wheal
Baptised 10 January 1887. Blackmore
Served Private Machine Gun Corps 35906
Married Annie Theresa Knight 1918ish
Died 5 July 1971

Alfred John Wheal
Sept 1885 Ongar 4a 281
Killed in Action. Arras 1917
On Arras Memorial to the missing
Visited July 2004


Replied
14 March 2010

Hello Dave

Thank you for this information which appears to confirm the names of those commemorated on the War Memorial as survivors.

Arthur Charles Wheal married, age 39, at Blackmore on 17th April 1920.

Albert Edward Wheal married at Blackmore on 2nd November 1918, describing his profession as ‘soldier’.

In the 1891 census Charles Wheal is head of household living at Doddinghurst Road. This is the last entry in the list before the enumerator moves to Mountnessing Road. This certainly pinpoints their place of residence at Swallows Cross at what is now the junction of Wyatts Green Lane with Mountnessing Road right on the edge of Blackmore parish.

I have two photographs, one inscribed on the back ‘Ted Wheal. Uncle. Mrs Dorothy Nicholson served in 1st world war” and ‘Jack Wheal – same as Ted’. Ted is wearing a military uniform whilst Jack looks to be wearing a naval uniform. I will ask around and see if I can get the uniforms positively identified.

Regards

Andrew


Received
14 March 2010

Many thanks for the info you gave me, helps fill in a couple of gaps.

Glad my info helped in your project. If I find anyone connected with the War Memorial I will pass on the news about the War Memorial restoration.

Regards

Dave

Area: "High Country History Group" Journal No 35

The Quarterly Journal of the High Country History Group has recently been issued to members. It contains a number of items about and beyond the local area including:

- Life as an Essex Agricultural Labourer: 1840 – 1920. Part 4 (the whole work is available in booklet form from the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, price £1.50)
- The East Window at St Michael’s, Theydon Mount
- Essex Midland Junction Railway
- Essex Archdiaconal Records, 1638
- Whites Directory of Essex 1848 – Bobbingworth
- Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths On-Line
- The East End Maternity Hospital at Theydon Mount – Part 3
- Sacrifice on The Salient
- John Clare and The Quickening Maze
- Heritage at Risk

For membership and further information go to http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/hchg.html

Blackmore: War Memorial Project (3)

Trying to establish the names of the 81 World War One survivors listed on the Blackmore War Memorial has been challenging but the Blackmore War Memorial Research Project Group has reduced the number for which there is no data down to just six men. But ahead of the obilisk being re-engraved we need your help. Does anyone have suggestions? Please e mail or use comments field below.

We have checked against the 1901 census the 6 survivors for whom we have no data.

4.21 Pte. C. Wray Labour C.
Almost certain match to the younger Charles – family in village since 1895 or so:
45 Village Wray Charles head m 55 Stockman on farm Blackmore
45 Village Wray Eliza wife m 52 Willingale
45 Village Wray William son s 28 Horseman-on-farm Willingale Doe
45 Village Wray Charles son s 21 Stockman on farm High Ongar
45 Village Wray Fred son s 18 carrier High Ongar
45 Village Wray Joseph son s 10 High Ongar
45 Village Wray George son s 6 Blackmore

1.10 A/B S. Ball R.N.
No Ball in village.

5.7 Pte. C. Hasler Essex
Could this be George?
115 Wyatts Green Hasler Edward W m 28 ordinary agric lab
115 Wyatts Green Hasler Ellen m 30
115 Wyatts Green Hasler George Ed 5
115 Wyatts Green Hasler Mary Ann 4

2.3 A/M L. Ingram R.N.E.S.
No Ingram in village.

1.5 Sec-Lt. G.V. Jasper M.C.C.
No Jasper in village.

4.11 Sgt./Mec. C. Pratt R.A.F.
Only one, not a candidate [but may be his father].
135 Farm House Hay Green Pratt Sidney J 45

For a full up to date list of names and source material visit http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/blackmorewwonesurvivors.html

Blackmore: Ongar War Memorial Hospital Roll of Honour

The Ongar War Memorial Hospital was opened in August 1933, some 15 years after the end of the First World War. The former cottage hospital building now is boarded up facing demolition and replacement with an Ongar War Memorial Medical Centre (http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/4655411.ONGAR__New_medical_centre_plans_to_go_on_display/ and http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/searching/ONGAR-Sun-goes-memorial-hospital/article-465207-detail/article.html).

Inside the building was a Roll of Honour, now preserved in the Essex Record Office [ERO A10815].

The document contains a list of several men who fell in the district and is arranged by parish. Those parishes included are: Ongar, Shelley, High Ongar, High Laver, Willingale, Greensted, Kelvedon [Hatch], Stanford Rivers, Stapleford Tawney, Theydon Mount, Stapleford Abbots, Stondon Massey, Lambourne, Fyfield, Berners Roding, Navestock, Moreton, Little Laver, Abbess Roding, Beauchamp Roding, Doddinghurst, Blackmore, Norton Mandeville, and Bobbingworth.

The lists are by far from complete, contain duplications of commemorated names and incorrectly spelt names. This is probably because records were not carefully checked some years after the close of the Great War. (War Memorials erected later than the immediate years after the conflict are known to contain mistakes e.g. Maldon). However, in order to compile a record the Blackmore War Memorial Research Group has noted the names as transcribed.

Names recorded for under ‘Blackmore’ are:
E Alexander
E Barker (properly A E Barker)
W Brazier
A Ellis
H C Game
A Godding
E C Martin
I Miller
H Miller (also listed under ‘Doddinghurst’)
E A Maynard
A J Nash
H Riglin (also listed under ‘Doddinghurst’)
J Roast (also listed under ‘Doddinghurst’)
W E Rudley (incorrectly spelt, should be Rudling)
W H Scudder
W H Nash
A Wheal
G W White
G W Piggot (incorrectly spelt, should be Pigott, and added as an afterthought to the list).

Mountnessing: One Week in Essex

I recently received an original copy of 'The Essex Newsman' dated 2 February 1889. This four-page newpaper was published in Chelmsford and sold for 'one halfpenny'. It was free of political affliation ('independent') and covered news throughout the county of Essex. A new web page, 'One Week in Essex', is now available to view containing extracts from the paper. See http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/one_week.html.

Of specific local interest is a story about the pending restoration of St Giles' Church at Mountnessing. For more go to http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/mountnessing.html.

Ingatestone: Gatehouse School

The Gatehouse, the former home of George Sherrin, architect, was a school into the 1940s. Michael Walden has written with some memories. These can now be found on http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/ingatestone.html

Blackmore: East Window

East Window at Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore (Essex)

Stapleford Tawney: Reredos

Reredos at Stapleford Tawney Church, Essex

Stapleford Tawney: Reredos

A picture for Good Friday.

Judas Iscariot's intentions are shown to the viewer of the mosaic of the 'Last Supper' by Salviati & Co (1883) which forms the reredos behind the altar at St Mary The Virgin, Stapleford Tawney.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - April 2010

Welcome to this month’s round-up of local history and heritage in and around Blackmore, Essex.


Aerial Photograph of Blackmore

This was a wonderful opportunity to take an aerial photograph of the village. See picture this month.


War Memorial Research Project Group

Work continues to identify and tell the stories of those from Blackmore who died and of those who survived the First World War. Some interesting contacts have been received from descendents.


Walk and Talks

The Essex Society for Archaeology and History visited Blackmore on 27 March to hear a presentation by me on the village’s history and its church. The occasion took the form of a walk around the historic green, highlighting points of interest, and a guided tour of the church and bell tower. Photographs, booklets and other items of interest were placed on a ‘show and tell’ table. A fellow local historian, Bruno Giordan, also made a large contribution to the afternoon’s proceedings. Members’ tea followed.

Two days’ previously I gave a 20-minute presentation at the AGM of the High Country History Group entitled ‘1911 and all that’ which covered family, local and social history derived from the recent census release. Other topics covered by speakers included the 1841 census in Greensted and the redundant church at Berners Roding. Cheese and wine concluded the evening. Spot the connection between the two events!


On the Wireless

At the beginning of the month Tim Wander was the speaker at the annual lecture given by the Chelmsford Museums. The audience – many of who were ex-employees of the great electronics firms which operated in the county town, and amateur radio fanatics – heard this Marconi man speak about the development of radio and of ‘Two Emma Tock’ Writtle. The month of March also saw the death of Dennis Rookard, a local and hospital radio presenter, whose specialist field was folk music. He produced a number of documentaries including one I came across on the web devoted to Capt. Eckersley’s pioneering antics in 1922. Go to: http://www.travelingsounds.com/Title.aspx?titleId=392


Grim Story: Death leap from aeroplane 75 years ago

The story of how two young women jumped to their deaths from a Hillman Airways ‘plane which took off from Stapleford Tawney aerodrome is recalled here: http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/content/havering/recorder/news/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=newsRomford&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsromford&itemid=WeED26%20Feb%202010%2009%3A56%3A59%3A430


Greensted Church

An article from the Guardian series of newspapers: http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/5045265.ONGAR__Spotlight_on_Greensted_Church/


Oliver Cromwell

‘Oliver Cromwell’ is the only surving steam engine of the Britannia class of locomotives which operated in the days of British Rail along the main railway line through Ingatestone. The following item gives news of it being back in steam again in Norfolk. Go to: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/eveningnews24/norwich-news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=xNews&itemid=NOED12%20Mar%202010%2007%3A46%3A26%3A453


New Flicker Pictures

Puddingstone by ancient church at Buttsbury, taken on 1 March 2010 by Peter Herring: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hornbeam/4397863540/
Man of Straw at Stapleford Tawney, taken on 17 February 2010 by Barry Slemmings: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barryslemmings/4373479245/
Writtle Village Sign, taken on 18 February 2010 by “terryjoyce2155”: http://www.flickr.com/photos/boxster986/4368507287/


Links

For an extensive list of links to other sites go to: http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/externallinks.html