Great Burstead: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

The etymology of this name plainly refers to works of Roman construction, though it is now impossible to determine their precise appellation. Camden, however, has not scrupled to fix the Caesaromagus at this place, though in this opinion he is unfollowed by a single antiquary, and totally unsupported by the discovery of ancient remains.

It is most probable that the Romans had merely a fortilage here to protect their military way, which proceeding from Tilbury to Ongar, passed through this village. But of this inconsiderable fortification, if such did actually once exist, no traces are now perceptible. About a mile, however, westward of Billericay, and crowning the summit of a gentle swell, stands a modern farm-house, retaining the name of a more ancient structure, called Blunt’s Wall, and which, a few years since, is said to have shown some faint traces of a vallurn and ditch, enclosing about four acres. This would therefore seem to be the most probable site of the long sought Roman operation in this village - a supposition much strengthened by the peculiar name which the spot still bears.

The word wall is evidently a Saxon corruption of the Roman vallum, and was unspecifically applied by the former people to any military work of their predecessors in this island.

Upon the partition of the kingdom by the followers of William the First, the village of Burstead was appropriated by a Norman family of the name of Le Blond, who, in all likelihood, finding the Roman fortilage in a condition still capable of defence, adopted as a residence a position so well adapted to protect them from the violence of a people who were as yet but partially subdued.

Hence, without any violent contortion of language, may be obtained a name, at once indicative of Roman occupation, and of subsequent Norman possession.

THE CHURCH at Great Burstead is a plain and unpretending structure of Norman origin, thou much altered, and probably nearly rebuilt at subsequent periods. It now comprises a nave and chancel of the same width, with a south aisle running the entire length of the edifice, and divided from the former portions by a series of pointed arches, resting on octangular shafts, which have plain capitals. The tower, which contains five bells, is square, and crowned with a spire. Windows of various eras occur in the walls of this building, though undistinguished by peculiarity of tracery or design. A general gloom pervades the whole interior, the result of tastelessness and sordid parsimony, which, pocketing the impropriated revenues of this benefice, have grudged the small sums requisite to keep in repair the chancel window, and have, in accordance with this narrow feeling, closed it with brick and mortar. It may be fairly inquired in this place, how far those, to whom the care of our sacred structures is committed, conscientiously discharge their public duty, by permitting such innovations in the first instance, or by allowing their continuance. These observations on Great Burstead church may be closed by noticing an octagonal but plain font, a curious old chest of oak, well banded with iron, and a few fragments of stained gIass, amidst which appears the central coat of arms, as represented.

MONUMENTS.

In the church are the following, amongst many others:-

1. Near this place lye all that could die of Joseph Fishpoole, who departed this life the 23 June, 1703, aged 56 years.
Also, of Rebecca, his wife, who died 9th Decr. 1741, aged 87 years.
Likewise of J. Fishpoole, their son, who departed this life 19th March, 1755, aged 73.
And lastly, of Ann Abbutt, widow, their daughter, who died 3 December, 1759, aged 75 years. She bequeathed by her will £100 to be laid out in the purchase of land, or invested in one of the public funds, and the interest of it to be equally distributed between five poor widows of this parish, who are members of the Church of England, annually for ever, and directed the same to be called Fishpoole’s gift.

2. Felton Nevill, Esqre, late of this parish, departed this life September the 28th, 1780, aged 59 years.

3. In memory of Mrs. Eleanora Sterry, relict of the Revd. Wasev Sterry, formerly Vicar of Henham, in this county, who died the 24th of January, 1829, aged 80 years

4. M. S.
Georgii Porter’, M.A.
Aliquandiu Capellae apud Billericurn Ministri,
Pii, comis, humani,
Conjugis fidi,
Benigni Parentis
Inopino morbo afflictus obdormivit
Vij Kalend. Decembrium,
Anno Satultis, MDCCCXIX
Aetatis LVI.

Writtle: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

The extent of Writtle, which is the largest parish in Essex, is its only present distinction, though, in former days, it appears to have been one of the most important. By Horsley it is considered as the Caesaromagus mentioned in the fifth Iter of Antoninus, and the distance of that station, twenty-eight miles from London, agrees well with the position of modern Writtle. But, “notwithstanding the pompous name of this station,” says Dr. Henry, (Caesar’s seat,) “its very ruins are now so entirely ruined, that its exact situation cannot be discovered; but by the distance from London, and the direction of the road on which this rout (Iter v.) proceeds, it must have been at or near Chelmsford.”

No indications, I believe, of Roman Castrametation are visible here at the present day to determine this point. At a period far remote from that in which some Roman commander made choice of Writtle for a military station, the inglorious John, from causes not now remembered, erected in the same village a royal palace, a few inconsiderable ruins of which are said to be remaining on the village green, about a quarter of a mile to the left of the public road leading towards Chelmsford.

The disappearance of all these vestiges of ancient importance shew in a very striking light the instability of human grandeur, where neither the stupendous labours of Roman ambition, nor the luxuries of royalty, have left a wreck behind.

The ecclesiastical history of this place is well determined, but remarkable for the frequent changes it has experienced. From the shape of the font, carved in very hard stone, a church must have existed here from a very ancient period; certain however it is, that in 1143 King Stephen granted it to the priory of Berrnondesev, in Surrey; eighty years subsequent to this donation, King John obtained possession of it, whether by the right of purchase or exchange, or by an arbitrary stretch of violence, so common in the annals of his reign, I know not; but by him it was bestowed on the hospital of the Holy Ghost, at Rome, belonging to the English resident there, and its funds destined to the maintenance of the poor and infirm. In the second year of Edward the Third’s reign, this appropriation was confirmed. Being afterwards seized as belonging to an alien hospital, it was obtained by William of Wickham, who augmented the revenues of his new college at Oxford with its impropriation, and presented to the warden and fellows the patronage of the vicarage. With this body both still remain, being exempt from all episcopal jurisdiction, and subject in spiritual matters to the commissary of that college alone.

The church consists of a lofty nave and chancel with two aisles, north and south porches, and two small transepts or chapels; that on the south side being of red brick, and about Henry the Eighth’s era. The tower is square, and being built of red brick in 1802, is consequently tasteless and inelegant. Over the west door of this tower is inserted a curious piece of sculpture, preserved probably from the ruin of the older structure.

The interior of the edifice is remarkably light and pleasing, and had not an oaken roof been laid over it of too flattened an arch, the tout ensemble would he exceedingly fine. This roof is sustained in the nave by an arcade of five pointed arches resting on cylindrical pillars, finished with round and plainly moulded capitals; while the columns of the chancel, though of like form, have octangular capitals. The first arch eastward of the nave is much wider than any other in the church; and that at the west end is as remarkably contracted. It would be difficult to account for these incongruities, which, besides detracting from the beauty of the structure, must have added materially to the expense of its erection.

BENEFACTIONS TO THE POOR OF WRITTLE.

“A.D. 1506. Thos. Hawkins gave about sixty acres of land to endow Alms Houses in the churchyard.
“1591. William Horne gave for bread, £2 13s. 4d.
“1605. Edward Hunt gave two tenements, and yearly to two poor persons inhabiting the same, £1.
“1634. Dorothy Davis gave for bread, £2 13s. 4d.
“1737. Eleanor Jones gave for bread, £1.
“1774. John Blencowe gave for the education of poor children of Writtle and Roxwell, £1200.
“1776. Sarah, Viscountess Falkland, annually for bread to the poor who attend the church, the interest of £121 0s. 8d., vested in the 2 per cents.
“1811. William Francis Henry, Baron Petre, gave the timber for the frame work of the bells.
“1811. Mr. Henry Lambrith gave one hundred pounds towards the expense of recasting the bells, Bumstead’s Farm, Parken’s tenements in Greenbury, East Hays, in Church Haw Street, one tenement, two shillings yearly from a piece of ground near the leet.
“The organ was the gift of Thomas Penrose, D.C.L., Vicar; and P. C. Labouchere, Esqre, of Hylands, 1821, and an addition was given to the organ by Henry Lambrith, Esqre.”

MONUMENTS.

Writtle church must at one period have possessed a fine collection of sepulchral brasses, as the numerous matrices robbed of these ornaments evidently prove. Of those which remain, four lie on the floor near the chancel door, two warriors and their wives; the inscription is reaved, but by their costume we may infer that they flourished during the reign of Henry the Seventh. The position of the whole group, which exposes it to the constant tread of the congregation, is highly injurious to its preservation.

On a fantastic mural monument against the north wall of the chancel is this inscription

M. S.
Edward Pinchon et Dorothea Weston una olim caro unum nunc cadaver hoc in tumulo
Christum expectat,
Vixére singulari erga Deum fide
Pan inter se concordia,
Nec aliâ erga homines charitate,
Hoc si fib maestisso dicenti non credis
Interroga viciniam,
Interim cave mali quicquam de illis dicas
Nam etiam mortui bone audiunt.

On the top of this monument, in allusion to ears of wheat carved there, are these lines:-

Petra erat X. R. S.
Si non moriatur, non reviviscit,
Vos estis die agricultura,
Messores nos savit, fovet, lavit, coget, renovabit,
congregabunt.

Arms: Pinchon quarters Weston; Gules, 3 pears or; and a chev. reversed of the second. In the third quarter; Argent, two bendlets engrailed sab. 4 qr. as the first.

2. Near this place lies interred the body of that truly great and good man, the Rt. Hoñble Sir John Comyns, Knt., late Lord Chief Baron of his Majesty’s Court of Exchequer, universally esteemed one of the brightest ornaments of the Bench, and ablest lawyers of his time, who departed this life on the 13th day of November, 1740, aged 73. That a character of so much piety, learninge, and merit should not be buried in oblivion, but remain as a shining example to others, this monument (out of duty and gratitude) was humbly erected to his memory by his Nephew and Heir, John Comyns, of Hylands, Esq 1759.

Cui pudor et justitiae soror
Incorrupta fides, nudaq: veritas
Quando ullam invenient parem.

This monument bears the arms of Comyns, and a marble bust of the Chief Baron.

3. An altar tomb of Purbeck marble, of the style of the fifteenth century, projects from the north wall of the chancel; it bears no inscription, but has the following armorial ensigns attached to its side, engraved on brass plates:-

1st. A martlet, charged with a mullet for difference, on a chief, five balls.
2. The same shield impales quarterly, - 1st, two lioncels pass. guard. crowned. 2nd, three bendlets int. a bordure. 3rd, two bars, and a bend, surtout. 4th, a fret, and a chief.
3. The first shield also impales quarterly 1 and 4, barry of four, on a chief, a lion pass, guard. 2nd and 3rd, ermine, on a chief, two mullets.

4. Over the vestry door is a mural monument in the taste of the sixteenth century, on which are rudely carved the kneeling effigies of a man with four sons before a faldstool, on the other side of which are similarly placed those of a female and her daughters. The inscription is as follows:-

Nere unto this place resteth in peace the bodie of Edw. Elliott, late of Newland, in the countye of Essex, Esqre, Soñe of John Eliot, of Stortford, in the countye of Hartford. He tooke to wife Jane, one of the daughters of James Gedge, sone and heire of Margaret Gedge, one of the daughters and heires of Thomas Bardfield, of Shenfields, in the countye aforesayd, by whom he had issue iiij sonnes, and vj daughters, whereof he left living iij sones and five daughters. The lived together in married estate xxxviij yeres, and he deceased the xxij day of Decemb. in the year of our Lord, 159e; aetatis 60.

Above this inscription are some verses too high to be read from the ground, but this circumstance is probably little to be regretted.

5. To the memory of Frances, late wife of Richard Comyns, Esq Serjeant-at-Law, who dved ye 30 of Sepr, Auno Dni. 1773.

6. On the floor of the nave lie the effigies. The inscription is lost; but at their feet stand two groupes of children, consisting of six sons and two daughters. The arms attached are, a chev. int. 3 mullets.

7. Here Iyeth interred the body of Catharin Petre, wife of Joseph Petre, of Fittelers, in the county of Essex, Esqre, daughter of Sir William Andrews, Baronet, who dyed ye 3 of December, 1700, in the 32 year of her age.
Arms: Petre impales Andrews,

8. Within the altar rails lies a floor stone, with an inscription to the memory of the Rev. John Birch, LL.B.

9. Here lyeth the body of John Pynchon, of Writtle, Esqre, son of Sir Edward Pynchon, of Writtle, Knt., who departed this life ye 30 day of July, 1654. And also ye body of Edward Pynchon, Gent., son of ye said John Pynchon, Esqre, who departed this life ye 12 day of Febry, 1672. And also ye body of Ann Pynchon, wife of ye said John Pynchon, Esq who departed this life ye 10 day of May, 1675.

10. Hic jacet
Quod mortale fuit
Godfridi Thacker,
Nup Hospitij Grayensis, Ar:
Qui obiit undecimo die Aprilis,
Anno Salutis humanae
MDCCIJ°.
AEtatis suae,
LVIIJ°.
Hic etiam jacet
Bridgetta Thacker,
Soror Godfridi,
Quae obiit, 24° die Maij,
Anno Domini 1732,
AEtatis suae 81.

11. Agatha,
Conjux Johis Rogers
Civis Londini, Soror Thomae Houghton hujus ecclesiae
Vicar - quae
Raris casibus puerperij
Mature gavida invito obstetricantis ingenio
Partum non enixa difficulter obdormuit.
H.SS. xvi die Augusti, 1684.

12. H.S.S
Elizabetha, uxor Thomae Swallow, LL.B, hujus ecclesiae Vicar; Filia Artheri Hyde de Hinton Daubney, in Agro Southton, Armig. quae ob. 2 die Julij, Anno Dom. 1728, aetatis suae 29.
H. S. S.
Thomas Swallow, LL.B., hujus parochiae cum capella Roxwell annexa Vicarius. Ob. xxij Aug. MDCCLV, aetatis suae LXVIIJ.

13. Randall Adams, Esqre, eldest son of John Adams, Esqre, late of Writtle, departed this life 9 day of April, A.D. 1725, aged 55 years. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Weever, of South Luffenham, in the county of Rutland, Esqre, and had issue by her two Sons and two daughters, who all survived him.

14. George Emport, of Calveley, in Cheshire, Esqre, and Elizabeth, his wife, one of the daughters of Will. Comvns, of this parish, Esqre. She departed this life, 14 day of Nov. 1731 aged 56 ; he upon the 7 November, 1735, aged 84.

15. Bene nata - bene erudita,
Forum ingenio et virtutibus insignis,
Christ cultrix frequens et sincera,
Annos 27 vixit
Bella Comyns,
Morbo lento et incurabili
Fortitudine plusquam femineâ diu luctata,
Graviora passa dum filiolas
Praematura morte extinctos
Flevit,
Quietam solamen et immortalitatem
Quam meruit felicem,
Adsecuta est,
Prid Iduum, Oct. 1738.
Amoris et pietatis ergo, hoc marmor posuit
Johannis Comyns de interiori Templo Armig.
Fidelissimam lugens quam comitari maluit uxorem.

16. Here lyeth buryed the body of Edward Bowland, Gentleman, who departed this life, with blessed memorye, the 14 of September, 1609.
Here lyeth Jone, the wife of Edward Bowland, Gent., who dyed the 18 of Aug. Ano Dni. 1616.

17. On a brass plate affixed to the wall are two figures kneeling before a faldstool.
Obiit xiiij die Augusti, 1606.
Vivit post funera virtus.
Neere to this place resteth the bodie of Edwarde Hunt, late of Wrytle, Gent., who lyvinge was muche beloved, releeved the poore, and by his laste will gave in perpetuytie two almshouses in Churche Lane, wth an yerely allowance of twentye shillinges for their better maintenance, and also hath willed for ever to ye poore of this prishe, to be yerely distributed on Good Fryday, x shillinges, wch somes are lymytted to be paid out of a parcel of lande called Appesfield, in Chelmsforde parishe, as by his saide wille at large appeareth.

Widford: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

Widford, a small parish in the hundred of Chelmsford, derives its name from the width of the ford, which the river here presented - a circumstance sufficiently important to procure it that appellation, in times when travelling was rendered difficult and often dangerous by the necessity of fording the numerous rivers which everywhere intersected the country. The modern traveller, whirling in his easy conveyance over the smooth roads of the present day, may be inclined to smile at the apparent simplicity of such a derivation, but let him for a moment picture to himself the state of the kingdom during the Saxon era. Let him imagine himself journeying (even towards London if he will) without a hedge-row to direct him in his course; the face of the country obscured by thick woods; the half-tracked way interrupted by watercourses, which undrained bogs and morasses swelled to thrice their present importance, without any bridge to facilitate his progress or relieve him from the uncomfortable and probably dangerous expedient of wading through the stream, and he will, I think, readily acknowledge that a name implying the little opposition here offered to his progress, is not derived from a circumstance trifling or unimportant*.

The manor of Widford has passed in succession from Edward of Woodstock, who held it in the year 1329, to Roger de Mortimer, and to the families of Cloville, Altham, and Judge.

The church [since entirely rebuilt] comprises a nave and chancel, a north transept of red brick, and a small loft at the western end containing two bells. The whole is neatly and reputably fitted up, but not distinguished by any peculiar architectural feature. The transept appears of the age of Henry the Eighth, though its foundation has been ascribed to a period as late as the year 1604, probably on the authority of a piece of broken glass in the window. The remaining words of this legend are as follows:

Jacobus Altham Serviens ad legem
Dus Maner de Widford ac patronus
Istius ecciesiae, hanc capellam restituit
Ano Nmi 1604 cuius aia ppiciet Deus.

Now, a piscina finished with tabernacle work, certainly a century earlier than this period, together with the style of the architecture, justify the conclusion that Altham was not the founder of this chapel. I therefore supply the word restituit, in preference to fundavit.

The concluding part of the inscription, so much at variance with the religious ideas entertained in 1604, I cannot pretend to account for. The difficulty would be removed if we could possibly read 1504, instead of 1604.

In the interior of the nave is a board enumerating the benefactions to the parishioners.

BENEFACTIONS TO TUE POOR.

Sarah, Viscountess Falkland, in the year 1776, bequeathed two hundred pounds. And the Revd John Saunders, A.M., late Rector, in 1811, one hundred pounds; the interest of which two sums is to be distributed in bread to the poor of this parish who attend divine service, by the minister and churchwardens.

Benjamin Serjeant, formerly of Writtle, Gent., in the year 1787, bequeathed one hundred pounds stock, the interest of which is to be annually laid out at Christmas in the purchase of two coats and waistcoats, and two gowns and petticoats, to he given to two poor widowers, and two poor widows, parishioners of, and residing in the parish of Widford.

TOMBS

On a heavy pyramid tomb, on the outside of the church, and at the north-east angle, is this inscription:-

Sarah, Viscountess Falkland,
wife of
Lucius Charles Viscount Falkland,
Relict of
Henry Howard, late Earl of Suffolk,
and daughter and only child of
Thomas Inwen, Esqr., deceased,
died the 27th May, 1776,
aged 62.

IN THE INTERIOR.

In a vault by the side of his relation and benefactress, Sarah, Viscountess Falkland, are deposited the remains of

William Hucks, Esqr., of Dulwich, in the county of Surrey, who died the 26th of October, 1804, aetat 72. To his domestic virtues, deeply engraven on her heart, his afflicted but resigned widow erects this last sad tribute of affection, in the pleasing hope of again meeting in a blessed Eternity.
In the same vault are deposited the remains of Sarah Hucks, relict of the above William Hucks, Esqr., who died the 13th of August, 1810, aetat. 77.
In memory of Eliz. the wife of Richard Judge, of Widford Hall, who died 25th Novr, 1780, aged 39 years.
Also, of the said Richard Judge, who died 9 Novr, 1787 aged 48 years.
Here Iyeth the body of Elizabeth, the wife of William Judge, of Widford Hall, who died Aug. 23rd, 1764, aged 62 years.
Also, William Judge, who died Jany, 14th, 1778, aged 80 years.

In a south window of the nave are these arms: Cloville [illustrated].

* The number of towns and villages in every part of the kingdom, whose names may be derived from this adjunct in union with some adjective, is at once an unanswerable argument in favour of the position that our forefathers knew of few local circumstances more fitting to distinguish the different villages than the one now referred to for instance, Widford (wide-ford), Deptford (deep-ford), Stratford, of frequent occurrence, (street-ford), Mutford (muddy-ford), Holford (hole—ford), Shalford (shallow-ford), Stamford and Stanford (stony-ford), Rochford (rocky-ford), Rushford, Sedgford, Woodford, Oldford, Brockford, Horseford, &c., &c., whose derivation is sufficiently obvious. Sometimes towns obtain their distinguishing appellative from the rivers themselves: as Chelmsford, from the river Chelmer, Orford, from the Ore, and many others.

Chelmsford: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

A church existed from very early times in this town, though neither the date of its foundation nor the name of its founder has survived. This building, falling into decay, was re-edified soon after the year 1400, as an inscription, formerly to be seen on the south side of tile battlements, informed us. And indeed the western tower and other portions of architecture which remain of that second erection confirm such a relation.

With regard to the existing structure, it is a compound of modern restorations, grafted upon the fragments of a better taste. On the evening of the 12th of January, 1800, the greater part of the walls, with the entire roof, having suddenly given way, fell to the ground with a tremendous crash. The inhabitants, with a zeal truly laudable, immediately determined upon the restoration of their ‘‘fallen pile;“ and it is to be lamented that their desires met not with an architect competent to restore its original features. But the genius of Gothic architecture was at that period but just emerging from the ignorance and neglect which had so long enveloped her; and it is perhaps well that these restorations are no worse. The record of this event is preserved by a Latin inscription over the chancel door, which may be thus translated:- “A part of this edifice, dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary, which, after having been decayed through age, was rebuilt in the year of our Lord, 1424, by certain pious subscriptions, having, on the evening of the 12th of January, 1800, suddenly fallen; the inhabitants of Chelmsford, determined to re-edify and decorate with new ornaments this portion, at their own expense, employed Johnson, the architect, for that purpose. This very sacred work, for which an act of parliament was granted, having been commenced on the 21st of June 1800, and after three years and as many months, having been completed, John Morgan, S.T.B., the reverend rector of Chelmsford, performed divine service in it again, on the Sunday of September the 18th, 1803.”

The entire tower, with the beautiful south porch and the shafts of the nave and chancel, appear to have escaped destruction, and are incorporated into the modern work. The arches of the nave are pointed, and sustained on shafts whose horizontal section represents a truncated lozenge; the mouldings of the arches being continued throughout their entire length without the intervention of a capital. On the north side of the chancel is a rather flattened Norman arch, supported in the centre by mouldings which rest on the capitals of a clustered column. This is probably coeval with the first structure raised here.

The interior length of this church is one hundred and twenty feet; the nave aisles measuring one hundred and two feet, and their breadth being fifty-four. Amidst a vast many mural monuments and floor-stones may be particularized the vault of the ancient family of Mildmay, in which repose the ashes of Benjamin, Earl Fitzwalter, and Frederica, his countess, daughter of the gallant Duke of Schomberg. It is recorded, that fanatical fury destroyed a very beautiful east window stained glass, representing the crucifixion of our Saviour, and other passages in his sacred history. Its situation is occupied in the new chancel by a window of modern colouring, - like all other modern painted glass, garish and inharmonious.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - August 2009

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

Cuckoo to Reopen

The Cuckoo, Radley Green, is to reopen at the end of August as a new gastro pub. The local newspaper (Brentwood Gazette) carried job advertisements in July for prospective staff. Blackmore Area Local History reported that the former Greene King (ex Ridleys) pub closed at the beginning of January for what was thought to be the final time. It seems that the cuckoo has become the phoenix!

New Essex Lines

It is 120 years since the opening of the railway line from Shenfield to Southend Victoria and Southminster. To mark 20 years since the centenary celebrations on 28th August I am publishing the photographs I took then. Blackmore Area Local History will then be devoting a month to our railway heritage past and present.

Revd. Alfred Suckling

The series of transcripts from Alfred Suckling’s Memorials (1845) ends this month. The book covers the whole of Essex so I have not included those villages outside the Blackmore Area Local History region, namely: Hatfield Peverel, Bradfield, Danbury, Dedham, Langham, Great Horkesley, Little Horkesley, Wrabness, Dovercourt, Wix, Lawford, Colchester, Stanway, Inworth, Little Braxted, Great Braxted, Messing and Layer Marney. The clergyman’s research during the mid nineteenth century, before the arrival of the railway, was a considerable labour of love. Suckling writes at Layer Marney: “As the writer had already walked nearly twenty miles that day, and seven more lay between him and Colchester, the ultimate and most important object of the tour, the shades of an October evening warned him that any attempt to draw these effigies with accuracy and care would be fruitless; with regret, therefore he left these monuments of ancient sculpture unsketched. Lest, however, he be charged with apathy on this score, let the reader understand, that having breakfasted at six that morning, he had subsequently already visited the churches of Great and Little Braxted, Inworth and Messing, had made sketches of those portions to be found in this volume, with the brasses, arms, and inscriptions connected with them; had also drawn a view of Layer Marney Tower, the exterior of the church, and the arms and font, and copied all the monuments, without any assistance”.

Entries on this blog with reference to John Weale can be found under http://www.wikio.co.uk/news/John+Weale. He was Suckling’s publisher.

Lord Petre of Ingatestone Hall

‘SEO Elite Reviews’ has produced a summary of the Petre family of Ingatestone Hall (see photograph) from ancient times to date. For information follow this link: http://seoelitereviews.com/blog/search-engine-optimization/baron-petre/

Stondon Massey: AA Battery

A sequence of correspondence has appeared in relation to gun First and Second World war gun emplacements at Stondon Massey. To follow the story, go to http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=514815

Around British Churches

‘David J’ has an interesting blog entitled ‘Around British Churches’. Recently he has featured the Parish Church of St Martin in Chipping Ongar. For more go to: http://aroundbritishchurches.blogspot.com/2009/07/st-martin-chipping-ongar.html. For others in Essex, which currently include Greensted and Waltham Abbey, go to: http://aroundbritishchurches.blogspot.com/search/label/Essex

Brazier family

A local surname to this area is Brazier. I remember a George Brazier living in Norton Road, Ingatestone until about 1980. Anyway, for links and a thread to the genealogy go to: http://www.ancestryaid.co.uk/boards/request-help-your-family-history-research/20944-brazier-family-margaretting-ingatestone-writtle-essex.html

Tributes to Henry Allingham and Harry Patch

Not a local celebrity but national heroes – as were all the others who served in the First World War. Henry Allingham, the world’s oldest man, died on 18th July 2009 aged 113. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5856015/Worlds-oldest-man-Henry-Allingham-dies.html. And ‘You tube’ connections: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdbVgzXoZbA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk_R303aoso.

Harry Patch “quietly slipped away” at a nursing home in Wells, aged 111, on 25th July 2009. He and others came to present the last of a generation who, thankfully, were encouraged in their later years to share their war experiences. His biography, ‘The Last Fighting Tommy’ (Bloomsbury, 2008) is a lasting oral testimony. Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, calls for a national memorial service to remember the generation of people who fought in the First World War. The Queen said, "We will never forget the bravery and enormous sacrifice of his generation, which will continue to serve as an example to us all." An obituary given by the BBC can be seen by following these links: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8168717.stm , http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8168691.stm, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6954937.stm and http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/somerset/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8168000/8168020.stm

By way of tribute, I repeat the book review published on this blog last year as part of the Great War commemoration.

There is nothing singularly remarkable about Harry Patch’s service in the Great War. At 18 he was called up (conscription was compulsory) to serve ‘King and Country’ and spent time on the Western Front in Passchendaele before being wounded in September 1917 and sent home to recuperate. The story of this Somerset man is replicated across millions of his generation. But the fact that at the age of 108, as one of the oldest surviving veterans of the First World War, he decided to write an autobiography telling of his experience is remarkable. Only in recent years, since the age of 100, has Harry decided to tell his story. Like almost all who served the vivid remembrance of the battles is something which was not talked about. Harry Patch was born in 1898. In his training for military service, this plumber by trade, learned to use a Lewis Gun and be a second team member of six. He describes the closeness of this small group, the sharing of the cigarettes, pipe tobacco and cake sent from home, the mutual support in times of trouble, and the sadness afterwards learning that three of his mates were blown up by a shell which injured Harry in the stomach with a two inch piece of shrapnel which was removed without anaesthetic because there was none available. Life in the trenches is talked about and the fear that the men had of not surviving perhaps the next day. He mentions going ‘over the top’, those wounded and those shell shocked by the experience.

“We will remember them”.

Links

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

Hutton: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

This village is in the hundred of Barnstable. From the Saxon At-a-how, and How-tun, we have the modern Hutton, signifying the village on the hill. The manor has been held in late days by the families of Cory and Forbes; and on the death of James Forbes, Esq., in 1820 was purchased by the late Alderman Scholey. The entire parish is rated at £758 towards the land tax.

The church is dedicated to All Saints, and was formerly appropriated by the monks of Battle Abbey, in Sussex, who enjoyed its revenues till the dissolution of religious houses, and subsequently to that important event they have passed with the manor.

The advowson of the vicarage has been possessed by the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s ever since the year 1325.

As to the architecture of this very small edifice, it may be described in a few words. A roof of tile covers at one slope a nave with its two aisles, separated by an arcade of pointed arches, resting on columns composed of four cylindrical clustered shafts, having plainly moulded capitals, and corresponding bases. Attached to the eastern extremity is a chancel of suitable proportions, but having no pretensions to architectural embellishment or taste. At the west end is a small wooden turret, supported internally by beams of timber, which contains five bells. The font is a modern circular bason, presented in 1719, standing on an ancient octangular base. A north and south door, opening into the centre of the walls of their respective aisles, originally afforded entrance to the congregation, and each was furnished with a picturesque porch of carved wood-work. That on the south side is, however, now closed with masonry, and its porch demolished.

DONATIONS.

On a small parchment, inclosed in a black frame and covered with glass, are recorded the following benefactions to the parish of Hutton:-

“WHITE’S CHARITY – 20th of June, 17th of Queen Elizabeth. By indenture, George White of Hutton, Esquire, did enfeoff and convey unto John Payne and George Wharton, arid other persons, and their heirs, all that croft of land called Portgere, containing 9 acres, lying in Hutton. In trust, to receive yearly for ever the rents and profits, and according to their discretion to give and dispose thereof to such poor people as now do, or shall in time to come, inhabit in the parish of Hutton, as live in great poverty, necessity, or want. Also, in repairing the parish church of Hutton from time to time as it is required.

“7th December, 1813. - By deed, then dated, the following persons were appointed trustees of the above charity: James Forbes, Esqr.; James Mabbs, Gentleman; John French, ditto; Edward Abrams, Farmer.”

“Also, the interest of one thousand pounds, three per cent, redeemed stock, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens of the parish of Hutton, for the benefit of the poor of the said parish, by the late Mr. Stephen Martin, Gentleman, of Brentwood, who died the 9th of January, 1805.”

TOMBS.

Of these Hutton Church furnishes but few. On a stone, now lying transversely on the floor of the chancel, and near the first step of the communion rails, are two figures in brass, representing a warrior and his lady. At their feet appears a family group, consisting of eight sons and as many daughters. The inscription and armorial cognizance originally appertaining to these are lost, so that we cannot recover the names of these persons, though their dress unequivocally refers the period of their existence to the latter portion of the fifteenth century, and probably to about the reign of Richard the Third.

The value of these sepulchral brasses, as faithful specimens of costume, is exceedingly great; and their fidelity in this point is most decidedly proved, by comparing those of parallel dates in various quarters of the kingdom. From Northumberland to the Land’s End, we shall find a wonderful similarity, as well in execution as in design. I may further observe, of these sepulchral monuments, that their origin and decline are marked by very distinct and remarkable differences. They seem to have been introduced at once, large and bold, yet simple and elegant. They ended in complicated design, and tasteless execution. Within a century of their first appearance, they had nearly reached their perfection, and as the arts are justly thought to be ever on the increase or the wane, they gradually declined from that period in size and elegance. Indeed, after 1500, we rarely meet with a beautiful example of this species of decoration. Half a century later and they had wofully degenerated; innumerable scratches supplying the place of bold and sweeping outlines, and destroying that breadth of effect which is equally pleasing in these monumental effigies, as in the higher art of painting. I find the usage of this species of monument lingering on, still reduced in size, till so low a date as 1685, when they had become mere caricatures. I have met with no examples later than this period, nor is it probable that many exist. It may he mentioned, in addition to these observations, that at the era of the first introduction of these monuments, the figures were single and large; and the only ornament, independent of that attached to the person, was a shield or two of arms, placed near the head of the warrior. But these were soon extended to four escocheons, one laid at each corner of the stone. Next followed a slight canopy; the figure still remaining single, and principally, if not entirely, appropriated to males. The next change in the progress of this kind of funereal decoration was the introduction of female effigies, the wife being represented as standing beneath an arched canopy by the side of her husband, and in the devotional attitude adopted from the first. The curve of the arches in these canopies accorded strictly with that used in the buildings of a like era, and may at last be found nearly flat. The legend, commemorative of the actions and obituaries of the deceased, was usually a circumscription of brass, deeply engraven, and placed near the figures, if on a flat stone; but round the edge, bevelled off, if laid on an altar-tomb. About the year 1400, however, this usage fluctuated a little, and soon after gave way entirely to an inscription, sometimes placed at the head, but most commonly at the feet of the effigies.

Increasing in ornament with the increasing fashion for architectural enrichment, we at length find these figures attended with their children, and kneeling before faldstools or low altars, and not unfrequently splendidly enamelled and gilt. In this case, however, they were attached to the walls, as walking over them would speedily have destroyed their beautiful finishing. Occasionally, about this period, the conjoined position of the hands is opened, and the figures thrown into a more lively attitude. After the middle of the fifteenth century, the custom of placing the figures on the bodies of lions and dogs seems to have gone by; and they are represented as either kneeling on cushions or standing on a plot of ground, which finally became highly ornamented with leaves and flowers. Subsequently to the reign of Henry the Seventh, we rarely, if ever, meet with canopies; and the usage, as well as the execution of brass sepulchral monuments rapidly declined, till the time of Queen Elizabeth, after whose reign they are below criticism.

To develope, by a series of drawings, the gradual and successive changes in these very beautiful monumental memorials, would be a pleasing, though laborious, task; yet one which the second consideration would not deter the writer from undertaking, had he still possessed the sketches from which his drawings were originally made. His present mass of materials, however, though considerable, must be still enlarged, which his almost daily occupation and increasing love of the subject is rapidly effecting; and it is not improbable, that should health and eyesight be continued to him by the gracious Dispenser of these blessings, he may eventually produce a volume, in MS., at least*, exhibiting, in distinct classes, the progressive changes which all-powerful fashion has wrought in the military, ecclesiastic, and feminine costumes of our ancestors. And surely the simplest notices of those men must ever be delightful and instructive, whose wisdom has formed the groundwork of our excellent constitution, and whose valour achieved the glories of Crecy, of Poictiers, and of Agincourt.

But to return from this long digression. The next monument to be noticed in the church of Hutton lies also in the chancel. It is a small plate of brass thus inscribed, in black letter:-

Here lyeth George White, Esquier, the sonne of Richard White, the sonne of Richard White, Esquiers, which George died the xiv day of June, in the yere of our Lord God 1584.

This is undoubtedly the monument of the George White, mentioned in a former page, as a benefactor to the poor of Hutton.

On mural slabs, in the south aisle, are the two following memorials:-

1. To the memory of Thomas Cory, Esqre, Lord of this manor of Hutton, borne at Greate Fransom, in county of Norfolke, one of the Benchers of the Inner Temple, London, Chiefe Protonotory of the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster, who, after 18 yeares faithfull discharge of that office, devoutly resigned up his soule into the hands of God his Saviour, the 16 Of December, 1656, aetatis suae 65. This monument was erected by his most sad and deere wife, Judith, one of ye daughters of Sir Christopher Clitherow, Knight, and sometimes Lord Major of the city of London.

Also, the saide Judith departed this life the sixth day of June, 1663, and lies interred by her most deere and lovinge husband neere this place.

2. Sacred to the memory of James Forbes, Esquire, of this parish, and of Kingerlock, in the county of Argyle, in North Britain, who departed this life on the 23rd of March, 1829, aged 76 years.

Also, of Charlotte, (his first wife,) who departed this life on the 17th of July, 1794, aged -- years.

And also of Sarah, (his second wife,) who departed this life at Cheltenham on the 7th of Feb. 1831, aged 49 years.

Fyfield: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

Fifield [Fyfield] is the modern spelling and pronunciation of this village, which, in earlier days, was written Fifhide; and is derived from the Saxon Fif, five, and Hyde, a quantity of land. In the Conqueror’s reign the parish belonged to Eustace, Earl of Boulogne.

The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, and the tithes were given, in the year 1094, to the monastery of Bermondesey, by Roger de Tany, one of the knights of John Fitz-Waleran - that nobleman giving his sanction to the endowment. In 1107 these tithes were confirmed to that monastery by Maud, wife of Asculph, and by her son Graald or Grailand de Tany, who at the same time gave to that religious establishment the advowson of the church, which grant was confirmed by kings Henry the First and Second. Notwithstanding these gifts, this church was wrested from the monks before the year 1331, and, strange to say, even before they had obtained an act for appropriating the tithes. The name of this spirited opponent of monastic rapacity has not survived. The rectory has ever since been attached to the manor. The whole parish is rated to the land-tax at £1372 2s. 4d.

Fifield church is a jumble of architectural styles - of architectural elegances, and modern barbarisms. Its Norman tower, standing in the centre of the building, is surmounted by a wooden incumbent, as incongruous as tastelessness could devise, while its chancel, internally rich in that species of pure and elegant Gothic which distinguished the earliest portion of the fourteenth century, is marred by the presence of those unseemly uprights and transoms which have displaced the ramified tracery once so ornamental there. Nor is this the only spoliation Fifield has to regret. Not fifty years since, as I learn from a well-informed inhabitant, the interior of this edifice was actually darkened with that solemn but rich gloom - the effect of stained glass - which has given place to a glare unwarmed by a single tint. An ornamented piscina, with three stalls for the ministers officiating at the ceremonies of the Romish altar, still remain, and but little injured. While the visitor will gaze with increasing admiration upon the beautiful fillet of foliage in stone-work, which surrounds the entire aperture of the large eastern window, will it be credited, that this specimen of taste and munificence remained till within these very few years covered with plaster and whitewash?

The nave and aisles have been so much altered by external modifications as to induce a supposition, at first sight, that they are of a date very inferior to the rest of the edifice; a glance, however, at its original western entrance, now converted into a window, its cylindrical and octangular columns, and the pointed arches resting upon these, convince us that they are at least coeval with the chancel, if not of a date somewhat anterior. A large and square font of grey marble carved with knots and semicircular arcades, witnesses to its own antiquity, and completes the ornaments of this venerable structure, with the exception of a niche, now statueless, placed at the north east angle of the aisle.

There is, however, worthy of observation, a singular arch, seen externally beneath the east window of the chancel. The three quatrefoils in the head of this seem once to have been perforated, and lead to a puzzling conjecture as to their original purpose. At first, I was inclined to imagine that the floor of the chancel might have been at one time raised sufficiently high to admit of a vault or crypt beneath it, to which these openings would suitably enough have afforded air and a glimmering of light but an inspection of the interior immediately refuted such a notion. Could they possibly have been used to produce any effect at the high altar? There are also two or three arches, now closed with masonry, very singularly situated in the lower part of the tower on the south side, the uses of which it is equally difficult to explain.

MONUMENTS

In the interior of the church are the following monumental records:-

1. Here lies the late virtuous and lamented Mrs. Ann Beverley, who was born 13th of August, 1680, and died September 29th, 1702 ; which Ann was the eldest daughter of James, the eldest son of Thomas Beverley, late of Gaynes Park, in the county of Huntingdon, Esqre, and Ann, his wife, the daughter of Thomas Duncombe of Broughton, in the county of Bucks, Esqre. The above named Thomas Beverley, and his wife Elizabeth, lye interred on the left hand of this stone, close to it.

2. Here lies the body of Thomas Brand, Esqre, who departed this life the 7th of October, 1718.
Also, Margaret, relict of the said Thomas Brand, Esqre., who departed this life 29th of August, 1767.

3. Here lyeth the body of John Collins, the elder, who departed this life the 18th of August, 1729, in the 82 year of his age.
Also, the body of Mary, his wife, who departed this life the 28th day of Febry, 1732, in the 81st year of her age.

4. Here lieth the body of John Collins, late of Sambpitts in this parish, Esqre, who depart this life September 17th, 1750, in the 74th year of his age.
He was a good and affectionate husband, father, and friend; and as he lived in the practise of every Christian virtue, so he met death with great composure of mind, from a stedfast hope of a joyful resurrection and the life everlasting.
On the right hand side lyeth his wife, Mrs. Mary Collins, and their son John Collins, who died June 23rd, 1731, in the 19th year of his age.

5. Here lies the body of Mrs. Mary Collins, the wife of John Collins, the younger, of this parish, Gent., who lived virtuously, and died much lamented, the 9th of October, MDCCXIV, in the xxx year of her age.

In the chancel are the following armorial ensigns on escocheons against the wall:-
1. Berwick . . . Arg. three bears’ heads erased sable, muzzled, or.
2. Sable, two swords saltirewise arg. pommelled, within a bordure engrailed argent.
3. Vert, a griffin erect or, impaling –
4. Gules, a saltire argent, on a chief of the second, three griffins’ heads erased of the field.

This church is kept in a very neat and reputable state.

I forgot to observe in its proper place, that amongst the heads carved on the stalls in the chancel, is a grotesque face, with a fool’s cap.

Willingale: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

Willinghale Spain and Willinghale Dou, two parishes so called from their ancient possessors, are united in a more than ordinary degree by the circumstance of their two churches standing in one cemetery. The cause of this singularity, it seems, at the present day, impossible to explain. The distinctive names, however, of these villages, as may readily be supposed, are derived from their ancient owners, one of whom appears to have been of French, and the other of Spanish origin. The largest of these parishes is named from the family of D’Eau, now corrupted into Dou and Doe.

In the reign of Henry the Second, William de Ou held four knights’ fees, and Hugh de Ou one, under Geoffry de Mandeville, Earl of Essex. This parish contains about fourteen hundred acres.

Willinghale Spain is so called from the family of De Hispaniâ, which seems to have been seated in Essex from the time of the Norman Conquest till the reign of Edward the Second. Their principal residence was at Spain’s Hall in the parish of Finchingfield, near Braintree, which lordship was held by Hervey de Hispaniâ, under Alan the Fierce, in the eleventh century.

Willinghale Spain contains only nine hundred acres, and is rated to the land tax at £547. We will now examine, separately, the two churches of these villages. That of

WILLINGHALE SPAIN

Is the smallest of the two, and stands at the south-east corner of the cemetery. It is dedicated to Saint Andrew and All Saints. This is by far the most ancient structure; exhibiting small round-headed loopholes, as well as lancet windows and Norman doorways; the latter being profusely ornamented with iron work, spreading in various devices over the entire doors, though the stonework is entirely devoid of decoration. A finely proportioned pointed arch divides the nave from the chancel; neither of which possesses aisles or chapels, while a small turret of wood, at the western end, supplies the place of a bell-tower. William de Hispaniâ gave this church to the Priory of Blackmore, for the health of the souls of his father and mother, and of himself and his wife. Monkish rapacity accordingly endowed a vicarage, dividing the profits of the living between the convent and the vicar, who was thenceforth nominated by the Bishop of London, and presented by the prior. At length, the vicar’s income, which was only five marks a year, being found too small for his subsistence, he petitioned Bishop Braybroke that the ordination of the vicar age might be annulled, and the whole profits go to the maintenance of a rector, reserving to the convent a pension of forty shillings a year, to pray for the souls of William de Hispaniâ and his relations; all which was ratified under the bishop’s seal, on the 13th of January, in the year 1398. At the dissolution of monasteries, the right of presentation to this rectory came to the Crown, but the nomination has ever continued with the Bishop of London.

The monuments in this church are few and inconsiderable, yielding in this respect much to the sister church of Dou. That which claims our first notice derives its consideration from the singularity of its design, rather than from its size or the costliness of its material. It somewhat resembles a book, fastened by one side against the south wall of the chancel, being about a foot in length, and eight or ten inches in width. On the outside of the cover, which is of wood, and moves on metal hinges, is an escocheon of Beulie’s arms and quarterings.

And on the inside of this cover is a second shield, charged with the same bearings. impaling the following coat:

The interior of this whimsical contrivance contains a sheet of parchment, fixed to the other cover, on which are emblazoned several shields Beaulie’s arms, single, and adapted in point of shape to the sex of the deceased: they are represented as affixed to the pillars of a Grecian arch, in the centre of which are written the following conceited verses, while a brief memorial of the birth and death of each person is subjoined to each escocheon:-

The time of the lives and deaths of the children of EDWARD BEAULY, Doctor in Divinity, and LINE his wife.
Line, the eldest, born and baptized at Writtle the 6th of February, 1613, and lieth buried in the chancell there. She was buried the xi of February, 1633.
Jane, the next, borne the 17 of May, 1615; buried the 13 of Julye, 1638.
Thomas, second sonne, borne on the second of March, 1623; buried the 22 day of May, 1626.
Thomas, third sonne, born on the 13 of March, 1628; buried the 25 of May, 165:;
Francis, seaventh daughter, borne on the xi of May, 1626 ; buried the 28 of September, 1630.
Jane, the ninth child, mar. to Edward Beaulie, and Line, his wife, was borne the 21 of Aprill, 1631 ; buried the 24 of June, 1632.
Here lieth the body of John Markham, late of Pater Noster Row, London, Esqre, who departed this life the 4th day of October, 1757, aged 73 years.
Also the body of Elizabeth, his wife, who departed this life 5th day of April, 1761, aged 62 years.
Here lies the body of Penelope, daughter of Anthony Nicholas, Minister of this place, wife of George Fulford, of London, Linen draper, who died the 13th of 9-ber, in the year of our Salvation 1667, and in the 22 of her age. Shee left issue one son, named George, 6 months old.
Here Iyeth Joseph Kello, being xiii years of age, departed this life the last day of September, 1614. He was sun to Mr. Bartholemew Kello, Minister of Christ’s Evangle, and Parson of Willingale Spain.
Here lieth lssac Kello, being ix years of age, departed this life 13th of July, 1614. He was son of Mr. Bartholemew Kello, Minister of Christ’s Evangell.

This church being dedicated to All Saints, the parish is sometimes, though not very frequently, called Willinghale All Saints.

WILLINGHALE DOU.

This church, like that of Spain, comprises simply a nave and chancel without aisles. It is however a larger structure, and has a lofty square tower standing at the western end. A beautifully proportioned pointed arch divides the body of the church from the chancel, which possess no other architectural feature worthy of observation, if we except the windows of the latter; these have very acutely pointed tracery inserted beneath a square-headed water-label: the effect, however, is very pleasing. This church is also a rectory, dedicated to Saint Christopher.

TOMBS.

The hands of sacrilege have destroyed many ancient sepulchral brasses in this church; and of the three which are spared, not one remains uninjured. Beginning in chronological order, we must first notice the effigy of a warrior, lying on the floor of the nave; he is standing in the usual devotional attitude, clothed in armour, his head bare, and his feet resting on a dog. Besides a few minor injuries, the black- letter inscription originally attached has been forcibly removed, but the armorial ensigns, which still remain on a shield near the head of the figure, shew that the person here interred was a member of the ancient family of Torrell, of Torrell’s Hall, in this parish. From the bulls, the cognizance of this far descended line, Mr. Morant infers that they assumed their surname from the Latin Taurus, thus deriving the cause from the effect. In the report of landowners contained in Domesday, the name of Torold is of frequent occurrence; and amidst the rude delineations in that invaluable relic of antiquity, the Bayeaux Tapestry, a figure is portrayed, over whose head is written, “Hic est Turold.” Now, it is a fact no longer controverted, that armorial bearings date their origin from a period considerably lower than the Norman Conquest, and at this very time we find the Terrolds in possession of that surname. The costume of the effigy in question points decidedly to about the year 1400, when we may assume this gentleman was interred.

Within the altar-rails lies a second mutilated effigy belonging to this family. It represents a female in the rich dress of the age in which she flourished, and who, it seems, was a daughter of Humphrey Torrell, Esq., and widow of John Sackville, of Buckhurst, in the county of Sussex, Esq. The arms, placed on the same stone, are those of Sackville impaling Torrell.

No other records of this old family exist within the walls of the church; but against the south side of the chancel is a huge and clumsy monument, representing, in stiff and execrable taste, the recumbent figure of a knight in armour, while two ladies, in very much smaller proportion, kneel in recesses on the upper part of this tomb. At the very top is placed an inscription to the memory of Richard Wisernan, Esq., and his wife, parents of the knight represented by the large figure beneath, who were buried in the church of St. Lawrence Pounteney, London. It is impossible to read what filial piety has there inscribed, without the assistance of a ladder, but a perusal of the inflated language on a lower slab of marble will be amply sufficient. Could we believe Sir Robert Wiseman to have been really possessed of all the virtues and accomplishments therein ascribed to him, we might unfeignedly blush for our own degeneracy. But here are the words themselves:-

Robertus Wisernan, de Torrells Hall in com. Essex, Eques Auratus, Richardi Wisernan, Armig. supra nominati primogenitus filius et haeres Vir generosissim, corporis et animi dotibus ornatus, pius, candidus, quadratus, litis expers, sibi et suis constans, philodelph., philomus., literar. et literat. patron. opt., vicinis amicabilis, sociabilis, hospitalis, egenis beneficus, omnibus aequus, summam existimationë et benevolentia ob facetu ingenium, foelice memoriarn suavern et innocuam conversationem consecut.; cum corporis castitatem quinque supra sexaginta annorum coelibatu comprobasset, et valetudine integerrimâ vixisset, animam sponso suo Jesu Christo pie et placide reddidit; atque hoc dormitorio cui ipse vivens se mortuum designavit in spe resurrectionis ad gloriam, obiit xi die Maij, Ano. Dni. 1641, aetatis sua lxv.
Hoc monumentum ipse per ult. suum testamentum dulcissimis parentib. et sibi fieri curavit cuius solus Executor Richardus Wiseman, Miles, ejus prox frater et Haeres, fidei et officii ergo religiosè persolvit.

Here lieth the body of that most excellent lady, Winifred Wiseman, wife to Richard Wiseman, of Torrells Hall, Esq and daughter to Sir John Barrington, of Hatefeld Broad Oak, in the county of Essex, and Barronett, &c.

A brass effigy on the chancel floor has attached to it an epitaph, which the inscription informs us, is placed to the memory of “Dorothy Brewster, wife to Thomas Brewster, Esqre, and daughter to Sir Thomas Jocelin, Knight, who deceased the seaven and twenty of June, and was buryed the one and twenty of July, 1613.”

The cause of this unusually long postponement of her funeral rites is not mentioned.

Here lieth the body of Sir John Salter, Knight, Alderman of Corn-Hill Ward, in the City of London. He was Sheriff in the year 1785, and he served the high office of Lord Mayor in the year 1740, and behaved in both stations with great dignity, strict honour, and unbiassed fidelity, He was a good magistrate; a tender husband; an indulgent father; and most sincere friend ; and in all conditions of life, appeared a just man, and a true Christian. He died 1st of June, 1744, in the 60th year of his age.

Salter bears, Gules, ten billets or, 4. 3. 2. 1., within a border engrailed azure, bezanty.

Mrs. Deborah Salter, wife of the late Mr. Thos Salter, linen draper, of Cornhill, London, and daughter of Robert Cole, Esqr., and Deborah his wife, and twins with her only brother, Robert Cole, Esqr, now of Warden’s Hall, in this parish.
Also, Mr. Robt. Salter, her eldest son, late linen-draper, of Cornhill, London, to whose memory this monument is erected, An. 1730.
Robert Cole, Esqre, and Ann his wife, who died 1733, and are buried in this chancel.
Here lies the body of Mrs. Anne Cole, late wife of Robert Cole, Esqr, of Warden’s Hail, who departed this life November 28th, 1732, aged 75 years.
Also, here lies the above Robert Cole, Esqre, who departed this life August 21st, 1733, aged 82.

The following arms will he found attached to their respective monuments in this church:-

1. COLE.- . . . . a bull passant . . . . impaling . . . . party per chevron . . . . 3 talbots’ heads eras
2. SALTER impales, or; a cross engrailed party per pale argent and azure.
3. WISEMAN. - Sab. a chev. int, three coronels of tilting spears arg. impales sable, a chev. inter three storks erect argent.

The coronels in the arms of Wiseman are a pun upon the name, signifying that a wise man always prefers blunt weapons to pointed spears.

SACKVILLE, impales Torrell . . . . a fess between three bulls’ heads couped …

The font, omitted to be noticed in its proper place, is an octagon, having its sides carved with the sculpture so common on this shaped ornament. The tower contains four bells.

The interiors of both these churches are kept in a very dirty and neglected state, reflecting much disgrace on all connected with them.

Ingatestone: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

Morant fancies that this village derived its name from a Roman milestone which stood somewhere near, and this supposition appears very probable, as the Watling Street passed through the parish; Ing-at-the-Stone would, therefore, signify, in the Saxon language, the fields near the milestone.

The church, which is a rectory, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, comprises a large and lofty tower of red brick, a nave and chancel, with a south aisle to each, and a chapel, now used as a vestry, attached to the north side of the latter. The columns of the nave are composed of four clustered cylinders, finished with plain moulded capitals, while those in the chancel are octangular. The whole interior presents a gloomy and heavy appearance, arising principally, I think, from a want of that loftiness which so peculiarly distinguishes and embellishes Gothic architecture.

The entire aisle of the chancel, and the chapel on the opposite side, are appropriated as burial places by the family of Petre, who not only possess the principal estate in the parish, but formerly resided at Ingatestone Hall, a fine old mansion which will be presently noticed. Several altar tombs, with recumbent and kneeling figures of marble, in the taste of the sixteenth century, will be seen here, erected to various members of this family. Against the north wall of the chancel is a mural monument to the memory of Mr. Hollis, the well-known antiquary, bearing the following inscription

Thomas Brand Hollis, Esqre, of the Hyde, F.R.S. and S.A., died September 9th, 1804, aged 84. In testimony of friendship and gratitude, this monument is erected by John Disney, D.D., F.S.A.
Timothy Brand Hollis, Esqre, died the 5th of January, 1734, aged fifty-one years.

Ingatestone Hall stands about half a mile southward of the church, and was, in its perfect state, a very large mansion: three sides only now remain, much disfigured by the introduction of modern windows and doors.

Runwell: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

Runwell is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £13 per annum, of which the yearly tenths are fixed at £1 6s. The church is a regular structure, comprising a nave, chancel, and two aisles, with a square tower containing four bells.

In the chancel is the following inscription in old English characters:-

1 Here doe lie Ewstace Sulyard, Esquier, and Margarett Ayloff, sometime his wyfe, who had to her first husbande Gregory Ballet, Esquier, by whome she had yssue Dorothie, her only daughter and heyer, arid now wyfe unto Anthonie Maxey, Esquier; and to her second husband she had the sayd Ewstace Sulyard, between whome they had yssue Edward Sulyard, Esquier, their sonne and heyer, and Mary, Margaret, Jane, Anne, and Bridget, their daughters; and to her thirde and last husbande she had William Ayloff; of Brittens, Esquier, by whome she had no yssue; which said Ewstace Sulyard died in Februarie, in the first yeare of King Edwarde the Sixte, and the said Margaret died the fifte of Februarie in the ix and twentyeth yeare of our soueragne queene Elizabeth.

Occupying a most beautiful situation, about a mile and a half from the church stands the remains of

FLEMYNG’S HALL.

The gable represented is nearly all that a destructive fire has left of this spacious edifice, which, in its original state, must have been a truly noble and extensive building. It derives its name from the family of Flernyng, who possessed a lordship so called from a very early period; this manor, however, passed by marriage to the Sulyards, whose arms, quartered, remain in the centre compartment of the lower window to the present time. And to the Sulyards, and not to the Flemyngs, I should ascribe the building of the existing mansion, as both the style of architecture and the armorial bearings would indicate. The house and estate remained long with their descendants, and now form part of the possessions of Sir John Tyrrell of Boreham House, near Chelmsford; but by what tenure or transfer the Tyrrells obtained it I have not been informed.

The original structure in its entire state, like all large mansions of that period, inclosed a court-yard, and was defended by a deep moat. Considerable remains of the latter are visible, strengthened still further by a lofty embankment of earth on the inner side.

Above one hundred spacious apartments, and a large chapel, finely vaulted with stone, were contained in this quadrangle; while the interior fittings corresponded with such magnificence, stained glass in great profusion, tapestry, that favourite ornament of our ancestors, and paintings, by eminent masters, sparkled in the windows and adorned the walls. Many of these decorations have been removed by the Tyrrells, and are said to enrich the apartments of their present residence.

External proofs of the same noble feeling are not wanting at Flemyng’s. The beauties of nature (who wantons here in her most luxuriant garb) were assisted by the hand of art, and an extensive park, fine canals, a large warren, and delightful woods, must have rendered this residence one of the most attractive spots in the neighbourhood of the metropolis; and it is difficult to account how fashion should have so far overcome taste as to compel the latter to abandon Flemyng’s Hall to neglect and dilapidation.

Springfield: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

At Springfield church we have a nave and chancel only, of nearly equal width, though the broken angles at the north side of the former evince that an aisle originally extended the length of this portion of the edifice; its fragments deserve attention, as being composed of pebbles and fractured pieces of brick, which much resemble Roman manufacture. The tower is square, built of the same materials as the body of the church, and probably at the same period, though the upper part being finished with red brick, points to a subsequent repair, which an inscription just beneath the battlements, on the south side, records in the following words:
Prayse God for al the good Benefectors,
Ano 1586.


The chancel contains some very elegant windows of king Edward the First’s period, finished with interior columns and water-labels; the latter terminated with those spirited busts so usual at that time, and which the sculpture of several succeeding ages vainly imitated.

A large square-headed window of Henry the Eighth’s style of architecture, inserted into the south wall of the chancel, contains three shields of armorial bearings.

MONUMENTS.

1. To the memory of Thomas Brograve Esqre, who departed this life the 10th of December, 1810, aged 83 years, universally beloved and respected. His remains are interred in a vault underneath the family pew in this church. Thomas Brograve purchased Springfield Place in 1781; was the second son of Thomas Brograve, Esqre, of the county of Norfolk, and Juliana his wife, eldest daughter of John Berney, Esqr, late of Westwood and Worstead in the same county. In the vault are also interred the remains of Mrs. Ann Brograve, sister of the above, who departed this life the 5th of June, 1820, aged 83, justly esteemed and regretted by all who knew her.

2. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Strutt, widow of Mr. Thomas Stunt, who was a freeholder of this parish. Four of their infant children having been buried in this churchyard, she was by her own particular desire interred in the same ground. Two sons survived her; the eldest of whom, John, was buried by his own desire with his daughter and two sons in the ground of the Broadway Chapel, Westminster. He left a widow, who, wishing to fulfil the intention of him whom she survived, and as a memorial of her own long cherished affection and respect, caused this monument to be erected.

3. Sacred to the memory of Charles Gretton, Esqr., late Major of the West Essex Militia, and one of his Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenants for this County; second son of the late Rev Charles Gretton, Rector of this parish, who died on the 13th of May, 1826, in the 71st year of his age, much regretted. And also, Mary, his wife, who died on the 2nd of March, 1820, in the 85th year of her age.

4. In a vault beneath this place repose the remains of Anne, wife of the Revd Phillips Gretton, D.D., ob. July 20th, 1733, aet. 47. Also, the Revd. Phillips Gretton, Rector of this parish, obt. Feb. 16th, 1744, aet. 67. Likewise, Thomas, son of Charles Gretton, citizen of London, obt. October 18th, 1744, aet. 53. The Revd. Henry Gretton, A.B., Rector of this parish, caused this monument to be erected, A.D.. 1786. (The entrance into the vault is under the vestry window.)

5. In the vault in the vestry are deposited the remains of the Revd. Henry Gretton, BA., 28 years Rector of this parish, and formerly of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, whose humanity and urbanity of manners will be long remembered, died 20th Decr. A.D. 1811, aged 60 years. He gave the Altar piece.

6. Sacred to the memory of Juliana Gretton, the only and beloved child of Philip and Susanna Gretton, who died of consumption at Colchester, on the 4th of August, 1833, in the 19th year of her age; in whom were united beauty, accomplishments, talents, and a most amiable disposition. So devoted was her filial affection, that even in the awful hour of dissolution she endeavoured to restrain the expression of her own sufferings, to mitigate the grief of afflicted parents, whose sole consolation now rests on the Christian’s hope of being permitted to join their beloved child in those mansions of peace where the voice of sorrow and of anguish shall be heard no more.

7. Near this place is interred Mr. Philip Gretton, youngest son of the late Dr. Gretton, obt. May 20th, 1749, aet. 22. Also, Elizabeth, wife of the Revd. Charles Gretton, obt. April 10th A.D. 1776, aet. 52. Likewise, the Rev Charles Gretton, A.M., Rector of Bosvils Portion, and Wretcham Bohunt, in this county, obt. September 29th, A.D. 1783, aet. 67.

The following benefactions to this parish are recorded on the front of the gallery:-

1. The poor of this parish are entitled to a rent-charge of £6 13s. 4d. per annum, payable out of certain lands called Great Perry Field, Little Perry Field, and Mill Field, situated in the parish. This rent charge was settled by Robert Peasely of this parish, yeoman, pursuant to a decree of the Court of Chancery, dated 23rd of January, 1586, upon the Mildmay family and other trustees of the poor, to be expended for their benefit under direction of the minister, churchwardens, and overseers for the time being.

2. The poor of this parish are also entitled (under direction of the ministers, churchwardens, and overseers, for the time being) to four tenements situate on the south-west side of the Green, occupied by indigent persons belonging to the parish ; and also to a tenement situate on west side of the road leading from the Green to Little Waltham, and occasionally used for the residence of persons afflicted with contagious disorders.

3. The parishioners are entitled to a rent-charge of £2 per annum, payable by the proprietor of Springfield Place for the time being, out of a piece of land lying contiguous to the end of the churchyard, which formerly belonged to the parish, but now forms part of the courtyard in front of Springfield Place.

4. The parishioners are entitled to certain lands, containing twelve acres and nineteen poles, situate in the parish, and known by the names of Holme Field, Alms Field, Church Field, Wood Field, and Little Lay Oaks; the rents arising therefrom, as well as the last-mentioned rent charge of £2 per annum, are to be applied in repairing and beautifying the parish church, under direction of the churchwardens for the time being; and the surplus, if any, to be applied to the assistance and support of the poor of the parish.
These lands are conveyed to certain trustees, who meet in November every year to audit the accounts.

It is but justice to the churchwardens to say, that the power and ability vested in them by the above donation, have been exercised in a praiseworthy manner; an that Springfield Church is not only kept in the neatest and most reputable condition, but exhibits fewer barbarisms than most sacred edifices subjected to constant repairs. The font, which lies hidden by rubbish in the tower, is of an earlier date than the church itself, and probably appertained to a former edifice, of which the north aisle may have formed a portion: it is probably as early as Henry the First’s reign.

Mountnessing: Revd. A. Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

Mountnessing acquired its name from the Norman family of Mounteney, who obtained possession of this lordship in the time of King Stephen, and retained it till the reign of Henry the Eighth. It is now held by Lord Petre.

The church was early appropriated to the priory of Thoby, a religious establishment in this village, which enjoyed the patronage till its suppression, when the great tithes were conveyed into lay hands, and are the property of the family of Petre. It is a very small though a regular edifice, and may be referred to the age of Edward the First: its chancel is a barbarous modern erection of red brick, but its nave, lofty and of good proportions, is divided from its aisles by cylindrical columns supporting pointed arches. It is much to be regretted, however, that one arcade of this portion of the edifice has been cut off from the western end to form a tower, which, inclosing a framework of timber, bears aloft an ugly spire of shingles. The most remarkable features in this church are the capitals on the pillars which divide the nave from the north aisle. One in particular deserves notice, not only on account of the spirited execution of the foliage, but for the very singular device of a human face carved in deep relief, having the mouth fettered by an iron bridle. Whether this conceit originated in any local occurrence, or whether it alludes to the words of the Psalmist, (Ps. xxxix.,) “I will keep my mouth as it were with a bridle, while the ungodly is in my sight,” the fancy of the reader must determine; probably the latter.

The columns on the south side are finished with plain moulded capitals. Immediately fronting the south door, which is now the usual entrance, stands a low and a plain octangular font, against which reclines a singular curiosity, namely, a fossil rib-bone of enormous proportions, measuring four feet and three quarters of an inch in a straight line from tip to tip. Village credulity ascribes this to some giant, a former habitant of Mountnessing, though the anatomist, with more discrimination, would refer it to the elephant, or perhaps the stupendous mammoth. It has occupied its present situation for a long series of years, though but little value seems attached to this relic of an antediluvian world.

The north aisle appears to have been the family vault of the late possessors of Thoby Priory, and against its walls are the following memorials on marble slabs:-

1. In the vault beneath are deposited the remains of Mary, relict of Henry Blencowe, Esqr., and sole heiress of Alexander Prescott, Esq of Thoby Priory, who died October the 20th, 1770, aged 54. Also, the remains of Mary, only daughter of the above Henry and Mary Blencowe, who died March the 14th, 1822, aged 72.

2. Near this place lieth the body of Henry Blencowe, Esqr., Councellor at Law. He was descended from Sir Henry Blencowe, of Blencowe, in the county of Cumberland, Knt., and married Mary, the only surviving daughter and heiress of Alexander Prescott, of Thoby Priory, Esq., bv whom he left two children, viz., Henry and Mary. His afflicted widdow, in memory of his many excellent virtues as a husband, and a parent, and a friend, caus’d this monument to be erected. He died the 29 of April, 1765, in the 54th year of his age.

3. Near this place are deposited the remains of John Prescott, of Thoby, Esqr., who departed this life 19th of May, 1750, aged 39 years.

Faith, Hope, and Charity, his constant friends,
Did all his actions guide to noble ends;
These virtues he from heaven drew down here,
And they well pleased at length have rais’d him there
Moriendo vivo!

4. Near this place are deposited the remains of Henrv Prescott Blencowe, Esqr., late of Thoby Priory in this parish, who died the 9th day of February, 1787, in the 35th year of his age, leaving hiss widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Blencowe, and four children, viz., Henry Prescott, Elizabeth, John Prescott, and Margarett.

On a floor-stone in the chancel is also an inscription to a member of the Prescott family.

5. Alexander Prescott, Esqr., eldest son and heir of Alexander Prescott, of Thoby, Esqre., died the 18th of October, 1731, aged 22. He was of Emanuel College, Cambridge, and of the Temple, student; a person of an accomplished and sweet temper, and whose virtues and innocent life is an example to posterity.

On a monument consigned to neglect, and thrown into a corner of’ the belfry, is this inscription:-

6. Reader, this table represents ye pious state
Of one whose soul to heaven was truly consecrate.
Who from the turmoiles of this world confined
By a distemper too severely kind;
Just to all men, to God devout,
Patient beyond or wrongs or gout:
After a life in contemplation pass’d
Was brought to that celestiall blisse at last,
Which he by faith so firmly did possesse before,
Vision alone could make him to enjoy it more.
The disconsolate widdow of Edmond Pert, Gent., has erected this monument, sacred to the her deceased husband, buried near this place.

7. 17 Decembris, 1583.
Layde heere aloone all dedde in tooeme John Peers of Arnollde Hall,
Awaiteth the daye of dooeme till Christe hym up shall call,
Whose tyme nowe paste on earth well spente hath gotten him good name
His honest lyfh and govermente deserved well the same
God grawnte that his good dealyne may to us example be
Of Mowntneysinge that rightelie saye an honest man was he.

The above in old English characters, is on a plain floor-stone in the chancel.

Against the south wall of the aisle is the following:-

8. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Sarah Bowskill, wife of the Revd W. W. Bowskill, vicar of this parish, who died May 7th, 1810, aged 64. Also, of William Westfield Bowskil, son of the above died April 27th, 1808, aged 28; and also of Miss Mary Whitewood, only laughter of Captain Saml Whitewood, and Sarah his wife, (late Mrs. Bowskil,) who died December 28th, 1828, aged 52.

The following are benefactions to this parish:-

“1. Endimion Canning, Esqr., late of’ this parish, by will, May 24, 1681, bequeathed to the churchwardens and overseers and principal inhabitants of this parish and his successors, in trust, a field for the use of the poor of this parish forever, by the name of Ryer’s Field, now let for £23 per annum, Sept. 4, 1807.

2. A donation of Mrs. Amy English, the only daughter and heiress of Richard Bayley, Esqre., deceased, bearing date the 5th day of October, 1787, in pursuance of his charitable intentions of the said Richard Bayley, expressed and declared in his lifetime to the said Amy English, his daughter, upon trust, of a farm and lands in Mountnessing, called Pinchions, containing 13 ac.: 0 : 39; and a messuage and lands also in Mountnessing, parcel of a farm called Sawbriglets and Shimmius, containing 4 ac. : 2 : 17, at the yearly rent of £30, to apply the yearly rents and profits thereof for the teaching and instructing as many poor children belonging to or residing said parish of Mountnessing, in reading and in the principles of the Christian religion, and such of them as should be girls in sewing and knitting; and for providing such children with other necessaries.”


THOBY PRIORY.

Founded in the reign of King Stephen, and so called from the name of its first Prior, Tobias or Toby, owes its origin to the piety or perhaps to the superstitious terrors of the family of De Capra; Michael de Capra, Roesia his wife, and William, their son, uniting their joint influence and wealth to further its establishment. The precise era of this event is not satisfactorily ascertained, though there is evidence to prove that it must have taken place between the years 1141 and 1151. Being dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Leonard, it was filled with monks of the Order of Saint Augustine. Though considerable portions of this monastery are incorporated into the present residence, still called Thoby Priory, and though some fragments of the conventual church yet remain, no vestige of the original structure, as finished by De Capra, can at the present era be detected. And when we consider how greatly the first foundation of this building preceded the introduction of the more elegant architecture of a subsequent period, no surprise can exist on this score. The passion for re-edifying all churches in the new style, which prevailed so undisguisedly in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, could scarcely be excluded the walls of Thoby; accordingly, we find the circular shaft and pointed arch of our first Edward’s reign, prevailing in the remains of the conventual church; the arch being marked by a deep indenture, received at its union with that of the next by a projecting escocheon. The entire plan of this monastery is very easily traced, as the area appears to have been undisturbed since the first destruction took place, at the dissolution of religious houses. On the south side of the square stood the church, comprising a nave with a south aisle at least, and probably a north aisle also on the opposite wing, and a chancel of lofty proportions without those additions. Of this structure the only portion standing is represented in the annexed sketch, which shows the south window of chancel, and the first arch and its columns of the southern arcade of the nave. North of this structure was the cloister, and on the west were the prior’s lodge, and monks’ refectory - of which latter apartment the greater part remains - still a lofty and noble room, though much disfigured by the introduction of sash windows a modern ceiling of plaster, through which the principals of the ancient roof are seen, as if endeavouring to peep from out their unworthy concealment. Careful digging about the church and cloisters would, without doubt, amply repay the trouble and expense attending it, by the discovery of many specimens of ancient curiosity and art; and indeed chance has already developed several fragments of high antiquary and interest. Among these may be reckoned the lower portion of a Knight Templar, found beneath the garden mould which now covers the south aisle of the coventual church, and preserved with laudable care by Mr. Grant, the present occupier of Thoby. This relic was much fractured by the spades of the workmen who dug it from its place of concealment, and it is irremediably injured. I entertain but little doubt that the upper part of this figure might be recovered by further search. It would be idle to urge any thing beyond conjecture as to the personage intended to be commemorated by this expensive tomb.

The family of Mounteney, we know, possessed the manor of this village during crusading times, and that of De Capra or Capel were patrons of Thoby. To a knight of one or other of these houses, and most probably of the latter, it was in all likelihood consecrated. There is nothing remarkable in any portion of this fragment. The style of the armour, the recumbent lion, and the folds of the drapery exhibit the patterns usually seen on similar monuments; but the material employed is somewhat singular, being a composition of plaster moulded on an iron frame.

At the north-west angle of the cloisters have likewise recently been disinterred six coffins lying in line, and close by each other, of very unusual construction. A drawing of one, which is still kept above ground for its curiosity, is here given, and will materially assist the description. A portion of an oak tree, it would appear, was first sawn off from the bole, of the requisite length, when a coffin of this description was wanted; a slab was then separated lengthwise of about the thickness of one third of the diameter of the tree, which served afterwards as a lid; the thicker portion was then scooped out in the form usually seen in sarcophagi, and then charred; when, the corpse being placed within, the severed plank or lid was reunited and fastened to the coffin by four pegs of wood, the holes for which may be observed at the corners. So little finish was bestowed on these receptacles of mortality that the bark may in places be still discerned; and however rude they may appear, we must yet regard them as constructed for persons of some degree of consequence, as the bodies of those of inferior condition were committed to the earth in a simple covering of waxed cloth, a practice which continued to be observed as late as the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Two coffins only, out of the six discovered, were disturbed; these, on being opened, contained perfect skeletons of females, which were reinterred within the area of the burial ground. So sound was the timber, notwithstanding the length of time it had remained beneath the soil, that Mr. Grant has had several boxes and ornaments formed out of one of them, which admit of an exceedingly high degree of polish, and retain the distinctive marks of the grain.

A few very small knives with bone or ivory handles, and some coins of a late era, may likewise be mentioned as having also been discovered within the precincts of Thoby Priory; nor should I omit noticing some specimens of ornamental floor tiles which were found in the chancel: they are baked with earth of two colours, of which the ground was a dull red, and the figures a light brown. Those in Mr. Grant’s possession bear the forms of rabbits, stags, and other animals and I feel convinced, so little has curiosity been gratified here, that the principal antiquarian treasures of this “fallen pile” remain to be developed at a future day.

The seal of this abbey is attached to a deed dated the 11th of Edward II., now in the Augmentation Office, and the legend may be read thus: SIGILLVM : SANCTI : LEONARDI : DE : TOBI.

As Thoby was valued at only £75 6s. 10½d. per annum, it became one of those establishments “devoured (as Fuller quaintly observes) without producing a sacrilegious surfeit” by Cardinal Wolsey, to whose use it was surrendered in 1525. That ecclesiastic’s disgrace, however, brought it, with the rest of his prodigious wealth, into his master’s hands, who, on the general dissolution of religious houses, which soon after followed, granted it in 1530 to Sir Richard Page, Knt., and the reversion in 1539 to William Berners, Esq., and Dorothy his wife. It has lately been possessed by the family of Prescott, and passed, a few years since, by a female heir in marriage to that of Blencowe, who are its present possessors.

From an examination of the subjoined documents, it will appear that the Priory Thoby held, in addition to the advowson and great tithes of the entire parish of Mountnessing, about four hundred and ninety-seven acres of land, and rather more than thirty-seven acres of copyhold held of the manor of Thoby, and as it seems under arbitrary fines.

It is perhaps impossible to ascertain, at the precise moment, the value of the tithes and copyholds; but as the whole property was only fixed at £75 6s. 10½d. per annum, we may, I think, infer that the land was let or valued at not more than two shillings per acre, taking wood-land, meadow and arable, all round, which would have produced about £50 per annum of rent. The copyholds and the great tithes of the entire parish must surely have amounted to the remaining £25 6s. 10½d. – a very striking but correct proof of the difference in the value of landed property between he early parts of the sixteenth and the nineteenth centuries. This difference will appear yet more surprising when I observe, that the lands of Thoby, like those of all monastic houses, were the richest in the neighbourhood; and that the monks were the best farmers of their day, I have demonstrated in a preceding volume.

The full text appears on the main website: http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/