Blackmore History: written March 1974

St Laurence Church, Blackmore
(from old postcard)

Blackmore History (March 1974)

BLACKMORE:  The Parish (formerly the Priory) Church of Blackmore - St. Laurence - stands south of the village on land where the waters of the River Wid form a large medieval moat, enclosing the site of an old Augustinian Priory. It may seen strange that there should be so many houses of Austin Canons in the county, but they were small – Blackmore had only twelve canons - and they performed a practical function in providing priests to sing mass in the numerous tiny villages scattered about the forest. This Augustinian Priory was dedicated to St. Laurentius, a Third century deacon, who, according to tradition, was martyred in Rome by being roasted to death on a gridiron. Its foundation is attributed to members of the de Sanford family, probably towards the end of the 12^th century. Some records are more specific, and claim that the priory church was built circa 1150 be two Norman barons, Alan and Jordan de Sanford, who were Chamberlains to Eleanor, Queen of Henry II. The advowson of the Priory afterwards passed by the marriage of Alice de Sanford, grand-daughter of Sir John, to the de Veres, earls of Oxford.

In 1309, episcopal injunctions were issued to this Priory, as result of a visitation. The prior and canons were enjoined to be regular in their attendance at all the offices, night and day, to cease from strife and contentions, not to wander outside the precincts, to receive no money for the purchase of clothes or necessaries, and not to assign any or the church ornaments of their house to the churches appropriated to them. With regard to the care of the parish church of Blackmore, it was insisted that a fit priest should be at once presented to the bishop for saying mass at the canonical hours and otherwise ministering to the parishioners. This last order was neglected, and on 14^th February 1310, the bishop peremptorily ordered compliance within ten days. On 6th April 1310, Nicholas, the Prior, and Walter de Chelmsford, one of the canons, appeared before the bishop in London and entered into a covenant with five of the parishioners of Blackmore, to present a parish vicar, under a penalty of 40/-.

The Priory was dissolved on 10th February 1525 be John Alen, agent of Cardinal Wolsey; its spiritualities being valued at £41.13.4, and its temporalities at £43.11.3 yearly. By inquisitions taken on 8th August and 20th November, it was found that there were at the priory at the time of the suppression a prior and three canons, who were transferred to other places, and that its possessions Included “the manors of Blackmore, Margaretting, Willingale, Bowells end Bromfeld". A detailed list of the debts of the house, amounting in all to £27.19.10, is preserved, and part of the inventory of the goods or the church. In this, Our Lady's aisle is said to be 40 ft. in length and St. Peter's aisle, 52 ft.

Exactly a year after the suppression, the priory was granted by Wolsey to his college at Oxford, and three years later it was transferred to hi a second foundation at Ipswich. By his forfeiture it came into the king's hands, and on 1st January 1532, it was granted to the abbot and convent of Waltham. This was in turn dissolved and it returned to the Crown, and was finally granted John Smyth Esq., one of the king’s auditors.

The seal of the priory (about the middle of the 13th century) was a pointed oval of yellow wax measuring about 2½ by 1½ inches, with the lower part broken, representing St. Laurence, under a canopy. The legend was: SIGILL • VENT . KEMORA.

In the lifetime of John Smyth, the people of Blackmore continued to worship in the Priory Church, but his son determined to pull down the church and use the materials to build Smyth Hall. The parishioners objected, claiming the nave as their own. Their claim was upheld and Sir Thomas Smyth had to close in the east end of the nave, but the chancel an all other buildings of the community had been demolished. It should be noted that a parish church stood on the site before the priory was established.

The church is not that one usually associated with a priory; it is a modest building, seeming more homely by reason of its dormer windows, to which reference is made later. The most noteworthy feature of Blackmore church is its tower, a detailed description of which is also given subsequently. This modest church, with its splendid tower, and the dormer windows, gives both a homely and stimulating effect, and, seen across the fields from all sides of the village, it is both distinctive and charming.

The Bull Inn, Blackmore (1960s)

The church is reached from the centre or the village by a lane, Church Street, which contains several old houses in a good state of repair. It also contains a very fine old inn, the Bull Inn, which was built late in the 15th or early in the 16th century, and was extended towards the south at a later date. The upper storey projects on the west front, and there is a break in roof levels at the junction or the extension with the original block. Inside the building, the roof at the north end has an original king-post truss. The interior of the inn has been modernised and is a most warm, comfortable and welcoming place for drink and good food.[1]

Adjoining the church to the north-west is a large red brick house known as "Jericho", which stands within the area occupied by the old priory, and in the garden of the house are some remains of the ancient buildings (see Exhibit B). Here Henry VIII kept one of his mistresses, and here was born his natural son, Robert Fitzroy. The king was a frequent visitor, and often, if he was enquired for at court, the answer was "He has gone to Jericho" - the phrase has of course lived on.

Blackmore church was originally nearly twice as long as it now is, extending beyond the present east wall. The conventual buildings stood on the south side of the church - see Exhibit B. The present building comprises chancel, nave, north and south aisles, west tower and north porch. It has had several restorations, the most recent in 1878, 1890, 1903 and 1907. It was originally a Norman structure, but underwent extensive alterations in the 13th century, and further change in the 14th and 15th centuries. The west end of the nave, and one bay on either side at the west end still, remain of the original building, and also a fragment on the north and south sides at the east end. The exterior of the south and east walls is not normally accessible, being in the garden of Jericho Priory, previously mentioned.

The general appearance of the church is unusual - one tiled roof covers the whole building. When it was a Norman church, there was undoubtedly a roof over the nave and two lean-to or flat roofs at a lower level over the aisles, but at the end of the 14th century a new roof was put over the whole building, at the same level from east to west, embracing nave and both aisles. There are two dormers of large dimensions on the north and three on the south side. The walls of the church are of flint, with dressings of clunch and brick. It was probably built on the foundations of the previous Norman building and some of the original structure is incorporated in the walls. This is mainly to be seen externally in the east wall. This wall is mainly of rubble, but portions of the original stone can be seen. It is heavily buttressed, with brick buttresses at the angles, and two stepped buttresses of rubble between them. Much of the north-east corner of the wall is built of brick. In the east wall on the outside are the remains of two round-headed arches, approximately opposite to the north and south aisles. In the east wail is a modern three-light Perpendicular window.

West Door, Blackmore

The west door was enclosed by the tower in the 15th century, and there was little use for the south door when the church was made parochial. Old papers record that a more modern door was made at the eastern end of the north aisle, but I can find no visible evidence of it, and it must have been walled in.

The north porch, coeval with the tower, and doorway, are now the only public entry to the church. The external porch has some old timbers, used in reconstruction early in this century, incorporated in the wall-plates and barge board. The doorway has a finely moulded arch and label of the Early English or Henry III period, with modern head-stops end restored moulded jambs.

The west front and one bay of the Norman church is left at the west end, and there is reason to suppose that the bay at the east end, of similar width, is partly of the same age, although the mouldings do not support this deduction. This Norman architecture is of the 12th century, and the west front is a pleasing composition. It was formerly external until the erection of the tower. There is a circular-headed doorway, into the tower, above which, on a line, are two hollow chamfered and round-headed windows, and higher up in a gable a round window, modern internally. The windows expand to a great width on the inside face of the wall, and are carefully finished. The whole front is of squared masonry and is a fine specimen of Norman workmanship. The doorway has three plain orders with a semi-circular head and a chamfered label; the jambs had each two free shafts and one worked on the inner order. The capitals are scalloped and have grooved and chamfered abaci. The free shafts have gone, and the jambs have been repaired in brick.

To the south of the doorway is a rough sinking in the wall, with a ragged cutting above like a fireplace and flue. It apparently dates from before the erection of the tower end I cannot ascertain what its nature was. To appreciate the attractiveness and interest of this Norman architecture it is essential to view it from the floor of the tower, although the door giving access to it from the nave is normally locked.

Unusual south view of
Blackmore Church bell tower
taken early 1970s

St. Laurence Church possesses, according to Dr. Pevsner, "one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive, of all the timber towers in England”.[2] An article in "Country Life" (9th May 1963) states "Perhaps the most impressive of all the timber towers in England is that of St. Laurence's Priory Church at Blackmore". A distinctive and unorthodox method of constructing timbered steeples is found in the south-eastern counties, especially in Essex, There they are commonly attached to a church of a more massive construction (stone, brick or rubble), sometimes opening into it, or built against the western facade, as is the case here at Blackmore. On plan, many timber steeples have a continuous aisle placed upon all four sides, as at Blackmore, Margaretting and Stock. They are all built with massive vertical posts set on great horizontal baulks timber, which form their sills. The vertical posts rise to the full height of the belfry itself, and are buttressed by similarly constructed outbuildings forming aisles to the north and south, as at Blackmore. These outbuildings have loan-to roofs, giving a three-tiered effect. The resemblance to a small, independent aisle church is increased by the presence of intermediate posts between the main verticals (see Exhibit D).

The Blackmore tower rises in three diminishing stages, each stage separated by a pent roof covered with tiles. On plan, the tower is 28 feet by 26½ feet, including the lean-to aisles, the lofty base combining the first two storeys, giving lightness and nobility to the interior. The exterior of each upper stage is framed up with boards fastened upon studs, with narrow strips of oak to cover the joints, these boards being vertical on the first storey and horizontal on the uppermost. The lowest, or ground-level stage, is half-timbered, with massive timber studs, the in-filling being covered with plaster. The studs were until fairly recently covered all over with plaster and were not therefore visible, and the appearance of the tower has been much improved by its removal. In the studs are a great number of what appear to be nail-holes, probably caused by the framework nailed to the studs to a backing for the plaster, and which were ripped out when the plaster was taken away. Also clearly visible externally are the holes drilled out to receive the large wooden dowels, frequently used for fastening the massive members, and often the ends of the dowels themselves can be seen.

The lowest pent roof, covering three sides of the circulating aisle, has deep projecting eaves which are supported upon angle struts having curved brackets.

The foundations of the tower are of rubble, upon which are placed enormous horizontal baulks of timber 19 inches thick, forming the sills to the main uprights of the framing. These are four massive posts, one at each corner, enclosing a square of 15 feet 8 inches across which is also the size of the belfry. Within, the north and south aisles are divided into four bays, the central two with arched heads. Above are two tiers of cross-bracing; the outer bays have angle struts supporting the framework. From east to west, single arches are built up of naturally curved struts, reaching to the level of the first tier of cross bracing at the sides; the moulded edges of the arches are continued to the ground upon pilasters with moulded bases. Above the arches is a single tier of cross-bracing, matching the upper tier of the sides. The top stages are also cress-braced (see Exhibits D and E). The belfry is completed by a shingled collared spire combined with a narrow spirelet, capped with a leaden terminal of trumpet shape, through which passes the rod of the weather-vane. Apart from the shingles on the steeple, all the timbers in the tower are entirely of local oak, for when it was built much of Essex was forest, and oaks abounded, In the west wall of the tower is a 15th century window of four cinquefoiled lights with vertical tracery in a square head, all of wood. In the bell-chamber are four two-light louvres, one in each face. The belfry is about 120 feet high, and a sectional elevation of the timber structure is seen in Exhibit C. The joints incorporated in the timber- work include a form of the mitre, not often met with. Viewed from inside the tower it is a most elaborate and impressive example of the carpenter's art, and it gives an impression of great strength.

The tower houses a carillon of five bells, the largest of which, the tenor, weighs half a ton. The details are:-

No.1 - 29 inches, weight 5 cwt., was cast in 1657. Incised "Miles Graye made me 1657”. It was recast by Mears end Stainbank in 1914.

No.2 - 31 inches, weight 6 cwt., same date and incision.

No.3 - 33 inches, weight 6½ cwt., incised “John Hybberd, Miles Graye made me 1648”

No.4 - 36 inches, weight 8 cwt., incised "Thomas Lester of London made me", and again, below, "John Staples, Ch. Warden, 1752".

No.5 - 41 inches, weight 10 cwt. 38 lbs., incised  "Stephen Smith Esquire. Miles Graye made me 1647”, and on the waist "Great Lawrence recast 1901 Laus Deo”. It was recast by Mears and Stainbank.

"Bell Rope Meadow” was willed to the church centuries ago, that the rent should provide new bell ropes when required.

The Nave, Blackmore Church
(1960s)

The nave (87 feet by 20 feet) of the priory church forms the chancel and nave of the present church. The east wall internally is splayed back to show part of the 14th century octagonal responds of a former transverse arch; they have moulded capitals and are tapered back to a point about 6 feet above the floor. In the north wall are six arches; the easternmost is of early 16th century work, four-centred and of three chamfered orders with semi-octagonal responds, of which the eastern has a moulded capital and base, and the western base is cut away; the arch is cemented, but is probably of brick, and was kept low to admit an upper floor over the east bay of the north aisle. The second, third, fourth and fifth arches are of the 14th century, rebuilt. The moulded two-centred arches have moulded labels with shield stops, some modern, and spring from columns each with four attached shafts with moulded capitals and bases. The responds have attached half-columns. The sixth arch is of mid-12th century date, semi-circular and of one square order; the square pier has at each angle an attached shaft with scalloped or water-leaf capital and moulded impost; the respond of the fifth arch is built against this pier; the west respond is similar to half a square pier; above the east arch of the arcade is a square-headed window opening now blocked on the south side; it must formerly have opened into the upper floor in the north aisle. East of the head of the arch, and cut away for about a third of its width by the east wall, is a blocked 12th century window with moulded splays and semi-circular rear arch; it is at a lower level than the original clerestory. Above the west respond of the first arch are remains of the west jamb or the original clerestory window, and below it, part of the weathering to the original aisle roof. Above the fifth pier, over the Norman arch, is an original clerestory window of a single round light, now opening into the north aisle, but with the weathering to the original aisle roof below it. Unfortunately the central arches of the north aisle arcade at some time had "splayed over" to the north for about 13 inches, and they were therefore rebuilt in 1893. The greatest care was taken, each stone being marked, and it was eventually rebuilt in the original order, and the arcade effectively strengthened.

The south arcade is of six bays, the easternmost arch is uniform with the corresponding arch on the north. Above the arch to the east is part of a blocked window corresponding to that on the north side, but with a short length of string-course running west from it. Centrally above the arch is a wide square-headed opening, with a wooden frame and head. The second to the fifth bays of the arcade have two-centred arches of three chamfered orders and octagonal piers are semi-octagonal responds with moulded capitals and bases. The work is rough of mid-16th century Tudor type, and the piers and probably the arches are of brick. The sixth bay is original 12th century and is uniform with the corresponding bay on the north side, except that all the attached shafts have scalloped capitals with impost mouldings repaired in cement. over the sixth (Norman) arch is an original clerestory window, corresponding to that on the north sides, overlooking the modern vestry which has been shut off for privacy at the west end of the south aisle.[3]

The north aisle (7½ feet wide) has in its vast wall part of an arch, probably of the 13th century, dying into the modern buttress; the rest of the arch has been destroyed and the filling is more modern. The north wall east of the porch is of much later work than the remainder west of the porch. The two gabled dormers on the north side of the church are said by some authorities to be 16th century work and by others as probably belonging to the 17th or 18th century. They are of an interesting character and have been carefully incorporated with the older wall of the church. In the north wall are five Perpendicular windows. The easternmost is a single early 16th century light, with a four-centred head restored externally; the second is modern, as is the third, except for the head and tracery of the western light and the internal head of both lights, which are of the 14th century, re-set.

Both second and third are of two cinquefoiled ogee lights with tracery, in squared heads; the fourth window is similar to the third, and is of the 14th century, re-set with some modern stone-work. The fifth window is similar but with a moulded label a much weathered. Between the fourth and fifth windows is the North door, previously described. East of the porch, and projecting on modern buttresses are the two gabled dormers, of wood and plaster, each of three lights with an oval light above. These dormers are carried by a corbel-like arrangement of mouldings over the aisle windows, supported by buttresses of stone and rubble. Whilst the dormers themselves give a somewhat strange and picturesque effect to the church viewed as a whole, the general appearance of the north wall is not very attractive, in my opinion, and the buttresses are out of keeping with the character of to church.

The south aisle (7½ feet wide) has in the east wall a modern window incorporating some old stones, end set in the blocking of a 13th century two-centred archway with a rounded label on the west side; the south wall of In- aisle is splayed back to allow or the width of the archway. The south wall is probably of mid-16th century date except at the east end, where it may be 13th century. Near the east end is the 13th century doorway from the cloister, now blocked up. Externally part of the two-centred moulded arch is visible, and internally the whole arch and the segmental-pointed and shouldered rear-arch with moulded label, can clearly be seen. Above the door head internally is the carved figure of a beast, with the head broken off. Some have suggested that it may be intended to be a boar, which was sometimes used as a crest by the de Vere family, who at one time held the advowson of the church. A more likely possibility, it has been suggested, is that the carving represents a salamander – a mythical creature which it was believed it was impossible to destroy by fire, and which was often carved at the entrances to churches in the porch or over the doorway to protect the building from fire. Further west the three modern windows, each of two lights, square-headed, with stone jambs and cusped tracery. The easternmost one is difficult to see internally, because it is hidden by the organ, which stands in front of it. Between the two western windows is the 18th century south doorway, probably representing-a former doorway from the cloisters.

In the south wall are three dormers, each of three lights with square heads under small gables. They spring from and are incorporated in the roof, and are not carried on corbels and buttresses as are the two dormers on the north side. At the west end of the south wall can be seen a small part of the original wall, with wooden framing. There is one brick buttress on the south wall, to the east of the westernmost window.

The south wall externally has a far more pleasing appearance than the north wall; the dormers are smaller and less obtrusive without the ugly buttresses, and the whole facade has a more mellow and uniform appearance.

The font, of Purbeck marble, is a plain octagon measuring 2 feet 7 inches across and three feet in height. It is of the 14th or 15th century, and is raised upon two Purbeck marble steps, occupying its original position in the centre of the nave, and westward of the principal entrance. Singularly enough, it does net stand square within the building - the alternate angles of the font are placed to the cardinal points of the building. It is quite plain, but there are some indications that it may at one time have had some form of decoration; it is too worn to be sure of this.

The internal roof of the church is of timber, the boarding for the most part running longitudinally from east to west. There are timber ribs with carved bosses at intervals where the ribs intersect with the central ridge-timber. An interesting discovery was made at the end of the last century - - when extensive repairs were made. It was noticed that the shields at the intersections of the rib vaultings were painted with heraldic devices. After removal and cleaning it was found that four hundred years of grime had not entirely destroyed their original colours. An expert in heraldry examined them and was able to date most of the families or persons whose devices they were. John of Gaunt's shield is there and he died in 1399. The shield of Robert de Braybrook, Bishop of London from 1381 - 1400, is also there, and the indications are that the roof was being constructed in the last decade of the 14th century. Sixteen of the shields were identified and among the other as recorded are those of Robert de Vere, Fitzwalter and Ufford. Some of the shields have been repainted and replaced on the roof.

The screen between the nave and chancel is modern, of oak, the vertical panels being surmounted by cusped ogee-arched tracery.[4]

The interior walls of the church are covered with plaster and have no special interest, beyond what has been already recorded.

All the painted window glass is modern, of the 20th century, but of good class. In 1901 memorial windows to Henry John Barratt and Dr. J. R. White were erected in the north wall. The east window was given by an anonymous donor. The window at the west end of the south wall, bearing the inscription "To the greater glory of God, end in memory of the 800th year of the existence of this church" was put in at the same time as the lych gate was built. There had been older painted glass in the church but all that remains is one panel representing the martyrdom of St. Laurence, originally in one of the north wall dormers.

In the south aisle, at the east end, Is an alabaster tomb which bears the recumbent figures of Sir Thomas Smythe and his second wife - Margaret. They lived in the parish at Smythes Hall, an ancient and picturesque building in which was some very fine painted glass windows, supposed to have been taken out of the old priory. Smythes Hall was pulled down in 1844. The date of the tomb is 1594. The heads of the effigies are on a rolled up mat. The tomb-chest, with decorated pillasters, is not original, and the tomb has suffered from neglect and possibly deliberate defacement, but it has been recently restored.

There are some interesting slabs in the floor of the chancel. In the middle, beneath the carpet (and protected by it) is the eldest one. It belongs to the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century. There is the matrix of a “cross flory" and round the edge come carved letters, now indecipherable. It is recorded that the inscription once read "To the memory of the just prior, Thomas de Vere". He might have been the prior responsible for planning the enlargement of the church, but why the 'just' prior?

In front of the chancel steps is another slab, with the filled in matrix of a brass figure - a civilian of the mid-15th century in a fur-trimmed gown. The description and the lower half of the figure is missing. The upper part of the brass figure has been removed, to avoid damage by passing feet, and it is intended mount it on a wall at some future date. There are several stone floor-slabs at the east end commemorating various members of the Smyth family. They are all carved with the Smyth achievement of arms - "a shield argent a cross gules between four peacocks close, azure; crest, a peacock's head erased azure, ducally gorged or”. Some of the carvings on the slabs are beautifully done, whilst others are of quite crude workmanship. Another interesting slob, on the north side near the communion rail, commemorates Simon Lynch, Rector of Runwell and Curate of Blackmore about 1660, "who for fearing God and the King was sequestered, prosecuted and persecuted to the day of his death - by Gog and Magog”. I understand that the reference to "Gag and Magog" is a disguised allusion to Cromwell and the Commonwealth, in biblical terminology.

There is a further curiosity in Blackmore church – a cresset stone believed to be the only one in Essex. It is a curiously shaped stone, grey in colour, with five cup-like depressions in it. These were filled with oil or tallow and a lighted wick floated in each, giving a somewhat meagre and smokey light. Such stones were usually placed in a passage, or near a doorway, and this one may have lighted the canons on the way to chapel. It is now kept in a box with a glass lid, in the tower, and access to the latter is necessary to see it.[5]

The church registers date back to 1602; they should date back to 1538, and it seems therefore that one is missing.

The list of Priors, which is not complete, dates from 1204, when King John was reigning. The list we have reads:-

Richard – occurs 1204

Roger

William – occurs 1234, 1240, 1244

John – occurs 1248, 1253, 1268

Nicholas – occurs 1310

James – occurs 1351

Walter Bumsted – died 1385

Stephen atte Broke – elected 1385, died 1406

John Dawdre – elected 1406

William – occurs 1437

John Canone – resigned 1445

Thomas Wold – occurs 1453, 1456

Robert – occurs 1458

John Webbe – resigned 1476

Thomas Basset – collated 1476

Thomas Colyns – died 1513

Thomas Goodwyn – collated 1513, the last Prior

The church today is just a small village church, but it has had a long and varied history, and it has many features of particular interest. The tower is quite outstanding, but in order to appreciate it fully it is essential to view it from inside. Anyone approaching Blackmore by the Ingatestone road has a fine view of the church,[6] beyond the grounds of Jericho Priory, and it will be difficult for anyone interested in old buildings to resist the temptation to go up to it and know it better.

Acknowledgments: I am grateful to the following sources, inter alia, for information concerning Blackmore Church: a file of papers concerning the Church kindly lent to me by the Vicar, the Rev. Montague H. Knott, a Short History of the Church compiled be Constance H. Simmons, a Short History compiled in 1945 by the then Vicar, an article in 'Country Life" dated 9th May 1963, the Victoria History of the County of Essex (Vol.2) and “Timber Building in England" by Fred H. Crossley.

List of Exhibits:-

.(A) Ground plan of St. Laurence Church.

(B) Ground plan showing an imaginative reconstruction of the original Priory and Church.

(C) The Bell Tower end sectional elevation.

(D) Ground plan of the Bell Tower

(3) An impression of the timber of the S.W. corner of the Bell Tower.

(F) Photograph of the timber tower from the west.

[Unknown author]

March 1974

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[1] Sadly The Bull Inn closed in 2010.

[2] It was tree-ring dated in 2004, and a date of construction of 1400 established.

[3] Since 1990 the site of a kitchen.  The Vestry was moved to the former Lady Chapel in the south west corner of the church in 1987.

[4] The screen was repositioned in 1987.

[5] This now stands in the south east corner of the church by the cloister doorway.

[6] Unfortunately, now screened by evergreen trees.

Blackmore Church postcards

Postcards from about a hundred years ago

St Laurence Church, Blackmore

Interior of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore

Blackmore: A Stroll with Mr Spalding

A selection of Edwardian postcards taken by Fred Spalding of Chelmsford. 

Looking along The Green from the junction of Brentwood Road,
now Blackmore Road. On the right is The Prince Albert PH.
The roof line on the left is of The Post Office

Blackmore Post Office

Horsefayre Green with view of The Leather Bottle pub

Fingrith Hall Road

Church Street showing Little Jericho on the left

Montague Hardwick Knott: Tribute

Unknown Picture taken 1950s
Rev Montague Hardwick Knott (left)

Revd Montague (Monty) Hardwick Knott 

21 November 1905 – 30 January 2006

Funeral service 13 February 2006 in St Laurence, followed by burial at St Mary Virgin Churchyard, Fryerning.

Tribute by Revd. Canon Ivy Crawford (Vicar of Blackmore, 1995 to 2009), with contribution from Pam Pamplin.  Text originally published on the website of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore.

Monty was born in West Ham the eldest of three children.  Monty’s father and grandfather had a Corn Chandlers business.  Unfortunately it caught fire and the business was lost.  The family moved and Monty attended Ruckholt Manor High School in Leyton.  He left school at the age of 14.  His first job was painting the black keys on pianos.  Then he went to work for a city insurance firm, dressed in bowler hat, spats and fancy waistcoat. 

Monty’s family were not church goers, although he used to sing in a church choir because he got paid for it.  A friend invited him to the Plymouth Brethren when he was aged 17.  There he met Jesus, and he met Hilda.  People thought he was interested in Hilda’s niece so there was some surprise when people realised he was interested in Hilda, 20 years his senior.  They married when he was 21 and they shared 40 years of marriage faithfully serving God through the life of the church.   For those of you closest to him you will have observed that when Monty spoke of his beloved, his eyes would shine and it was as if he was looking beyond and seeing.  He felt that they had been apart too long.  Now they are united in the heavenly realms. 

Monty’s worked for a time in an estate agency, accountancy, a bookshop, and when he was a door to door salesman selling hoovers, he would take his little sister with him to help win a sale.  He also was a pharmaceuticals and cosmetics rep specialising in the sale of French perfumes.  He became a member of the Commercial Travellers Christian Association, and was recently made a life member of the National Club of Christian Businessmen which shares premises with the Carlton Club in St James’s.  During his time in Blackmore he made regular visits to his club.

Monty served in the Fourth parachute Regiment in the Second World War but was never allowed to jump, because they considered him to be too old.  He joined the Scripture Gift Mission as Secretary and was seconded to lead the Gideons International organisation travelling to America, and the West Indies playing a big part in their work of getting bibles placed in hotel rooms and hospitals around the world.

Pam Pamplin:

“I was introduced to him when his wife was in a nursing home, then given a month, but longed to come home “to die”.  They had a further two years together before she was called “Home”.  He loved people and Blackmore responded.  He knew not one home would close its doors to him.  In these early days of his ministry, he would rise at 5am and walk round every road, praying for its residents.

“What fellowship was to be enjoyed in that home over meals, the beginning and ending of each day.  The Bible was precious to us all, every question was thoughtfully answered.  Now he is at “Home” with the Lord who blessed his faithful witness, and his wife whom he loved so much.”

Monty was a lay reader and with encouragement from his friend Canon Druitt went forward for ordination.  In 1955 he was ordained in Chelmsford Cathedral and was Curate at St Mary’s Walthamstow, serving with Canon Druitt before moving to Blackmore in 1957 to become Vicar after a seven year interregnum.   Monty said that when he came with his wife to see the parish, it was as though an inner voice said here is a task which has been saved for you.  He remained Vicar of this parish until he retired in 1985.  He was also Rector of Stondon Massey from 1980.  He wasted no time bringing forward new initiatives.  A junior church, scripture union branch and Women’s meeting began within months of his arrival.  The latter would incorporate the Mothers’ Union which has been in existence in the parish for 99 years.  He started a branch of the Girl Guides and would visit them at their camps.

He was radical in his thinking.  He was the first Vicar to hold Barn dances in church. Some objected. When the PCC voted to replace the rush seated wooden chairs with traditional pews, Monty wrote to the then Bishop of Bradwell saying “I feel we are making a mistake”, to which the Bishop replied “this application is going to cause a lot of trouble”.  In the event, the Diocesan Advisory Committee rejected the application as they couldn’t recommend the design for the pews.  The present chairs were substituted for the pews.  Monty sought to get the PCC to agree to the removal of the rood screen so that the stained glass window could be seen and the chancel have flexible use.  He did not succeed on that, but then in 1987 God sent a flood and the new incumbent with his PCC agreed to have the screen moved and repositioned.

Monty was keen to get the church to reach out to the new community in the parish.  The PCC minutes of 1967 recorded that the population had more than doubled.  In 1969 a guide company was formed and a Flower Festival held.  The Rose Garden of Jericho Priory was open to visitors.  In 1970 a new school was opened and in 1974 close relations were fostered with the Baptist Church.  With Pastor Doug Frances wonderful co-operation and joint youth work ensued.  Peter Hunt was Monty’s Reader in the parish church and Peter after Monty’s retirement became Pastor of Baptist Church.  Both churches maintained their identity and testimony to those who ministered at that time, dozens of the young people have kept the faith, run the race and introduced many others to Jesus.

As Monty put in when writing in the Jubilee Festival booklet in 1977:

“These are not days for stay at home church but for an outgoing, caring, holy and serving church.”

Monty as priest of our two parishes lived out the words he wrote.

Such was the respect with which he was held that when Monty celebrated 25 years as Vicar here the parishioners had a collection and raised enough money for him to visit friends he had made through his work with Gideons in the United States of America and Canada.  On the evening of the presentation Revd John Fleetwood took Eamon Andrews place and sprung ‘Monty Knott: This is Your Life’ on him.

In a newspaper article written on the occasion of his 25^th anniversary as Vicar here, he is recorded as saying,

“If I had to make any comment on my years here I think I would say thank you to the people of Blackmore because if I am anything of a man at all, and have been of any use here, it is entirely due to their help and the work of God”

Monty was a faithful witness.  He was noted for his early morning walks around the parish. A policeman stopped him one morning to enquire what he was doing because he was wandering around the roads so early, not much looking like a vicar dressed in what was described “in his old clothes”.  While the walks started as a means of guarding his health, they became prayer walks. By the end of the week he had walked along every road and prayed for every household.

Monty was a great councillor, would listen quietly to any problem and then pray with people.  He made no distinction between those who went to church and those who didn’t.  He spoke to everyone.  He took their weddings, baptised their children, prepared the young people for confirmation, buried their grandparents, visited people who were ill or lonely, happy or sad.

He was Chair of Governors at Blackmore School, and on occasions took Religious Education lessons at Brentwood County High School leaving a lasting impression on every young life.

He loved being with the children so went on school outings.   I heard of one child who wanted to walk to top of Dome in St Paul’s.  So Monty said, “I’ll go”.

On his retirement the school treated Monty to a trip in a hot air balloon.  Every organisation put an arrangement in church for a flower festival.  Monty was so much a part of their growing up that it is difficult to think how it would have been without him.  He was always part of things going on in the church and village, so much so that after his retirement he kept being invited back to events.

Stories are told of how for the annual gift day he would sit on Horsefayre Green with a bucket so people could bring their gifts of money for church funds.  For the village fayres he would dress up as a Monk, At one such event he had just declared something about the glory of the Lord, when the heavens opened.  I gather that it usually rained when Monty attended outdoor events, so much so that folks thought of not telling him about them!!

Monty is remembered by many for his atrocious driving - wrong side of the road stuff as well as, waving at people on both sides of the street with both hands at the same time when going through the village!!

He is also remembered for being charming with the ladies.  He’d greet many with the words “How’s my favourite girl.”  He obviously had lots of favourites.  On the days he would take the bus into Chelmsford he would use the Moulsham Street Café and the ladies would almost fight to get buying him his coffee. When he retired he’s go on coach outings with Jericho Club. 

Monty always enjoyed social occasions.  He’s had plenty of practice with his regular visits to the Carlton Club premises.  When Hilda died, Monty accompanied Joan Hobbs when she was Chair of Brentwood Council. The Council was involved in town twinning and Monty went on trips abroad.  Monty often spoke of his forgettery. Even then his forgettery got him into some difficulties.  He couldn’t remember where he was staying.  Thankfully on the occasions when he would forget to turn up for services someone would run to the Vicarage to get him.

On retiring to Ingatestone he led services at St Edmunds and at St Mary’s.  As the years progressed although his memory got worse and his body frail, he never wavered in his faith.  Revd Frances Drake told me that when she had responsibility for Ingatestone and Fryerning during the interregnum Monty would give her a blessing when she visited him.  She would kneel in humility at his feet, knowing she was kneeling before a holy man of God. 

Monty touched so many lives.  When every morning he would go and sit in Ravens Coffee shop, people would know they would find him there.  Frances also said that when she would sit in Ravens, people would ask her what she was doing.  She would reply, “Having a Monty moment”.  To be available to the people was Monty’s gift.  He would sit on the bench outside St Edmunds, and watch the world go by.  On pension day he would call in to the United Reformed Church coffee shop and chat to all the customers. On Sundays he would walk to the Woolpack at Fryerning for lunch.  He was known wherever he went.  He fulfilled the promise God had given him in that hospital bed so many years earlier…

I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord”

How good it was that he had been granted such a long life in which to do just that.  When he reached his 100^th birthday your greetings were received with as much delight as the card from the Queen and a letter and signed photograph from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

PSALM 16 was a Psalm which Monty would quote when speaking with people.  It is a beautiful example of a psalmist communing with his God.  It is an outpouring of gratitude and portrays vividly the sense of contentment with his lot.  Monty could align himself with the depth of relationship with God as expressed through the words.

The Psalmist cannot sufficiently express his soul-felt recognition of the fact that his happy state is due to the loving kindness of God.  He contrasts this with the life those without God have.  But this thought is fleeting and he quickly returns to the joyful recognition of the favour shown to him by God.  His sense of gratitude is increased by the certainty that God’s loving mercy will continue and that he will be kept from all harm.

The prayer with which the psalm opens “Preserve me O God”, is for the continuance of the happy conditions in which the psalmist is living. It is the prayer of faith.  The Psalmist knows it is to God alone he owes his present state. 

The psalmist goes on to declare that greater than the material benefits is the spiritual blessing of God’s guidance.   Monty knew God preserving him in life and guiding him in his path through life. For Monty walking with God is the fullness of joy. 

On the inside cover of a Bible Monty gave to a young couple on their wedding day 46 years ago, he wrote, “Let this book be your guide through life.  So shall you prosper”.

May you too allow the God who guided Monty to be your guide and constant companion now and always.

Blackmore: Revd Montague Hardwick Knott

"A selfie": Self portrait of Montague Hardwick Knott
taken at home in the dining room, 1954

Blackmore History has been given an archive of material by family members of the late Montague Hardwick Knott (1905 - 2006), Vicar of Blackmore from 1957 to 1985. Material will be published on this site throughout 2014.

Stondon Massey Postcard

St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey
Interior
(from an old postcard)

Blackmore: Thomas Read Hull

Hidden grave of Thomas Read Hull

Received   1 February 2014

I wonder if you can advise me as to whether there is a memorial in the churchyard in Blackmore for my great Grandfather Thomas Reed Hull - who lived in Jericho house around 1900?

With many thanks

Charlie Hull

Replied   3 February 2014

Hello Charlie

Thank you for your e mail.  According to the parish burial register, Thomas Read Hull of The ‘Priory’ Blackmore was buried on 4 February 1915, aged 69. Other Hull entries in the register are:

Alice Janet Hull, of 38 Florence Road, Boscombe. Buried 28 June 1920, aged 44.

Alice Ellen Hull, “57 Drayton Gardens, Kensington (late of Blackmore)”, Buried 17^th Nov 1924, aged 77.

The whereabouts of their grave puzzled me. By chance or coincidence, I was visiting the Essex Record Office today and knew that it has in the archive a book of ‘Monumental Inscriptions for St Laurence, Blackmore’ (ERO T/Z 151/109) produced by the Essex Family History Society. It is dated 1997. There is another copy in the church safe which I saw about 10 years ago.  It gives the location of every grave and inscription to that date.  Your great grandfather is buried in a grave in a tight corner of the churchyard to the right of the public footpath which runs through it.  The graves are very overgrown.  I took a couple of photos before nightfall, and attach them.

The inscriptions, which I could not see, but were recorded by the EFHS as:

150 Kerb with corner post and large cross lying flat.

East end: Thomas Read Hull / born December 16 1845 died January 31 1915

North side: also his wife Alice Ellen Hull / born June 27 1847, died November 12 1924 /

151 Kerb with large cross lying flat [tight in the corner of the churchyard]

East end: Alice Janet Hull / born 26^th January 1876 died 23^rd June 1920.

For notes which I took at the ERO ten years ago, Mr J R Hull gave a strip of land 36 feet wide to the west of the public footpath, setting aside a plot for himself by the entrance.  This was in 1899. (ERO D/C/C50/2).

Photograph taken in Vicarage Garden
celebrating the restoration of
St Laurence Church, Blackmore

His name also appears as Chairman of the meeting held to elect and form a Parish Council on 4 December 1894. He did not become a Parish Councillor. (ERO D/P 266/11)

The third picture is dated 9 June 1902 which must have a picture of your relatives on it – probably at the centre. Please let me know if you recognise them.

I hope this is all useful. It has been interesting to fill some gaps.

Regards

Andrew

Received  4 February 2014

Dear Andrew.

Thank you so very much for this. I was delighted to receive this information - us armchair sleuths have a great deal to be grateful for to people like yourself.

I have a memory of visiting The Priory with my Father (Read Hull's grandson) - the house was then called Jericho and my father was brought up there with his sister by his paternal uncle and aunt. I don't remember finding the grave so your photos are indeed valuable to me.

I was aware of the splendid photograph - but only recently - and my brother thought I bore a striking resemblance to one of the maiden aunts. But that's brothers for you.

I intend to visit Blackmore soon so I will go and pay my familial respects to Great Grandad.

With very many thanks for your interest and time.

Charlie Hull

ESAH160: Chelmsford Museum Lecture '1914 And All That': 28 ...

ESAH160: Chelmsford Museum Lecture '1914 And All That': 28 ...: Following the Great War theme, Ian Hook of Chelmsford Museum will be giving the annual lecture. For more go to:  Museum Lecture '1914 An...

Doddinghurst: Plans for War Memorial are on Target

Doddinghurst residents are raising money to build a new War Memorial outside All Saints Church. It is expected to be completed and unveiled this year, marking the centenary of the start of the First World War. It will bear 20 names of the fallen: ten from the First World War, ten from the Second World War. Doddinghurst already has a commemorative plaque inside the church bearing the names of those who died in the Great War.  For more read http://www.brentwoodgazette.co.uk/Memorial-group-hoping-make-target-pound-15k/story-20444652-detail/story.html

Blackmore Area Local History website has dedicated pages to those named on the Doddinghurst War Memorial.

Blackmore: Revd Montague Hardwick Knott

Papers which once belonged to Montague Hardwick Knott (1906 - 2006), Vicar of Blackmore from 1957 to 1985, have been given to me by a reader of the blog and accompanying website.  The archive includes a sequence of Christmas letters and collected information on the history of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore which, by coincidence, celebrates its 900th anniversary this year (2014).

Over the coming months a wide selection of items will be transcribed and posted onto this site. 

However, there is a puzzle to solve. The box contains five postcards of the same church. But the whereabouts are completely unknown. Could it be in Essex, or even Lincolnshire or the Cotswolds? Can you help?

Blackmore Area Local History: Researching First World War Ancestors

Blackmore Area Local History: Researching First World War Ancestors: Sound advice has been shared on the web this week by members of the ‘Great War Forum’ to a query from Ian P which ran … “I am trying to rese...

ESAH160: Great Leighs and the Great War - on the BBC

ESAH160: Great Leighs and the Great War - on the BBC: The BBC began a four-year commemoration of the First World War (1914-1918) on television last night with the first of four programmes pr...

Church Goods Sold by 1548

An extract from ….

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.

BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913). The text as originally published shows the original script with variable spelling.  In this item we have added in curly brackets (thus {}) the modern spelling of the words, which researchers may more easily find from search engines.  We welcome your feedback.}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548. The Essex parishes number one hundred and fifteen, and are distributed fairly equally over the county. The MS. is apparently a copy of the original certificates. The goods named in some parishes are mentioned in the later inventories already named, but in most the information is additional. The chief interest lies in the uses to which the money received was put. Some was of course used for church repairs, and for removing the signs of the old religion, but it will be seen that much was used for a great variety of secular purposes. Contractions in the MS. have been extended and a little punctuation added to make the sense clearer.

 [P. 33.]  THE DEANERY OF BARSTABLE

HUTTON. John Smith, Barnard Roos, Churchwardens doo say that he the same Barnard Roos and John hatter being Churchwardens there dyd sell of the church plate there one [sic] Croose and one chalyce for the somme of vjli. And they say That parte of the same Somme was bestowed in repayring the churche parte in amending the highwayes parte in setting forth of Souldyers and parte thereof yet still remayneth unbestowed which was soulde as they say abowte Easter last past.

{HUTTON.  John Smith, Bernard Roos, Churchwardens do say that he the same Bernard Roos and John Hatter being churchwardens there did sell off the church plate there one Cross and one chalice for the sum of £6. And they say that part of the same sum was bestowed in repairing the church part in amending the highway part in setting forth soldiers and part thereof yet still remains unspent which was sold as they say about Easter last past.}

BURSTEDDE MAGNA. William Harryes, John Bowyour, Churchwardens Doo presente and say That Thomas Wattis and Thomas Wolnur by the consent of parryshe dyd sell of the church plate there a senser, a shippe, ij. Sylver paxes, and a chalyce for the Somme of xijli. xiijs iiijd., whereof they say they haue layed owte and bestowed ixli. xiijs. iiijd. partelie emongest poore fookes, partelie for the reparcions of the churche, and partelie for the Churche debte, which was soulde as they say in the moneth of ffebruary anno 1545.

{GREAT BURSTEAD.  William Harris, John Bowyer, Churchwardens do present and say that Thomas Wattis and Thomas Woolnor by the consent of the parish did sell off the church plate there a senser, a shippe[1], 2 silver paxes, and a chalice for the sum of £12.8s.4d. whereof they say they have laid out and bestowed £9.8s.4d. partly among the poor folks, partly for the reparations of the church and partly for the church debt, which was sold as they say in the month of February 1545.}

LYTLE BURSTEDDE. John Dyer, Thomas Fenner, Churchwardens, doo say That he the same Thomas Fenner and John Stewarde with the consent of the parryshe hathe sold one chalyce of the churches for the Somme of iijli. ixs. ixd. whereof remayneth in thandis of certayne men of the same parryshe lvjs. viijd. And the resydue of the same money was gyven emongest poore people which was sould as they say at mydsommer was twelf moneth.

{LITTLE BURSTEAD. John Dyer, John Fenner, Churchwardens do say that he the same Thomas Fenner and John Stewarde with the consent of the parish have sold one chalice of the church for the sum of £3.9s.9d. whereof remains in the hands of certain men of the same parish 55s.8.d And the residue of the same money was given among poor people which was sold as they say at midsummer was twelve month.}

 [p. 37.] THE DEANERYES OF ONGO[R], CHAFFORDE, CHELMESFORDE, AND DENGEY.

{THE DEANERIES OF ONGAR, CHAFFORD, CHELMSFORD, AND DENGIE}

CHYGWELL. Roberte Woode, Laurence Mundis, Churchewardens Doo saye That they haue sold certayne candlestyckes of latten belonging to the said churche for whiche they have receaued the Somme of xviijs. whiche Somme they say ys employed upon the reparacions of the same churche.

{CHIGWELL. Robert Wood, Laurence Munds, Churchwardens do say that they have sold certain candlesticks of brass belonging to the said church for which they have received the sum of 18s. which sum they say is employed upon the reparations of the same church.}

WARELEY MAGNA. Robert Marrowe, parson, Rychard Nelson, Churchwarden and Rychard brighte Doo say that they with the advyse of the parryshe there hath sold so manny latten Candelstyckis of the saide churche as came to the Somme of xxixs. ijd. which Somme remayneth holle in the saide churchewardens handes as they say.

{GREAT WARLEY.  Robert Marrowe, parson, Richard Nelson, Churchwarden and Richard Bright do say that they with the advice of the parish there have sold do many brass candlesticks of the said church as came to the sum of 29s.2d. which sum remains wholly in the said churchwardens hands as they say.}

BADOWE MAGNA. Rychard hyckes, Lawrence Spylman, Churchwardens there doo saye That Roberte Kinge, James Drylande, John Postill, and Robert Sturgeon, parryshenours there did sell their parcells of plate folowinge; a Chalyce all gylte wayeng xix. vunces dimidium at iiijs. vjd. the unce … Summa iiijli. vijs. ixd.

Item, A shyppe of sylver parcell gylte and a lytle spoone wayenge vj. vunces dimidium at iiijs. ijd. the vunce, two silver sawcers parcell gylte wayenge vj vnces dimidium at iiijs. ijd. the vnce, ij. Cruettis parcell gylte wayenge x. vnces at iiijs. ijd. the vnce … … Summa xvijli. xvjs. vid.[? xiijli. vjs. 4d.]

All whiche money they saye ys bestowed vpon the reparacions of the churche allso sold fyfite pounds of latten ijd. the libra. Summa viiijs. iiijd. with as moche latten as came to vs. iiijd.

{GREAT BADDOW.  Richard Hyckes, Lawrence Spylman Churchwardens there do say that Robert King, James Drylande, John Postill, and Robert Sturgeon, parishioners there did sell their parcels of plate following: a chalice all gilded weighing 19½ ounces at 4s.6d. per ounce … Sum £4.7s.9d.

Item, A shippe of silver partly gilded and a little spoon weighing 6½ ounces at 4s.2d. the ounce, two silver saucers partly gilded weighing 6½ ounces at 4s.2d. the ounce, 2 cruetts partly gilded weighing 10 ounces at 4s.2d. an ounce … Sum £17.16s.6d [? £17.6.4d.}

All which money they say is bestowed upon the reparations of rhe church also sold fifty pounds of brass 2d the pound. Sum 9s.4d with as much brass as come to 5s.4d.}

LEES MAGNA. John England, George Osborne, Churchwardens Doo presente That James Spylman and John Danyell dyd sell vj. torches for iiijs. vjd. whiche was employed to the poore mens boxe.

{GREAT LEIGHS.  John England, George Osborne, churchwardens do present that James Spylman and John Daniell dis sell 6 torches for 4s.6d. which was employed to the poor mens box.}

CHELMESFORDE. Geffrey Skotte, William Nooke, Churchwardens Do presente That they and Roger Platte, paryshenour, solde as much mettall as they receaued xlviijs. vjd. with as many olde towels as came to viijd. whiche money they haue with more spente in wasshing the churche with lyme and wryting of scripture abowte the churche with taking downe of ymagis.

{CHELMSFORD. Geoffrey Skotte, William Nooke, Churchwardens do present that they and Roger Platt, parishioner, sold as much metal as they received 48s.6d. with as many old towels as came to 8d. which money they have with more money spent in washing the church with lime and writing of scripture about the church with taking down the images.}

WODEHAM FFERRYES. Robert Styleman, Rychard Newton, Churchwardens, doo presente That abowte three yeres agoo John Sandis, gentleman, and William pirrs beinge Churchwardens dyd sell a broken bell for the somme of xvli. Also a Chalyce of sylver with a paxe of sylver for the Somme of vli. whiche money the say was employed vpon the makinge of a newe fframe in the steple for the bells and for shingling ot the churche.

{WOODHAM FERRERS.  Robert Styleman, Richard Newton, Churchwardens, do present that about three years ago John Sands, gentleman, and William Pirrs being Churchwardens did sell a broken bell for the sum of £15. Also a chalice of silver with a paxe of silver for the sum £5 which money they say was employed upon the making of a new Frame in the steeple for the bells and for shingling out the church.}

NORTON. John Whytinge Churchwarden there doo say That he solde as myche allablaster as came to xxd. which money ys yet in his kepinge.

{NORTON MANDEVILLE. John Whiting Churchwarden do say that he sold as much alabaster as came to 20d which money is yet in his keeping.}

MARGARETYNGE. Robert Taber, William Dawson, Churchwardens doo say That they sold to repayre the church one unce of brooken sylver for iiijs.

{MARGARETTING. Robert Taber, William Dawson, Churchwardens do saythat they sold to repair the church one ounce of broken silver for 4s.}

 [P. 74]  THE DEANERY OF DUNMOWE.

{THE DEANERY OF DUMNOW}

SEELO BOWELLS. Rychard Sampforde hath solde of the said churches plate one Clalyce of sylver and gylte for the Somme of xxxvijs. iiijd. whiche money the same Rychard bestowed in repayring the same churche.

{SHELLOW BOWELLS. Richard Sampford has sold of the said church plate one chalice of silver and gilded for the sum of 37s.4d. which money the same Richard bestowed in repairing the same church.}

---

[1] Shippe = perhaps suffix for –ship as in worship

Bequests Relating to Blackmore

An extract from ...
BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX

EXTRACTED FROM Calendar of Wills proved and enrolled in the Court of Husting, London.

WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES BY A. BENNETT BAMFORD, V.D.

{A transcription of an article taken from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘new series’ Volume 13 part 4, published in 1914. Items in curly brackets { } have been added for the convenience of the modern reader on the Internet.  Your feedback on this article would be appreciated, especially if you have referred to it in the course of research.  The full transcription will be published in Spring 2014 on www.esah160.blogspot.com }

ALL now, who are interested in genealogical research, and in the manners, customs and dress of the Middle ages, realise the important light that is thrown upon the subject by the wills of the time. In going through the wills proved and enrolled at the Court of Husting, London, published in two volumes by order of the Corporation of the City, and edited, with an introduction, by Dr. Reginald R. Sharpe, it is very noticeable how many of the citizens, whose wills were enrolled during the latter half of the thirteenth century and the first half of the fourteenth, bore Essex names, i.e., names of towns and villages whence they or their fathers had come. Surnames, as we know them, were then uncommon, and when men were not known by the name of the birthplace or former residence, it was usually by their trade or occupation, such as Draper, Taylor, Baker, Smith, etc. A list of names of places in Essex, used as surnames, will probably not be uninteresting, and will shew how many of the citizens of London were of Essex descent. These wills also contain much matter of interest to the Essex antiquary, such as gifts of plate, ornaments, and books, money for founding chantries in the churches, or for their repair or rebuilding; and bequests to the different religious houses, especially Stratford and Barking, where many of the citizens had daughters or relatives. These bequests help to fix the date of many of the additions to our parish churches, i.e., Bartholomew Denmars, in 1352, leaves money towards the work of the church of South Benfleet; Alice Hongreforth, in 1491, leaves directions to her executors to see that the roof of Blackmore church is "properly seled with Estryche boord "; and John Draper, in 1496, desires his lands and tenements in the parish of Colne (Colne Engaine?) to be sold, and the proceeds to be devoted to the purchase of forty thousand bricks, towards the work of the belfry of the said parish church.

The wills included in this present paper are from the commencement of the calendar in 1258 to 1361-2, dividing those of local interest more equally into two parts, than if the extracts had ended in 1358, with Dr. Sharpe’s first volume.  Some of the notes are by Dr. Sharpe, and others have been added. The Guildhall Library Committee kindly say that they are only too pleased to see the work make some use of, and members living in, and well acquainted with the places mentioned in the wills, may be able to give further information concerning the bequests and testators.

ABSTRACT FROM WILLS

1287. GODFREY ROSAMUND.—To the Prior and Convent of la Blakemore {Blackmore}, five shillings annual rent in the parish of All Hallows de Fancherche, on condition that his name be put in their obituary (martilogio), and his obit kept. (No date.)

1291. WILLIAM HERVI. - To the Prior and Convent of BIakemore {Blackmore}, his shop, so that his servant John hold the same for a term of three years after his decease, rendering to the said prior half a mark for pittance. (No date.) (Afterwards let on lease to Sir Richer de Refham.)