Blackmore Area Local History

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - February 2012

2012-02-01T06:50:00.000Z

An interesting month on TV and radio:
'Great Expectations' filmed on Essex marshes
'Any Questions' on Radio 4 from the Ingatestone Anglo European School
'Songs of Praise' broadcast from Colchester
'Great British Railway Journeys: Series 3', Programmes 3 and 4: Michael Portillo visited Essex beginning at Layer Marney Tower, Maldon; Chelmsford - with a visit to Marriages flour mill; Blake Hall Station - on the former Central Line between Ongar and Epping; Little Tawney Hall - to discuss migration of farmers at the end of the nineteenth century; Southend Pier.
and a programme on Dr David Livingstone, without mention of Ongar where he trained to be a missionary, but of his exploration through Africa.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2012-01-29T15:00:00.001Z

Good and wholesome advice

Never interfere in subjects you do not sufficiently comprehend: Law, Physic and Divinity.

If Law is requisite, endeavour to consult some Practitioner of integrity and character.

If you are ill, consult some Physician rather than quack yourself.

And in Religion, adhere strictly to what you have been brought up to, without looking either to your right hand, or to the left, and without entering into the labyrinth of inquiry, upon what you will never comprehend.

Not Blackmore

2012-01-27T00:01:00.003Z

Blackmore End

Received 3 January 2012

Hi Andrew,

I stumbled upon your blog about Blackmore Area Local History this evening and I am wondering if you might possibly have information on a family that I know to have lived in the area in the 1800's.

I ask because I am researching my family history and as I understand from my research, one set of my 2nd great grandparents lived their whole lives in Blackmore End.

The main family I am looking at is

Sarah Webb (1832-??) and her husband John Crisp (1831-??) who had 9 children Eliza (b1852), Thomas (b1856), Martha (b1858), George (b1862), Albert (b1864), Elizabeth (b1867), Sarah (b1870), Walter (b1872) & Herbert (b1875)

I am also interested in the parents and siblings of this couple.

Sarah's parents as I understand it were Thomas Webb (1805-1840) and Mary (surname unknown)(1808-??)

John's parents were John Crisp (1797-??) and Elizabeth (surname unknown)(1807-??)

I am primarily writing to you to ask if you might be able to help with filling in a few of these names and date blanks.

I would also be very interested to know any other information you might be able to provide me with such as if any of these people are recorded in the local history at all.

Many thanks for any assistance you might be able to give me.

Thank you also for your blog, while it hasn't helped so far in my family history specifically, it has been an interesting read.

Kind regards,

Kathy

Replied 7 January 2012

Dear Kathy

Blackmore and Blackmore End are two different places in Essex. Blackmore End is part of Wethersfield near Braintree. My tip would be to check the Baptism Register for Wethersfield parish via Essex Ancestors / Essex Record Office.

I will post the entry on the blog to see whether anyone can help.

Regards

Andrew

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2012-01-22T15:00:00.001Z

Mrs. D. of Dedham frequently called the Duchess requested she might be permitted to sit in the Vestry, the morning she was at Church, after her confinement, and which permission gave rise to the following impromptu:

“The Vicar of Dedham,

The Ladies to please,

Has converted the Vestry,

Into a Chapel of Ease.”

Blackmore: Joseph Polley RAF

2012-01-20T00:01:00.001Z

Received 19 December 2011

I was looking on your website = people who served in World War 2.

I noticed you had a man named John James Polley, R.A.F.

I’m afraid that John was wrong: should have been Joseph James Polley R.A.F.

I thought the website would like to know this.

His son, Colin P Polley = one of four sons

Replied 7 January 2012

Thank you, Colin, for contacting me. This has now been amended.

Andrew

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2012-01-15T15:00:00.001Z

Upon the birth of a son and heir to Sir Cordle Firebrass at Melford Hall in Suffolk, the whole neighbourhood went in troops to offer personally their congratulations, and were very desirous of being introduced to the little stranger, so much so, the medical attendant, and the Nurse declared the life of the child was in danger, having no rest, or sleep. The monkey was therefore properly dressed, and put into the Cradle in the Drawing Room with the shutters half closed, an old lady exclaimed “Sweet dear little fellow what a love the very image of his Papa”.

Blackmore: Smyth Hall

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000Z

Received 7 December 2011

Andrew-

I hope all is well with you. I have another question regarding the Smyths of Blakemore and Smyth Hall. Is there any idea as to the location of the house? I have seen some pictures in the past of a foundation and some rubble, but I cannot remember that source. Again at some point I hope to travel there to visit the area. Thanks as always for your information.

Scott Smith

Replied 24 December 2011

Hello Scott

Nice to hear from you.

Smyths Hall was located to the south of the old village and church just off of what is now called Wenlocks Lane. It was shown on the Chapman and Andre map of 1777. If you have an Ordnance Survey map, its approximate site is TQ598007. For more information go to the Unlocking Essex website: http://unlockingessex.essexcc.gov.uk/uep/custom_pages/monument_detail.asp?content_page_id=89&monument_id=1032504&content_parents=48

Regards

Andrew

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2012-01-08T15:00:00.001Z

Miss Loydd of Hintlesham Hall was devoted to gardening, she visited her neighbour frequently the Rector of Raydon [Suffolk], and one morning after her visit to his charming garden, sent her head gardener with a weed, begging his acceptance of it, as she believed not one was to be found in his garden.

Ingatestone: Independent Chapel Celebrates 200 Years

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001Z

Ingatestone United Reformed Church celebrates its bi-centenary in 2012 with special services and events. A history of the work and witness of the church in the local community is reaching its final stages of preparation. Published below is a transcript of the church’s magazine published on the occasion of the 150^th anniversary.

MONTHLY MESSENGER

OF THE INGATESTONE AND MOUNTNESSING CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES

Minister: REV. R. M. ALDERTON, The Manse, Ingatestone. Tele: 613

INGATESTONE

Secretary: Mr. L. Whiting, “Lynden”, Pine Drive, Ingatestone

Treasurer: Mr. L. Martin, 31, Ridgeway, Ingatestone. Tele: 2557

MOUNTNESSING

Superintendent: Mr. R. Kirkby

Secretary: Mr. C. R. Reynolds

JULY, 1962

150th ANNIVERSARY NUMBER

1812 - 1962

“Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours” (John 4.38)

The following notes and extracts are taken from the Church Records and. Minute Books:

“Ingatestone Meeting House was built for the use of Orthodox Congregational Dissenters in 1812 and opened for the public worship of the true God, October 15th, 1812.”

Through the efforts of students from Hackney College, meetings had previously been held for a number of years in Ingatestone in various houses, and. in 1803 an appeal was made to the Essex Congregational Union for financial help “towards the support of constant preaching at Ingatestone.”

The new building was registered as “a place of Religious Worship by an Assembly of Protestants” by the Bishop of London.

“A Church of Christ of the Independent Order was formed at Ingatestone on the 12th December, 1813 by the Rev. Thomas Thomas of Chelmsford denominated, the Independent Church of Stock and Ingatestone, both places being supplied by one Minister and the Church made up of members from both congregations.” (It would seem that services were held at both places.) The original members were twelve in number. “Benjamin Hayter, from Hackney Academy, was publicly ordained to the pastoral office in Ingatestone Meeting House, on May 5th, 1814. He had. been regularly supplying them from October 3rd, 1813 and had received a unanimous call to be their pastor on 1st April, 1814. The Rev. Benjamin Hayter was pastor of the joint Stock and. Ingatestone Church until the end of 1830. Then he intimated his intention of “leaving the Stock charge and of confining his ministerial labours to Ingatestone, for the following reasons; First, the pastor’s bad state of bodily health; Secondly, the congregation at Stock having become more numerous and respectable, it was thought they were able to keep a minister among themselves.” Mr. Hayter continued as pastor at Ingatestone until 1846 and then, “after a pastorate of 32 years and 5 months, it was found very painful to part.” But it seems that he still lived on here and carried out some pastoral duties, including a number of baptisms. In the last of these entries, dated June .13th, 1850, he signs himself “Benjamin Hayter, late dissenting minister of the Congregational Order, Ingatestone. But now a useless one through palsy. He died in 1856. He had married one of the twelve original members of the Church, Mrs. Jane Stevens; she died in 1833. Memorial plaques to the Rev. and Mrs. Hayter are in the Church.

In 1830, after the separation from Stock, there were sixteen members at Ingatestone. Things were not always easy for the Church and. it is noted “there are some trials to the few who are left.”

The 1812 Meeting House soon proved to be too small, and it was enlarged in 1816.

Between 1822 and. 1825 four burials are stated to have taken place “in the Meeting.” From 1816 onwards, the burials are “in the Meeting Yard.”

In 1840, “a now Independent Chapel was erected in the town of Ingatestone in the parish of Fryerning...near the site of the old Meeting, on ground given by the Venerable Benjamin Hogg, and, is a very neat, substantial Gothic structure.” (This is the existing Church building.) “The cost of the building, fencing, etc., (exclusive of the materials of the old chapel) is about £600.” At the opening on Thursday, October 22nd, 1840, “two excellent and appropriate discourses were delivered” and seven other ministers took part in the services. (A poster, announcing the opening, is still preserved.)

The next Minute Books which are still available begin in 1871. The Membership is reported as 75 at the end of 1870, 123 children on the Sunday School books and 16 teachers,

Many of the Minutes are concerned with routine affairs, but a few are particularly worth mentioning.

“Minute 170. December, 1873. Non-attendance of members. The members of the Church who generally attend its meetings, and on whom devolves the responsibility of transacting its business, much deplore the fewness of number at the week-day services and the little interest shown in the management of the affairs of the Church by a large majority of those whose names are on the Roll, and after making every allowance for those unavoidably prevented from attending, there yet remains many who, with but a little self denial’ (‘little’ has been crossed out afterwards) “might at least occasionally, if not constantly, attend the Church and Prayer Meetings and thus gladden the heart of our Pastor and. materially strengthen the hands of the Church, but who are seldom or never seen on these occasions.”

In 1876, a piece of land on the West side of the Chapel was purchased from Mr. Edgar Disney, J.P., on which to build the (existing) Schoolroom. The Memorial Stone was laid on September 27th, by Mr. F. Wells of Chelmsford. At the same time the Church was re-decorated and. made “more comfortable.” The new Schoolroom was opened and the renovated Church re-opened about April, 1877. £250 was collected, or promised, that day. -

There were 69 on the Membership Roll at the end of 1877.

1878. “a report was in circulation which was likely to bring scandal upon the Church of one of its members (No. 47) specially concerned; resolved that the Pastor and Mr. Deacon “be required to see the said member and expostulate in the spirit of the words of the Apostle Paul - Gal 6. 1.

November, 1879. “The Organ. Letter from Mr. Isaac Rist, of Brentwood.”. . . . “I shall have much pleasure in giving to the Congregational Church at Ingatestone, the organ as it now lays on my premises if it is considered suitable.” This “generous offer” was accepted and. the organ was installed (probably in the Gallery, although this is not mentioned in the Minutes). At the opening of the Organ, after a service and. tea “about 80 friends being present,” the Rev. A. Kluhl of Billericay gave an address on Hebrew music.

August 1881 “New Inkstand. The Chairman reported that a new inkstand had been secured for the use of the Church and the Societies connected therewith, through the kindness of Miss Greedy and. other members of the Mutual Improvement Society.

1881 October 11th. “OPENING OF NEW MISSION ROOM AT MOUNTNESSING” There was a sermon in the afternoon by Rev. Postans of Baddow Road, tea and a Public Meeting, presided over by F. Wells, Esq., with addresses by several minister and other friends. The total cost, including furniture, fencing, etc., was about £245, of which £215 had already been collected. The ground was given by Mr. J. Stacey Reeve, of Chelmsford. “An afternoon school has been opened in the new Mission Room on October 22nd. There are six teachers and about 50 children.

1882. “The Service of Song, entitled ‘Jessica’s First Prayer’ was given in the (Ingatestone) Chapel on Thursday, February 16th. The proceeds amounted to £2.

1882 October. “Resolved that an Auxiliary to the London Missionary Society be organised and that Miss Hemsley be appointed Secretary.” (There had been annual contributions for the L.M.S. and missionary sermons for many years previously.)

1883 August. “A. Ragged School opened in a room at the back of the White Hart Inn on Sunday afternoons 3-4 p.m. About 18 names of poor, neglected children had been entered.

S. S. Anniversary. July 1893; the flowers sent in by the children and. other friends were forwarded f or distribution to Bryant & May’s match girls.

1895 April. Time of commencement of morning service to be 10.45 instead of 11.

1895 July. Miss L Nash became organist, succeeding Miss Houchin.

1897 June 15th. Stone laying of the new Manse by Mr. F. A. Wells. Mrs Bowen of Chapel House, Ingatestone, had given £500 towards it and 15 guineas were placed on the stone -as further donations to the building fund. The Recognition service of the new minister, Rev. A. A. Savage was held at the same time. Mr. Savage had already been at the Church since the beginning of the year and during that time the membership had increased from 49 to 68.

1899 October. A two-day bazaar for the Building Fund was held and £45 was cleared.

1902 August. The Rev. W. Whittley, who bad. become Minister in October 1901, died after several months’ illness. (The present pulpit is in his memory)

1903 October. “Resolved to apply for transfer from the Brentwood District to the Chelmsford. District of the Essex Congregational Union.

1904 February. Annual Meeting. “The pastor made several useful remarks to the meeting.

1904 New Organ purchased for £170 and. the Church renovated. At the re-opening service in October, it was reported that all the money required had already been received., including £110 from Mr. Carnegie.

1906 Ingatestone Bible Reading branch reported to have 146 members.

1906 December. A lecturer on “Mexico” “during two hours sustained the attention of the assembly.”

1907 A new harmonium purchased for Mountnessing.

1910 May. 98th Anniversary. “Two good. and useful sermons were preached by Rev. Alun Roberts of Bocking, but owing to the fever scare there were very few visitors present.”

1910 September. Ordination of new Minister, Rev. L.C. Sellars. “Mr. Stacey Reeve said he remembered 64 years before, sitting in a corner of the Church. Then they used to stand for prayer and sit to sing.”

1910 October 13th. Sudden death of Mr. T. Nash who had. been a deacon for 33 years. An individual cup Go service was given in Mr. Nash’s memory.

1911 August. The students who supplied the pulpit during the pastor’s holiday included. Mr. H. Stock, of Hackney College.

1912 February. Estimate for providing a bath in Manse and. decorating the bathroom, £12. 2. 0, accepted.

1912 June. Church Centenary celebrations. Rev. Silvester Horns M.P. was the preacher at the evening service. “The aisles were packed, every inch of seating accommodation was employed and the doors of the vestries were left open that visitors inside might hear.” In preparation for the centenary the Church and. Schoolroom had been re-decorated inside and out and the manse painted on the outside.

1913 February. “Need of abbreviation of the Church notices; after much discussion the matter dropped.

1912 August. “It was proposed and seconded that something be done to make the blowing of the organ an easier task.

1915 March. Schoolroom to be a canteen for the soldiers stationed locally.

1918 May “Serious condition of the Sunday School; scarcely any scholars and. few workers.”

1920 April 25th. Brass War Memorial in the church unveiled by Lady Petre.

1922 January. Free Will Offering Scheme adopted instead of Pew Rents.,

1928 November. The Church was in considerable difficulties, with no Minister and no Secretary. Mr. H. Savage, a former member and son of a former Minister, agreed to return to become Secretary temporarily, and. was made an Honorary Deacon.

1929. An individual cup Communion Service presented to Mountnessing by Mr. & Mrs. H. Savage.

1930 July. Now that the Church had a new Minister (Rev. P. R. Russell, M.A) and. many of its previous difficulties had been overcome, Mr. Savage resigned the Church Secretaryship “which he had accepted for six months and had held for two years.” Mr. A. E. Lambert became Secretary. (The Chair at the Communion Table was given in memory of Mr. & Mrs. H. Savage.)

193l. Roofs of Schoolroom and Church stripped and renewed. Electric light installed. Choir formed.

1932. Hot water heating system installed. Complete interior redecoration of the Church. Church re-opened in June.

1932 September. Chelmsford. District Meetings held at Ingatestone.

1939 June. An appeal before Magistrates against the Council’s decision to make up Norton Road was successful.

1939. November. Sohoolroom used by evacuated and. other day school children.

1943 May 29th. Golden Wedding of the Senior Deacon, Mr. Anger, and Mrs. Anger.

1943. Monthly Messenger started.

1944. September. “The Chairman intimated that it was proposed to hold public services of thanksgiving in most Churches on the evening of the day on which hostilities in Europe shall cease. Agreed to hold such a service in our Church, at 7.30 p.m.

1944 April. Mr. R. Kirkby elected Mountnessing Superintendent in succession to Mr. H. Purver, who held that office for 23 years.

1945 February 14th. Destruction of the Church at Mountnessing by enemy action.

1945 October. Mr. A. E. Lambert retired from being Secretary, after 15 years’ service in that position.

1946. Miss Nash, organist for over 50 years, resigned; a presentation was later made to her. Mr. Witney became organist.

1948. Mountnessing Church rebuilt and re-opened.

1949. Sunday School to meet in the morning instead of the afternoon.

1956. September. The Church Meeting recommends one of the members, Mr. W. S. Wheale, for the Ministry.

1961. October. Over £200 raised by Autumn Fayre, to meet the cost of external painting of the Church and redecoration of the School room and purchase of new chairs.

1962 150th CHURCH MINIVERSARY SERVICE (to be held) on SATURDAY, JURE 30th. Preacher: The Chairman of the Congregational Union of England and. Wales, the REV. PRINCIPAL JOHN HUXTABLE, M.A.

PRAYER (of Sir Francis) “O Lord God, when Thou givest to Thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning but the continuing of the same until to be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory. Through Him that for the finishing of Thy work laid down His life - Thy Son, Jesus Christ.”

MINISTERS OF INGATESTONE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

1813 – 1846: B. Hayter

[1848 – 1851/2: H Cocks]

1852 – 1860: G. Moore

1861 – 1866: J. Bevan

1867 – 1870: A. C. Gill

1871 – 1872: G. G. Horton

1873 – 1895: S. W. Houchin

1897 – 1900: A. A. Savage

1901 – 1902: W. Whittley

1903 – 1908: J. Collyer

1910 – 1915: L. C. Sellars

1915 – 1921: A. W. Galpin

1921 – 1928: E. W. Chesher

1930 – 1934: P. H. Johnson

1935 – 1940: S. E. Boorman

1940 – 1945: D. F. Flawn

1945 – 1949: S. I. Lippiatt

1950 – 1958: N. S. Williams

1960 - : R. M. Alderton

INGATESTONE

SUNDAY SERVICES

Prayer Meeting 10.15 a.m. (in the Vestry)

Family Church 10.45 a.m.

Evening Service 6.30 p.m.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at the end of the morning service on 1st July

Monthly Congregational Hymn Singing Practice after the evening service on 1st July

PREACHERS IN JULY

1st. The Minister CHURCH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY

8th. Mr. Davies

15th. Rev, D. U. Pattinson, Minister-Secretary, Essex Congregational Union

22nd. Mr. Empsall

29th. The Minister

We take the Huskards service on:

1st, 15th and 29th July

CHOIR PRACTICE - Thursdays, 8.15 p.m.

CHURCH MEETING - Monday, 2nd. 7.34 p.m.

MOIJNTNESSING

Services on Sunday at 6.30 p.m.

Preachers in July to be announced

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper at the service on July 8th

SPECIAL SERVICES - every evening July 9th - 14th Led. by an American team.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - January 2012

2012-01-01T00:01:00.004Z

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

2012: A Year of Celebration

2012 is set to be a memorable year in Britain. In June we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and in July and August London hosts the Olympic Games. These events are quite literally on our door-step. The Olympic Games site at Stratford is a matter of miles from Blackmore, and within the old county of Essex. The cycling event will be held at Hadleigh Country Park by the old castle made famous in a painting by John Constable.

Essex is expecting an influx of tourists as a consequence of London2012 and the Jubilee. Blackmore Area Local History perhaps is doing its small part by bringing to peoples’ attention the history and heritage of this location and will, during 2012, occasionally take a wider view by highlighting other towns and villages worth a visit. The series will start with Colchester.

New Newspaper Archive is Top Resource and a Gift for all Historians

The British Library has launched online its vast newspaper archive. Visitors to the website http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk can search for entries in newspapers free of charge. Digitised copies of the originals are subject to a subscription payment.

The site boasts, quite rightly:

“We have scanned millions of pages of historical newspapers and made them available online for the first time ever.

“Search millions of articles by keyword, name, location, date or title and watch your results appear in an instant.

“Compare this with hours of painstaking manual searching through hard copies or microfilm often requiring a visit to the British Library in North London and it is easy to appreciate the ground breaking nature of this project.”

Up to 40 million pages will be scanned onto the archive over the next ten years.

Several Essex newspapers are included in the project, including the Essex Chronicle, which first published in 1764. Microfilm copies of this newspaper (along with the Essex Weekly News) are available to view in the Local Studies section of Chelmsford Library.

It is now possible to use the British Library website to pinpoint, by date and page number, articles in the Essex Chronicle then look at the detail free of charge on microfilm in the local Library. The resource will drastically cut the length of time taken to find relevant articles – previously a needle in a haystack approach - and opens the door, for the first time, to a wide range of undiscovered local topics.

To illustrate the site’s usefulness, one of my friends is writing a history of a local church – Ingatestone United Reformed Church – which celebrates its bicentenary in 2012. It was known that the first building, erected in 1812, was pulled down and replaced in 1840, but little else from this early period. Using the archive pinpointed within minutes three highly relevant articles:

Essex Chronicle 1 May 1840. Page 3 “independent chapel at Ingatestone has been pulled down and is about to be rebuilt on an enlarged scale”

Essex Chronicle 8 May 1840. Page 3. “dilapidated state … pulled down”.

Essex Chronicle 16 October 1840. Page 3 “to be reopened … 22 inst”

Why not try the site for yourself?

Ingatestone United Reformed Church bi-centenary

Ingatestone United Reformed Church (formerly the Congregational Chapel) celebrates 200 years in the village in 2012 with a series of events.

Links

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

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000Z

The question was asked “What is one of the most difficult things to do?”

“To give advice”.

And what is the other difficulty?

“To follow it”.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001Z

What is said kindly, ought always to be remembered, what unkindly, to be forgotten.

It is best to let children read what they like best, till they have formed a taste for reading, and not to direct what books they shall read.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-29T00:01:00.001Z

The word ‘gentleman’ is an expressive word in our language, which describes the assemblage of many real virtues, of many qualities approaching nearly to virtue, and a union of manners, at once pleasing, and accommodating respect.

Take a peep behind the curtain which prudence draws over domestic inquietude, reflect on the many heart-aches that must attend a slender contracted income in this very refined age (1859) and think in such circumstances how external shew must be supported at the expense of internal and rational quiet.

The Robin is a bird whose good fortune is never to be mentioned without some kindly reference to his universal popularity and the decoration (his little red waistcoat) which renders him so easily recognised.

Shakespear says “Welcome ever smiles, but farewell goes out sighing”.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-28T00:01:00.001Z

It is said of Theodore Hook, when upon a visit, before breakfast was asked, the usual question “How he slept” his answer was immediately “With his eyes shut”.

And after a dinner party upon his return home he could not find his Hat, and began singing to the servants:

“Shepherds I have lost my Hat

Can you tell me, where it’s stray’d”.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-27T00:01:00.001Z

The qualities in a man for which a woman generally gives the preference, are ardour, manliness of person, politeness, confidence, a dazzling knowledge of the world, and elegant flattery.

Conversation is a game for two, and that one equal half-part should consist in listening, and not in mere angling for questions on which to hang story after story.

Epping: Funeral of Prince Albert, 23 December 1861

2011-12-23T00:01:00.007Z

A single sheet of paper found in a contemporary book I purchased in a secondhand bookshop in Norwich tells how the people of Epping marked the funeral of Prince Albert, Consort to Queen Victoria, on this day in 1861. A Service was held at St John's Chapel, now St John's Church, at the bottom of the High Street.

Prince Albert is credited with being a key organiser of The Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851 and for making Christmas trees popular in British homes at this time of year. His early death has a devastating effect on Queen Victoria, now a widow in her early 40s.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-18T15:00:00.001Z

Despatch Box

Mr Merry for many years was employed by our Government as a Diplomat, and retired to Dedham upon a Pension of fifteen hundred Pounds per annum for his services. Upon his death, he appointed me [ER] his Executer, with a very handsome legacy, and his Diplomatic Gold Snuff Box. As his Executer, and of the desire of his sister I became in possession of his Diplomatic, and valuable boxes, one in particular termed the Despatch Box, with the Crown, and G.R. upon it. I frequently used it when with my family. I left home, the last time was in London, and in endeavouring to unlock it unfortunately broke the key, the only way to obtain the valuables enclosed was to destroy the bottom of the box, and the next morning I took it to a Locksmith in order to have it immediately repaired. In the evening I called for it, and to my great surprise was requested to leave the Shop and retire into the Counting House, where I found Mr Pairce the Superintendent of the Police waiting to take me as a State Prisoner, and convey me without delay to the Foreign Office. It appeared the reason for this rather unexpected compliment, arose as consequence of an inscription engraved inside the lock stating, “If any person shall be detected injuring this Lock, the informer shall upon conviction of the offender, receive 100£ reward by applying to the Foreign Office”. The Locksmith lost no time in conveying the mutilated box and key to the Office required, and Lord Palmenston sent the Superintendent to secure and bring before him the delinquent. When we arrived, his Lordship was gone home but left Lord Minto, in his unavoidable absence. The Lordship’s first inquiry was, “Who are you, Sir, and in what manner became you possessed of the Government Box?” No sooner was he satisfied with my honest answers, than he begged my pardon, confessed the Mountain had proved a Mole Hill, and hoped I would partake of their dinner in waiting, which I endeavoured politely to decline, feeling very naturally not a little annoyed at my first appearance in the character of a State Prisoner.

Ongar: A Reverie

2011-12-17T00:01:00.001Z

An extract from ‘An Anthology of Essex, published in 1911.

Oh quaint old Essex town! Your sheltered ways

Have fared so gently in this vale of tears;

That looking back with thought of other days,

One sees no change to mark the passing years.

I hear the same wind whisp’ring thro’ the trees,

Where Livingstone once wandered with his books:

I hear the same low murmur of the bees,

And recognise the cawing of the rooks.

Oh peaceful Essex town! you’re very old;

The Romans built within your lines a camp;

Your stones have oft resounded, so I’m told,

With Caesar’s sturdy warriors’ martial tramp:

I hear their shouts re-echo in the breeze;

Ye Britons, read about them in your books;

The sounds of Roman axe and falling trees

Are heard above the cawing of the rooks.

Oh, quiet old Ongar town! I’ve heard it said

When Cromwell and his Ironsides held their sway,

That many of your sons both fought and bled

To help the King they loved to win the day.

I heard the cry ‘For Cromwell and the Lord!’

Whilst students donned the helm and closed their books,

The sound of war’s alarms, the clash of pike and sword

Were heard above the cawing of the rooks.

Some day, I hope my ship will come to town,

And bring to me the fortune overdue;

I’ll buy a little cot and settle down,

And make my home, old Ongar town, with you.

I’ll rise each day to greet the early dawn,

And dawdle with my fishing and my books;

I’ll wander through the cornfields in the morn,

And listen to the cawing of the rooks.

A.L.M. Loughton Gazette, April 1910.

Chigwell: Dickens Bi-Centenary

2011-12-16T00:01:00.001Z

An extract from ‘An Anthology of Essex’, edited by Charlotte Fell Smith, published in 1911

Chigwell, my dear fellow, is the greatest place in the world. Name your day for going. Such a delicious old inn opposite the churchyard – such a lovely ride – such beautiful forest scenery – such an out-of-the-way rural place – such a sexton! I say again, name your day!

Charles Dickens. Letter to John Forster, 1842.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

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“A Fact”

Ensign W soon after he joined his Regiment at Liverpool, was passing through a very retired Street or rather Lane, and was caught in a pelting storm of hail and rain. In order to save his Regimental Coat, for he could ill afford to buy another, he took shelter under a Wall immediately opposite a most dingy looking House, in which resided an old gentleman, who had retired from trade with a very large fortune, his only child a daughter living with him. If there was any person in the World he disliked the most, it was a Military Man, always entertaining the idea, that some Rattle Cap of a Fortune Hunter might one day, or night endeavour to elope, with the only joy of his heart, his favourite daughter Eliza. The Ensign had not remained but a short time under the Wall, before the young lady spied him out, and called her father to witness the piteous situation of the stranger, and endeavoured to persuade her father to offer an umbrella. After a great deal of cunning she prevailed. When he mentioned his morning adventure at Mess, his brother officers all called out, “depend upon it my good fellow, your fortune is made, for in that very house you have described lives an old Screw, whose daughter will possess many thousand charms when the old fellow kicks the bucket”. They all advised him that on no account to send the Umbrella back, but to carry it himself, which he did. He experienced great difficulty in obtaining an entry, but made himself so excessively agreeable, in expressing thanks, that the old gentleman invited him to dinner if he would condescend to join his dinner table at the early hour of two o’clock. At ¼ before two the happy Ensign in full Regimentals and Review Order made his appearance. No heiress however made her appearance but he took care to observe, the table was prepared for number 3, and at the three sat down to a very plain dinner. Wine it has always been said does wonders, and the Evening was spent in a manner very agreeable to all parties present, the old gentleman as well as his daughter quite delighted with their unexpected guest, who in the course of a short period became his Son in Law, but, upon one express stipulation, that he would, upon his marriage, resign his conscription in the Army.

Chelmsford: Inscription on Bell at St Mary's

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Taken from 'An Anthology of Essex', published in 1911

To honour both God and King
Our voices shall in consort ring.

High Ongar: Inscription on Bell

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Taken from 'An Anthology of Essex', edited by Charlotte Fell Smith, published in 1911.

Whilst thus we join in cheerful sound, May love and loyalty abound - 1775

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-04T15:00:00.000Z

Captain Garnham

My friend, and brother officer, Capt. Garnham, was one of the most agreeable, and entertaining companions, when he chose, as the following adventure will prove. When we were stationed at Liverpool we had permission from Sir Chas. Bunbury to shoot over his Estate near Chester, our shooting expedition did not answer, for the best of reasons, we found little, or no game to shoot, and upon our return we dined at the table d’hote at the Castle Hotel, where the party was rather numerous both of ladies and gentlemen. We found ourselves seated next to Capt. and Mrs Hoy, with her brother, a very elegant and handsome young officer. They did not appear by any means inclined to be sociable, but kept themselves quite aloof. My friend Garnham soon took the hint, and desired the waiter to place his wine and dessert upon a side table at the window, where he placed himself with his favourite little dog upon his lap. I did all I possibly could to ingratiate myself into their favour, and fortunately succeeded. I was delighted with their manner, and conversation, particularly relating to India, where they had been stationed for many years. The young officer addressing his Sister mentioned Sir George August as their Uncle, the Chief in Command at Kingston Barracks Jamaica and it was there that Garnham had the yellow fever with his Regiment the 82^nd. Every one thought he would never recover, and he heard the pleasing order given for the Band, to attend his funeral the following morning.

I observed he appeared to be listening to the conversation with a degree of interest rather unusual and upon hearing the name of Sir Geo. August his former Colonel he became exceedingly agitated, he very nearly knocked down his table, and stamped upon his little dog. Endeavouring to approach our party, and requesting the young stranger would favor him with his Name, which he very sternly answered by saying, “My name is Captain Meredith, if you wish to know it”. Garnham immediately, with his usual exclamation “God help me” embraced him most affectionately, and every body thought him labouring under some fit of insanity. As soon as he had recovered himself he said, “My dear fellow, the last time I saw you was twenty years ago, you were then five years of age, and upon the death of your dear Mother I brought you up with the greatest care, and regard” at Kingston Barracks.

It’s impossible to describe the effect of this scene, his sister fell into the arms of her husband, many pocket handkerchiefs were in immediately request with the ladies, and many of the gentlemen present, joined in the chorus of sighing, and sobbing, and as soon as the ladies retired to the Drawing Room, “Wine, more Wine, was the order of the Day” and we kept it up until the last half hour, when we were compelled to return again to Liverpool.

I understand afterwards, the Mother of the hero of my tale, was very much beloved of my friend Garnham, when he was a Subaltern he would have married her, but she preferred being united to the Major. He mentioned her name only once, and then with great emotion he said, “You are indeed my dear boy, very like your blessed Mother”.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

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Life in the West Suffolk Militia

A Letter

Copy

Newcastle. 12^th July 1810

Mr dear Major,

The Masquerade went off extremely well and I regret very much you were not there for I am certain you would have enjoyed the fun very much – No expense was spared, and I have heard it cost our friend Lamb at least £300. Supper was laid for 350 and as usual Mr Gunter displayed his great taste, and extravagance. The first thing I saw, I observed in the lobby, was a pointed board “requesting the Ladies and Gentlemen to take off their Masques when the bell rang for supper”, and in my life I never heard such a row when this warning took place. The Baronet’s [Sir Buckworth Harner] rich, and handsome court dress of Mrs Smith’s Father in the reign of Geo: the 2^nd which she lent me, fitted exactly, and I soon found a Lady in the most superb dress to correspond with mine, we danced a minuet, and which was encored, but she begg’d to decline the honor, as it was very exciting, and rather too much expose she felt to be repeated. I could not imagine who it could possibly be, but when the bell rang for supper, I discovered out favourite Lady Mayoress, Mrs Cookson. Before we began our minuet, a hollow square was formed and I was told that during our performance much wispering and conjecturing, who we were, and some did not hesitate to declare, we were from the Theatre, and engaged for the occasion.

One of the best supported characters in the Rooms was a Quaker, I saluted him as Obadiah Prim and gave him at the same time a most hearty rap upon the back shoulders. Who did you imagine it was? General Johnson!

After supper I apologised for my familiarity but he begged I would not apologize as he considered my not knowing him was the greatest compliment I would possibly pay him. Ralph Selby and Miss Waldie were capital, the former an old Duanna with her Grandaughter you know how very plain she is, and it’s a pity she ever appears in public without a very pretty masque, for her elegant figure was so much admired. The Miss Pembertons as Sheppardesses I soon discovered by their pet lamb which the younger led with a blue ribbon and a flageolet suspended from her neck. I requested she would favor me with a tune but she could not paly upon it. I play’d for her ‘Fern of Aberdeen’ in compliment you know to her Scotch Lover, she was so astonished. The two Miss Bakers as flower girls and their father as Tony Lumpkin were excellent characters. I introduced my friend the Quaker and they prevailed on him to put a rose into the button hole of his demure coat, they discovered me by my laugh and then recommended a Rose as the Duke of Grafton was never seen without, and added Suffolk was a County they were well acquainted with – Our Rev. friend Orde (the priviledged man upon all occasions) proposed a toast: “May the innocent Lamb never meet with a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing” no one appeared more pleased with the toast than Lamb himself many however thought it rather severe wit and so did I. Our Brigadier Major 6 feet high as a Boarding School Miss dress’d with a Pink sach and frock, and red slippers, the whole room were convulsed with laughter. I hope you will soon return when I will give you a further description of the other characters, some worth hearing.

Yours faithfully

Edward Reeve

We expect a rout for Scotland any day, and I long to hear our Band strike up “The Girls we left behind us”.

Amongst the many observations of the Quaker, one was worth repeating, “Friend, if all thy faults, and peccadillos were written on thy waistcoat, thou wouldst button thy Coat”.

Ongar: An extract from the Commonplace Book of Edward Reeve c1860

2011-12-02T00:01:00.001Z

Preface

In 1849 Edward Reeve (1785 – 1867), known as “the Captain” to his family, retired to Stondon Massey in Essex having served in the West Suffolk Militia (from 1808) and then a gentleman farmer in Dedham. He purchased the advowson of Stondon Massey for his son and appointed him rector. After Edward James’ marriage the Captain moved to The White House in Ongar.

This series of entries is edited from a manuscript written in the Captain’s hand between 1857 and 1867. The work is known as a commonplace book which is described in a dictionary as “a notebook in which quotations, poems etc., that catch the owner’s attention are entered”. It was the blog of its day.

The book came into my possession via a relative of the Reeve family. It casts light on the ordinary lives of the privileged classes in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In short, it is a fascinating social history.

The text is the Captain’s own.

Andrew Smith

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - December 2011

2011-12-01T00:01:00.002Z

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

Essex Ancestors

‘Essex Ancestors’ is a pay-per-view service offered online by the Essex Record Office displaying images (not transcripts) of parish registers (baptisms, marriages and burials). The service was originally free of charge, although not as extensive as now, but in these difficult times Essex County Council (who run the excellent archive service) has found it necessary to charge. This has upset a minority of researchers who believe that access to archives should be completely free – which it is at the Essex Record Office searchroom itself. It’s difficult. One-day access costs £5, with prices on a scale up to £75 for a year.

The latest News from the Essex Record Office:

“Essex Ancestors was officially launched on Monday 7 November and it is clear the new service has been welcomed by genealogists and family historians. The project has been a demanding and complex one, resulting in Essex County Council’s first international trading. UK customers are in the great majority among our new clients so far, followed by Australians. The Americans have some catching up to do.

“We are planning to expand the range of images by completing parishes and wills. Other collections and record series are included in our digitisation programme and we welcome suggestions.

“The online accessibility of images of archives is an important contribution to the public’s awareness of historical documents, old handwriting and a long-lost way of life. We hope more people will be motivated to use original documents and become local historians.”

“To use Essex Ancestors visit www.essexancestors.co.uk or http://seax.essexcc.gov.uk “.

Blackmore Area Local History

Today is the 4^th anniversary of the blog, and judging by the number of visitors http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com is more popular than ever – so I must be getting something right! Thanks everyone. I usually set out plans for the coming year, but since I utterly failed to do what I said I would do last year – I got distracted partly with other projects – I will write little other than to say that the Doddinghurst commemoration of those who died in the First World War needs publication online.

Links

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

Theydon Mount: The Peoples' History of Essex (1861)

2011-11-25T00:01:00.002Z

An extract from ‘The People’s History of Essex’ written by D.W. Coller, published in 1861.

Hill-Hall, the seat of Sir William Bowyer Smijth, Bart. – The third parish bearing the name Thoydon, with the distinctive title of Mount, is united with that of Stapleford Tawney; and high in its midst stands the noble seat of the ancient family of Smijth. After climbing the hill top on which the mansion is erected, we enter a long avenue on the northern side of the park. As we traverse it, and when we reach the tasteful pleasure grounds and terrace, we look forth on a beautiful forest scene, and realize the description, long since given that “Hill-hall, in point of elegance and prospect, may be reckoned inferior to very few houses in this county.” To the westward the finely-timbered park falls boldly into a deep wooded valley, beyond which the country gradually rises; and from this height we see its cultivated lands sprinkled over with farm-houses and villages, with the thick dark mass of the forest in the distance forming a back-ground to the rural landscape. On the south and other sides extend views of equal sylvan beauty, which compel us to admire the taste of those who, even before the time of the Norman – for this was one of the lordships of Suene – planted their manor-house on this commanding spot. The present hall id one of those fine massive old mansions which combine the solidity of the past with the elegancies of the present. It is a quadrangular building, with very thick and lofty walls, erected near the site of the ancient edifice, by the ancestor of the present possessor in 1548. On the north, the appearance of the structure, with its arched entrance and large massive door, leaves an impression of its original gloomy strength; but the eastern side is in the decorated Grecian style; and the southern or terrace front has been modernized and changed in character since the Elizabethan architect first raised the pile. On entering the mansion, the visitor will be struck by the beauty and proportions of the great hall, which is adorned by some fine paintings, and decorated with specimens of ancient armour and arms wielded in the hand-to-hand combat on the olden battle-fields of the country. Along one side runs a handsome gallery, and in traversing it we glance with interest the curious object which obstructs our path, very unlike anything belonging to the equestrians of the present time – the veritable saddle on which Queen Elizabeth rode while sojourning at Horham Hall [near Thaxted], which was formerly one of the seats of the Smijth family. The dining and drawing rooms, and the library, are large and lofty apartments; and upon their walls is the finest array of family portraits we have seen in the county. They form a pictorial history of the house of Smijth for the last three hundred years, mingled with paintings of royal and other personages with which it has been connected. Many are by the master-hands of their time. Amongst them are found portraits of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth; Sit Thomas Smijth, the founder of the family, and the nephew to whom he left the estate; Charles I; the second Sir Thomas Smijth; Sir Edward Bowyer; the Black Prince; the present Lady Smijth (daughter of Sir Henry Meux); James I; James Smijth Esq. and his wife; Sir Edward Smijth and his Lady; Sir William Smijth, by Copley; Sir Edward Smijth, father of the present baronet; Joseph Windham, by Sir Godfrey Kneller; the Bishop of Salisbury, connected with the family in 1663; Sir Edward Smijth, by Sir Godfrey Kneller; Sir William Smijth (1777) by James Barry; and a host of others, interesting as specimens of art and curious as illustrating costumes of the different periods in which they were painted.

The family of Smijth is of great antiquity in the land. By some it is traced up to Edward the Black Prince, as descended from Sir Roger de Clarendon, his natural son. In Essex, however, it is of about three centuries standing. About 1480, the estate was in the Hampden family, under the title of Thoydon-at-the-Mount and Hill-hall. Sir John Hampden died in 1553, and his widow being jointured with this property, married Sir Thomas Smijth, knt., who bought the reversion of the estate, made it part of the family patrimony, and built the Hall. Sir Thomas, who was the son of John Smijth, Esq., of Saffron Walden, sheriff of Essex and Herts in the reign of Henry VIII, was one of the most celebrated statesmen and accomplished scholars of his day, and the author of several learned works, amongst them “the English Commonwealth”, which has been several times reprinted. He is described as a most excellent orator, mathematician, philosopher, and perfect in several of the modern languages. These qualities marked him out for public duties and distinctions. He was appointed secretary of state under Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth, was often employed in important foreign embassies and negotiations, and was made chancellor of the order of the garter. Essex, too, was anxious to do him local honour, and twice elected him one of its knights in parliament. He died in 1577, leaving his name honourably stamped on our political and literary history. His epitaph, on the sumptuous tomb in the little village church, which stands within the park, contains a record of him – the original being in Latin:-

“Sir Thomas Smijth, knight, lord of the manor, privy councillor and principal secretary of state to both King Edward VI and to Queen Elizabeth, and then ambassador to the greatest kings, chancellor of the noble order of the garter, colonel of Arda and Southern Clonebey, in Ireland, honoured eben when a youth with the highest title of the civil law, a most excellent orator, mathematician, and philosopher, very skilled in the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Italian languages, a friend of the honest and ingenious man, singularly good, serviceable to many, hurtful to none, averse to revenge. In short, remarkable for his wisdom, piety and integrity, and in every part of life, whether sick or well, prepared for death. When he had completed the 65^th year of his age, piously and sweetly slept in the Lord, at his seat of Mont-hall, on the 12^th day of August, in the year of our salvation, 1577. – The glory of a short life makes a man famous when buried in the bowels of the earth. My life was blameless; if after my death you hurt my fame (wretch) the Almighty will punish thee for so doing”.

The family have ever since held a high position in the county. Several of its members distinguished themselves as soldiers; and one of them, a youth of fifteen, won himself a reputation as a volunteer under Prince Rupert in the civil wars. The chancel of the church contains the monuments of many of them. Of Sir Thomas Smijth, the first baronet, we are told, in these funereal records, that:-

“He lived 66 years with great reputation for loyalty to his prince and conformity to the church of England in apostate times, and served his king and country in chiefest places of trust and credit in the county”.

The present owner of Hill Hall is the eleventh baronet, the title being conferred to the family in 1661; and bears the name Bowyer prefixed to that of Smijth, the surname and arms of that family, in consequence of an intermarriage long previously, having been assumed by royal licence in 1839.

In Stapleford Tawney is Suttons, the seat of Sir Charles C. Smith, Bart. It is a large and delightful mansion, the head of the manor which appears to have been cut off from the Hall, now belonging to Sir William Bowyer Smijth, but long the property of the De Tanys, a family in ancient times of high repute and large possessions in the county. Sir C. Cunliffe Smith is descended from John Smith, Esq., a London merchant, who was created a baronet in 1804, and having married, as his second wife, the daughter of Sir Ellis Cunliffe, the two names became united. The present occupant of Suttons, who has been the high sheriff of the county, is the third baronet. Tawney Common is a rugged-looking place – though now mostly enclosed – with a few scattered cottages. In the parish is a school-house, erected in 1745, by Jane Luther, who left 5s. to the parish clerk, and £2. 17s. 6d. each to this parish and Kelvedon Hatch, for distribution in bread, out of an estate at Little Warley. The poor have also the rent of four acres of land, left by an unknown donor; and a rent-charge of £5 left by Thomas Luther, in 1718.

Greensted: The Peoples' History of Essex (1861)

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An extract from ‘The People’s History of Essex’ written by D.W. Coller, published in 1861.

The Ongar Hundred is exceedingly pleasant, being finely undulated, and touching at several points upon the forest. Of the part towards Epping, it was written, a hundred years ago, “It may with propriety be called the garden of Essex, from the pleasing variety of the hills and vales, the fertility of the soil, the goodness of the roads, the neatness of the buildings, and the many additional ornaments it receives from the number of noblemen’s and gentlemen’s seats with which it abounds; insomuch that the traveller cannot pass without being struck by the peculiarity of its beauty, and the variety of noble and pleasing prospects, which in different parts present themselves in this view.

Greensted Hall, the seat of Captain Budworth – To the west of Chipping Ongar, reached by a walk of about a mile through pleasant meadows, and nestling among clumps of trees, as if it still stood in a forest land, is the curious little antique church of Greensted – St Edmund’s shrine. There is little doubt that this is the identical resting-place of the saint, as the register of the Abbey of St. Edmund says: “his body was likewise entertained at Aungre, where a wooden chapel erected to his memory remains to the present day.” Close by is the Hall, commanding prospects over a rich forestal district. The parish, belonged with Ongar, to Sir Richard Lucy; and subsequently the noble families of Stafford, Bourchier, and others. The manor, with the remainder of the parish and other property in the neighbourhood, was purchased in the reign of Charles II by Alexander Cleeve, of London, merchant. Subsequently these estates were subdivided between three of the grand-daughters, one of whom marrying the Rev. Richard Budworth during the last [eighteenth] century, carried a proportion of this parish to her husband; the manor and Hall, however, passing successively through the hands of the Rebotier, Redman, and Ord families. In 1837 the trustees of the estate of the Rev. Philip Budworth (son of the above Richard Budworth) re-purchased Greensted Hall with the manor, and with one or two small exceptions, the remainder of the parish. Greensted Hall is now [1861] the seat of Captain Philip John Budworth, son of the last mentioned, who has lately restored the mansion – a large pile of buildings dating from the reign of Elizabeth, but, owing to successive repairs and alterations, possessing no architectural remains of that epoch. The entrance hall, however, is a noble and spacious one, and contains a fine Scarsellino, brought by Captain Budworth from the Sciana Gallery at Rome, as well as a collection of arms and armour, which was partly made by him in the East. From the Hall, eastwards, a fine avenue of elm s, of at least a mile in length, runs through the grounds and adjoining fields into the town of Ongar.

The charities for the poor are two rent-charges of 5s. out of the land at Stanford Rivers, left by Robert Petit; and 2s. out of Lee-fields, left by Richard Bourne, in 1660.

Filling the space between that parish [Navestock] and Greensted, a fertile and picturesque district, lies Stanford Rivers, with its straggling village. There was anciently an extensive park here; and Belhouse was long the seat of a branch of the Petre family. Sir C. C. Smith and Capel Cure, Esq. are the chief owners of this parish. The poor have 5s. a year, left by Thomas Petit; an annuity of £2, left by William Green in 1554, has been lost.

Remembrance Day

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We will remember them

Gunpowder Treason

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A page from the Book of Common Prayer: this edition 1815

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - November 2011

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

Who Do You Think You Are?

It is remiss of me not to report until now that in March 2011 the BBC ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ magazine featured the county of Essex. The highlight, on the cover CD, is a complete ‘Kelly’s Directory 1933’.

Links

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

Blackmore: Speller family

2011-10-28T00:01:00.001+01:00

Received 2 October 2011

Hello Andrew I am researching the Speller family who lived in around Billericay. I have noticed that there is a Charles Speller included on the war memorial. There could be a match to the Charles Speller on my family tree but only by name and year of birth match so it is a little tenuous. I am happy to share what I know.

Charles Speller b 1876 was the son of Henry Speller b 1837 Vange(?) d 1895 and his mother was Eliza Speller (Law) b 1838 (Pitsea?).

He had a number of siblings, Louisa b 1857 Henry T Speller b 1858 Eliza Speller b 1860, Mary Ann Speller b 1865, George Speller b 1866, Frederick William Speller b 19/01/1867 (my great grandfather) Emma C Speller b 1868 and Rachel M Speller b 1871.

According to the 1891 Census Charles was 15 and was known as Charley. He is described as a general labourer. He was living at 87 Back Lane Great Burstead Billericay

According to the 1901 census Charles was 25 and living with wife Ellen age 22 b 1879 and daughter Fairy age 1 b 1900 at 117 Wyatt Green Blackmore Essex. Charles was a haybinder and agricultural worker.

I haven't found them in the 1911 census yet. Are there parishes other than Great Burstead that would cover Billericay and its surrounding areas?

Thank you for the job you are doing on the research and for making it so publicly available. It makes fascinating reading.

kind regards

Graham Speller

Replied 8 October 2011

Dear Graham,

Thank you for your e mail. Charles Speller is a name the War Memorial Research Project came across, as living in Blackmore at the outbreak of the First World War. He is on the Electoral Roll in 1914. Baptism records show three further children. He is not remembered on the Blackmore War Memorial, which was unveiled in 1920. Our tribute page to him can be found on http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/ww1_charles_speller.html.

His service details say, erroneously, that he was born in Blackmore. Your information confirms that he was not born here.

Wyatt(s) Green was a hamlet of Blackmore, now a built up area. “117” refers to a census entry not address.

I have not checked the 1911 Census for Charles Speller. He may have been living at Blackmore, not Great Burstead near Billericay.

Best wishes

Andrew

Received 10 October 2011

Andrew thanks very much for your reply and for sharing your information. I have now found Charles Speller on the 1911 census. The reference is Essex, Blackmore 11 Page 60. The family had four children all living, and he was employed as a haybinder. His wife was Ellen b 1880 and they were married in 1899. They lived in four rooms at Nelson Cottage Blackmore nr Ingatestone

best wishes

Graham

Replied 13 October 2011

Good news! Nelson Cottage is just along the road from the centre of Blackmore village in Ingatestone Road. Today six people living in four rooms would be overcrowding but then, of course, that was the norm.

Andrew

A Trilogy of Books: "After Dinner Anecdotes"; "Relatively Speaking"; "Captain's Reflections"

2011-10-21T00:01:00.008+01:00

Three new books relating to the Reeve family of Stondon Massey and beyond are now on sale priced £2 each (plus P&P). Pictured below is part of the display of archive material shown at St Peter & St Paul Church last weekend.

Stondon Massey: Today at St Peter & St Paul Church

2011-10-15T06:57:00.000+01:00

Open 10.00am to 4.00pm for annual Gift Day, refreshments, plus ...

Reeve Family Archive

The Reeve family moved to the Stondon Massey Rectory in 1849, and lived in the village for almost a century. This archive is a generous donation by one of their descendants. It represents an interesting social history of a well-to-do family of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Please handle these items with care.

1. The commonplace book of Captain Edward Reeve (1785-1867). He wrote this manuscript at The White House, Ongar, in about 1860. Edward Reeve purchased the Rectory for himself and the advowson for his clergyman son Edward James for £700 in 1849.

2. ‘Jottings’ by Edward Henry Lisle Reeve (1858-1936) written in 1881. He was known as Lisle to his family.

“My father you know is always telling us the same old stories, and then he will turn to me and ask ‘if I remember that’.”

3. ‘Plauti Comoediae. Tom. I’. Lisle was educated at Harrow School. This book is dated September 1875.

4. Lisle was a keen athlete and cyclist during his youth. The trophy shows success in 1880 in a one-mile and ten-mile race, with a contemporary photograph. ‘Safety bicycles’ had just been invented, allowing the rider to touch the ground with their feet, and were first catalogued in 1885.

5. Two books belonging to Edward Reeve. ‘Watts’, a hymn book dated 1815. Highlighted is the hymn ‘Give to our God immortal praise’.

6. ‘Prayer’ dated 1815. The Book of Common Prayer, which then included prayers for the deliverance of King James I from the Gunpowder Treason, and a form of prayer with fasting in remembrance of the martyrdom of King Charles I. These remained in the Prayer Book until 1859. The service of Morning Prayer included a prayer for “our most gracious Sovereign Lord King GEORGE” (George III who had reigned since 1859 – and by 1815 was bonkers) and “our gracious Queen Charlotte, their Royal Highnesses George Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family” (George Prince of Wales was Regent and later, from 1820 to 1830 King George IV).

7. ‘Church Services’. A Book of Common Prayer inscribed “Elizabeth Jane Reeve. Aug^st. 22^nd 1884. With her father’s love”. Jane was one of three daughters of Edward James Reeve (1821-1893), then Rector of Stondon Massey. The book was given on her 25^th birthday. The same Morning Prayer records “our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen VICTORIA” followed by a prayer for “Albert Edward Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales and all the Royal Family” (Albert Edward eventually became King Edward VII in 1901. Queen Victoria’s consort, Albert, had died in 1861).

8. ‘Hymns for a Week’ and ‘Concordance’.

9. ‘Death Certificate of Edward James Reeve’ and Hymns sung at his funeral at Stondon Massey, August 1893.

10. ‘British Museum. Reading Room’. Rules, dated 1894, reflecting Lisle’s interest in local history.

11. ‘Stondon Massey’. The parish history written by Revd. E H L Reeve (Lisle).

12. Miscellaneous Papers.

The archive is the generous donation of a great great niece of Edward Henry Lisle Reeve.

Available today from the back of the church are three booklets transcribing extracts from the two commonplace books on display – each booklet is priced £2.00, in aid of church funds.

- After Dinner Anecdotes

- Relatively Speaking

- Captain’s Reflections

Also, the recently published ‘Revd. Edward Henry Lisle Reeve. The Last Gentleman Clergyman of Stondon Massey’

Andrew Smith

15 October 2011

Stondon Massey: Revd. Edward James Reeve

2011-10-14T00:01:00.002+01:00

An extract from ‘Jottings’ by EHL Reeve written in 1881 and now available in a booklet entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’.

“In medio tutissimus ibis” is the Rector’s of Stondons motto. Imbued with a firm belief in the English Church, he is equally uncompromising to Roman Catholic and Dissenter, courting neither the one nor the other out of fear or favour.

Mr Ely, Rector of Broomfield near the Curacy of Little Waltham, said to him in those early days of his ministry, “Your sentiments are right, but you will never be popular”.

[Edward James Reeve was Curate of Little Waltham, near Chelmsford, Essex, from 1847 to 1849 having previously served as Curate at Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks in Kent, from 1844 to 1846.]

On some points of Church doctrine or discipline my father feels so strongly, that in speaking of them he seems almost inspired to inveigh against those who would make breaches in her walls. On such occasions he feels as though he would like to be addressing a huge mass of people on some wide plain, and fancies them still pouring in to hear him. “How many are there?” he supposes to himself to ask, “20000 Sir” is the reply, “and they are still coming up”. “Let them come on”. And when assembled, he can imagine himself addressing them all, and like Samson, dying at the hour of triumph.

Mr Wyndham Holgate Inspector of Schools, sent by the Government round the Country to inquire into the state of school buildings – whether or no they were adequate to the number of children etc – in due course came to Stondon. Had the cubic weight of air in the room been deemed insufficient, the Government could have obliged the parish to build another school of proper proportions. It was however deemed to be sufficient. My father is in possession of the title deeds of the ground on which the school stands, it being given to the rector by Mr Philip Herman Meyer the Lord of the Manor for use as School property as long as the school should be conducted according to the principles of the Church of England. Mr Wyndham Holgate endeavoured to persuade my father that he only had to accept the conditions of Government called the “Conscience Clause” (by which children, whose parents objected to the teaching of the English Church, might be instructed in secular learning only) to obtain a Grant from Government, instead of paying the salary of the governess himself. This was just the proposition to call forth his best energies, and I have it from Mrs Meyer herself who was present at the time, that she never heard such a torrent of eloquence, such pithy and witty sentences; such speedy, such sharp retorts. He had the best of the argument throughout, and his adversary retreated, assuring him that there were only two other such in the kingdom, and that he was a regular old John Bull. On wishing the Rector good-day, the Inspector said, “You are quite right, Mr Reeve, there is no doubt, in your view of the matter.”

Stondon Massey: Captain Edward Reeve

2011-10-13T00:01:00.001+01:00

An extract from ‘Jottings’ by EHL Reeve written in 1881 and now available in a booklet entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’.

When my father [Revd. Edward James Reeve (1821-1893)] first came to Stondon Massey as Rector [for 44 years from 1849 to 1893], Captain [Edward] Reeve [(1785 – 1867)] lived at the Rectory House at Stondon with him, with my grandmother [Anna Reeve, nee Stutter (1791 – 1862)] and Aunt Mary [Mary Wheatley Reeve (1823 – 1916)].

They had lately become possessed of a young donkey which Miss Mary Reeve used to drive about. One day the animal was not forthcoming, and Captain Reeve with characteristic activity put an advertisement in the paper offering 1£ reward for its safe restoration. Three or four days passed, and the beast did not appear; at last the coachman had occasion to go to an old cowshed where the main supply of hay was kept, and there to his astonishment was the truant donkey. Evidently it had got in when the man last went to the shed in the evening, and the key had been turned on it. The donkey had enough to eat, but his good fortune had been somewhat tempered, for he had nothing to drink, and when the door was opened he made immediately for the pond, and began to drink with an energy which bade fair to prove fatal. Captn. Reeve, though glad to recover his lost property, was still annoyed to think of the disturbance which his advertisement had created, and the more so that friends would from time to time gently chaff him upon the subject.

Mrs Edward Reeve [the Captain’s wife] was the eldest daughter of Mr James Stutter of Higham Hall [Suffolk]. She was a great invalid in her later years, and during her residence at Stondon seldom was seen outside the house. The Captn. would vainly try to entice her out declaring that the sun was shining brightly, but even if he elicited a promise from her to try its charms he would return a few moments later only to find her putting on her boots – the lacing of which was a work of time. When a new domestic was wanted, great troops of applicants would appear at the window to be called in one by one, and the Capt. would be outside and wink significantly if he saw one approaching whom he thought would suit! On one occasion Mrs Reeve in questioning one more likely than the rest, asked her if she had been confirmed, and received a somewhat amusing reply, that she “had not yet, but that she was good at her needle”.

Mrs Reeve was of silent habits, and particularly reticent at meals, when, if she chanced to make a remark which caused merriment to the party, she would merely smile and say “I am glad you are amused”.

If the said party assembled grumbled at the fare provided for them, but the good lady afterwards found devouring the same, and even applying for a second helping, she would sarcastically say, “You seem to eat it, though”.

Stondon Massey: Revd. Thomas Hubbard

2011-10-12T00:01:00.002+01:00

An extract from ‘Jottings’ by EHL Reeve written in 1881 and now available in a booklet entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’.

The rector of Stondon Massey who succeeded Mr Oldham and immediately preceded my father, was the Revd Thos Hubbard [rector, 1841- 1849] – a brother of John Gellibrand Hubbard Esquire of the Privy Council. He only lived about seven or eight years at Stondon, his wife voting the place dull.

He was rather unfortunate, it would seem, in his endeavours to exact the outward forms of respect from the juvenile proportion of the population. On one occasion he met a boy who did not make his obeisance to the rector of the parish, and who, on being reprimanded, replied, “I keeps my bows for Mr Page” (one of the principal farmers).

On another occasion Mr Hubbard met a boy carrying a heavy basket on his head, and seeing his predicament as he supposed, kindly said, “You need not touch your hat to me today my boy”. “I wasn’t a-going to” replied the ungrateful juvenile.

Stondon Massey: Revd. John Oldham

2011-10-11T00:01:00.002+01:00

An extract from ‘Jottings’ by EHL Reeve written in 1881 and now available in a booklet entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’.

Mr Oldham, sometime rector of the parish of Stondon Massey [1791 – 1841] was a man reverenced far and wide for his great abilities. He had been brought up to the Law before taking Orders and his proficiency in this branch of learning raised him in the eyes of his parishioners and neighbours. Veterans of the village can recollect fours-in-hand driving up to his rectory and carrying off legal advice from this clerical lawyer.

Mr Oldham built the present rectory house in a style possibly of his own peculiar. Certainly if not his own – it is peculiar; The rector – so the story goes – was one day inspecting his laurel bushes by the front gate when some passers by made rather rude remarks upon the architecture of the buildings observing finally that “the man who built that house ought to be hanged”. “But he’s not hanged yet” said the old gentleman, starting up from his place of concealment. Imagine the traveller’s horror!

Mr Oldham was strict and stern, but kind-hearted and somewhat eccentric it would seem. I have from Mr Noble a tradesman of Ongar that the Rev. gentleman was very fond of snuff and to save trouble to him domestics had a tub of water in his study wherein a number of handkerchiefs could be always soaking and washing in numbers. “We would have them to dry before his fire!”

This same Mr Oldham erected a tomb for himself in Stondon churchyard and had the inscription relating to himself placed upon it in his lifetime, only the date of his decease remaining for his relatives to supply. Now and again he would visit the spot, inviting his friends to come with him, and see “his house”.

Stondon Massey: Revd. Thomas Smith

2011-10-10T00:01:00.001+01:00

An extract from ‘Jottings’ by EHL Reeve written in 1881 and now available in a booklet entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’.

Revd. Thos. Smith [Rector] of Stondon [1735 – 1781] on one occasion was rolling the gravel in front of his house with his gardener, when suddenly the Church Bells began to ring. “Why!”, said the Rector, “what are they thinking of now?” “Well that’s a good ‘un”, replied the man, “I think you ought to know”. (It was Sunday – Ed.)

Stondon Massey: After Dinner Anecdotes

2011-10-07T00:01:00.001+01:00

An introduction to a new booklet now available, price £2, from Stondon Massey Church.

In 1881 Edward Henry Lisle Reeve (known as Lisle to his family) had just completed his University studies to become a Minister of Religion in the Church of England. He was 23 years of age, born into a well-to-do family, whose father was Rector of Stondon Massey. Lisle became the parish’s rector in 1893. His late grandfather, Edward Reeve (known in the family as “the Captain”), had served in the West Suffolk Militia. Having then been a gentleman farmer in Dedham, in 1849 he purchased the Rectory and advowson of Stondon moving into retirement and appointing his son as the incumbent.

The following sequence of posts is edited from a manuscript in Lisle’s hand entitled ‘Jottings’ dated 1881, and relates specifically to Stondon Massey. In Lisle’s words:

“My father you know is always telling us the same old stories, and then he will turn to me and ask ‘if I remember that’.

“Well, I should say you have no doubts how to answer that question. If he were to ask you whether you had forgotten it, it might create a difficulty.

“Most of these little heirlooms we are indebted to the Captain who took a burning interest in all that related to his ancestors”.

‘Jottings’ is a family book which came into my possession via a relative of the Reeve family. It casts light on the ordinary lives of the privileged classes in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In short, it is a fascinating social history.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - October 2011

2011-10-06T18:33:00.002+01:00

Welcome to this month’s round-up of local history and heritage in and around Blackmore, Essex. It’s little later than usual owing to the marvellous October heatwave which forced me away from the computer and out in the garden.

Changes in Ongar

A large building, which initially looked like a multi storey car park, is being built on the site of the former Ongar War Memorial Hospital. The Ongar Health Centre will be completed soon with the anticipation that men from the Ongar district who fell in the First World War will be remembered with their names engraved on glass. Meanwhile in the High Street itself HSBC bank closed its doors for the last time on 30 September 2011. The media say it is another blow to the town which lost its connection to the Central Line back in 1994.

Under construction. Ongar Health Centre

Pubs For Sale

Two pubs in close proximity to one another are up for sale. Kings Brasserie, formerly The Wheatsheaf, in Nine Ashes, High Ongar parish has recently gone on the market having been shut throughout the summer. It has been trading under its new name for only about eighteen months. The Bull, Blackmore, which has been closed for at least a year is also for sale. It is difficult to tell the fate of these pubs, and whether they will open again as going concerns. Meanwhile in Blackmore End, near Wethersfield, the former pub bearing the same name, the Bull, has also closed and a controversial application has been made for conversion into a house. Having two pubs in the county called The Bull, one at Blackmore and the other at Blackmore End several miles away, caused great confusion. Having visited them both a few years ago the former landlords both told me how occasionally a small party turned up expecting their booking for Sunday lunch only to find they had rung the wrong establishment. It’s sad also to note that the Dog and Partridge (many years ago called The Swan) in Kelvedon Hatch has also closed.

Kings Brasserie (The Wheatsheaf), King Street, High Ongar

Nine Ashes Farm, High Ongar

A planning application has been made to demolish derelict cattle sheds at Nine Ashes Farm and for a number of houses to be erected. Until twenty years ago the farm kept cows for milking. Now the sight of a cow or sheep is extraordinarily rare in this part of the county. When it comes to redundant buildings the whole question of preservation, or conservation or demolition has to be addressed.

Disused dairy farm barns, Nine Ashes Farm, High Ongar

Moreton Hanger

A former hanger from the North Weald airfield in the centre of Moreton village has finally been removed and the site to be allocated for house-building. The fate of the rather tatty wooden structure is unknown but I learned a while ago that North Weald airfield as well as a new First World War museum on the site of an airfield at Stow Maries near Maldon was interested. I hope that it has found a home.

Airfield Hanger (now demolished) at Moreton (photo taken 2007)

Treasures of the Essex Record Office

The Essex Record Office produces every year a series of short courses on a variety of topics, ranging from understanding parish registers, and house history through to understanding maps. On 4 October I attended an afternoon session entitled ‘Treasures of the Essex Record Office’ in which the archivist had laid out around twenty documents which she thought were special. She gave a short introductory talk on each item then allowed those attending time to view them. Of course any selection like this has to be somewhat subjective, and there is no doubt that another member of staff would choose a different selection of twenty. On display before our eyes was the oldest record held by the archive, dated 962; a household record of the Petre family; an original Parish Register commencing 1538; a plan of Epping workhouse; photographs by Spalding of Chelmsford; a record of aliens in the First World War; and, would you believe it, letters written to Revd Edward Henry Lisle Reeve by men of the parish serving on the Front during the First World War. I have seen these whilst researching Reeve’s biography.

Gift Day at Stondon Massey

A display of books, letters and manuscripts of the Reeve family will be available to view for the first time in Stondon Massey on Saturday 15^th October. The congregation of St Peter and St Paul Church, Stondon Massey have their Gift Day with the building open to visitors between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Refreshments will be available. Revd. Edward Henry Lisle Reeve died 75 years ago this year and was Rector of Stondon Massey from 1893 to 1935, succeeding his father, Edward James, who was Rector for 44 years from 1849. The material was a generous gift of a distant descendent. Among them are two commonplace books, one by Edward Reeve (1785 – 1867) written towards the end of his life at Ongar, and the other ‘Jottings’ (dating from 1881) by his grandson Edward Henry Lisle Reeve. A trilogy of booklets will be available to coincide with the exhibition, entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’, ‘Relatively Speaking’ and ‘Captain’s Reflections’, each priced £2.00 each and sold in aid of church funds.

Links

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

Area: "High Country History Group" Journal No. 40

2011-09-30T00:01:00.001+01:00

Journal No 40, quite a milestone for a rural historical society, was issued in June 2011. Topics covered included:

- Thomas Luther and Stapleford Tawney School

- Kellys Directory of Essex 1933 – Stapleford Tawney

- William Byrd, and the Authorised Version of the Bible (see http://williambyrdfestival.blogspot.com/2011/03/av-william-byrd-stondon-massey-and.html or http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2011/04/stondon-massey-william-byrd-and.html )

- Successful Stondon Byrd Festival Gains International Reputation (see http://williambyrdfestival.blogspot.com/2011/05/william-byrd-festival-gains.html)

- The Rat and Sparrow Club

- Snippets from the Press (Greensted)

- West Essex Association for the Preservation of Game

- A table of Customary Dues and Fees

- William Frith Horner

- Ongar Union

- Memories of the Forties and Fifties Around Ongar.

- Chipping Ongar

Ingatestone & Fryerning: Postcards

2011-09-23T00:01:00.001+01:00

Ingatestone Station - at the beginning of the twentieth century

A series of postcards from the early twentieth century of Ingatestone and Fryerning has just been published on the accompanying website. It is possible for the reader to take a figure of eight walk from the railway station to see all the views. Go to: http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/ingatestone_postcards.html

Ongar: The Rebels

2011-09-16T00:01:00.003+01:00

I am currently advising Derek Berwin on the names of the fallen in the Blackmore area. Derek is working on a project to recreate the names of those who gave their lives in the Ongar and district area for commemoration in the new Ongar Health Centre, currently under construction in Shelley on the site of the former Ongar War Memorial Hospital.

Received 31 August 2011

Dear Andrew.

Have you ever come across the ONGAR REBELS?

It has come up during my year-long research into all the fallen of the Ongar District, of a group called " THE ONGAR REBELS". I had a call from a gentleman in Yorkshire, who found a loving cup inscribed with ONGAR REBELS 1914- followed by 6 names. I have the names. They are not on the Commonwealth War Graves site of the fallen of that period (WW1)

Derek

Sent 31 August 2011

Dear Derek

I have never heard of Ongar Rebels. If it is helpful I will edit this e mail for publication on the blog.

Andrew

Received 31 August 2011

Andrew.

Last Sunday a man called Errol Mooney phoned from Yorkshire. He had purchased an antique loving cup inscribed "THE ONGAR REBELS 1914- " It had no end date. Followed by six names.

G HAUGHTON

G BROOKE

H. WINKEWORTH

H. CHIPPERFIELD.

W. TOWLER

W. PITT

T. BATT.

He searched the web and came up with me and my research into the fallen of Ongar and District and wondered if I could help him. (He is a Royal British Legion member in Yorkshire) I tried the local historians in ONGAR STREET in Shropshire and ONGAR HILL in Herefordshire, neither had heard of the Ongar Rebels.

A search of the 1911 census has brought up some of the names but there appears to be no connection with their home towns which are scattered and Ongar.

I wonder if through your blog you could cast the net?

Thanks Derek Berwin

Highwood: Remembering ... Ernest Skingley

2011-09-09T00:01:00.001+01:00

Received 8 June 2010

Dear Andrew

I was quite thrilled to see Ernest’s name on the war memorial In Highwood where he is named along with two other Skingley’s.

Ernest Skingley was my grandfather and was killed in WW1 whilst serving on HMS Brisk which was sunk by a German U-boat.

I had some trouble locating Ernest Skingley as the information on the Commonwealth War Graves shows his father as Walter Skingley. This information is incorrect. I have today contacted the Commonwealth War Graves to see what they need from me to correct this error. The other information however, is correct. Ernest was married to Edith Maud Knight and on their marriage certificate, his father is shown as James Skingley, Coachman. Ernest lied about his age on the marriage certificate so I was unable to track him down for a while. I have now obtained the birth certificate for Ernest and this also shows his father as James Skingley.

My mother was one year old when her father Ernest was killed, and she is still alive today.

After Ernest Skingley died on the 2-10-1917, Edith Maud married Herbert Arthur Pledger in 1919.

I remember my mother telling me that Edith Maud was contacted by the Commonwealth War Graves regarding Ernest when they were trying to rebuild their records. Perhaps Ernest lived with his Uncle Walter at some stage in his life and Edith was under the impression that Walter was his father.

I am living in Australia and on my next trip to the UK, I will be visiting the War Memorial in Highwood. Do you know if the three Skingley’s shown are related in any way. Their parents are all different, but they may be distant cousins.

Are you able to put me in touch with other Skingley or Knight families in the Blackmore area? I note from the website that Rosalind Lloyd has been contacted with regard to Ernest Knight. I too have been in touch with her and gave her some information on the siblings of Edith Maud Knight.

Would you like me to let you have more information on Ernest Skingley such as his service record, actual birth and marriage dates, etc.

Unfortunately, I do not have any photographs of Ernest Skingley.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Pauline

Replied 15 June 2010

Dear Pauline

Thank you for your interesting E mail. Highwood is the neighbouring parish to Blackmore so I am sorry I do not know anything about the Skingley’s. It is a name I have not encountered in the Blackmore records. Rosalind Lloyd was very helpful in helping us identify an Ernest Knight. Again, I do not know of any Knight’s living in Blackmore today. On a positive note I will, if you are happy, publish our correspondence on the blog (http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com) and see if we receive a response. I will also pass details on to a local historian who has researched the War Memorial at Highwood. He might be able to advise.

I would be happy to receive any information you have on your grandfather and would be happy to create a page commemorating him. [This has now been done - http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/ww1_ernest_skingley.html ]

With kind regards

Andrew Smith

Received 22 June 2010

Dear Andrew

Many thanks for your reply. I am happy for you to publish our correspondence on the blog and for my details to be passed on to a local historian. On the memorial, there are two other Skingley's listed, William Stephen Skingley and Herbert Skingley. I have been informed that William Stephen and Ernest are related from 5 generations back. I cannot find a family connection between Herbert and Ernest but perhaps a note on the blog might prove helpful in this regard.

I would be delighted to see a page commemorating Ernest Skingley and to this end, I attach an individual record for Ernest.

Regards

Pauline

Received 10 July 2011

I have emailed you before regarding Ernest Skingley who is shown on the WW1 war memorial along with two other Skingleys.

You informed me last year that you would be happy to create a page commemorating Ernest Skingley, but on looking at the website, I cannot see that you have done this.

Is the information I sent to you forming part of the War Memorial Research Project? Is it near completion and will it be shown on the website?

Regards

Pauline

Replied 16 July 2011

Dear Pauline

I have your tribute page to Ernest Skingley and will publish it as soon as I am able. This needs to go back on my ‘things to do’ list!

The information does not form part of the War Memorial Research Project because investigation was limited to Blackmore. Ernest Skingley does not have any connection with the parish, as far as I am aware, but is from Highwood.

Regards

Andrew

Ingatestone: The Hyde

2011-09-02T00:01:00.001+01:00

G Brodie follows up previous correspondence relating to The Hyde, Ingatestone (see http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Hyde ) and the page dedicated to the former school (see http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/gatehouse.html ) with this note.

Received 11 August 2011

I was a boarder at Gate House School from 1942 until 1951. Mrs Smith was Miss Joan Clarke when she joined the school as sports teacher and would take us for football which was played in a field beyond the village cricket pitch and immediately over the railway bridge. We later played opposite the school in Mythesdale Meadow (?spelling) next door to the house of a Major Peake.

Miss Bond was my teacher in the infants’ class and I remember her with great affection. She introduced me to boxing by allowing us to sit up in her study and listen to the radio broadcasts of "the big fight" e.g. from Haringay Arena - Bruce Woodcock v Freddie Mills, commentary by Stuart McPherson with inter-round summaries from W. Barrington-Dalby. I listened enraptured and follow boxing to this day.

Miss Heard took over the sports in Miss Clarke's absence and I recall her joy when our cricket team, of which I was captain, firstly beat the village team, then Sandon House, Chelmsford and then King Edward VI Grammar School.

Mr Askwith, the Boss, was an admirable Head Master. I Iooked up to him as I would have to a father. Miss Shorney, Matron, who stood no nonsense from the boys, Mr Cook the music teacher lately returned from service in the Royal Navy during the war, Mrs Pretty the cook and Buzz the gardener, Jenny the much loved donkey (the Boss would let us ride her) and Mr Goose the station master who owned an orchard whose apples I scrumped!!

Church alternated fortnightly between Fryerning Church. Mr Fuller was the vicar, and Ingatestone Church, Mr. Fuller the Rector. I recall Michael Waldon and his brother coming to the school from Pernambuco and Recife, Brazil. Swimming at the Chase Hotel set me off on cold water swimming which I now do in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London. I last met Chips Harrison and Brian Cristall in 1957 at The Hyde, after I had completed my National Service in the Life Guards.

Replied 21 August 2011

Thank you for your contribution, which I will post on www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - September 2011

2011-09-01T00:01:00.010+01:00

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

Wedding at Shenfield

Congratulations to Richard and Nicola who are getting married at St Mary's Church, Shenfield this month. They looked for an image to use on the front of their order of service and stumbled upon a postcard image of the church on this blog (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2008/07/shenfield-edwardian-postcards-3.html). I was delighted to send a copy of the original.

Gift Day at Stondon Massey

A display of books, letters and manuscripts of the Reeve family will be available to view for the first time in Stondon Massey on Saturday 15^th October. The congregation of St Peter and St Paul Church, Stondon Massey have their Gift Day with the building open to visitors between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Refreshments will be available. Revd. Edward Henry Lisle Reeve died 75 years ago this year and was Rector of Stondon Massey from 1893 to 1935, succeeding his father, Edward James, who was Rector for 44 years from 1849. The material was a generous gift of a distant descendent. Among them are two commonplace books, one by Edward Reeve (1785 – 1867) written towards the end of his life at Ongar, and the other ‘Jottings’ (dating from 1881) by his grandson Edward Henry Lisle Reeve. A trilogy of booklets will be available to coincide with the exhibition, entitled ‘After Dinner Anecdotes’, ‘Relatively Speaking’ and ‘Captain’s Reflections’, each priced £2.00 each and sold in aid of church funds.

Links

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

Blackmore: Harris Family

2011-08-26T00:01:00.001+01:00

Received 16 August 2011

Hi,

I am researching the Harris family who moved to Blackmore in 1930.I am particularly interested in Sidney Frank Harris who was a Sergeant and later Warrant Officer in the Home Guard.He was also an active member of the RAOB River Jordan Lodge which used to meet at the Bull public house in Church Street. Any information that you could give me regarding this family would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Richard

Replied 21 August 2011

Dear Richard,

Thank you for your enquiry. I do not have any records of Sydney Frank Harris other than the entry in the Burial Register for St Laurence, Blackmore. He died aged 71 and was buried 25^th October 1957. I will post the entry on www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com and see whether any reader cab supply more information.

Regards

Andrew

Ingatestone: The Hyde

2011-08-19T00:01:00.002+01:00

Chris Berry follows up previous correspondence relating to The Hyde, Ingatestone (see http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Hyde ) and thepage dedicated to the former school (see http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/gatehouse.html ) with this note.

Received 10 July 2011

Hello again

I was pleased to read the account by Mrs Joan Smith who was in a better position to recall and cleared up the facts about the end of the The Hyde. The hazy recollections of other contributors can be excused by the fact that they were much younger than Mrs Smith at the time. I was only there for a few years from about 8 or 9 to 11 when I left for Grammar School. I left in 1959 - 6 years before the fire.

I would have been in Mrs Smith's class for a short while as I progressed quite quickly from Miss Heard's class to David Askwith's class.

I originally found this website when searching for details about the last days of The Hyde and sent the previous postcards of The Hyde and I am now sending some more photos including some of the fire-damaged shell which I hope you will find interesting. I found these and saved them after a search on the internet several years ago but they can no longer be found there. One of the pictures shows the Disney family crest in one of the walls around the building.

Kind regards

Chris Berry

Replied 16 July 2011

Thank you, Chris, for your E mail. I will publish the photos online as soon as possible.

Regards

Andrew

Stondon Massey: Garnham family

2011-08-12T00:01:00.000+01:00

Relatives of the late George Garnham made a trip across the pond this summer to visit family and find out more about this elusive man – see http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2009/10/stondon-massey-family-secrets-smith.html .

Received 3 July 2011

Dear Andrew,

I was so excited to meet you. Thank you so much for putting us on the track of Rev Reeve's archives [at the Essex Record Office: ERO 188/1 -3 etc]. It was amazing to read the actual letters that family members wrote so long ago. His works were so informative for us.

We still do not know who George Garnham really is, but have found out a little more about him.

Harriet Garnham, George's wife had two daughters by her second husband James Garnham: Alice Harriet Garnham and Rosa Emily Garnham. Rosa had a child out of wedlock who she named Kate Garnham. Kate lived with her grandparents George and Harriet at least until 1911, going by the census, she was 14 years of age then. I am going to look for her to see what other information, if any, that will give me about her and George and Harriet, maybe something was going on with them at that time. Was it for health reasons? I want to know why Kate was put into an asylum if this truely happened.

Kate's mum, Rosa Emily, married a George Shuttleworth of Blackmore. They had several children and all lived their lives around the area. Rosa and George are buried in Blackmore churchyard. We found their grave there this last trip. I often wonder, did Rosa Emily know about George Garnham and did she look after her mum when she was sick with cancer. On Rosa's baptism, her father was listed as James Garnham, but on her marriage it was George Garnham. She married in Stondon Massey. There are so many questions but no answers, but we cannot give up, just a few more stones to turn over.

I am also trying to find out more of (Bugler) Arthur Bolt to see where that might lead us. Arthur Bolt lived with Harriet and George Garnham, was listed as a boarder in the 1909 census at the Soaphouse Farm.

I tell my children that before I die, I want to find out who this George is.

What a delight your church stewards were. We were shown around the church, given all its history. After that we were off to see the Horsnell's: there are family ties to Horsnell's in our tree. We meet them and spoke to them for about an hour. We made a call to the Soaphouse Farm.

What a Blessing.

Your Friend Maureen

Replied 16 July 2011

Dear Maureen

Thanks for your E mail, which I will post on the website.

Keep searching!

Andrew

Ongar: Roll of Honour in new Health Centre (2)

2011-08-08T00:01:00.001+01:00

Received 11 July 2011

Hi! Again Andrew.

On the final approach now to the last of the names for the new Ongar and District roll.

One of the links on your site took me to Fryerning Church. See the following link that may explain more.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2935968

[Gordon Daubeney Gresley Elton. Captain. Royal Irish Fusiliers. Died: 5 November 1917]

Did he have any connection with any villages on the old roll?

Regards Derek.

Replied 16 July 2011

Hello Derek.

Gordon Daubeney Gresley Elton is not anywhere on my list. Fryerning Church contains many memorials so it might be worth a visit?

Andrew

Ongar: Roll of Honour in new Health Centre (1)

2011-08-05T00:01:00.001+01:00

Derek Berwin is undertaking research to produce a complete roll of names for the new Ongar Health Centre, currently under construction in Shelley Road, which is a replacement for the former Ongar War Memorial Hospital. His research includes local parishes. (see previous correspondence regarding Navestock, for example http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2011/01/navestock-war-dead.html ).

Derek has contacted Blackmore Area Local History regarding outstanding queries.

Received 5 July 2011

Hi! again Andrew.

Both I and the CWGC have reached an impasse with tracing the details on W Broomfield. Bobbingworth. Can you assist?

Regards Derek.

Replied 5 July 2011

No, sorry Derek, Bobbingworth is not a parish I have researched.

Andrew

Received 5 July 2011

Thanks Andrew for the response. Think I am at the end now of the district’s roll: 601 names.

I have made my research based on any connections, first birth, then resided in. I have checked your own VERY comprehensive research as a basis [which covers Blackmore, Stondon Massey and Doddinghurst].

I should have the first example of the proposed layout by a top calligrapher. It is likely to be around 60 inches wide.

Have 2k so far, which will pay for the roll and hope to get some more from various Parish Councils to help pay for the book and web site maintenance.

Regards Derek.

Replied 16 July 2011

Dear Derek

Thanks for you r E mails, which I will publish on the blog. Publication online has clear benefits, as demonstrated by the Blackmore Area Local History blog and main site. The blog is free to set up and maintain. The website requires hosting which is about £50 a year from streamline.net – but costs keep rising. I suggest you shop around.

I would really encourage you to consider a blog and to publish, even in a basic form, what you have. Relatives will contact you!

The areas of our research covers Blackmore, Stondon Massey and, to a lesser extent, Doddinghurst. I received a lot of information on Doddinghurst from a gentleman who has moved away. It lies unpublished. As always there is never enough time! If you are able to send over information I am happy to compare it with what I have.

Regards

Andrew

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - August 2011

2011-08-01T00:01:00.002+01:00

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

Books for Sale

‘William Byrd: Some Notes’ is just one of many titles now available from Megarry’s Antique and Tea Shop on The Green at Blackmore (open Wednesdays through to Sundays). Judy, the owner, has given some space over to the sale of books in aid of church funds, which are £2.00 each. Megarry’s is a traditional antique shop which has tea and cake available for those who wish to stay a while. The owner has been awarded the top (five star) rating for food preparation and hygiene from the local authority. Books available also include, in an ever changing selection: ‘A Short History of Blackmore’, ‘The Bell Tower at Blackmore’ and the Church Guide Book. ‘Hatched, Matched and Despatched’, which tells the story of Blackmore’s parish registers (BMD) is out of print but the text is available online. A completely new edition will be written in due course. For more information on Megarry’s follow this link: http://www.teashopblackmore.co.uk/essex_antiques.htm

Reeve trilogy

Fascinating material has been received of the life and times of family during the early nineteenth century. Two commonplace books, one by Edward Reeve (1785 – 1867) written towards the end of his life at Ongar, and the other ‘Jottings’ (dating from 1881) by his grandson Edward Henry Lisle Reeve – Rector of Stondon Massey between 1893 and 1935 – are being edited and transcribed into three booklets which will go on sale this autumn. The project is well under way.

Blackmore Area Local History

The site continues to grow thanks to correspondence with people interested in local history and family heritage. Keeping up with postings is always a challenge given other commitment but hopefully many answers can be found by visitors.

Primarily the website (http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk ) covers the parishes of Blackmore, Stondon Massey, Ingatestone and Fryerning but with coverage of neighbouring parishes too: Highwood and Writtle, Norton Mandeville, Willingale, High Ongar, Doddinghurst, Shenfield and Mountnessing.

The blog covers a wider area but is more focussed on those villages listed above. Follow these links to see what is available parish by parish:

Blackmore http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Blackmore

Stondon Massey http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Stondon%20Massey

Ingatestone http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingatestone

Fryerning http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Fryerning

Writtle http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search?q=writtle

Highwood http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search?q=highwood

Norton Mandeville (which includes Norton Heath) http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search?q=Norton

Willingale (which includes the ancient parishes of Willingale Doe and Willingale Spain) http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Willingale

High Ongar http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/High%20Ongar

Doddinghurst http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Doddinghurst

Shenfield http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Shenfield

Mountnessing http://www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Mountnessing

Links

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

Blackmore: Royal Wedding 1981

2011-07-29T00:01:00.000+01:00

The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on 29 July 1981 is remembered as the greatest wedding of the twentieth century. The marriage ended in divorce, unhelpful publicity, and separately the death of the Princess of Wales in a car crash in 1997 which shook the nation. But in the happier times the wedding of 1981 stood out. The day was a public holiday, and Blackmore celebrated with a Children's Tea Party and Entertainment at 4.30pm on Horse Fair Green followed by Country Dancing with Dick Newton and his music at 7.30pm. The day concluded with a Ceremonial procession with bonfire, community singing and fireworks.

The Blackmore Village Fayre was held in May where participants were encouraged to "wear your smocks or other forms of mediaeval costume and encourage others to do so".

A curious local tradition is wheat whopping, but one of only 30-odd years standing created for the Fayre. "The Wheat Whoppers of Blackmore will be sending Lady Diana a Garter to wear on her weddiing day".

Area: "High Country History Group" Journal No. 39

2011-07-25T00:01:00.000+01:00

The quarterly magazine of the 'High Country History Group' (March 2011) contains the following items:

- Reopening of Greenstead Church. 1849.

- A Fund Raising Opportunity. Greensted Parish Church 1013 - 1931

- Greensted Burials

- Gaynes Park

- A Victorian Antiquarian's Scrapbook

- Kelly's Directory of Essex 1933. Stanford Rivers

- Stanford Rivers Cottage Garden Society

- William Byrd Festival at Stondon Massey 7-15 May 2011 (see www.williambyrdfestival.blogspot.com)

- The Archidiaconal Records in 1911 (featured on this blog)

- Book Review. 'The Love of Brother' by Martin Cearns

- A Macabre Heritage in our Language

Area: "High Country History Group" Journal No. 38

2011-07-22T00:01:00.000+01:00

The January 2011 edition of 'The Journal', the magazine of the High Country History Group, contains the following items:

- New Insights into Tree Ring Dating (featured on this blog)

- High Country Strays in the Stondon Massey Parish Register (featured on this blog)

- Not In Essex

- Help Wanted. Who was AW Gardner?

- The Workhouse. Notes from 1836

- Edward Smyth: The Boy on the Tomb. At Theydon Mount Church

- Some 17th Century House Improvements

- North Weald RAF Station "At Home"

- Witchcraft in Stanford Rivers

- John Barnard of Stanford Rivers

- Book Review. The Living Landscape: Animals in Parks and Gardens of Essex

Willingale: The Bells of St Christopher

2011-07-18T19:50:00.000+01:00

The bells of St Christopher’s, Willingale (traditionally Willingale Doe) rang out for the last time on 25 June 2011 ahead of a project to restore the tower and augment the number of bells from four to six.

The church was open for visitors to ascend the bell tower by ladders to see the bells in the frame which will become redundant.

The existing four bells date from 1610 to 1797. According to ‘Church Bells of Essex’ by Revd. Cecil Deedes (1909), a classic book on the topic, the bells in Willingale Doe are dated and inscribed as follows:

1. Thomas Mears of London Felict 1797 [29 in.]

2. Joh. French Henrie Pavit: Churchwarden IC Made Me 1634 [30½ in.]

3. Thomas Bartlett mead this bell 1631 [33½ in.]

4. Wilhelmus Carter me Fecit 1610 [35½ in.]

Bell dated 1797 - taken in tower prior to its removal

The oldest bell, made at the Whitechapel Foundry, dates from 1610 and comes from the brief career of William Carter (1609 -1616). This makes this example particularly rare, although locally there were two others in neighbouring the neighbouring churches of High Ongar (1610) and Stapleford Tawney (1611).

Thomas Bartlett’s (founder, 1616 – 1631) bell of 1631 is one of only 18 examples, making it also a rare bell.

John Clifton (founder 1632 -40) made the bell bearing the churchwarden’s name.

To make up a new peal of six the village has acquired a “2^nd bell” from Prittlewell cast in the early twentieth century.

Bell from Prittlewell

The five bells (four from the tower plus the Prittlewell bell) left the village for Whitechapel Bell Foundry for retuning in early July.

Meanwhile a new bell will be cast at the Foundry to complete the ring of six.

A final bell from the bell tower was removed. It is used for chiming only, and came from neighbouring Shellow Bowells, will be returned.

In the meantime work to construct a new bell frame will proceed. This will be placed lower in the tower to place less strain on the structure and create a better sound out of the louvre windows. The Victorian bell frame (1853) will remain in situ unused. Ringing will in future be performed from a new mezzanine floor placed in front of the west window and in full view of the congregation. The project is supported by a National Lottery Grant and funds raised locally and is expected to be completed in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Deedes’ book is subtitled “Their founders, inscriptions, traditions and uses”. In 1909 the following notes were made about these bells:

“Death Knell 24 hours after death; tolling for one hour. On Sundays bells chimed followed by tolling for last five minutes. Ringing at 5am on Christmas Day and midnight on New Year’s Eve. Gleaning Bell at 8am until about ten years ago”.

For more information on the project go to www.willingalebells.org

Blackmore: Copyhold Cottage

2011-07-15T00:01:00.003+01:00

Received 26 May 2011

Hi. I live at Copyhold Cottages and was wondering if you knew anything of the history of the buildings. Were they always 2 cottages, are the current ones the originals?

I would be most happy if you could be of any help.

Many thanks

Replied 28 May 2011

Dear VJ

I know Copyhold Cottage and Copyhold Farm.

I believe that a visit to the Essex Record Office would be very profitable for you. There are many documents and maps relating to the farm.

From my immediate sources, though, I can say that the cottages did not exist in 1846. The Tithe Award (admirably studied in the Essex Place Names Project) reveals no occupier and no house on the very southern tip of a field called Long Croft, which was in the possession of Copyhold Farm, owned by Vicerman Longbourne, Esq. of Jericho Priory, and occupied by Edwin Broughton, presumably the farmer.

In 1910 Copyhold Cottage is mentioned on the Electoral Roll. A search through Electoral Rolls might be useful to see its first entry.

Census data may help but often the properties are not specifically named. The 1911 census will be helpful because the occupant’s returns are preserved.

I know that the Larke family lived in your property during the 1920s. There is reference to the Norfolk family in connection with a victim of the First World War and I have a cassette tape in which a Mr Hodge, the farmer during the inter-war years mentions Billy Larke as being one of his employees.

Hope this helps. As always I will post the entry onto the history website.

Andrew

Received 28 May 2011

Hello!!

That’s fantastic! thank you very very much

Blackmore: Revd. Simon Lynch

2011-07-08T06:00:00.000+01:00

Received 27 May 2011

Hello,

I am Craig Lynch and I am conducting research that leads me to you and I hope you can assist with your data on Blackmore and Simon Lynch.

As I understand things, based upon limited available public records: The Rev. Simon Lynch (Linch) had a son named Ithiell Linch and he was known as Ithiell of North Weld Bassett Co. Essex. That this Ithiell Linch was born crica 1610, married a Blanch Hanbury circa 1632 and they were awarded a Land Patent in 1650. I further understand that this Ithiell Linch traveled to America circa 1650 and died in what was then called Warick, Va in 1684. That he owned 600-acres in pre-colonial America south of Jamestown.

What I am attempting to do, based upon existing records, is to determine who the children of Ithiell Linch - I am inclined to believe that one son was John Linch. If this is the case and factual - then I am a direct descendant of Rev. Simon Linch.

Data available in America reference this family in the 1600 is very limited, notably because St Ann Parish Church was destroyed in the 1680 with most of its records and records are rare because in the 1650's in America, most were just struggling to survive.

Available data tells me that Rev Simon Linch had 10 children, but only Ithiell Linch came to America. I think I am related to this Ithiell Linch.

Can you assist me? Do you have records that prove such or provide insight into the children of Rev Simon Linch?

I would be most indebted if you can assist me.

I am not writing a book, nor doing any of this for profit. I am just attempting to trace back my Family tree to its origins in England and all my years of research keep taking me back to Simon Linch but that link is based upon a researched assumption that Ithiell Linch had a son named John and that said John was the grandson of Rev Simon Linch.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Replied 28 May 2011

Dear Craig

Simon Lynch is a person who I have not studied but come across in my research of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore. ‘Our’ Simon Lynch was buried at Blackmore aged 60 in 1660 so his birth year must have been 1599/1600. He had four surviving children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Simon, and Ithiel.

The dates you give are before this event but I think there is a strong connection. I believe the same family had clergy at North Weald, a village about six miles from Blackmore, but I have not kept a record. The Churchwardens Presentments for 1664, held at the Guildhall Library (ref: ms 9583/2 part 3) may give some clues. On my visit a few years ago I noted that the entry for North Weald runs to several pages.

I have summarised the family’s connection with Blackmore in my previous blog entry (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2008/01/blackmore-revd-simon-lynch-puritan.html ) but might add another paragraph to the story:

“His son, Ithiel, was Rector of Runwell between 1669 to 1694, and in 1676 was also recorded as Rector of Downham.”

You might wish to consult the following books:

Newcourt, Ric. History of the Diocese of London – Volume II. (1710). This lists clergy in Essex and is indispensible for church history, and finding your Lynch clergymen.

‘The Ecclesiastical History of Essex Under The Long Parliament and Commonwealth’ written by Harold Smith (Benham and Co Ltd, 1934), from which much of my entry is drawn. Smith refers to our Simon Lynch as a “pluralist … Simon Lynch did not go to Blackmore till after he had lost Runwell” (p.120).There is mention too of “MS J Walker. C.I.27. A long account by Simon Lynch of his father, Simon Lynch of Runwell and Blackmore. See also Walker’s Sufferings of the Clergy – GB Tatham (1911)” (p171).

‘The Annals of Evangelical Nonconformity in the County of Essex from the time of Wycliffe to the Restoration, and memorials of the Essex Ministers who were ejected or silenced n 1660 – 1662’, to give it its full title, written by T W Davids and published in 1863. From the book (from which I noted in 2003) I gleaned that it was Simon Lynch senior of North Weald, who was offered South Weald and declined three times. Married for 61 years to Elizabeth, he had 10 children, one of whom was Simon Lynch of Runwell (and Blackmore).

‘Walker Revised (Being a revision of John Walker – Sufferings of the Clergy during the Grand Rebellion 1642 – 1660)’ written by A G Matthews (Clarendon Press, 1948). I noted the life of our Simon Lynch, to which I can add that his cousin was Dr J Nicholson of Stapleford Tawney.

I trust that this information is of use, at least in guiding you towards further research. I will post this entry onto the site. Do let me know how this all goes.

Kind regards

Andrew

Received 28 May 2011

Andrew,

Thank-you so much for the information. Good to know that Simon of Blackmore had kinfolks in North Weald. I will write back again in a few months and provide my final mapping of these people and the end-product of my research as well to you. I just need to pause at this point and enter all these Simon-Ithiell combinations in the computer and let the database sort them out according to timelines.

The name Simon (father) and son (Ithiell) are such uncommon names and then when they are combined together - I had thought finding the ancient records (ancient by American standards - smiles) would be relatively easy, notably since I was constantly looping back to the Essex area. Only to discover there are several Simon-Ithiell combinations and they are all associated with religion as a source of occupation and they all lived in and around Essex and they existed in the similiar timeframes (minus just a few years) and they all lived in and around each other of only a few kilometers/miles. And they all seem to have some relationship as well to the Lynches of Staples/Grove. At that point I started pulling my hair out, (smiles and laughs) maybe more for lack of patience, because after years of research (all sourced documents) this was the last link to make the English connection.

I can only laugh, at this stage - back to the needle in the haystack search and then again in the 1600's when records are limited. But the data you have provided is most helpful and I am indebted and will share my final research and results with you. Give me a few months ... I will read these books you have recommended.

I have discovered the multiple name father-son combinations of the same and I have also been able to determine that Ithiell (with two 'ls) is not the same Ithiel (with one l). But that they were related as Uncle and Nephew.

Your data and reference material will help. Thanks again for responding so quickly and with the Sourced Documents. I will read them.

I'm focusing right now on Ithiell Linch, who had brothers of Simon, Nathaniel, William, Theophilus, and sister Sara and their father was Simon. This Ithiell's father would have been the Rector of Weald, at least that is what I think today. I think too, here is a connection between Simon of Blackmore and Simon of Weld now I can eliminate the Simon of Blackmore and focus on the Simon of Weld. Then this Ithiell had a son named Simon as well. This Ithiell Linch married a Blanche Hanbury in 1632. And it appears they were awarded a Land Patent by the King in 1650 and traveled to America circa 1650. They also paid for the passage of 10-others to America and that was the reason for the Land Grant, as the King would give 50-acres per each paid passage for others. This Ithiell Linch then died in what used to be called Warwick, VA in 1684.

What is so funny is I have the complete genealogies of the 10-persons that Ithiell Linch paid passage to America, but I can't discover who Ithiell Linch was and from whom and he is the one that paid their passage. Too Funny. Have to love all this research!

I'm getting close - the process of elimination over the years has led me to this Clan of Linches and I just now need to conduct the process of elimination on all these what appear to be related in some form or fashion Simon-Ithiell combinations.

Again, I'll write back in a few months with the final product and will share the data. Thank-you for your help.

P.S. I love your WWW Site on Blackmore. Nicely done and great historical data about the same.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Craig Lynch

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - July 2011

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000+01:00

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

St Christopher’s Church, Willingale. The Bells

The bells of St Christopher’s, Willingale (traditionally Willingale Doe) - see photograph - rang out for the last time on 25 June 2011 ahead of a project to restore the tower and augment the number of bells from four to six. The existing four bells – which date from 1610 to 1797 – with a “2^nd bell” cast in the early twentieth century from Prittlewell, left the village for Whitechapel Bell Foundry for retuning in early July. A fifth bell used for chiming only, which came from neighbouring Shellow Bowells, will be returned. A new bell will be cast to complete a ring of six. In the meantime work to construct a new bell frame will proceed. This will be placed lower in the tower to place less strain on the structure and create a better sound out of the louvre windows. The Victorian bell frame will remain in situ unused. Ringing will in future be performed from a new mezzanine floor placed in front of the west window and in full view of the congregation. The project is supported by a National Lottery Grant and funds raised locally and is expected to be completed in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. (More later this month)

St Andrew’s Church, Willingale

Villagers held an event at St Andrew’s Church, Willingale (traditionally Willingale Spain) on 11 June. The church is one of two in the same churchyard. Locals have started a Friends of St. Andrews Church group. A correspondent wrote, “The Churches Conservation Trust who owns one of the two churches we have in Willingale has just put a new roof on the chancel of St. Andrew's and we organised work parties to do a 'deep clean’. It took 14 of us the best part of 3 days!! It looks lovely now - and really cared for, so we decided it needed a Friends group to fund raise for CCT and one or two things to be done in the church”.

The ‘Tea and Tours event’ in St. Andrew's was a tremendous success. New displays for the church have been made and organisers busied themselves with preparing a tour script and baking the cakes!!!

Essex University Visit

The Annual General Meeting of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History was held on 18 June at Essex University. Members afterwards viewed the Albert Sloman Library which houses the large collection of books owned by the Society. Fascinating!

Bookshop

I enjoy looking around second-hand bookshops. One of my favourites is Castle Bookshop in Osborne Street, Colchester. On my most recent visit I picked up ‘Ingatestone and the Great Essex Road’ by E. E. Wilde (1913) at a very reasonable price.

King James Bible Celebrated

Churches across the county have been celebrating the 400tjh anniversary of publication of the Authorised Version of the Bible with marathon readings at Ingatestone and Brentwood, and a Flower Festival entitled ‘1611 and all that!” at Stapleford Tawney.

Garnham Descendants

Sharing local history and heritage is an objective of this site, so it was nice to meet a couple from the USA who had contacted blackmorehistory and were on holiday tracking down their family history through visits to local villages and the Essex Record Office’s extensive archives. They are descended from Frederick Garnham who was killed at the beginning of the First World War in the retreat from Mons. His story is told on www.blackmorehistory.co.uk .We spent a happy couple of hours comparing notes in Blackmore Tea Room.

Trooping of the Colour Flypast

The Battle of Britain Memorial flight and the Red Arrows came right over our house on their way to Buckingham Palace on 11 June.

Church Theft

Sadly there are those who thieve ancient items from churches, and disturb their structures. The internet is a great resource but is probably a showroom for these miscreants who steal things to order. I am always careful not to advertise some of the more moveable objects. A story I heard recently concerned a church in England – not in Essex – where in broad daylight workers turned up supposedly to repair the roof. They busied themselves for two days but it was only when a local historian wondered what was happening decided to contact the local minster to ask what work was being done that the truth was revealed. “Nothing”, the Reverend replied. The Police were called and turned up in the nick of time. The workers were almost ready to despatch their booty of lead.

Stondon Massey House

The long-time former Rectory at Stondon Massey, where the Reverends Reeve lived is up for sale. For more information on this Grade II listed property follow:

http://residentialsearch.savills.co.uk/content/assets/search/305927/HQBrochure . Offer price - £2,950,000: http://residentialsearch.savills.co.uk/property-detail/305927/list/property-for-sale/england/essex/chelmsford/cm99/0/0/1000000000/25.0/hi/gbp/2

Postcards

Our weekly sequence of Edwardian postcards is now complete except for those for Ingatestone and Fryerning. These will be placed on a web page on the main site sometime in the near future. Watch out for further information.

Links

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

Postcard Collection: Great Warley

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000+01:00

'Warley Woods'

A postcard written in 1909.

Postcard Collection: Great Warley

2011-06-17T06:00:00.000+01:00

These two postcards of Great Warley Church were written on 23 & 24 December 1907. In the first W. enquires of his young lady, "Do you remember the walk to this church?" and in the second, "I hope this card will reach you Bank Holiday morning and that you will have a most enjoyable day". Clearly no post was delivered on Christmas Day but the service resumed on Boxing Day.

Postcard Collection: South Weald

2011-06-10T06:00:00.000+01:00

South Weald Church. W. writes on a different topic from Mountnessing on 30 December 1907, "Thanks very much for present received in tonight's post. It is now 11.15pm and have just come back from the Choir Supper at the Vicarage. Will write to tell you everything tomorrow when I am more awake."

Postcard Collection: South Weald

2011-06-03T06:00:00.000+01:00

Now in Weald Country Park, the site of the former and demolished house, 'The Belvedere, Weald Park, Brentwood' can be visited.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - June 2011

2011-06-01T06:00:00.002+01:00

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

Richard Holmes (1946 – 2011)

I want to write a small tribute about Richard Holmes, the military historian, who died on 30 April. Richard Holmes visited High Ongar Church back in spring 2005 to give a talk on ‘Tommy’, the ordinary conscript of the First World War and subject of what was then his latest book. The Professor gave his time in support of the Friends of All Saints Church, Norton Mandeville. He spoke to a packed church and I recall people who did not have tickets had to be reluctantly turned away. What was compelling about his talk was that it was drawn from his own experience as a Brigadier. He knew what it was like in the theatre of war and could relate to the thoughts and feelings of those men of the First World War. He was well-known for his BBC TV series of ‘War Walks’ and ‘In the Footsteps of Churchill’. On television as well as in person he was both knowledgeable and engaging.

William Byrd Festival

Stondon Massey’s great composer was prominently featured in a Festival over two weekends at St Peter & St Paul Church. Such was the success, both in audience interest and financially, it has been decided to keep the Festival website open. For the information about the Renaissance musician, the Festival itself and future Byrd-related events visit http://www.williambyrdfestival.blogspot.com.

Links

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

Postcard Collection: Warley

2011-05-27T06:00:00.000+01:00

'Essex County Asylum. Brentwood. Warley"

Postcard Collection: Brentwood

2011-05-20T06:00:00.000+01:00

Three images of Shenfield Common, Brentwood from a hundred years ago.

Postcard Collection: Brentwood

2011-05-13T06:00:00.001+01:00

The oak marked the site where William Hunter was martyred in 1555. W writes from Mountnessing on 7 August 1907, "Weather here is inclined to be stormy yesterday afternoon. I raced a storm home [by bike] from Brentwood and just got inside by the time the storm was at its height. This view shows the Martyr's Oak and behind it is the chapel of my old school [Brentwood Grammar School]. I forget what local views you have, but I don't think you have this".

Stondon Massey: An Historian's Visit One Hundred Years Ago

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000+01:00

Now preserved in the Essex Record Office for all to see, the Archdeacon of Essex and of Colchester records dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I were stored in a quite different way a century ago. Revd. Reeve, the rector of Stondon Massey and a keen local historian, made a visit on 8^th May 1911 to Mr Gepp, the Registrar at Chelmsford. He wrote, “Matters had improved since my last visit [11 years ago]. The books had been brought downstairs from the loft, and had been lodged in shelves. This, however, without any regard at all to order or classification. I was treated by Mr Gepp & his Clerks with the kindest consideration and given free access to the library, with a candle in wire lantern to assist me in the dark corner to which it was relegated, and a duster with which to move away so much dust as should be necessary and to keep my fingers free for movement.” Reeve noted the work of Mr Hollingsworth-Browne who was in the process of transcribing the records: “but only some 15 have yet been examined, and I suppose there must be over 150 volumes”.

Source: ERO T/P 188/2 loose paper between f612-613.

Stondon Massey: William Byrd Festival: Haec Dies!

2011-05-07T07:52:00.002+01:00

"This is the day". The first William Byrd Festival event is today. For information on the Festival go to our website: www.williambyrdfestival.blogspot.com

Postcard Collection: Shenfield

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000+01:00

A Fred Spalding postcard sent in 1909 showing Shenfield station, which was completely rebuilt in the 1970s. Unrecognisable.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - May 2011

2011-05-01T12:51:00.004+01:00

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

William Byrd Festival

The ‘William Byrd Festival’ will be held this month at St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey. For the latest information, visit http://www.williambyrdfestival.blogspot.com.

BBC Essex: Spreading the word about William Byrd

I was at the BBC Essex studios in Chelmsford this morning participating in a live interview on the Ian Wyatt’s Sunday morning ‘Faith and Fun’ programme, promoting the name of William Byrd and the Festival which commences at Stondon Massey next Saturday. Ian had confessed to not having heard of William Byrd. In suitable first of May mood the station played an extract from ‘This Sweet and Merry Month of May’, the madrigal composed by Byrd in 1590, and released 400 years ago this year.

The interview can be heard on the I Player for the next seven days. I appeared at 7.24am, between the travel bulletin and news summary. I should appear about 1 hour 22 minutes into the programme.

To listen to the programme go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search?q=ian%20wyatt

Chelmsford Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Mary, Chelmsford, has been accorded Grade I listing status. The former parish church of the county town was designated as the Church of England’s mother church of the new Diocese in 1914. The building dates back to the fifteenth century. (our photograph is of the Cathedral)

Toot Hill Phone Box

Stanford Rivers Parish Council has purchased a redundant red telephone box on the Essex Way, near the Green Man public house and has plans to convert it into a tourist information centre.

Links

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

Book. William Byrd: Some Notes

2011-04-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

An updated version of the booklet 'William Byrd: Some Notes' will go on sale from tomorrow (Sunday 1 May) at St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey, to link with the 'William Byrd Festival' which commences next Saturday (7 May). The book is available, price £2 (£3 including postage and packing to UK addresses).

Book: Revd. Edward Henry Lisle Reeve. The Last Gentleman Clergyman of Stondon Massey

2011-04-29T06:00:00.001+01:00

A new booklet goes on sale on Sunday (1 May) at Stondon Church in aid of church funds and as a launch to the 'William Byrd Festival' which is a matter of days away. 'Revd. Edward Henry Lisle Reeve. The Last Gentleman Clergyman of Stondon Massey' is a 56 page biography of the former parish rector and local historian, who during his lifetime (1858 - 1936) did much to promote the Elizabethan composer locally. The book goes on sale priced £2 (£3 including P&P to UK addresses).

Stondon Massey: Reeve. Extraordinary Connection (3)

2011-04-28T06:00:00.000+01:00

The third instalment of the story.

Received 8 March 2011

Good afternoon, Andrew.

I spoke with my aunt today (William Francis Spencer Hawkins daughter). She would be pleased to speak with you about her father. She said she has photos and documents about the Reeve family as well.

I look forward to the developments in our family tree as well!!

Sandy Fitzgibbon

Replied 8 March 2011

Dear Judy

Your niece Sandra has passed me your details. I understand you are the daughter of William Francis Spencer Hawkins. I have a particular interest in the Reeve family: Edward Henry Lisle (1858 -1936), your great uncle, was Rector of Stondon Massey (Essex) from 1893 - 1935, and his father Edward James, Rector from 1849 -1893. Your grandfather was buried at Stondon Massey in December 1916. At that time your father was serving in Greece. The Reeves were rectors of the church my wife and I regularly attend.

I understand that you have some records of the Reeve family which you are willing to share.

I am writing a biography of EHLR for publication in aid of church funds this May, and enclose the draft to date.

I have to say that I am really looking forward to talking to you.

Reeve is not a relative of mine but someone who I have taken an interest because of his hobby as a local historian. (I too am interested in history!)

Kind regards

Andrew

Replied 12 March 2011

Dear Judy

It was lovely to talk to you, and so generous of you to offer papers relating to ‘Lisle’ and the family, which I can assure you will be put to good use.

Many thanks

Andrew

A parcel duly arrived on 31 March 2011 containing books and manuscripts of the Reeve family of Stondon Rectory.

Stondon Massey: Reeve. Extraordinary Connection (2)

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000+01:00

The story continues …

Received 2 March 2011

Dear Andrew,

I don't know much about the legal system in England, but Master and then Chief Chancery is something pretty important I think, because it looks like once Chief, the incumbents are eventually knighted as well. In WFS' case, he got the CB about the time his term was up...

From information from Sandy, the period of WFS' journal is from January to June 1918....which is not of the period he would have had news of his father's death...

Thanks for any Crickett information....your region is one that will most certainly get a visit one by the intrepid Fitzgibbon sisters in search of family data. Sounds like the Essex archives are a good source.

As to WFS Hawkins' descendants: "Bill and Eva" had two children, a boy and a girl. Personally, we don't know the whereabouts of the son who also had children, but Sandy will contact the daughter (who has children also) at the latest address we have to let her know that you are looking for descendants of WFS and that we're going to pass on her coordinates to you.

And we'll keep you posted.

Best regards.

Jane

Sent 3 March 2011

Dear Jane

Thanks for your E mail. Please find attached some papers relating to WFSH.

Regards

Andrew

Stondon Massey: Reeve. Extraordinary Connection (1)

2011-04-26T06:00:00.001+01:00

When Jane Fitzgibbon recently left a comment regarding ‘Revd Reeve’s Nephew (see http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2011/01/stondon-massey-revd-reeves-nephew.html ) it opened a line of enquiry which revealed new family history and connections.

The comment was followed up with a request for an e mail address, which was duly given, and a sequence of correspondence commenced.

Sent 28 February 2011

Dear Jane

What can I say! Thank you for leaving a message on my blog. I am thrilled at the possibility of finding a descendant of Reeve.

If William Francis Spencer Hawkins, your grandfather, is the same William Francis Spencer Hawkins, the nephew of Revd Reeve, then Edward Henry Lisle Reeve is your gt gt uncle. Reeve was a clergyman at Stondon Massey in Essex, serving the parish from 1893 to 1935. His father, Edward James, was Rector from 1849 to 1893. Edward, Reeve’s grandfather, purchased the advowson in order to appoint his son – and move into comfortable retirement himself – in 1849.

Are you able to confirm that the marriage of WFSH in 1933 is the same WFSH who was born in 1896, served in the First World War, and was Reeve’s executer in 1936?

I am in a reasonable advanced stage of writing a biography of Edward Henry Lisle Reeve. I have been fascinated in the hobby he engaged in and the fact that he was truly the last gentleman clergyman of Stondon Massey, the neighbouring village to where I live and the church where I worship. He is credited with bringing to the fore the life of William Byrd, the Elizabethan composer who lived in Stondon Massey until his death in 1623. I am organising a William Byrd Festival in aid of church funds for May, so publication of the small book will coincide with the event, and again is intended as a fund raiser.

Please find therefore attached a very draft version of the book, which will be of interest to you. If you have any information, pictures etc which I could include in the final publication I would be exceedingly grateful. If I can assist in any way please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

Andrew

PS I should just add that Reeve is not a relation of mine. The only connection I could claim is that he was and I am keen local historians.

Received 28 February 2011

Dear Andrew,

Quite extraordinary!

Except, I'm not related to Reverend Reeve either.

Eva Fitzgibbon, my paternal grandmother, married William Francis Spencer Hawkins on January 21, 1933 at St Anselm's Church, Davis Street, W.1 in the county of London and this information is held in the Registration District of St George Hanover Square. On a copy of their marriage certificate, which I have in front of me, WFS Hawkin's father is listed as Francis William Hawkins, Gentleman, deceased. The latter's father was George Mason Hawkins (1819-1854) who married Emma Mary Elizabeth Reeve on 17 July 1845 and died in Dedham, Essex.

Eva Fitzgibbon (née Graham) is shown as a widow at the time of her marriage to WFS Hawkins. She had two living children from her previous marriage, one of them was my father who died in 2008. So I don't share the Reeve/Hawkins line.

However, my father was tremendously fond of his step-father, WFS Hawkins, and passed on to me his cigar case which has his name engraved on it, as well as his address at the time on Gray's Inn Square, WC. We do have some photos and other documents.

We have WFS Hawkin's birthdate as April 18, 1897 (in Reading) as announced in the Bristol Times and Mirror and his father as Francis William Hawkins born October 1848 and died Dec 10, 1916 at the age of 68; and WFS Hawkins' mother as Sarah Jane W Spencer....we know of the existence of Dorothy and Leonard, but not Thomas and Mildred as we haven't really examined all the ins and outs of the Hawkins' family tree. In fact, family lore has it that Leonard introduced his brother, WFS, to Eva Fitzgibbon.

We know our WFS Hawkins went to the Balkans during WW1 as we have part of his hand written journal from that time, which we haven't completely deciphered as yet. This alone should tell us we have the one and the same person. And our WFS Hawkins was named Member of the Chancery in 1933; Chief in 1959, and CB in 1968.

In addition, my grandmother had two more children with WFS Hawkins so there are direct descendants to the Hawkins line.

My sister, Sandy who lives in Canada and I who live in France, are keenly interested in our family history. Sandy has the software and the ancestry memberships etc and we are always scratching around for more information. Our maternal grandfather was a Solly (very big in Kent around Sandwich, Ash, Worth, Eastry etc) and our maternal grandmother was a Crickitt (very big around Colchester and we believe your area as well). Our maternal great grandfather was Charles Alexander Cole Crickitt (1834 to 1925).

Above and beyond all that, I am a fan of John Dowland and William Byrd!

Let me know if you agree that we are on the same track....

Best regards,

Jane

Sent 28 February 2011

Dear Jane

Certainly there is a common thread here in that clearly Edward Henry Lisle Reeve’s nephew (known as Uncle Lisle) was your grandfather. You have verified that the gentleman had quite an illustrious career after the First World War. Please excuse my ignorance but Master of Chancery sounds to me like a very senior job in Law. Was he the top man?

The links with my research are quite interesting too. What I have written in my book on Reeve is incomplete, of necessity, as far as WFSH is concerned. I will search out my notes which did not make the final edit of the book and will let you have them, as well as copies of census data obtained.

It would be interesting to see whether WFSH makes reference to his father’s death in December 1916, and the letters sent by Uncle Lisle and the Aunties (spinster sisters of Reeve who lived at the Rectory).

The Crickitt family were well known in Blackmore. I posted some material on them on the Blackmore History blog (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/search?q=crickitt.) I recall that they were bankers and one of them was an MP in Ipswich. I will look out this information too.

I wonder, are there any Hawkins descendants around, and whether you know their whereabouts?

Regards

Andrew

Blackmore: The Smiths of Jamestown

2011-04-25T06:00:00.000+01:00

Received 14 March 2011

Sir Thomas Smith or Smyth (1558-1625) was a merchant and governor of the East India Company who was instrumental in the founding of the Virginia Colonies. Capt John Smith founded Jamestown. Do you have any evidence that either or both of these Smith’s may have been related to the Blackmore Smyth’s. Thank you for your assistance in research my family’s ancestory.

Kent Smith

Sunnyside, Washington, USA

Replied 15 March 2011

Thanks Kent for your query.

I don’t know the answer to your question but will post it on www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com to see whether anyone else knows. The Captain James Smith you refer to is the man associated with Pocahontas.

I have read and reviewed the book on Stephen Powle (http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/blackmore_powle.html) but this is not ringing a bell.

Andrew

Bells at Easter

2011-04-24T06:00:00.003+01:00

When the Churches Conservation Trust celebrated its 40^th anniversary on 21 February 2009, I visited St Mary’s Church, Stansted, to hear a Quarter Peal ring out from its eight bells. (See http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2009/03/blackmore-history-news-march-2009.html). The small town, as it is now, is outside the area of blog coverage, but I thought this short video appropriate for today.

Blackmore: Monumental Inscriptions

2011-04-23T06:00:00.001+01:00

Received 16 March 2011

Hi Andrew, I am still plugging away at my family tree of the Norris. I have found out with the help of my cousin via the Essex Record Office there are quite a few more relations baptised, married and buried in St Laurence Blackmore as well as St Mary the Virgin High Ongar. I wonder if there is a document anywhere where the details of who and where are buried in the Churchyard. I am proposing sometime this year when I come down from Suffolk to visit the churches to see if I can find any graves of my ancestors as I love to try and put a photo on my family tree site. Can you give me any help or point me in the right direction.

Regards

Linda Windley

Replied 18 March 2011

The Essex Society for Family History carried out a survey of Blackmore churchyard in 1997 with plan, inscriptions and location of graves. The results are available to view at the Essex Record Office: reference ERO T/Z 151/109. I could not find on SEAX reference to a survey of the churchyard at High Ongar.

Best wishes

Andrew