EssexJOURNAL A REVIEW OF LOCAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY SpringSpring20092008 DAVID GRICE DISCUSSES THE LAST ILLNESSES OF JOHN RAY PLUS, HOWE STREET HOUSE HISTORY,

RELIGIOUS TURMOIL IN DOVERCOURT,

AN ARGUMENTATIVE CLERIC IN GREAT BURSTEAD,

BERYL BOARD ON REPTON IN STOW MARIES,

AND REMEMBERING NANCY EDWARDS

Spring 2009 Vol.44 No.1 EssexJOURNAL ISSN-0014-0961 Incorporating Essex Review

he ESSEX JOURNAL is published twice a year under the management CONTENTS T of an Editorial Board consisting of representatives of the Essex Archaeological and Editorial 2 Historical Congress, the Friends of Historic Essex, the Essex Record Office (on behalf of the Essex County Council) and the Honorary Editor. The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt 4 It is recognised that the statutory duties by John Ashdown-Hill of the County Council preclude the ERO from sharing in the financial commitments of the consortium. A seventeenth century parochial dispute: 10 defamation and its consequences Chairman:Adrian Corder-Birch, by Michael Leach [email protected] Hon. Editor: Neil Wiffen, MA, [email protected] The Illnesses of John Ray 14 Hon. Secretary: Maureen Scollan, PhD, by David Grice [email protected] Hon.Treasurer: Geraldine Willden, MAAT, [email protected] The Rectory House, Stow Maries: 20 Hon. Membership Secretary: Jenepher Hawkins, a Repton design? MA, [email protected] by Beryl Board

The annual subscription of £10.00 should be sent to:The Hon. Membership Secretary, The Old Post Office, Howe Street: 25 13 South Primrose Hill, Chelmsford, the story of a house - and a lot more! Essex, CM1 2RF. by David Williams

Obituary 30

Notes to contributors Contributions are welcome and should be sent in a Word Book Reviews 31 format to the Honorary Editor at the email listed above. General correspondence can either be emailed or posted to: 30 Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 7EF. EJ 20 Questions? 33 The Editor is more than happy to discuss any proposed articles as he does not guarantee that unsolicited material will be published. Contributors are requested to limit their articles to 2,500/4,000 words, other than by prior agreement with the Editor. Style notes are available. Disclaimer Items printed in the Essex Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or Editorial Board. Contributors, on Cover illustrations: behalf of the Essex Journal, have made every effort to trace Background - Perspective and plan of Brentry Hill, Gloucestershire, (Gloucestershire Archives, A174/12); the execution of Debnam, Marshe and and acknowledge ownership of all copyrighted material and King from J Foxe, Book of Martyrs, (J. Ashdown-Hill); John Ray, 1627-1705, to secure permissions.The Editor would like to hear of any (ERO, I/Pb 18/8/6); 1910 Finance Act Survey map, (TNA, IR 127/3/38); inadvertent omission in the acknowledgement of copyright the title page of Joseph Bedle’s sermon, (ERO, LIB/SER/2/16); material. Nancy Edwards (née Briggs), c.1950, (H. Martin Stuchfield).

EssexJOURNAL 1 EJ Editorial

elcome to the Spring 2009 issue of accepted adds the Essex Journal. In my last editorial to the Repton WI discussed the dire economic situation inventory in that we found ourselves in and that as historians, Essex. David I suggested, we had an advantage in that we Williams, could take a longer, more balanced view of however, discovers events.Well, we’ll certainly need all the inspiration no one famous we can summon up from history at the moment. connected with Writing this the day after the 2009 budget was the Old Post announced I am trying to understand what all Office in Howe the billions of pounds of debt will mean for us in Street.What he the future. It is only a few years since we finally does discover paid off the debt we owed the United States for though is far money to fight World War Two. I am proud that more interesting even I contributed with some of my tax towards than the incorrect settling this historic obligation. I’m not so sure estate agent’s details that he started off with. that I’ll feel quite the same way about helping I think he demonstrates that house history can to pay off these new billions though.Anyway, be very rewarding and accessible for all to try. interesting times will no doubt lay ahead for Back in February this year Martin Stuchfield future historians to mull over. gave the address at the funeral of Nancy Edwards Interesting times indeed, were recounted with after a tragic accident robbed us all of a very talented the death, in February, of Susan Hibbert who is historian. For Essex Journal he has kindly contributed believed to be the last British witness to the signing an obituary to honour a much missed friend. of the German surrender to the allies in 1945. Rounding off this issue, Stan Newens shares his Events such as this are really pivotal; they mark answer to the EJ20 Questions? feature.The introduction a turning point where direct human experience of this has been, I feel, a resounding success. Stan, finally passes into history. One way we can make following on from Lord Petre and Nancy Edwards, sure that we do not forget what has gone before has allowed us a privileged look at the life of another when all those who witnessed past events have died, well known Essex historian. is through well researched academic history. I hope Congratulations to Mr D. Painter of Romsey the Essex Journal makes some small contribution and Mr P.Heath of Halstead who correctly identified towards this goal, and in this issue I am very pleased Beauchamp Roding as the parish with the ford on to bring to you five fantastic articles that aim to do the winding river.A copy of James Kemble’s Essex just that. Place-Names has been sent to each of them. John Ashdown-Hill, in his article on the Whilst writing, I would like to take this Dovercourt Rood, certainly surprised me. I like to opportunity of publicly thanking The Augustine think I have a fair knowledge of the history of Essex Courtauld Trust for their recent grant which greatly but I had never heard of this, once famous, shrine. supports the work of Essex Journal. That, though, is the joy of editing the Essex Journal I also wish to express our sympathy to the family as I read much more widely than I would otherwise. of Lady Mollie Butler who died in February this I hope you feel the same too. year at the age of 101. She was the widow of As historians we all realise that we can never Augustine Courtauld and later married RAB Butler know the full story, but Michael Leach has discovered (as he then was) later Lord Butler of Saffron Walden. much about the argumentative Joseph Bedle. I would One last thing, please support the Essex Journal just love to know, though, what the ‘four long and by renewing subscriptions on time.We have disgraceful words’ were that Bedle used! Where would managed, through hard work, to hold the the fun be though if we got the full story all the time? subscription at £10 for the last 20 years and As much as we might moan about a visit to see believe that it represents excellent value. the doctor I always try and remember how lucky we Subscription reminders are sent out each year are to have a national health service free at the point in the autumn issue but please consider taking of delivery. David Grice’s article on John Ray really out a standing order with your bank to pay us brings home how awful life must have been for automatically every year.This will greatly ease our our ancestors struggling with ill health of every workload and help us to continue to be a success description. No booking an appointment with in these times of austerity! Reminders for the Doctor or downing a few pills: nothing but subscriptions still outstanding are enclosed with long-term suffering. this issue. Please send payment promptly to Following on from this tale of weeping sores, the Membership Secretary, Jenepher Hawkins Beryl Board suggests that Stow Maries Rectory had a (contact details on contents page). very important architect indeed – Humphry Repton. I think that the point is conclusively made and if Neil

EssexJOURNAL 2 Copped Hall

opped Hall, near Epping, is well known for the ruined Georgian house and gardens now Cbeing restored by the Copped Hall Trust. Not so well known is the existence of an earlier house at the north end of the gardens, a home to INGATESTONE HALL Mary Tudor and, later, to the earls of Middlesex, which was pulled down in the mid-eighteenth 16th century mansion, century. For seven years now the West Essex set in 11 acres of grounds, Archaeological Group (WEAG) has been investigat- containing Petre family furniture ing and recording its remains. Five steps of a spiral and memorabilia staircase were revealed last August.Alongside the routine digs carried out by the Group, week long training digs for beginners and field schools for the tea room gift shop more experienced have been held.The work is led plants for sale free parking by professional archaeologists, with strong support from the WEAG volunteers. In 2009 there will be a training dig from August 10th to 14th, and a field school from August 17th to 2009 SEASON 21st. For more information see www.weag.org.uk The House and Gardens are open or contact: - 1.00-6.00pm on Mrs Pauline Dalton, Roseleigh, Epping Road, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS Epping, CM16 5HW (phone 01992 813 725) & BANK HOLIDAYS or email [email protected]. from 11 April to 27 September plus (1 to 31 August ONLY) WEDNESDAY, THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS

ADMISSION Adults £5.00 Pensioners & Students £4.00 Children (5-16) £2.50 Under 5s FREE For pre-booked parties of 20 or more, the above prices are reduced by 50p per head No dogs (except guide dogs) PICNIC AREA in Car Park Meadow

GUIDED TOURS for groups, by prior arrange- Spiral staircase found in the north-west ment corner of the building. ONLY, are avaialble at other times.

SCHOOL PARTY VISITS are similarly avail- able outside normal opening hours.Visits generally last from 10.00am-2.30pm and cost £4 per head (£100 minimum).

Programme of other events: details from: THE ESTATE OFFICE, HALL LANE, INGATESTONE, ESSEX, CM4 9NR Telephone:01277 353010 Fax: 01245 Training Dig students working on the the west 248979 wing. (Both illustrations Copped Hall Trust Archaeological Project).

EssexJOURNAL 3 The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt by John Ashdown-Hill ilgrimage to holy places medieval churches had roods The present appearance of was a significant feature and roodscreens. Such a screen the east end of All Saints Church, Pof Christianity before the was a formal and symbolic means Dovercourt reflects its changing Reformation, and the eastern of dividing the nave (which was history. It is uncertain whether counties of England had a for the people) from the chancel there was a medieval chancel number of local pilgrimage (where the clergy sang the Divine arch. If there was, its appearance centres. Suffolk possessed several Office, and where priests offered and materials are unknown. small shrines of the Virgin Mary, the holy sacrifice of the Mass). The existing rounded softwood together with the great shrine of Roodscreens vary greatly in chancel arch was erected in St Edmund, King and Martyr, at complexity, but they all have a the seventeenth century. It is Bury St Edmunds. Norfolk had dado which runs across the supported by a large beam, with Walsingham, and a number of chancel arch, with a doorway in Jacobean carving on its western lesser shrines. Curiously, however, the middle.Above the dado, the side (facing the nave) and with medieval Essex had few recorded screen is of openwork tracery. typically Jacobean brackets. But pilgrimage centres. Coincidentally, Larger churches, in particular, despite its present appearance two of these were focussed on often had a gallery above the this beam is not Jacobean. It is miracle-working crucifixes: the tracery, called the rood loft. linked to medieval uprights at shrines of the Holy Cross at This was accessible by means of a the sides and is, in fact, the great Waltham Abbey, and of the spiral staircase, built into the wall medieval rood beam on which Holy Rood at Dovercourt, the by the chancel arch.This loft was the Holy Rood of Dovercourt subject of this article.1 used for singing, to house the once stood. Underneath the small medieval church organs3and rood beam and between its Origin and appearance of also for the proclamation of the medieval jambs there is now a the Dovercourt Shrine gospel.Always, on top of the modern rood screen,4 which Nothing is known for certain of rood screen, facing into the nave, gives some idea of the general the origin of the Dovercourt was the central focus of a late appearance of its ancient shrine, but at the time of its medieval church, the rood itself. predecessor.5 destruction in the sixteenth This was a great crucifix, often The medieval rood beam’s century its rood was described flanked by statues of the Virgin upper side carries a series of as old, dry wood. It probably and St John.The rood at small mortices running along dated from about the fourteenth Dovercourt was remarkable only the beam towards both its century.2 Dovercourt church was in that for some reason it came eastern and western edges. not in any way remarkable in to be regarded a very special and These probably originally held a possessing a rood. Most late holy object. decorative frieze, or cornice. In the centre of the upper surface of the rood beam a large central mortice is preserved (Plate 1). This is the slot which once held the miracle-working Holy Rood of Dovercourt.There is some damage to the eastern side of this mortice, which could have been caused by the removal of the Holy Rood in the sixteenth century.6 The Dovercourt rood was mounted on the rear (eastern) cross beam of the rood loft, so the priest would have officiated from in front of the crucifix.7 Surviving medieval English pilgrim badges suggest the likely appearance of the Dovercourt crucifix, which Plate 1. The upper surface of the medieval rood beam, was made of wood, and must showing the central mortice, into which the Holy Rood of have been quite a large object, Dovercourt was slotted. The smaller mortice towards the edge of probably at least six feet in height. the beam is one of a series which once held a decorative frieze. One such badge was found at (This and subsequent illustrations author’s collection). Bodiam Castle in Sussex and

EssexJOURNAL 4 The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt

calendar year in England differed from the modern calendar year, beginning not on 1st January but on Lady Day (25th March). It therefore seems that ‘February 1532’ really means what would now be called February 1533. Henry Browne’s will certainly implies that the shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt was still functioning in August 1532. Browne asked to be buried in the ‘church of All Hallowes in Dovercourt aforesaid, in the mydaly, before the light beam’.16 Browne also wanted masses of Plate 2. The author standing in the upper doorway of the rood stair. the five wounds of Christ to be The dotted lines indicate the position and extent of the missing celebrated in the church on the rood loft. The arrow points to the dovetail joint where the front day of his burial. Such masses rail of the rood loft was once attached. would have been particularly another on the Thames foreshore of two possible locations,11 his appropriate in a church which in London.8 first preference being to be buried housed a rood shrine. In the northern wall of the in Dovercourt church,‘in the nave, the rood stair, with its upper chapel before the image of the The shrine’s reputation and lower doorways, is preserved rood’. His remains may therefore The Holy Rood of Dovercourt is substantially intact (Plates 2 & 3). lie concealed beneath the said to have been oracular.17 The This narrow staircase provided the nineteenth-century raised only source for this information is only access to the rood loft, the wooden flooring, just in front an Elizabethan comedy, Grim, the original width of which is indi- of the modern pulpit.12 Richard Collier of Croydon, which contains cated by dovetail cuttings in the Strowgth’s is not the only local the following lines: beams which run along the top late medieval will to mention the of the north and south walls of Holy Rood of Dovercourt.The ‘Have you not heard, the nave.These show where the will of Agnes Smyth left one my lords, the wondrous fame narrow front rail of the rood loft mark13 to endow a votive light Of holy Dunstan,Abbot of was once attached. Obviously it to burn before the Dovercourt Glastonbury? would have been impossible to Rood. She also left five marks14 What miracles he hath have a continuous stream of towards the repair of the highway achiev'd of late; pilgrims passing up and down this between ‘The Cross House’ and And how the rood of one small spiral staircase, so the John Smyth’s residence.‘The Dovercourt did speak, main centre of pilgrim activity Cross House’ may have been Confirming his opinion must have been elsewhere in connected with the shrine, to be true.’18 the church. Recently discovered providing accommodation for evidence shows that pilgrim pilgrims, and it was, perhaps, the This text has usually been devotion was centred in a chapel original of the later Cross Inn, accepted at face value, and it which stood directly in front of which was formerly located may indeed be true that the Holy the rood screen.There pilgrims towards the western end of the Rood of Dovercourt was reputed could pray to the Holy Rood, Green at Dovercourt. to speak. However, there is an making offerings of candles, Another very interesting will alternative possibility.This play money and other votives.This is that of Henry Browne, curate was written in a Protestant chapel was on the south side of of Dovercourt.15 This will was England, more than 30 years the nave, and its surviving piscina9 written on 1st August 1532, and after the Dovercourt shrine was indicates that its altar was against it provides important evidence destroyed. Its words may have the south wall.The chapel and its of the date of the Dovercourt been a deliberate attempt to altar lay directly beneath the rood shrine’s destruction. Browne refers discredit and ridicule what was loft.The direct association of this indirectly to the shrine, which then seen as a fallen popish idol. chapel with the cult of the Holy at first sight seems curious, since Dovercourt is reported to have Rood was not previously known, according to an account published become a very popular pilgrim- but it is revealed by the will of in 1563, the Holy Rood was age centre. It is difficult to tell Richard Strowgth, vicar of destroyed in February 1532 (and how widely its fame spread, but Dovercourt, who died in 1531.10 thus before Browne’s will was its mention in an Elizabethan Strowgth requested burial in one written). However, the medieval play indicates that the shrine was

EssexJOURNAL 5 The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt

part of at least one very high ranking aristocrat indeed, towards the end of the fifteenth century. The man in question was the royally descended Sir John, Lord Howard, cousin, and eventual heir of the Mowbray dukes of Norfolk, and founder of the Howard dynasty of dukes of Norfolk.25 John Howard was to be the great grandfather of queens Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, and the great great grandfather of Elizabeth I.26 The fifteenth- century Howard household accounts are far from complete, but surviving entries show that John Howard himself made an offering of 8d. at the Dovercourt shrine on 27th August 1463.27 This is the earliest direct evidence found so far of veneration of the Dovercourt Rood. Eighteen years later, on 5th May 1481, Howard’s second wife, Margaret Chedworth, made an offering of 4d. to the Plate 3. The rood stair at Dovercourt church, by means of which the Holy Rood of Dovercourt.28 priests gained access to the rood loft. It must also have been used by There may well have been other the men who destroyed the Holy Rood in 1533. visits and gifts from the Howard familiar to Londoners, even many thronging to Dovercourt church family of which no record now years after its destruction. was so great ‘that no man could survives.29 John Howard himself It is clear that people in Dedham, shut the door’. Moreover, the was very frequently in Harwich East Bergholt and Hadleigh knew confusion of this daily throng of and Dovercourt, where he owned all about it.Yet not all of the pilgrims became proverbial, giving property.30 surviving wills from Dovercourt rise to a now obsolete term, It is from the Howard itself mention the Rood, while which can be found in old accounts that we learn that it no surviving will from either dictionaries: a Dovercot or a was customary to robe the Harwich or Ramsey refers to Dovercourt, meaning a confused Dovercourt image.This practice it. Nevertheless the shrine is gabble, or a Babel.23 was funded by Lord Howard, reported to have generated an The shrine’s appeal was not for on 25th February 1482 his annual income for All Saints only to the lower classes.After steward,Thomas Dalamar, Church of not less than £10.19 the Norman Conquest, recorded that ‘I took Hew Assuming the average pilgrim Dovercourt church passed under Wryte, for dressing of the rood offering to have been in the the patronage of the de Vere at Dovercourt 21s., with xxx region of 1d. or 2d.,20 this implies family (earls of Oxford) whose sterys of gold, prise viijd. a that some 2000 pilgrims visited seat was at Hedingham Castle. In piece’.31 Confirmation that it the Dovercourt shrine annually. fact, the name ‘Dovercourt’ seems was the normal practice for this The real total may well have been to be a corruption of ‘De Vere crucifix to be robed comes also higher.21 Court’.24 It is not impossible that from the later report of the The image at Dovercourt was the later de Veres patronised the shrine’s destruction.What exactly reported to be of such power that Holy Rood. It is also possible Lord Howard provided in the the door of the church in which that the Mowbray family, dukes way of garments for the image it stood was open at all hours to of Norfolk (who later held the is a matter for speculation, but all comers, and no human hand manor of Dovercourt and owned we know from other entries in could close it.The story of this a large palace in Harwich) patro- his household accounts from the ever-open door is confirmed (if nised the shrine. Unfortunately same period, that 21s. would rationalised) by the Protestant the household accounts of both have purchased about two yards writer, John Foxe, in his Book of the de Veres and the Mowbrays of velvet. Presumably a garment Martyrs.22 This essentially hostile are lost, but we do have specific was to be made which was to witness tells us that the crowd evidence of patronage on the be spangled with small stars cut

EssexJOURNAL 6 The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt from sheet gold.This suggests a Christ side by side (as shown was much and great resort of garment that would hang freely on the pilgrim badges from people, for at that time there was from the image. Pilgrimage both Bodiam Castle and a great rumor blowen abrode cult images were often vested London), and not one nailed on amonges the ignoraunte sort, that in copes, but in the case of the top of the other, as is perhaps the power of the Idol of Dovercourt Rood this seems more usual in representations of Douercourt was so great, that no unlikely.The Christ on the Christ crucified.32 man had power to shutt the crucifix would naturally have churche dore where he stode’.33 both arms outstretched, and a The destruction of the shrine This could be taken to imply that cope hung over such a figure We know little about the the cult of the rood was itself would hang down at the back, beginnings of the shrine at relatively new. However, we have showing only the lining.This Dovercourt, and we have little already proved that the would be rather pointless. Perhaps information relating to its day by Dovercourt rood had been an we should therefore picture the day functioning.A similar rood object of veneration since at least Christ of the Dovercourt Rood shrine, at Boxley Abbey in Kent 1463, and probably for much as vested in a tunicle, dalmatic delivered messages to its devotees longer. It is, nevertheless, possible or chasuble.The outstretched by eye movements of the image, that the story that the church arms of the image would allow and we know from the report of door could not be closed was a such a garment to hang spread Henry VIII’s commissioners, who more recent addition to the cult. out in front of the figure destroyed this Kentish shrine, According to Robert (displaying its gold stars to full that this was a sham, the eye- Gardner’s narrative as published advantage).The lead pilgrim movements being controlled by by Foxe, the attitude of himself badges found at Bodiam Castle levers. Ironically, at Dovercourt, and the other three men who in Sussex and in London show too, one of our best sources of were to burn the rood was some- roods whose Christ appears to information on the Holy Rood what equivocal.We are told that be wearing a dalmatic, and they is the account of its destruction. the story of the door which could may suggest the appearance of However, in the case of not be closed ‘was a great mervel the Holy Rood of Dovercourt. Dovercourt, there are no reports unto many men, but specially One can deduce from the of any subterfuge, so presumably unto these men whose names amount of fabric which may nothing suspicious was found.The here folow. Robert King of have been used that the account of the destruction of the Dedham, Robert Debnam of finished garment for the Holy Rood of Dovercourt was East Bergholt, Nicolas Marsh of Dovercourt Rood would have published, some 30 years after the Dedham, and Robert Gardner of been at least a yard in length, event, in 1563, by John Foxe in Dedham’.These four probably front and back, which tends to his Book of Martyrs. Foxe derived quite young men34 seem to have confirm that the image on the his information from a letter been intrigued by the rood’s Dovercourt crucifix was not less written by Robert Gardner, the miraculous reputation which they than four feet in height. only one of the four perpetrators perhaps wanted to put to the The Holy Rood of of the rood’s destruction to escape test.35 The overall question of Dovercourt was also supplied subsequent hanging.As early as their motivation is interesting. with shoes, for ‘slippers’ are 1527 there were Protestant Foxe suggests (as one would mentioned in reports of the reformers at Hadleigh, in neigh- expect, of course, given his rood’s destruction. Other cult bouring Suffolk, preaching the own religious views) that they images were (and are) provided views of Luther. One of these were moved chiefly by righteous with ‘half-shoes’ made of silver: outspoken critics of Catholic indignation against the rood, sheet metal uppers, made to fit practices was Thomas Rose which they considered a over the top of the feet (the (curate of Hadleigh) and it seems blasphemous idol. However, his lower part of the feet being to have been in part Rose’s published account also contains attached to the statue base). preaching which incited Gardner hints that monetary gain may Such metal shoes have a practical and three of his friends to burn have been a factor. purpose, protecting the feet of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt. Whatever their precise the image from wear as they The account of the rood’s motives, the four men set off to are caressed and kissed by the destruction is interesting. It walk from Dedham to stream of pilgrims. Probably the requires careful examination, Dovercourt on a fine, frosty, Dovercourt ‘slippers’ were silver however, because it has too often moonlit night in the February of half-shoes of this kind, since the simply been accepted at face (probably) 1533.They made good feet of the image would have value. In fact, it contains some speed to Dovercourt, where they been attached to the cross at inconsistencies. Foxe begins by duly found the church door the back. Its wearing of shoes telling us that in the 1530s ‘ther open. Foxe denies that there was implies that the Dovercourt was an Idoll, named the roode of anything miraculous in this, image depicted the feet of Douercourte, whereunto there saying that it was simply because

EssexJOURNAL 7 The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt

ignorant folk were afraid to try to least, their crime was theft, not because not only was the church close the door.The four men — heresy.The subsequent manner open and accessible, but also there or some of them — must then of their execution reflected this was no guard or night watchman have made their way up into the fact.37 One of the four, Robert on duty.There is no mention of rood loft by means of the rood Gardner, escaped, but the other saws or cutting. If the Dovercourt stairs normally used by the priest. three were apprehended, and they crucifix had needed to be They can hardly have brought the were hanged during the summer; violently detached from its crucifix down this way, however, their bodies being left swinging in location by means such as sawing, for it would have been far too chains as an example to others. this would surely have been large. It seems more likely that a However, the three men were not reported, since the four attackers couple of them simply lowered it hanged together, as Foxe depicted were supposedly interested in to their companions standing in in his published illustration (Plate discovering whether the image the nave or chancel.They then 4), but separately, and in different could defend itself. It therefore carried off the rood, and after locations. Foxe’s published seems probable that the crucifix taking it a quarter of a mile from engraving also includes our only was simply slotted into the the shrine without it offering any specific representation of the mortice cut into the rood beam. sign of miraculous resistance, they Dovercourt rood, which is shown Probably (as is usual with such struck a light with a flint and set in flames beside the gallows. large crucifixes) it was also fire to the crucifix, using the The rood is clearly depicted as a supported by ropes or chains, candles they had taken from the large object, bearing an almost linking the arms of the cross to shrine chapel to help fuel the life-sized image of Christ.This the roof, or to the chancel arch. blaze. Before burning the rood, is probably correct – though One may also note in passing they removed its garment and in other respects there is no the fact that the four men shoes.The shoes, which may have particular reason to suppose that carried the rood on their been made of silver, they kept. this engraving of the rood (made shoulders when they had left The garment they sent to Thomas 30 years after it was burnt) accu- the church.This supports the Rose, in Hadleigh, who later rately illustrates its appearance. view that it was quite a large burnt it.36 The places of execution were and heavy object. carefully chosen. Robert King Another very interesting was hanged at Burchet, or Birch point which has already been Wood, just outside his home mentioned is that no subterfuge town of Dedham, perhaps at the in respect of the Dovercourt crossroads where the road from rood was denounced by its Dedham joined the main road. destroyers. It is probably safe Here lots of people would see his to assume, therefore, that no body. Robert Debnam, who came evidence of subterfuge was from East Bergholt, was not discovered by them. Had they, hanged there, but at nearby for example, found a place Cattawade Causeway, where his where a human being who body was much more likely to would act as the prophetic be seen swinging in its chains by voice of the image could be wayfarers using the main road and concealed, or any evidence of crossing the river Stour.As for levers or pulleys for manipulating Plate 4. The engraving published by Nicolas Marshe (who, like King, the image so as to make parts John Foxe in 1563, showing (inaccurately) came from Dedham) he was of it move, this would surely the execution of Debnam, Marshe and King, with the Holy Rood hanged at Dovercourt, the actual have been reported.The inference burning beside the gallows. scene of the crime. to be drawn from this lack of Certain features of the account evidence would seem to be that For this night's work, the of the Dovercourt rood’s destruc- no peculiarities came to light, four destroyers of the rood tion merit further comment. First and that the Holy Rood of soon found themselves in trouble. we notice that the destruction Dovercourt was simply a straight- King Henry VIII had not yet took place at night. Of course, forward wooden image of Christ progressed so far in his religious nefarious activities are commonly crucified, which revealed no thought as to have started perpetrated under cover of dark- suspicious features even when burning images. Interestingly, ness, but in this case possibly the subjected to a close and hostile Foxe acknowledges that the four fact that the shrine at Dovercourt examination. men were accused not of any was apparently much frequented At this late date it is clearly religious crime, but of felony, by pilgrims during daylight hours impossible to evaluate the and although he numbered them made a night visit advisable. miraculous reputation of the among his martyrs it is clear that Secondly, it seems that no attack Dovercourt crucifix. However, in the eyes of the government, at of any kind was apprehended, the story of this shrine and its

EssexJOURNAL 8 The Shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt pilgrims is a fascinating addition 10. The National Archives, descendants have remained to the picture of medieval Essex. PROB 11/24, will of conspicuous for their devotion Hitherto the Dovercourt story Rychard Strowght or Strought, to Catholicism. had been largely forgotten. Priest Vicar of Dovercourt, Essex, 27. British Library,Add. MS 46349, 20/10/1531. f. 47v. Now the discovery of new 11. The final choice was to be left to 28. Society of Antiquaries of London documentary and physical the discretion of his executors. (SoA), MS 76, f. 55v. evidence of the shrine’s existence 12. The note on the list of incum- 29. The Howard accounts for the allow us to recapture something bents at the back of the church 1470s are lost. of the lost glamour and which suggests that Strowgth left 30. He rebuilt a tower in Harwich in excitement which must have Dovercourt in 1531 for another the 1460s (probably the tower at surrounded the Holy Rood appointment seems erroneous, the south eastern corner of the for his will was both made and town walls which served as a of Dovercourt in its heyday, proved in 1531, and explicitly lighthouse), and as admiral of turning Dovercourt church names Strowgth as vicar of the northern seas he was in into a medieval Mecca. Dovercourt at the time. charge of constructing a navy 13. Essex Record Office (ERO), for Edward IV,the ships being D/ACR 2/199, will of fitted out at Harwich and References Agnes Smyth, widow of Dovercourt. 1. Some shrines dedicated to the Dovercourt, 1526.A mark was 31. SoA, MS 76, f. 115r. Holy Cross (or Holy Rood) worth 13s.4d., or two gold angels. 32. The illustrations in Phaidon possessed a reliquary cross or 14. £3.6s.8d., or ten gold angels. Press’s book Crucifixion, (London, crucifix, containing a fragment of 15. ERO, D/ACR 2/252, will of 2000), indicate that until the the True Cross, but neither of the Henry Browne, 1532. fourteenth century it was usual Essex shrines was of this kind. 16. The ‘light beam’ was the front for figures of the crucified Christ 2. It was the crucifix which beam of the rood loft, to be shown with the two feet surmounted the rood screen in where candles were lit in side by side.Thereafter it became the parish church, and rood honour of the Rood. normal for the feet to be depicted screens only became general in 17. It is reputed to have spoken to its crossed one on top of the other, English churches in the four- pilgrims. transfixed by a single nail. teenth century.The church roof 18. Grim, the collier of Croydon, or the 33. Foxe, book 3, p.495. was altered to accommodate it. Devil and his dame, with the Devil 34. Gardner was apparently still living One can still see where the and Saint Dunstan, (1662). in the 1560s. easternmost cross beam of the [Attributed to John Tatham]. 35. This idea of testing a miraculous nave roof was cut away, in order 19. L.T.Weaver, Harwich Papers, image recalls reports from not to obstruct the view of the (Harwich, 1994), p.26. Continental shrines, where cult new rood. Unfortunately Weaver gives no images were reputedly sometimes 3. In size, these were closer to a clear source for this information. beaten if they failed to produce piano accordion than to a 20. John Howard (later duke of the required miracle. modern church organ. Norfolk) offered 8d., and on 36. This may have been either simply 4. Inserted in the 1920s. another occasion his wife gave to destroy it, or as a means of 5. The modern dado is slightly taller 4d. (see below), but they were salvaging any gold ornaments than its medieval precursor. very wealthy people. which were sewn onto the fabric. 6. Since there is only a single large 21. Some of the pilgrims would have 37. Hanging, not burning. central mortice, the Dovercourt come in family groups, and not crucifix must have stood alone, every member of the family will Acknowledgements without flanking images of the have made an individual offering. I should like at this point to thank Virgin and St John. Also some pilgrims may only all those who helped me in various 7. This may not always have been have given 1/2d. or 1/4d. ways in my research, particularly the case. No authentic medieval 22. J. Foxe, Book of Martyrs, (London, Rev Erwin Lammens,Vicar of English rood loft survives intact, 1563), book 3, p.495. Both this Dovercourt; Mrs Janet Heath, but on the restored rood loft at and the subsequent early editions Dovercourt PCC secretary; the late Eye in Suffolk, for example, of Foxe's text are available online Mr Roland Baxter, author of A the crucifix is mounted on the at http://www.hrionline.ac.uk/ Guide to All Saints’ Church, and Mr front (western) beam. johnfoxe/transcript.html. and Mrs Elphin and Brenda Watkin 8. The two badges are of different 23. This word still appears in the for their expert examination of the designs, but both depict a similar, Oxford English Dialect Dictionary as surviving woodwork at Dovercourt. very simple cross and corpus or an ‘Essexism’. It is defined there effigy of the crucified Christ, as meaning ‘a great noise’ and its The Author the latter robed in a vestment existence with that meaning has Dr Ashdown-Hill is a retired teacher resembling a dalmatic (see below). been documented back to at least of languages with a passion for local Either or both of these badges 1678. and medieval history. He has recently could conceivably relate to the 24. Spellings of the place name based been awarded a PhD from the Dovercourt shrine. upon ‘de Vere’ occur in the University of Essex, and has had two 9. A piscina is a built-in wash basin, Patent Rolls series. books published, the latest being a beside an altar, where the priest 25. His descendants still hold the study of medieval Colchester.When could wash his hands before Norfolk title today. not engaged in historical research, his consecrating the bread and wine 26. Despite this, since the chief interest is caring for his bantams when celebrating mass. Reformation Howard’s and pheasants.

EssexJOURNAL 9 A seventeenth century parochial dispute: defamation and its consequences by Michael Leach ‘I am disgraced, impeached and baffled here, Pierced to the soul by slander’s venomed spear, The which no balm can cure but his heart blood Which breathed this poison.’ (Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, in Shakespeare’s Richard II, Act 1, Scene 1)

fter the evening service by obtaining a ‘letter of request’ survived and provide details of on 7th January 1677/8, from their bishop. However sub- both the quarrel and the legal Athe Rev Joseph Bedle, jects of the diocese of London processes which arose from it. vicar of Great Burstead, Mr Neale, were entitled to have their cases The two witnesses were John Mr and Mrs Knightley and others heard without a letter of request, Pratt, the Billericay clothier in were guests in the house of John so there may have been nothing whose house the verbal assault Pratt, a clothier of Billericay. unusual about Bedle’s course of had taken place, and James Neale, This small social gathering was action.At this period, the court a London leather seller, who had interrupted by the arrival of was held in Doctors’ Commons, been present in Pratt’s house on Samuel Thresher who, apparently newly rebuilt after the Great Fire that winter evening.The latter without provocation, began of 1666.The personal appearance was Bedle’s brother-in–law. ‘railing and abusing’ the clergy- of litigants was unusual, and the In order to establish defama- man, telling him that he was ‘a court reached its decision through tion, three criteria had to be bastard a sonne of a whore & a the consideration of witness met.4 Firstly the victim had to bitch and a Develish person in a statements. Like other church have been of good reputation Pulpett [who] can talk more at a courts, its sentencing powers were before the offending words Pulpett than I at a Table & you limited to imposing penances, and were spoken, and both witnesses was as drunk as I am.’1 to awarding legal costs (which duly testified to this in their It is far from clear what could be substantial) against the depositions, describing him as provoked this tirade, or why guilty party.The surviving court ‘a learned & grave person and Thresher chose to confront the papers include an Interrogatoria, worthy of Honour and esteeme’. vicar in Pratt’s house in front of or list of questions that were to Secondly, it was necessary to show witnesses.The consequences, be put to the witnesses.3 The that the individual’s character had however, were more predictable, depositions, and the answers to been damaged.To this end, the as in English law any threat to the Interrogatoria, have also depositions described the insults an individual’s reputation was an offence in both secular and church law. From the mid sixteenth century onwards, there was a steady rise in the number of suits for defamation brought to both civil and ecclesiastical courts.2 In Bedle’s case, obtaining redress through the church courts was appropriate, as the words were an attack on his integrity and his competence as a clergyman. For unknown reasons, he chose to use the highest ecclesiastical court in the province, the Court of Arches. It was also the most expensive route for an individual to defend his reputation.The majority of cases heard in this court were Plate 1. Billericay chapel from Wright’s History of Essex, referred from lower courts, and published in 1835. The body of the chapel was rebuilt c.1780, generally plaintiffs could only go but the tower had not been altered since Bedle’s time. directly to the Court of Arches (Reproduced by courtesy of the Essex Record Office, I/Mb 34/1/1).

EssexJOURNAL 10 A seventeenth century parochial dispute in detail, indicating that no out of court before the legal provocation had been given, and processes had been completed. stating that Thresher’s intention This was partly because of the was to ‘difflame vilify & abuse high cost of litigation, but also the credit and reputation’ of because there were strong social the vicar. However the evidence pressures to settle such matters by also suggested that Thresher mediation. Litigation was seen as was drunk, an extenuating a breach of proper neighbourly circumstance which would have relations, and it was usual for a made it easier for him to defend prominent parishioner to act as his action on the grounds that the an intermediary to settle such insults were ‘words of passion’, disputes. During this period, rather than a cool and calculated clergy were expected to act as attack on Bedle’s reputation. arbitrators in disputes between Thirdly, the insults should have parishioners, rather than to bring Plate 2. Detail of a plan of Billericay in 1681 been heard by a number of suits for defamation.The diary of by John Coffyn showing the side elevation of people; the greater the number, his Essex contemporary, Ralph the chapel. (Reproduced by courtesy of the the greater was the offence. In Josselin, vicar of Earls Colne, Essex Record Office, D/DQt 159). this case, of course, only the few contains many references to the refusal to consider reconciliation, people in the room had heard role of arbitrator and, after one must have been damaging to his the tirade. such incident, Josselin noted case. The Interrogatoria, presumably that the parties ‘had found my As already indicated, there is drawn up by Thresher’s advocate, endeavours acceptable to them no indication of the underlying put probing questions to the all, and above all I know ‘tis an cause of this quarrel.Thresher witnesses, aimed at undermining acceptable service to god to was a self made man who had Bedle’s standing in the eyes continue peace and concord had a variety of occupations of the court.These revealed amongst brethren.’5 Perhaps for (webster in 1675, innholder in that Thresher and Bedle had this reason it is unusual to find 1678, and yeoman in 1691). By previously been ‘intimate clergymen bringing suits for the time of his death in 1702, he acquaintances and very loving defamation to the Court of was described as a gentleman and friends’ and that Thresher had Arches. Examination of the he left substantial cash bequests of ‘done and bin ready to do several first 100 entries in Houston’s over £3000, as well as 270 acres civilities and good offices to Index of Cases in the Court of of land in Little Wakering.7 He Mr Bedle’. Only a few days Arches reveals only four cases was a churchwarden from 1682 before the incident, they had initiated by clergymen, two of to 1684, and an overseer of the shared a bottle of wine at which were Bedle’s actions. poor in 1689; he doubtless filled Thresher’s house. Moreover (and Reaching an agreement by other parish offices at different perhaps more damaging to his mediation, as well as being a times. He also appears to have reputation) it was suggested that Christian duty, avoided the been no stranger to aggressive Bedle ‘did very much frequent humiliation of a public apology confrontations. He was found publick drinking houses...till or substantial costs, which could guilty (on his own admission) Eleaven or ten o’clock at night’, lead to continuing resentment of an assault in 1675,8 and was though one witness said that he and to further conflict in the presented at the March 1688 had never seen him ‘distempered community.6 It is clear from Assizes on a charge that he had in drink’. It was also revealed that one of the witness statements ‘moved and stirred up divers Thresher had written a letter of that Bedle’s two legal advisors at seditious differences…amongst apology after the incident to say Doctor’s Commons had tried to his neighbours’.9 The witness that ‘he was sorry for it with all persuade him to be reconciled in the latter case was Bedle himself his heart and earnestly desired with Thresher, but that these (who may well have initiated and intreated a continuation of attempts had been rebuffed. the complaint), a situation that friendship between them’. Bedle, Bedle had responded ‘very angrily probably resulted in the next however, had refused to be and passionately’ and had said that confrontation between the two reconciled and said ‘he would not ‘he would spend fifty pounds to men a few months later. In July putt up with it because he knew be revenged of him’. In his reply 1688,Thresher accompanied by yt…Mr Thresher unwithstanding he had also used ‘four long and a relative committed a ‘riotous the promise of better behaviour disgracefull words’ which were assault’ against the vicar who was would continue to abuse him’. mentioned, but not detailed, in on his way to take a service in the Though there were an the deposition. Unfortunately the Billericay chapel but the charge increasing number of defamation outcome of this case is not clear, was ‘respited by pardon’ at the cases during the seventeenth but the exposure of his drinking Quarter Sessions.10 In May 1689, century, the majority were settled habits, as well as his adamant their relationship would have

EssexJOURNAL 11 A seventeenth century parochial dispute

been further strained;Thresher, doubt that he was also ambitious; Nevertheless he was to be disap- with the other two overseers of in 1676 he was appointed Royal pointed and no advancement the poor, were presented by Bedle chaplain to Charles II, a post came his way. It is not possible at the Archdeacon’s Court for the usually rewarded (in due course) to know if he was unlucky to non-payment of £2 2s.0d. in fees, with a deanery or a bishopric. be overlooked, or if he lacked due to him and the clerk, for the The duties were onerous, and the necessary influential patron, burial of eight paupers between no doubt involved considerable or if his reputation had suffered September 1688 and March expense in the purchase of permanent damage from the case 1688/9.There were clearly con- suitable clothing, as well as the in the Court of Arches. In 1680, siderable difficulties in settling provision of a curate to run perhaps realising that he had this matter, as it made a regular the parish in his absence. Royal little chance of promotion, he appearance in the church court chaplains were required to attend adopted a different (and not records for the next 14 months court daily for a whole month unusual) way of supplementing before it was resolved (Plate 3).11 each year, to preach sermons in his rather meagre income of In 1691 Thresher probably over- the Royal chapels and to officiate £60 a year from the parish of reached his authority as bailiff of at the regular Friday ritual of Great Burstead. He obtained a the hundred by seizing £18 from touching for the King’s evil dispensation from the archbishop Charles Eaton of Barling without which had been enthusiastically of Canterbury16 to be admitted to authority, and, as a result, he was reinstated by Charles II at the a second Essex living (Chipping removed from the post.12 Restoration. In the event of the Ongar) which was worth £40 a The case against Thresher king becoming ill, the chaplains year.The absence of his character- was not the first that Bedle had were expected to pray for his istic hand from the Ongar parish taken to the Court of Arches. recovery, 24 hours a day in registers, and other evidence In 1674 the Act Book noted rotation.14 which shows a succession of that Bedle brought a case for Another potential opportunity curates here, indicate that he was defamation against George Dyer13 for promotion arose when Bedle largely an absentee rector.After (about whom nothing else is was chosen to preach a sermon at paying for the Ongar curate known).The matter appears to the city church of St Lawrence (perhaps £20 a year at that time) have been dropped, or settled Jewry on 5th November 1678; his annual income would have out of court, as there are no this was seen at the time as an been increased by about the same further details in the records. opportunity to impress those in amount to total about £80.At It may be that Bedle was the congregation who held the the Restoration, £50 a year was particularly sensitive about his strings of patronage (Plate 4). considered inadequate for an reputation, and impetuous about Most of the sermon was devoted incumbent, though many had to seeking redress.There is little to a vigorous denigration of the manage on less.17 Bedle was perfidy of the Gunpowder therefore better off than some, Plate 3. A note in the handwriting of Plotters, but it is tempting to but (unlike his contemporary, Joseph Bedle listing the fees for pauper think that, in his opening words, Ralph Josselin of Earls Colne) he burials due to him and his clerk. he may also have been using this does not appear to have had any (Reproduced by courtesy of the opportunity to put the dispute other means of supplementing Essex Record Office, D/AEV 14). with Thresher behind him, and to his stipend (such as teaching), and redeem his damaged reputation. his annual month-long stint in He began his sermon by stating: London as Royal chaplain, as well as his various litigations, ‘It is in the interest of would have been a significant mankind to be just and drain on his resources. He died good; righteousness hath in November 1692 and his will a reward, it delivers us suggests that he owned no from death; a good man property. He was only able to shall be satisfied with leave meagre cash bequests of himself, though the world 10 shillings each to his wife, does not much regard daughter and younger son, with him, or reward him; any residue going to his older though he hath hatred son.18 for his goodwill, and is It is impossible to know persecuted because he exactly why the vicar and his is just and good; yet his parishioner had repeatedly fallen inward peace and soul out with each other.Thresher contentment shall was no stranger to direct con- plentifully recompense frontation, and Bedle was perhaps him.’15 over-ready to seek legal redress

EssexJOURNAL 12 A seventeenth century parochial dispute

tithes and, knowing something of 9. ERO,T/A 418/203/7, their characters, it is more than Calendar of Essex Assize File possible that this could have led [ASS 35/129/1/7],Assizes held to friction between the two men. at Chelmsford, 07/03/1688. The surviving records give 10. ERO, Q/SR 460/7, some insight into the life of a recognizance of Joseph Bedle seventeenth century Essex of Great Burstead, clerk, & clergyman, and his attempts to Q/SR 460/37, recognizance of obtain redress for defamation Abraham Thresher, grocer, both of character through the church 05/09/1688; Q/SR 460/38, courts.These attempts may recognizance of Samuel Thresher of Billericay innholder, 04/08/1688. have been seen as ill advised 11. ERO, D/AE/V 14, by his contemporaries; in the Archdeaconry of Essex visitations, interests of community harmony, 01/12/1686-25/02/1691. clergy were expected to be 12. ERO,T/A 418/209/7, arbitrators in disputes, rather [ASS 35/132/2/7],Assizes held at than complainants.The adverse Chelmsford, 02/09/1691. publicity may also have lost him 13. J. Houston, ed., Index of Cases in the opportunity of the preferment the Court of Arches, (London & which Bedle could have reason- Chichester, 1972), p.31. ably expected as a holder of 14. Information from LPL archivist; the post of Royal chaplain.The D. Baldwin, The Chapel Royal – surviving evidence, such as it is, Ancient & Modern, suggests that both men may (London, 1990), p.265. have been ambitious and 15. J. Bedle, Sermon preached at Plate 4. The title page of Bedle’s confrontational characters, and St Lawrence Jewry, November 5th London sermon. This is one of only two that there were unfortunate 1678, (London, 1679), p.1. Copy copies known to have survived. opportunities for friction in ERO Library, LIB/SER/2/16. (Reproduced by courtesy of the between the vicar and his 16. E. Dunkin, ed., Index to the Essex Record Office, LIB/SER/2/16). parishioner (such as payment Act Books of the Archbishop of for personal insults. Shortly before of fees, and the farming of the Canterbury, (London, 1929), p.51. his death, he was involved in tithes). It is also perhaps a 17. N.Yates, et al., Religion and Society another dispute in the Court of reminder that legal action was in Kent, (Woodbridge, 1994), p.10. Arches, this time with his church- as risky and unpredictable a 18. The National Archives, PROB 11/413, will of wardens at Chipping Ongar remedy for personal quarrels in Joseph Bedle, Clerk & Vicar of over their sequestration of his the seventeenth century as it is Great Burstead, Essex, 15/02/1693. tithes. Both men appear to have today. 19. H. Smith, The Ecclesiastical History been ambitious but, while of Essex, (Colchester, 1933), p.237. Thresher clearly flourished, References 20. ERO, D/DU 18/32/1, copy Bedle was frustrated in his hopes 1. Lambeth Palace Library (LPL), of will and codicil of Samuel for preferment in the Church Eee 6, Deposition Book. Thresher of Great Burstead, of England, something he might 2. J.A. Sharpe,‘Such Disagreement gentleman, 10/08/1702 & betwyx Neighbours – Litigation reasonably have expected through 12/02/1702/3. his role as Royal chaplain.There and Human Relations in early is also another area where they modern England’ in Disputes and Settlements: Law and Human Acknowledgements might have come into conflict; Relations in the West, ed. J. Bossy the great tithes of Great Burstead I am grateful to the ever helpful staff (Cambridge, 1987) p.171. of Lambeth Palace Library and the parish were impropriate to Lord 3. LPL, E 6/83, Interrogatoria. Essex Record Office, as well as to Petre but, in 1650, it was noted 4. A.Tarver, Church Court Records, Dr Jane Pearson of the University of that ‘his lordship hath for many (Chichester, 1995), p.113. Essex for her invaluable suggestions. years lett to the Incumbent some 5. A. Macfarlane, ed., The Diary of part of the great Tythes att the Ralph Josselin, 1616-1683, Rent of thirtye pounds per (London, 1976), p.69. The Author Ann.’19 Samuel Thresher died in 6. Sharpe, pp.177-178. Michael Leach, a retired general February 1702/3 and his will, 7. Essex Record Office (ERO), practitioner with a lifelong interest in regional and local history; now made the previous year, shows D/DU 18/32/1, copy of Will and Codicil of Samuel Thresher of honorary secretary of the Essex that he was ‘farming’ the Great Great Burstead, gentleman, Society for Archaeology and History, Burstead tithe, the lease of which 10/08/1702 & 12/02/1702/3. as well as a member of the Essex 20 he bequeathed to his son. It is 8. ERO, Q/SR 429/47, indictment Gardens Trust research group; and likely, therefore, that he and Bedle of Samuel Thresher of Billericay, with a particular interest in the had had business dealings over the 29/06/1675. seventeenth century.

EssexJOURNAL 13 The Illnesses of John Ray by David Grice hen Louis Pasteur in medical research by proving that propose this only as conjecture’ France and Robert bacteria, and not God’s wrath, (Plate 2).2 The following year in a WKoch in Germany were responsible for disease.They further letter to Sloane dated June finally confirmed that bacteria were the men who led the way in 28th 1698, he reported that were the cause of disease, John using inoculation to prevent and ‘round every sore there are small Ray had lain in his grave in cure such prevalent infections as red tumuscula, flat and bigger Black Notley churchyard for smallpox, tuberculosis (TB) and near the sores which I conjecture more than 150 years. From 1687 cholera, against which there had to be the nests or swarms of until his death in January 1705, been no protection and which for those insects’.3 the Essex naturalist had endured generations had caused untold It is remarkable that 23 years worsening ill-health through millions of deaths. later Dr Marten, in his publication severely ulcerated legs, which A New Theory on Consumption, all the curious remedies recom- suggested, much to the ridicule of mended by his Braintree doctor the medical establishment, that TB Benjamin Allen, his friends from could be caused by ‘wonderfully the Royal Society and eminent minute living creatures’, which members of the Royal College of once they had gained a foothold Physicians had failed to soothe, let in body, could generate the alone cure. Ray suffered almost lesions and the symptoms of the constant pain and infuriating disease.4 Having been the author inconvenience, as the malady of seminal works on the scientific gradually sapped the remarkable classification of plants, animals, energy which beforehand he had reptiles, birds and fish, Ray had shared in equal measure with his by that time turned his attention innate intellect.This article will to insects, a lengthy study which consider Ray’s illness, his own culminated in the publication of diagnosis of it and if, from his his Methodus Insectorum in August correspondence, we are able to 1704. So during the summers attempt to identify what he was of 1697 and 1698, when live suffering from. specimens were at their most During his lifetime Ray raised numerous in the countryside botany and zoology, particularly, around his Dewlands home to the dignity of science. His Plate 1. John Ray, 1627-1705. (Plate 3) in Black Notley, a village enquiring mind placed him at (Reproduced by courtesy of the to the south of Braintree, Ray’s the cutting edge of scientific Essex Record Office, mind was much focused on the discovery as England, in the I/Pb 18/8/6). insect world, a range of research seventeenth century, emerged Ray’s observation also predated which encompassed a wide from an age of ignorance and the findings of the English physician spectrum of interest, from butter- superstition. In common with Benjamin Marten as being the flies to garden worms.Yet having his more widely recognised first to pronounce on the possible being described by Sir James contemporaries such as Sir Isaac source of TB in 1720. In fact Ray Smith, the founder of the Newton and Lord Robert Boyle, had first speculated on cause and Linnean Society, as ‘our immortal Ray was a man of genius far effect during the summer of naturalist, the most accurate in ahead of his time. Such was the 1697. On July 12th that year he observation…the most faithful in intensity of his fascination with despatched one of many letters description’,5 and by one of his natural phenomena that even his to his friend and fellow naturalist biographers, Charles Raven, as own personal and painful medical Sir Hans Sloane.1 In his letter to ‘supreme in description’ and as condition was closely observed, Sloane, Ray wrote:‘I am now having ‘remarkable insight and almost to the point of hypochon- come to the suspicion that these accuracy of notes’,6 Ray did not dria, and in doing so he seems to tumours are owing to insects report seeing any actual insect have stumbled on the germ of a making their burrows under the infestation in the areas of his feet theory which was later to be cuticula [dead skin at the base of and legs, yet surmised that some ‘rediscovered’ by the Gloucestershire the toenail or fingernail] their form of living creatures had doctor Edward Jenner, before juice mixing with the serum of somehow made their way inside Pasteur and Koch developed this the blood causes an ebullition, his body and whose ‘juice’ within earlier work.These men were to and excites the tumours, pustules, his blood was causing his skin change totally the course of inflammation and itching. But I complaint.

EssexJOURNAL 14 The Illnesses of John Ray

On the basis of such compelling amoeba. Hooke, who in 1662 had smallest known living organisms, evidence could this, in fact, have been appointed the Society’s it is not surprising that he been the first time, in 1697, that Curator of Experiments with deduced that the microscopic anyone had recognised that disease responsibility for demonstrating entities affecting his legs might, was caused by microscopic organ- experiments to its weekly meet- in fact, be insects, rather than isms: in short, the presence and ings, was asked by its members to simply Van Leeuwenhoek’s kleijne effect of bacteria? Twenty-three confirm the Dutchman’s findings. diertgens or Marten’s ‘wonderfully years later Dr Marten was to He did so, and paved the way for minute living creatures’.What come to the same conclusion, a wider acceptance of the discov- they did have in common was but Ray had already taken the eries. Ray knew Hooke well, that they were invisible to the ‘discovery’ a stage further. Not sharing a fascination for the study naked eye. Ray would have been content with this radical and of fossils. On March 15th 1675, wrong in that assumption, of original observation, he was Ray was in Hooke’s company in course, but by associating invisible also quick to identify a possible London during his itinerant years ‘insects’ as the cause of his illness, method of dealing with the before choosing an almost reclu- Ray had touched on a theory source of the problem, hinting sive, scholarly life at Black Notley which would not be proven at the shape of things to come, on the death of his mother, coin- correct until the experimental particularly in the eventual find- cidentally on March 15th 1679. work undertaken by Pasteur and ings of Pasteur. Ray had regularly Although isolated physically by Koch and their research teams in swallowed flowers of sulphur, 1697, then as a virtual invalid the late 1800s.After being vilified and remarked in that same 1697 at Dewlands, Ray was able to in public for years by the medical letter to Sloane that ‘taken into keep in touch with the onrush sceptics, these men were finally the blood it may be heated to of scientific development through and irrefutably able to link that degree as to emit a fume a continuing exchange of corre- bacteria - Ray’s ‘insects’ - to sufficient to kill the insects lodged spondence with his Royal Society disease.As Ray himself would in the tumours’.7 It was not until colleagues and through the have put it, this is proposed only the 1850s that Pasteur concluded frequent visits to London of his as conjecture, but taken at face that microbes caused putrefaction friend and fellow botanist, value it would appear that an in liquids such as beer, milk, Samuel Dale, a physician who intriguing secret has lain hidden wine and vinegar, and proved that lived nearby at Bocking End in John Ray’s letters for more they could be killed by heating in Braintree. than 300 years. the contaminated liquids. It is So Ray was fully aware of As Charles Raven revealed in interesting to note that the Italian the work being undertaken by his biography, Ray did not pursue republic of Lucca proclaimed in Hooke and Van Leeuwenhoek. this radical line of investigation, 1699 that the names of those who We are given an insight into even though he had earlier had died of TB must be notified Ray’s knowledge of their work dabbled in human physiology. to the authorities, their bodies when in his Wisdom of God he In 1694 he had written an essay and belongings burned, and disin- referred to: on respiration,10 which, according fectant measures taken in order to to Raven, through hints in Ray’s avoid harm to human health. ‘those minute Machines letters, contained an attempt to Ray’s fellow members of the endued with Life and Motion, deal with oxygenation and the Royal Society, Robert Hooke I mean, the Bodies of those blood stream. But after sending and the Dutch immigrant Animalcula, not long since copies to several scientific friends Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, discovered in Pepper-water, for their views in 1696, Ray were pioneers in microscopic by Mr. Leuenhoek, of Delft decided in October 1697 to analysis. Hooke was reputedly the in Holland, (whose observa- suppress his findings - three months first scientist to use a microscope tions were confirmed and after that intriguing ‘insects’ letter for academic study in the early improved by our Learned to Sloane - because he felt it 1660s, the period when Ray was and Worthy Country-man, might further offend Martin elected to the Royal Society, and Dr Robert Hook) who tells Lister, his touchy friend and Van Leeuwenhoek is credited as us,That some of his friends fellow naturalist. Lister’s conclusions being the first to observe and did affirm,That they had seen on the subject were apparently at study microscopic organisms. In 10000, other 30000, others variance with those of Ray, and 1678 Van Leeuwenhoek, working 45000 little living Creatures, Ray did not want become in London, wrote to the Royal in a Quantity of Water no embroiled in controversy because Society with a report that, bigger than a Grain of Millet’.9 he believed that he had earlier through his microscope, he had upset his friend by, of all things, discovered kleijne diertgens (little But since Ray’s daily study at acknowledging that Dr Edward animals).8 These would prove to that time was focused on insects, Hulse, and not Lister, was the first be bacteria as well as protozoa, and since insects to him and his man to observe the spinning and minute invertebrates such as contemporaries were then the structure of spiders’ webs! In fact

EssexJOURNAL 15 The Illnesses of John Ray

Ray was probably wrong to return to Black Notley from an they were ‘almost wholly dry and support Hulse: Lister is now arduous tour of the West Country. healed’ but a week of hot weather generally credited with the actual Lister expressed grave concern ‘altered the nature of them and initial observations on spiders about Ray’s health in a letter turned them into a kind of herpes swinging on their gossamer dated September 21st and Ray or tetter which hath spread very threads, but, importantly in the did indicate at that time that he much and encompassed my academic world, Hulse was first feared his lungs had been perma- legs’.18 By 1698 they were to publish. So Ray devoted nently affected.13 However, his ‘spreading and increasing and himself instead to his plant and burden of broken health only growing very deep and running insect research, the essay on the began in earnest at the age of 63 extremely, being also so painful circulation of the blood was in 1690. On March 6th that year that they do very much hinder never published and the tangible he was taken ‘by violent cough my rest; sometimes the heat and evidence of his thoughts on the and fever attendant thereupon’ itching is so violent that they theory eventually became lost to and was described as being force me to quit my bed…round the academic world. desperately ill for several days.14 every sore there are small red But what was the disease Indeed he was at death’s door. tumuscula, flat and bigger near which caused Ray to spend his The Braintree doctor Benjamin the sores…I intend to have the final years of study in constant Allen treated Ray for ‘peripneu- issues cut which I hope will pain? Reference to Ray’s medical monia’, but again there was no deliver me from this misery, else problems were scattered piecemeal mention of him being consumptive. vita minime vitalis esset [Life means throughout Raven’s biography but The long and bitter winter of very little without life’s force]’.19 apparently no-one had attempted 1692-93 brought a fresh outbreak In 1699 Ray told Sloane:‘Alas, to compile and analyse the symp- of leg sores, and his troubles were my glass is almost out and I am toms detailed within Ray’s copious catalogued in his letters. On so afflicted with pains, that I have correspondence.To rectify this March 22nd 1693, he told his no heart to proceed any further. oversight I sifted through Raven’s friend Edward Lhywd, the keeper Indeed I could do very little all biography to place Ray’s symptoms of the Ashmolean Museum in last summer, and I must alii in chronological order to see if it Oxford:‘I have been this winter lampada tradere [hand on the were possible to attempt a diag- so afflicted with exulcerated torch to others].’ Ray later told nosis of his illness in the light of pernios upon the back side of Sloane that he spent most of modern medical knowledge. the small of both my legs…You each morning dressing his sores.20 The view of Edmund Calamy, would not imagine that ulcers of Sloane was told by Ray in 1700: a leading Presbyterian minister in which so little account is made ‘I have little or no absolute inter- London, was that his friend was should be so painful and vexa- mission of pain’ and later added, consumptive, but Raven surmised tious, they giving me very little ‘I am now much worse, being by that Ray was unlikely to have had respite from pain night or day.’15 the sharpness of my pains reduced permanent TB since anyone so In the April he mentions the sores to that weakness that I can scarce afflicted could hardly have under- to Sloane, but hoped the warm stand alone…and despair even of taken his many arduous journeys weather would heal them.A life itself’.21 In 1701 he told of discovery on horseback across variety of cures were prescribed Lhwyd:‘I am sadly afflicted with the length and breadth of Britain by friends that autumn but, after pain which renders me listless and and into southern Europe.11 In a brief respite, when the weather indisposed to any business, and effect, though, both men were turned ‘cold and frosty they [the disables me with intention to correct: Ray almost certainly did sores] fell off itching and spread prosecute any study.’22 During contract TB, but while affecting again and are now to be as bad as 1702 and 1703 he was more or his lungs intermittently, it was before’.16 In a letter dated November less confined to his house, his to manifest itself dramatically 26th 1693, Lhwyd was told by Ray: legs bandaged or kept in ‘strait elsewhere. ‘I have little hopes of getting stockings’.23 In 1650, when a minor Fellow them healed and dried up this By January 1704 a visitor at Trinity College, Cambridge, he winter, if ever.The cold doth reported Ray to be ‘very old and reported to Lister12 that his lungs affect and greatly exasperate infirm in body though his parts had been affected and that the them, causing them to run are vivid’24 and, in the February, cure may not be complete;TB abundantly.’17 Ray said:‘One of my small sores was suggested as a contributory For a few months early in began to run with extraordinary factor. On September 13th 1667, 1694 the sores did dry up, only rage as no man could believe…and Ray was taken seriously ill on his to break out afresh. In May 1697 so continued for five days and

Plate 2 (Facing Page). John Ray's letter to Sir Hans Sloane of July12th 1697 in which he outlines his radical 'suspicion that these tumours are owing to insects making their burrows under the cuticula...But I propose this only as conjecture, though I could bring probable arguments to confirm it.’ At the close Ray also explains his theory that sulphur fumes could 'destroy the insects'. (c) British Library Board. All Rights Reserved, (Sloane 4036 folios 330-331).

EssexJOURNAL 16 The Illnesses of John Ray

EssexJOURNAL 17 The Illnesses of John Ray

Plate 3. Dewlands, the residence of John Ray, Black Notley. (Reproduced by courtesy of the Essex Record Office, I/Mb 256/1/1). nights together, till it had reduced in May-butter…a plaster of frogs having a proven past history of me to that weakness that I was and mercury…a salve made up of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. unable to rise up from my chair…all two parts of diapalma [oinment of This previous infection tends to this while a fever attended me palm-oil, zinc sulphate and lead have left the patient with a moderate which at last abated in a plentiful monoxide] and one of basilicon to high immunity to TB, which sweat…Since this another sad [an oinment prepared from sweet results in a hypersensitivity reaction: accident has befalled me.A part of basil]’.27 the immune system overreacts the skin of one of my insteps by It is not surprising that the to proteins in the skin similar to degrees turned black and now is medical minds at work on Ray’s those in the TB bacteria. Ray’s with the flesh under it rotted and case were at a loss, since the description of the leg ulcers that corrupted…yet it runs a copious conclusion has to be that the tormented him for 18 years seems gleet [pus or mucus]’. In the June probable disease from which he to fit well with this description of ‘the sores seem to be in a fair way suffered was first described only Bazin’s Disease.28 His repeated to healing’ but there was another in 1861.A full examination of correlation of cold weather outbreak and the discharge the patient has not been possible causing outbreaks and warmth continued ‘notwithstanding all at a distance of more than 300 leading to healing is particularly my physic’. In the November he years, but from the reported appealing.The fact that at the claimed:‘The History of Insects symptoms, Ray would appear to age of approximately 22 he had must rest if I continue thus ill, have been a victim of Erythema a major episode of illness affecting and I see no likelihood of Induratum (Nodular Vasculitis), his lungs where TB was suspected, amendment unless I outlive which is also known as Bazin’s yet then lived on to the age of this winter.’25 Disease, named after its discoverer, 77, supports the proposal that, if On January 7th 1705, in his the nineteenth century French he did in fact contract TB in 1650, last letter to Sloane, Ray wrote: doctor Pierre Antoine Ernest he may well have formed a strong ‘These are to take a final leave of Bazin (Plate 4).The disease is you as of this world. I look upon now a rare skin complaint in myself as a dying man’.26 At the Britain but is more common in age of 77, on Wednesday, January the developing world. It leads to 17th 1705 at 10am, John Ray recurrent crops of painful ulcerating died at Dewlands after enduring nodules, usually at the backs of years of unsuccessful and, at times, the calves and on the lower legs bizarre treatment such as ‘a near the ankles. Outbreaks appear decoction of sassafras, sarsa [sarsa- to be brought on, or made worse, parillea] and china [the root of by cold.The ulcers tend to persist Smilax china, a plant closely for long periods and drain serous related to sarsa] with some sage fluid, which is clear or straw- and hypericon [an oil prepared coloured and sometimes blood- from St John’s Wort], and shavings stained. On healing they form Plate 4. Symptons of of hartshorn [for ammonia] but atrophic [loss of tissue] scars. Bazin’s disease. (Reproduced by without guaiacum [lignum There seems to be a connection kind permission of the Scottish vitae]’…Hollyhock leaves boiled to TB, with 50% of modern cases Dermatologiocal Society).

EssexJOURNAL 18 The Illnesses of John Ray immune response to the disease nine months involving drugs 8. A.Van Leeuwenhoek,‘Letter 18 to which could then have led later with high antibacterial activity the Royal Society’, 09/10/1676. in life to a hypersensitivity reaction. and the capacity to inhibit the Translated by Henry Oldenburg, Other possible causes should development of resistance: published in Philosophical also be considered such as venous isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin Translations,Vol XII (1677), or arterial ulceration.Venous and ethambutol. Since antibiotics No. 133, pp.821-831, http://www.euronetnl.users ulcerations usually occur when and steroids were not available warnar/doubts-leeuwenhoek, there is poor drainage of the during Ray’s lifetime, the chances (14/04/09). blood back towards the heart, of him finding a cure were equally 9. J Ray, The Wisdom of God often due to varicose veins. nonexistent. Ironically the now- Manifested in the Works of Creation, Often precipitated by an injury, demolished Black Notley Hospital (London, 1735), pp.166-167, a break in the skin heals poorly was first built as an isolation unit http://books.google.co.uk/books, and after an ulcer forms it tends on land overlooking Dewlands, (14/04/09). to enlarge.This type of ulceration the house in which Ray lived and 10. Raven. p.286. would almost certainly have been died. Dewlands was destroyed by 11. Ibid. pp.61-62. commonplace in the seventeenth fire in 1900 and the hospital was 12. Ibid. p.62. century and is unlikely to have opened in 1904 to isolate patients 13. Ibid. p.144. 29 14. Ibid. p.279. gone unrecognised by Ray himself with smallpox. The first sanato- 15. Ibid. p.279. or his doctors. It is interesting to rium in Essex for the treatment of 16. Ibid. p.281. note, however, that in the later TB was established on the same 17. Ibid. p.279. stages of his illness he describes site - for women only - in 1912, 18. Ibid. p.294. the onset of oedema, the excessive four years after the first TB 19. Ibid. p.297. accumulation of serous fluid in vaccine had been developed by 20. Ibid. p.399. the intercellular space of the tissue. the French scientists Albert 21. Ibid. p.304. This may have been due to the Calmette and Alphonse Guerin. 22. Ibid. p.400. damage caused by his ulcers to 23. Ibid.p.305. 24. Ibid. p.302. lymphatic drainage, leading to a References 25. Ibid. p305. form of chronic venous drainage 1. Sloane succeeded Newton as 26. Ibid. p.307. president of the Royal Society in insufficiency.Arterial ulceration 27. Ibid. p.280. 1727 and his collection of books, occurs as the result of a poor 28. M. Rademaker, D.G. Lowe, manuscripts and curiosities were blood supply caused by furred-up D.D. Munro,‘Erythema induratum to form the basis of the British arteries. In the same way that a (Bazin’s Disease)’, Journal of Museum when it opened in 1759. poor blood supply to the heart American Academy of Dermatology, 2. C. Raven, John Ray, Naturalist; his (October 1989), pp.740-745. causes a heart attack, a poor blood life and works, (Cambridge, 1942), 29. Black Notley Parish Council, supply to the limbs causes tissue p.295. Raven, in his interpretation Black Notley Hosptial; a century of to die off.This type of ulcer tends of this letter (British Library, service, (Black Notley, 1998). to affect the feet and heels, and Sloane 4036 folios 330-331), has have a defined punched-out written ‘mixing’ not ‘mingling’ Acknowledgements appearance.As with all arterial (which is correct) and, vitally, I would like to thank Braintree disease, these ulcers are associated misses out the rest of the sentence District Museum for the original with the smoking of tobacco and following on from Ray writing loaning of Charles Raven's biography Ray did enjoy a pipe or two. ‘But I propose this only as of John Ray, without which the However the presence of ulceration conjecture though I could bring article would not have been possible, due to arterial disease tends to be probable arguments to confirm it’ together with the Braintree-based (author’s emphasis). Raven John Ray Trust, and crucially back- a symptom of an advanced stage, completely ignores this very vital and is likely to be associated with ground research by medical sources phase. Had Ray chosen to who wish to remain anonymous. angina and severe pain in the legs provide arguments, medical on exercise.This pain would be science could have been advanced The Author made much worse with bed rest. a couple of hundred years or so. David Grice was born in Tamworth Overall these symptoms fit poorly This letter also confirms Ray but now lives on the Braintree-Black with those described by Ray, and ingested mercury and opium as Notley border. He served as the it is also highly unlikely that anyone well as sulphur. Essex county councillor for Braintree could survive for 18 years after 3. Ibid. p.297. West division for 12 years. Closely the onset of such ulcers in the 4. B. Marten, A New Theory of associated with Braintree District absence of modern treatments. Consumptions, More Especially of Museum, he developed an interest a Phthisis, or Consumption of the So we must return to the initial in the history of north Essex, Lungs, (London, 1720). particularly covering the sixteenth diagnosis that it is most likely that 5. John Ray Society, A Brief Life of and seventeenth centuries. Ray did suffer from Bazin’s Disease. John Ray, http://www.johnray He recently retired after 45 years Today Bazin’s Disease is curable society.co.uk/history, (14/04/09). in sports journalism, including 13 but requires a regime of standard 6. Raven, p.388. years as sports editor of a national TB treatment of between six to 7. Ibid, p.295. broadsheet Sunday newspaper.

EssexJOURNAL 19 The Rectory House, Stow Maries:

a Repton design?1 by Beryl Board n 1797 William Payne, a Before Brentry House was value. He intends to live on Bristol merchant, bought a completed, another house had his nearby estate not in the Ifield on Brentry Hill, north been built to a similar design at parsonage.’5 The parsonage stood of Bristol, on which to build a Stow Maries in Essex for George on glebe land east of the church, new house. Payne was in partner- Henry Storie (1766-1833), rector between that and the lane.The ship with Thomas Daniel and and patron of the parish church site can be identified from a John Scandrett Harford in an there. His father,Thomas Storie complaint from the parish to iron merchandising company. of Springfield Lodge, Camberwell Quarter Sessions in 1606 of the Daniel lived at Henbury and in in Surrey, had bought the state of ditches and trees along 1795 Harford commissioned advowson of Stow Maries in 20 rods of the highway from the John Nash to build a new house 1792.When Thomas died in parsonage to the village street. at Blaise Castle and Humphry 1794 George Henry inherited A map of 1777 shows a building Repton to design a garden there. the advowson and, on his own on that site.The glebe land was Payne’s site on Brentry Hill presentation, was instituted as consecrated for burials in 1918. provided extensive views west- rector in 1795.3 He may already The tax returns of 1662 and 1671 ward to the river Severn and have formulated plans to replace recorded six hearths at the rectory overlooked Henbury and the the existing rectory house, for in compared with seven each at the woods of Blaise Castle. Payne July 1796 he married Elizabeth farmhouses at Wellinditch and commissioned Humphry Repton, Jekyll Chalmers, the youngest Hogwells.6 By 1684 the house assisted by his son John Adey daughter of Colonel James was in disrepair, the roof wanting Repton, to design his house. No Chalmers of Chelsea, to whom tiling and repairing, the parlour ‘Red Book’ survives to date the he had been engaged for many needing flooring, and the hall commission but a view and plans months. Shortly before the ceiling mending.The archdeacon of the house were exhibited at marriage Chalmers wrote to required the rector, Stephen the Royal Academy in 1802 and John Saunders of New Brunswick, Brewer, to repair the house and to in his Theory and Practice Repton another son-in-law,‘Eliza my ‘rough cast it or put a case of deal presented Brentry House as an daughter will be married to about the house.’7 Brewer died in example of a small villa designed Mr. Storie a man of considerable 1687 and his immediate successor, with compactness and economy, fortune and the church…he has John Ingram (d.1694), seems to without sacrificing the beauty a valuable Rectorship in Essex have lived at Great Baddow.8 of the prospect to the west (Plate 1). in his own right and he has Richard Clarke, rector 1694-1720, The house faced south with considerable property in the was unmarried and, although the kitchen and kitchen court funds…and is the proprietor of resident, seems to have let part of on the east.The prospect was a sugar estate in Tobago.’ He also the house to Brewer’s dependents. enjoyed from the eating room commented,‘He seems to have His successors and their curates and drawing room.The house his family’s love of money.’4 usually served other parishes and was finished in 1802.When Payne Chalmers was acquainted with lived elsewhere.9 sold the house in 1807 it had Thomas Storie as the executor It is clear from his young gardens, enclosed in brick fruit of the will of his brother John wife’s comment that Storie did walls 14 feet high, melon-ground, Chalmers, who had owned an not find the old house on its hothouses, shrubberies, coach- estate in Jamaica.Thomas was cramped site a suitable residence houses, stabling for ten horses, said to have possessed £50,000. for a man of his tastes and intended and 65 acres of land in a ring It is clear from James Chalmers’s to live in a new house on another fence, surrounding the mansion comments that the Storie family site that Eliza called ‘his estate.’ house.The new owner was John lived in style and had fashionable His father-in-law, wrote of him, Cave, a banker, who enlarged tastes. He mentioned his daugh- ‘My good son Storie has many the house and the estate. It con- ter’s accomplishment in copying qualities but in these are not tinued as a gentleman’s residence, a portrait of her mother-in-law included the temperance of a with further enlargement and by George Engleheart, who hermit.’10 His son, John George, alteration, until the late 1890s. exhibited at the Royal Academy stated in reply to the archdeacon’s From that time it was used as a 1773-1812, and was miniature- survey of 1832 that his father ‘built reformatory for inebriates, then painter to the king in 1790. the house and made the place a colony, and later a hospital In August 1796 Eliza wrote about the year 1799 at an expense until its closure in 2000. It was from Park Place, Camberwell, to of two thousand pounds and converted into 12 residential her sister Arianna Saunders,‘my subsequent alterations and repairs apartments as Repton Hall in 2003.2 husband has a living in Essex of cost him two thousand more.’11

EssexJOURNAL 20 The Rectory House, Stow Maries

Plate 1. Perspective and plan of Brentry Hill, Gloucestershire, from H. Repton, Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, (London, 1803), facing p.186. (Reproduced by courtesy of Gloucestershire Archives, A174/12).

EssexJOURNAL 21 The Rectory House, Stow Maries

Plate 2. Stow Maries rectory house c.1925, showing the southern extension. The pitched roof conceals the original low, hipped roof. (Author’s collection). In June 1800 James Chalmers and also a small Cottage commissioned the two-storey referred in a letter to Storie’s contiguous and bricked extension on the south-east corner ‘perpetual advowson at Stow and tiled.At the North of the house.The extension, where he has built a lodge, side of the yard is a good which may have necessitated which…has already cost them barn Stable Coach House the change to the roof, and the upwards of £1,500 sterling’ and and granary over the coach surviving yellow brick coach in October 1801 he recorded a house and stable all house were completed by 1873.19 visit with his wife and unmarried contiguous and boarded The foundations are red brick daughter to ‘Mr. Storie’s rectory and tiled.’15 mixed with lime mortar, unlike at Stow Maries where he resides the foundations of the main for a few months in the summer The plan on the tithe award house. and on which he has expended map of 1839 shows the parallel The eastern single-storey upwards of £3,000 sterling.’12 ranges of buildings on the north range on the north side of the Storie’s rectory house was side of the house.16 The internal house has a low, slated roof.As built on glebe land south of the arrangement of the ground floor it is contiguous with the frontage church, fronting Church Lane on corresponds to that in Repton’s of the house it is most likely to the east. It is built of yellow stock plan of the Brentry house, except be of yellow stock bricks.The bricks on red brick foundations.13 that by the 1920s or earlier the western range, of red brick, may The principal rooms, the dining room marked ‘Kitchen’ on the have been ‘the small cottage and drawing rooms, face south plan had become a library and the contiguous and bricked and tiled’ where the slope of the hill kitchen was in the eastern single listed in the terrier of 1818. Part provides a prospect over the storey range. Coincidentally the of it, demolished in the 1950s, Crouch valley. Its façade of three new owner of the Brentry house contained a descending brick stair bays has ground floor windows made the same change in 1825.17 and a cavity at its foot had been with semi-circular tympanums, After Edward Smyth succeeded filled in.20 There remains a small infilled with brick.The timbers John George Storie as rector in brick extension with a gabled, of the original low, hipped roof 1823 the house was occupied by tiled roof. In the 1960s the house survive under the later pitched Harvey Atkyns Browne, who died had a circular carriage sweep, a roof with a central apex.14 in 1867 having served 12 years as lawn on the south side and a A terrier of 1818 records: curate and 32 as rector.All neglected pear orchard adjoining Browne’s successors were the southern paddock on its west ‘A Parsonage House bricked resident. In 1868 James Coling, side.There was a greenhouse and and slated, with a garding who had bought the advowson kitchen garden on the north-west on the West, a lawn on the in 1857, was instituted as rector side.21 south side, and at the north on his own presentation.18 Soon Repton’s view and plan of side of the house is a yard after his arrival in the parish Brentry House show a remarkable with some small Buildings the church was restored and a similarity to the rectory house in adjoining to the house for National school was built on Stow Maries.The siting of the the Serveants to performe glebe land north of the church rectory house, which faces east, their domestic Purposes and it is likely that Coling and the arrangement of its

EssexJOURNAL 22 The Rectory House, Stow Maries principal rooms and offices The association of the two edged.At the time Humphry conforms to the principles stated families was evident in 1823 referred to the house as ‘a new by Repton in Theory and Practice.22 when John George Storie, rector and unexampled plan of my The materials of the two houses of Stow Maries, and Edward ingenious friend’.28 In 1802, are different; Brentry House was Smyth, vicar of Camberwell however, after his rift with Nash, built of the local Bath stone and exchanged their livings.26 he wrote in Theory and Practice, the tympanums of the windows At the time of Storie’s marriage acknowledging the assistance are of fluted stone; the rectory to Chalmers’s daughter, a house of his son in the architectural house, for lack of local stone, was with Repton connections was department at Brentry,‘His name of stock brick. It is not known being built for General the Hon. has hitherto been little known as when the brick was painted.The Frederick St. John not far from an architect because it was use of yellow stocks for the coach the family homes of Storie in suppressed in many works begun house suggests that the main Camberwell and Chalmers in in that of another person, to house was still unpainted brick in Chelsea, and it may have attracted whom I freely, unreservedly and the 1870s.The original roof was Storie’s attention when he had a confidentially gave my advice and the same as that of Brentry.The similar venture in mind. In 1795 assistance, while my son aided, interior arrangement was similar St. John commissioned John Nash with his architectural knowledge and the range of buildings on the to build a small villa on a site by and his pencil, to form plans and north side of the rectory would the Thames between Richmond designs, from which we have have comprised a kitchen court and Kingston. Nash consulted derived neither fame nor profit.’29 like that on the plan of Brentry. Repton on the siting of the house John Adey’s partnership with his Such landscaping as can be seen and a Red Book was produced father was publicly announced in in the perspective is similar to in March 1796.The illustration of April 1800, but by 1799 he had that of the rectory house. the house, known as Point Pleasant, moved out of Nash’s office, If the resemblance of the in Peacock’s Polite Repository perhaps a sign of growing rectory house to Brentry House of 1797 shows a square house, independence or dissatisfaction is accepted as being due to more its façade of three bays having with the terms of his employ- than coincidence, an explanation a central portico and tripartite ment. It is said that by that time for it should be sought.The windows with semi-circular ‘Nash had become too flashy Storie family and Thomas Daniel tympanums. It had an open- an architect to produce much in derived their wealth from sugar fronted corner room with a the restrained Neo-classical style plantations in the West Indies and balcony over.The house was of his earliest work’, a style that James Chalmers was an active burnt down in 1907.27 John Adey Humphry Repton recommended planter in the West Indies and in Repton was working for John for smaller country houses.30 America.They may have been Nash when Point Pleasant If Storie had shown an acquainted through the Bristol was built and he may have interest in the building of Point trade and Daniel may have contributed more to the design Pleasant in connection with his known Chalmers as the author of the house than was acknowl- own project, he is likely to have of Plain Truth, a vigorous attack on Tom Paine’s Common Sense, which advocated American independence. Chalmers produced a second edition of his attack on Paine in August 1796.23 There is, however, no evidence in the surviving letters of Chalmers and his family of an association with William Payne or his partners that might explain the apparent duplication of Repton’s design. An acquaintance who may have suggested that Repton be asked to design Storie’s new rectory house was Sir William Smyth who had employed Repton at Hill Hall,Theydon Mount, Essex, in 1791.24 The Stories’ family home was in Camberwell, Surrey, where the Map 1.Extract from 2nd ed 25 inch OS map, LXII-5, 1896, Smyth family were landowners showing Stow Maries rectory house in Church Lane. and patrons of St. Giles’s church.25 (Reproduced by courtesy of the Essex Record Office).

EssexJOURNAL 23 The Rectory House, Stow Maries

met John Adey Repton. (London, 1803), illus. facing p.186. 1881, surveyed 1873. The building of the rectory 2. P.K.Carpenter, A History of Brentry, 20. ERO, D/P 391/3; information c.1799 coincides with Repton’s (Bristol, 2002), pp.5-9; Repton, from Mr John Cambridge, who move from Nash’s office, and the pp.148, 184-185, and illus. facing was employed in underpinning financial uncertainty caused by p.186; D. Stroud, Humphry Repton, the extension and demolishing (London, 1962), p.123; the French wars would have the western range. Carter et al, p.152. 21. Author’s knowledge. made attractive the prospect of 3. Essex Record Office (ERO), 22. Repton, pp.148, 184-185, and a commission from a rich young D/CP 17/42, diocesan deeds; illustration facing p.186; man for a small villa in Humphry Guildhall Library, London (GL), Carter et al, pp. 81, 148. Repton’s home county. In the MS. 9557, Bishop of London’s 23. Carpenter, p.5; Saunders family period between Payne’s purchase register. papers; M.C. New, Maryland of the field 1797 and the 4. Harriet Irving Library, University Loyalists in the American Revolution, completion of Brentry House of New Brunswick, Saunders (Centreville, Maryland, 1996), in 1802, the plans may have family papers. I am indebted to pp.18-27. been used for Storie’s rectory Mr Ian Chalmers for the loan of 24. Carter et al, p.151. a microfiche copy of the papers. 25. H.E. Malden, ed., The Victoria house, which was built c.1799 5. Ibid; L.C. Cust,‘George Engleheart and completed by 1800.The History of the County of Surrey, (1752-1839)’, Dictionary of National vol. IV,(London, 1912), pp.30-31, plans exhibited in 1802 by Biography, compact edn., 36; E.W.Brayley, Topographical John Adey, and the perspective (Oxford, 1975), p.638. History of Surrey,Vol. III, and plan published by Repton 6. ERO, Q/Sr 176/11, sessions rolls; Dorking & London, 1841-48), p.250. in Theory and Practice in 1803 Chapman and André, Map of Essex, 26. GL, MS.9532 A/2, ff.194, 226, are of Brentry House.Although (1777); Petition, in church safe, 229, Bishop of London’s register. that ‘mansion house’ resembled for consecration of land; ERO, 27. Carter et al, pp.52, 73, 162; the rectory house, the use of Q/RTh 1, m.9r, hearth tax M. Mansbridge, John Nash, stone in its construction, its assessment; ibid. Q/RTh 5, m.46d, (Oxford, 1991), p.69. hearth tax assessment. location, near to Blaise Castle, 28. Carter et al, pp.73, 129. 7. W.J. Pressey,‘Visitations held in 29. Stroud, p.112; Repton, p.186. its extensive landscaped grounds, the archdeaconry of Essex in outbuildings and picturesque 30. Carter et al, pp.79, 129. 1683-6’, Transactions of the Essex 31. Carpenter, pp.5, 6; Saunders views provided a prestigious Archaeological Society,N.S.XX. family papers; ERO, D/AEM 2/6. example for exhibition and (1933), p.224. 32. F.Cowell & G. Green, eds., 31 publication. 8. R. Newcourt, Repertorium Repton in Essex; a gazetteer of sites This attempt to explain Ecclesiasticum Parochiale in Essex associated with Humphry the tantalizing resemblance of Londinense,Vol. II, (London, 1710), Repton. (2000), p.1. Brentry House and Stow Maries p.563; ERO, D/ABR 13/263, rectory house is based on Ingram’s will. 9. ERO, D/ABR 18/62A, Clarke’s Acknowledgements circumstantial evidence and will; GL, MSS. 9550, 9556, 9557, conjecture and does not solve Bishop of London’s registers. I am grateful to Mr Ian Chalmers the mystery. It is, however, 10. Saunders family papers. for lending me his copy of the justified by the following 11. ERO, D/AEM 2/6, return of microfiche of the Saunders family observation:‘In spite of the money spent on Glebe Houses papers and his notes on the wealth of information on and offices since 1750. Chalmers and Storie families; Repton, there remain large 12. Saunders family papers. to Mrs Norma Knight for alerting areas of uncertainty…For many 13. Information from Mr John me to changes at Brentry House; and sites, probability replaces firm Cambridge, who was employed to Dr James Bettley for his interest evidence of Repton’s in underpinning the house. and encouragement. 32 14. The original roof timbers were involvement.’ seen by Mr A.C. Edwards and the present author in July 1979. The Author References 15. ERO, D/P 391/3, Stow Maries Beryl Board was recruited to the 1. The reproduction of the St Mary and St Margaret, terrier staff of the Victoria County History perspective of Brentry Hill, of parsonage house and glebe of Essex by W.R.Powell in 1969. Gloucestershire, in the catalogue lands She contributed to four volumes of of the Repton exhibition in 1982 16. ERO, D/CT 338B, tithe map. the History and the Essex Bibliography (G. Carter, P.Goode & K. Laurie, 17. Information from Miss Mabel Humphry Repton Landscape Bardwell and Mrs Joan Parks, Supplement and became senior Gardener, 1752-1818, (London, local residents; Carpenter, p.10. assistant editor.After retiring in 1992 1982), p.80) drew my attention to 18. Memorial plaque in church; she edited the second supplement the remarkable similarity of that ERO, D/CP 17/42, diocesan of the Essex Bibliography and wrote house and the rectory house at deeds; clergy list in church. two papers in Essex Archaeology and Stow Maries.The perspective was 19. ERO, D/P 391/5/2, churchwardens’ History. She indexed The Battle of reproduced from H. Repton, accounts;The National Archives, Maldon Fiction and Fact, Harvey Observations on the Theory and ED 21/5375, school file; Benham’s Essex Gold and John Practice of Landscape Gardening, map, 1st ed. 6 inch OS, LXII, Hunter’s The Essex Landscape.

EssexJOURNAL 24 The Old Post Office, Howe Street: the story of a house - and a lot more!1 by David Williams ecent years have seen a of connections to non-existent have been built sometime huge upsurge in interest mains services. Here I had some between 1875 and 1896. Rin family history, created invaluable help from a very Alan’s work had also provided by TV programmes such as Who experienced local historian and a lead to the next vital piece of Do You Think You Are? and the wide neighbour,Alan Maddock, who evidence: a legal ‘abstract of title’, availability of information on the had just completed his exhaustive of 1920, for the plot on which my internet. House history has not analysis of house occupancy in house was built.5 From this I was yet become quite as popular, and Howe Street in Queen Victoria’s able to discover that most of the this article will try to demonstrate reign, Victorian Hamlet.2 By study- triangular site my house was to be that researching the history of a ing the Great Waltham Tithe built on had been sold by John house can be equally absorbing. Award map of 1840,3 and then Hasler, farmer, to George Milbank. the 1875 and 1895 Ordnance It went on to record what How old? Survey 25-inch maps of the Milbank had subsequently built Like many people, I started by parish,4 Alan had blown a large on the site: eight cottages, and a simply trying to find out how hole in the estate agents’ claims ‘dwellinghouse boot maker’s shop old my house was. I bought the for a construction date in the and buildings’‘in the occupation property, now known as The Old 1780s. Quite simply, in 1839 and of Mr Gowers.’And it referred to Post Office, Howe Street (Plate 1), 1875, there was nothing, except the triangular plot as ‘Coleman a hamlet in the parish of Great a field, on the map where our Quarter otherwise Legores or Waltham, in 1988. It stands on a property should have been; but Legus field.’Those names were to large, roughly triangular plot, with in 1895, there appeared a house echo through my researches until roads on all three sides and its of approximately the right shape, they reached the early sixteenth attractions included the timber in the right position, and labeled century.The name Gowers frame which was partly visible the Post Office.The property reminded me that in my own inside, the pargeted exterior, the had included a small shop and conveyance, in 1988, the earliest large cellar with a well and the sub-post office when we acquired transaction recorded had been a general air of indeterminate it (we later turned this area into sale in 1914 by George Milbank antiquity that lingered around the living accommodation), and local to William Gowers.This sent me property.The estate agents had people had told us that the post off to look at local directories for claimed that the property was ‘in office had been there for many the 1890s,6 from which I learned parts’ 200 years old. Once I had years. So without doing any real that George Milbank was a semi-retired in 2002 I decided to research at all, I had to face the builder and William Gowers was put this to the test having recently likelihood that my house was listed first as a boot maker and taken a first step in this area by about 100 years younger than the then, by the end of that decade, researching the history of my late estate agents’ fantasies, and must as a sub-postmaster as well.7 parents’ house. But that was a very different kind of property, on a town estate developed from the late 1880s. Because all the houses were connected from the start to mains drainage and the town gas supply, the applications by the developer to make these connec- tions were still held by the local record office and so were the plans, which even had the mayor’s signature of approval on them. I was able to establish to within a few weeks when the property was first occupied. It was a very different story with my rural property. If it was indeed 200 years old, there would be no way of proving that from local authority records, and no Plate 1. The Old Post Office, Howe Street, as it looks today. point in looking for evidence (Author’s collection).

EssexJOURNAL 25 The Old Post Office, Howe Street

Could I use this information Censuses, parish registers, was already sub-postmaster in to pinpoint when the property estate records, occupational Great Waltham village and may was built? The sale of the plot records and local reminiscences have suggested this new step; I from Hasler to Milbank had William Gowers, the first was able to speak to Arthur’s taken place in February 1884, occupier (as a tenant until 1914 grandson, Charles, who recalled and the abstract recorded that and as owner until about 1930) how there were so many people the property occupied by Gowers came from a family whose roots called Gowers in the parish that had already been built by then. had been deeply embedded in their letters were sometimes That took me to the Great the parish since the start of the mixed up by the postmen.15 Waltham rating records. Rating ninteenth century at least, William died in 1936, aged 88, at that period was administered and probably much earlier.The but still has distant relatives in the by the parochial officers and the Great Waltham parish registers parish, several of whom helped money raised supported provision are densely packed with Gowers me with my research. By tracing for the poor and sick.The baptisms, marriages and burials.9 his children’s careers forward officers who kept the records This William was born in the through the civil registration were local men and did not parish in 1847, the son of John system I was lucky enough to need to record the extensive Gowers, shoemaker, and his wife find one of his grandsons, detail about properties that an Lydia, nee Boreham. Census Bernard Beard, then living in external bureaucrat would returns from 1851 gave Lydia’s Buckinghamshire, who remem- require.Thus, apart from the birthplace as Whepstead in bered visiting my house as a boy largest properties and farms Suffolk.10 What had brought her with his mother,William’s third with distinctive names, most of to Essex? The domestic account daughter Florence.16 Florence and the rated properties were not books of the Tufnell family of her two youngest sisters, Grace identified by name, and were Langleys, the ‘squires’ of the and Daisy, became elementary simply grouped in long lists parish since the 1730s, showed school teachers, and I was able to under their respective landlords. that Lydia had been employed at trace parts of their careers By comparing successive Langleys as a laundry maid since through the school managers’ rating lists-which were produced 1829, earning 14 guineas a year: minutes and teachers’ log books and updated in April and October the accounts show her signing for of their early schools at Great each year I was able to identify her wages until she left in 1839, Waltham and Writtle.17 When with reasonable certainty when soon after her marriage.11 The William, now widowed, left the new house occupied by 1881 census returns suggest that Howe Street on retirement William Gowers made its first when William was married, in round about 1930, he went to live appearance: in April 1883.8 That 1873, to Emma Brown, they lived with Grace and Daisy, who had date fitted with the range of at Minnow End, on the road now taken jobs at Hoddesdon in dates implied by the OS maps between Great Waltham and Hertfordshire. (between 1875 and 1895) and Chelmsford and close to the My property then remained the legal abstract (before eastern gates of the Langleys in the Gowers family for over 30 February 1884), and indicated estate, where Emma’s father, years after William’s death, and that the construction was Thomas, was a coachman.12 from the late 1930s to the mid- completed some time between By 1882-83 when they seem to 1960s it was let to the Stephens October 1882 and April 1883. have moved to their newly-built family who ran it as a general So the estate agents’‘blurb’ was house in Howe Street, they store. Eric and George Stephens, inaccurate by the small matter already had four children and whose parents ran the business, of almost a century. I could have three more followed after the still lived in the village and drawn a line under the matter move.As well as making and gave me enormous help in there, but I had already discovered repairing boots and shoes, reconstructing how the interior enough to excite my curiosity. William became a gentlemen’s of the house looked in those days, John Hasler, George Milbank, outfitter and later a sub-postmaster before it was extended by my William Gowers: who were they, as well.13 immediate predecessors in the and what sort of lives did they Records at the British Postal 1970s.They were also generous lead apart from their connections Museum and Archive in London in their recollections of village with my property? Who had established that he was appointed life in their childhood, which was owned the triangular plot before early in 1893 at a salary of £7, probably much more like that of Hasler, and what could I find out and that by the end of 1893 the the era of William Gowers than about them? This much wider postal service at Howe Street had it is today: almost all the menfolk study was to absorb me for the ‘improved’, as well as providing worked in the parish, whereas next two years, and involved a much more information about today almost nobody does, and wide range of sources, which the conditions and regulations an extensive network of relations I will summarise working within which William worked.14 provided help and social support backwards in time. His brother-in-law,Arthur Brown, in time of need.

EssexJOURNAL 26 The Old Post Office, Howe Street

Rating records, village records and the 1910 Finance Act George Milbank, born in 1848, succeeded to a building business previously run by his father, Joseph, in the 1860s.According to the census returns Joseph, like his son, was born in Great Waltham but his ancestry is obscure; I was able to trace the family forward to the present day when George’s great grandson, John, has built a very substantial business on the foundations laid by Joseph and George, and the belief in the family is that Joseph and his ancestors had been building in and around the parish since the mid-eighteenth century. In any event, the rating records showed that George soon acquired a number of rented properties as well as the triangular site known as the Legus field on which my property was built.The school managers’ records showed that Plate 2. The 1910 Finance Act Field Book entries for the Post Office. (Reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, I/R 58/20452). his firm did much building work on the schools at Ford End and the custody of the club today.21 I established that John was born Great Waltham,18 and the parish Arthur and Christopher, two of in Great Waltham around 1822, magazines from the 1890s record George’s sons who succeeded him the son of Thomas Hasler who how he was responsible for in the business when he died in farmed at Appletrees, near the building the Hulton Hall (now 1920, both did stints as captain junction of the Dunmow and the village hall) and the church and Arthur was said to have Felsted roads. John succeeded almshouses as well as general scored 65 for the club on his his father there and later also restoration work in the church.19 65th birthday! The club’s accounts acquired the tenancy of a larger From the papers of the Inland showed that George provided farm, Baileys, at Chatham Green. Revenue’s valuers in connection horse-drawn transport to away It was while he was there that he with the Finance Act of 1910, fixtures at places such as Pleshey, also acquired ‘my’ site: presumably which introduced a short-lived Writtle and Felsted, where in he either farmed it himself or property tax, I established that 1891 Great Waltham bowled the let it to another farmer, because William Gowers had purchased home side out for just six runs.22 from here backwards in time the the property in 1914 from So from varied sources a picture triangular site was simply farm- Milbank as a sitting tenant.20 The emerged of a family heavily land, probably arable. Hasler later valuers described my property as involved in their community at moved to farm at Willingale Spain built by Milbank and his men: work and play, as they continued before retiring to Broomfield, ‘Timber, brick nogged [infilled], to be until the building business where he died in 1910. rough cast and slated house & moved to Earl’s Colne in 1985. shop in good condition’.They Business records, printed valued it at £351, though Gowers Work done by other researchers sources and chapel records was able to buy it for only £300. John Hasler, the farmer who sold The earliest transaction recorded This survey also provided an the triangular plot to George on the abstract mentioned earlier invaluable snapshot of the other Milbank in 1884, having acquired was a sale of the triangular ‘Legus properties in the parish and is of it in 1876 from John Copland, field’ site to John Hasler by John enormous importance to house was, like William Gowers, a Copland, a lawyer of Chelmsford. historians (Plate 2 & Map 1). member of a huge family, but Copland was by far the easiest George’s great grandson had through the Essex Society for previous owner to research, told me that George and his Family History I was able to because in his day he must have sons had been stalwarts of Great contact other family members been one of the wealthiest and Waltham Cricket Club.That led who had done some work on the most influential men in the me to the excellent collection of Hasler family tree. From this and town.23 John was born in photographs and scorebooks in my own work on parish registers Chelmsford in 1802, the eldest

EssexJOURNAL 27 The Old Post Office, Howe Street

son of John Copland senior, Manorial rolls, landowners’ of these that forced Adams to sell a solicitor who had set up in records and bankruptcy papers the Legus field to Copland in practice in Crane Court (off the When John Copland acquired 1853: the sale moneys went High Street, approximately where ‘my’ site it was part of the copy- straight to those who had the NatWest Bank building stands hold lands of the Manor of advanced a mortgage on the land. today) three years earlier. By the Walthambury. From here back- Samuel senior (who died in 1833) 1820s John senior had taken John wards my primary sources were had acquired the freehold of the junior and his brother Edward the extensive Court Books and Mill from Guy’s in a land swap in into partnership: all three were Rolls of this Manor.24 The Court 1817; looking at the Hospital’s heavily involved in the promotion records often allowed me to jump financial records in the London of the Chelmsford Company, which back a generation at a time, since Metropolitan Archives, and the developed the former Mildmay when a son succeeded to his reports of their local agent at estate in the 1840s, including the father’s holdings the clerks usually the Essex Record Office, gave New London Road area.The repeated the details and dates of a fascinating insight into the firm also dealt with the Eastern the father’s own ‘admission’ many agricultural conditions of the first Counties Railway Company’s years before. John Copland’s half of the nineteenth century. purchases of land for its new line acquisition was from Samuel They led me to the record of from London to Norwich.These Adams, a miller and farmer who Samuel’s eventual bankruptcy in activities made the family fortune was the third member of his 1863, at The National Archives. I and when the younger John took family to hold the plot. Like his was even able to find Samuel’s over the firm on his father’s death father, Samuel senior, and grand- name in the local paper’s report in 1845, he soon moved into the father,Timothy, he lived at Howe of an impassioned meeting of imposing house,Thornwoods, Street Mill on the Chelmer, farmers at Chelmsford in 1845, which still stands in New London but seems to have incurred protesting against the proposed Road.A triangular plot of some- very substantial debts in the repeal of the Corn Laws which what less than four acres in Howe 1830s and 1840s. they saw as the ruin of all of Street must have been a very small Chasing the story of his them. part of John Copland’s property finances led me to the records interests. He had acquired it in of Guy’s Hospital, who were his Wills and manorial surveys 1853 and presumably let it through- landlords for much of his land; Returning to the manorial out his ownership of it; John these told a sorry tale of rent records, they showed that it was Hasler, to whom he sold it, seems arrears, bad harvests and compro- Timothy Adams who acquired to have been one of his clients. mises with creditors. It was one the Legus field in 1778 from the Tufnells of Langleys. Samuel Map. 1. The 1910 Finance Act Survey map of the Legus Field. Tufnell, the builder of the Plot number 868 is the Post Office, marked ‘PO’. (Reproduced by courtesy of The National Archives, IR 127/3/38). modern Langleys, acquired it in 1731 from Joseph Whaples, the third in a line of landowners who also held Fitzandrews Farm, still functioning in Howe Street today. Before the Whaples owners came over a century of ownership by yet another vast local family, the Sorrells, which took me back to 1604 and the death of a widow called Olive Grygges. She had previously been married to Thomas Grygges, before that to William Sorrell and before that to John Everard, a tangle which was only straightened out by studying Thomas’s Will.25 She left the property to Thomas Sorrell, her son by her second marriage. Many of these owners figured in successive surveys of the Manor, giving snapshots of the landowners and tenants and sometimes allowing me to trace the names of fields and farms still in use today.The earliest to

EssexJOURNAL 28 The Old Post Office, Howe Street survive, from 1563, shows Thomas village, but also, intriguingly, left 16. One of the greatest pleasures of Grygges holding the Legus land the then enormous sum of £20 my research was to entertain by virtue of his wife Olive. to a teenage servant girl. I can Bernard and his wife Joan to Before Olive and Thomas the certainly recommend this kind lunch in his grandfather’s old picture becomes much harder of study to anyone with a touch house; sadly, they have both died to discern clearly because of gaps of curiosity about the past and a since my work was completed, but through Bernard I could hear in the manorial record. However, generous helping of persistence. echoes of the old man’s voice and the repeated use of the names character that would otherwise References Colmans and Legus (or variants) have been lost. 1. My detailed research is set out in enabled me to be reasonably 17. ERO, E/MM 129/1, managers' Four Acres More or Less-the Story of sure that I was looking at the minutes: Great Waltham Church the Old Post Office, Howe Street, of England Primary School, right areas. Finally, I came to Great Waltham, Essex, published in 1875-1902; E/B 22/1, managers’ the following business recorded 2007, in which source references minutes,Writtle School Board, on the 14th February 1519: to the above conclusions can be 1888-1913. found.A copy is held at the ERO 18. ERO, E/MM 129/1. ‘To this Court comes John and further copies can be obtained 19. Great Waltham Parish Magazine, Leugore of Broomfield son from the author at: 1912. Copy in ERO Library, The Old Post Office, Howe Street, and heir of John Leugore of PB/W4. Great Waltham, Chelmsford, Waltham ploughwright and 20. TNA, IR 58/20452, f.226, CM3 1BG, price £5. seeks to be admitted to one Board of Inland Revenue: 2. A. Maddock, Victorian Hamlet: tenement with a garden Valuation Office: Field Books, Howe Street in Great Waltham, lying in Howstrete….called Broomfield (Gt.Waltham) 1837-1901, (Gt.Waltham, 2004). Assessment No. 801-900 & Colmans and to one quarter 3. Essex Record Office (ERO), 26 IR 127/3/38, map, both 1910. of land called Colmans quarter.’ D/CT 379B, Great Waltham 21. Great Waltham Cricket Club Tithe Map, 1840. (GWCC), scorebooks & photo- The use of the general name 4. ERO, 1st & 2nd Ed 25” OS raphs in possession of the club ‘Colmans quarter’ for the area Maps, sheet no. 43-4. secretary. where the triangular plot was 5. Abstract of title, 1920, in private hands.These extremely useful 22. GWCC, account book in situated, and the later use of the possession of the club secretary. more specific ‘Legus’ or variants documents summarise the conveyancing history of a 23. Many of his family papers and a such as ‘Legores’ or ‘Lewgors’, property down to the date of the vast collection of his law firm’s repeated again and again down transaction for which they were outgoing letters have been pre- to the legal abstract of the 1920s, drafted.A neighbour whose served, and there are abundant gave me some confidence that I house was also built on the same references to him in Hilda Grieve’s had reached the end of the search plot had inherited the abstract history of Chelmsford, for the family who gave this plot from a previous owner and kindly The Sleepers and the Shadows, of land its name, although defini- made it available. Many properties vol. II, (Chelmsford, 1994). were carved out of larger plots 24. See ERO, various D/DTu, tive proof would be impossible. when first built, raising the possi- Along the way I had encoun- manor of Great Waltham alias bility that your neighbours may Walthambury court rolls. tered a fascinating collection of have some evidence of previous 25. ERO, D/AER 13/180, will of owners and tenants, often learning ownerships and construction Thomas Grygges, yeoman, 1576. dates which you lack. more about their lives than the 26. ERO, D/Dhh/M151, f.40, court 6. e.g Kelly’s Directory of Essex, mere facts of their ownership.A roll, manor of Great Waltham alias (London, 1894), pp.360-361. scan of the Great Waltham Parish Waltham Bury, 1509-1546. 7. Kelly’s Directory of Essex, Overseers’ accounts for the 1820s, (London 1898), p.391. to see if William Gowers’s parents 8. ERO, D/P 121/11/10, Great had received relief, led to the Acknowledgements Waltham St Mary & St Lawrence, I would like to acknowledge the discovery that his father was Overseers Rates, 1882-85. assistance given to me by Mr Alan charged with manslaughter (but 9. ERO, D/P 121/1/, various Maddock, Mr and Mrs Ron and Ann later acquitted) after a Christmas registers of Baptisms, Marriages Bedford, Mr Philip Burton of Great Eve fracas outside the village pub. and Burials. Waltham Cricket Club, the late Mr A review of the parish registers 10. The National Archives (TNA), Eric Stephens, the late Mr Bernard in search of the earliest Adams HO 107/1776, p.25, 1851. Beard, and the immensely helpful entries also revealed that in the 11. ERO, D/DTu 301, servants' wages staff of the Essex Record Office 1720s Joseph Whaples fathered paid at Langleys, 1825-41. without whom my study would 12. TNA, RG 11/1765, p.9, 1881. have been impossible. no less than four illegitimate 13. Kelly’s Directory of Essex, children, possibly with four (London, 1902), p.429-430. different mothers.The Will of 14. British Postal Museum & Archive, The Author Thomas Grygges (1576) showed POST 68 & 92. David Williams is a recently retired that he not only endowed a school- 15. Conversation with taxation adviser who researches a master to teach the children of the Charles Brown, 12/03/07. variety of local historical topics.

EssexJOURNAL 29 Obituary Nancy Raymonde Edwards (née Briggs), M.A., F.S.A. (1929-2009) he tragic death of Nancy Briggs has deprived of Essex with completion to have coincided with her the county of an outstanding scholar and a keen 80th birthday in June of this year. Tsupporter of the Essex Journal. Nancy was a committed member of the Editorial Nancy was born on 1st June 1929 at Winchester, the Committee of the Essex Victoria County History from only child of Major-General Raymond Briggs, C.B., D.S.O. 1978 until its demise in 2000. During her association of Liverpool and Helen Kenworthy of New Orleans. she contributed an account of the now demolished Belhus She read history at St Anne’s College, Oxford and, mansion, the home of the Barrett-Lennard family at following training as an archivist at the Bodleian Library, Aveley, to the architectural section of volume VIII which came to Essex in 1953 as Assistant Supervisor at the was published in 1986. She remained a staunch supporter Essex Record Office (ERO). Here she joined the staff of the V.C.H.Appeal Fund until her untimely death. of the redoubtable Dr F.G. Emmison (County Archivist The work and activities of the Historical Association 1938-69). Emmison crafted a formidable team that also claimed her attentions, especially at the local level propelled the ERO to an unrivalled position. One where from 1998 to 2004 she served as Chairman of the prominent member of staff was the late Hilda Grieve Essex Branch. Nancy was a long standing member of the with whom Nancy enjoyed an excellent relationship Essex Society for Archaeology and History having served and whom she succeeded as Senior Assistant Archivist for numerous periods on their Council. She remained a and Supervisor of the Search Room in 1967 upon the prominent member of both the Library and Programme appointment of the former as the Deputy Editor of the Committees where her knowledge proved invaluable. Essex Victoria County History. Many exciting initiatives Other societies and organisations with which Nancy were introduced during this evolutionary post-war was associated included the Essex Gardens Trust, Friends period – pre-eminent was the pioneering work of of Essex Churches, Friends of Hylands House (Chelmsford), Arthur Charles ‘Gus’ Edwards who had joined the Friends of Valentines Mansion (Ilford), the Society of education staff at Chelmsford in 1949. Gus organised a Architectural Historians and the Georgian Group. series of highly successful exhibitions at Ingatestone Hall Nancy derived a life-long interest and enjoyment from over a 15 year period which literally enthused and inspired the study of monumental brasses.Whilst up at Oxford she thousands of visitors.An integral part of these annual was appointed to the Editorial Committee exhibitions were the accompanying booklets which of the Brass-Rubbing Section of the Oxford University became best-sellers. Nancy was responsible for Archaeological Society. Nancy was subsequently introduced two such publications – Leisure and Pleasure in Essex to the Monumental Brass Society which she joined in 1950. and Georgian Essex which appeared in 1960 and 1963 Regular contributions to the Society’s Transactions, almost respectively. Nancy increasingly collaborated with Gus exclusively on topics related to Essex, soon brought her and in the process formed a very close relationship to prominence and election to the Executive Council. which culminated in the surprise announcement of For her outstanding contribution to the Society she was their engagement following the death in 1975 of his first rewarded with a Vice-Presidency in 1974 and election wife, Dorothy.The marriage, which followed in 1978, as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London the formally brought together two much loved and widely following year. known personalities.A substantial and unexpected legacy Nancy was also a keen supporter of the Essex Journal facilitated Nancy’s premature retirement from the ERO from its inception in 1966 contributing articles on in 1987 and the opportunity to fully share the last few ‘Lord Dacre and Morant’s History of Essex’, (Essex Journal, years of Gus’s life until his peaceful passing in 1992 2, I, (1967), pp.6-12) and ‘Braxted Lodge’, (Essex Journal, at the age of 86 (Essex Journal, 27, II, (1992), p.34). 5, III, (1970), pp.97-102).As it ultimately transpired, In addition to Gus Edwards, the most inspirational it was exceedingly fortuitous that Nancy accepted person in Nancy’s life was the late Sir Howard Colvin, the invitation from the present editor to follow the renowned British architectural historian. It was in the footsteps of our Lord Lieutenant as an Colvin who contributed the foreword and provided ‘EJ 20 Questions?’ respondent (Essex Journal, 43, II, (2008), valuable support which enabled Nancy to publish the p.67). Her typically incisive answers provided a unique definitive biography of the Georgian architect John insight. Nancy was a remarkable lady who was Johnson (1732-1814), under the aegis of the ERO. uncomplaining and courteous. She possessed a wonderful Johnson was commissioned by private owners to build sense of humour and enjoyed being unpredictable on country houses such as Terling Place, Hatfield Place occasions. She always maintained and demanded the and, Nancy’s favourite Essex building, Bradwell Lodge. highest possible standards. However, to the uninitiated As County Surveyor of Essex he was commissioned to she could appear somewhat aloof and quite reserved to design and build Chelmsford’s new Shire Hall. Nancy’s the point of being almost shy.Those who won her book was published in 1991 to coincide with the 200th confidence were richly rewarded with a wonderfully anniversary of the first public assembly held in the new lively personality. She fell victim to a road accident Shire Hall in October 1791. Colvin, until his death in within a few hundred yards of her home in Chelmsford December 2007, provided significant encouragement in on Friday, 23rd January. On that fateful morning the the preparation of her magnum opus – an erudite work country lost an eminent architectural historian, our on the country houses of Essex to be published by beloved county of Essex lost an outstanding scholar Phillimore as part of their English Country Houses Series. and antiquary and we all lost a very dear friend. Nancy had devoted many years to painstakingly researching the major and minor houses and gardens H. Martin Stuchfield

EssexJOURNAL 30 Book Reviews Jane Greatorex, The Benedictine Priory devoted to the Norman and Medieval period, it is well illustrated, containing about 50 illustrations.These are of Castle Hedingham Essex, 2008, pp.84. good, well selected and relevant to the text but a few ISBN 978-0-9518543-8-9, £12.99 plus illustrations are rather small.There is a very large and p&p. comprehensive bibliography and sources for further Available from: [email protected] and from reading extending to five pages. In addition there are Mr Charles Bird, Maplecroft Cottage, Sudbury Road, references to sources in the ERO,TNA, Lambeth Palace Library,The British Library and many other Libraries. Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3AG. There are some very helpful footnotes throughout the This is the first known book, a detailed list of illustrations but no index. publication devoted to However there is no doubt that the author has carried the Benedictine Priory out extensive research in an enormous number of at Castle Hedingham documents and publications.This has resulted in an and therefore fills an important and valuable addition to the history of Castle important gap in our Hedingham and the illustrious de Vere family. In this history. It is the ninth respect, the author’s forthcoming title John de Vere, 13th book in the author’s Earl of Oxford: Renaissance Earl is eagerly awaited. Manors, Mills and Manuscripts series of Adrian Corder-Birch publications.The Benedictine Priory was Jenny Handley & Hazel Lake, founded and endowed Progress by Persuasion: the life of by Aubrey de Vere, 1st Earl of Oxford, in William Smith, 1756-1835, 2007, pp.xi memory of Eupheme & 432. ISBN 978-0-9527599-1-1, £15. one of his three wives, in c.1194.The first During the course of 2007, known prioress was numerous events and Lucy possibly their daughter? She was followed by publications were organised another 14 known prioresses, who, are detailed in this to mark the bicentenary of book. During the 340 odd years of its existence many the abolition of the British members of the de Vere family were benefactors of the slave trade in 1807. Quite Priory. It was dissolved in 1536 and later became part rightly, the name of of Nunnery Farm. It had always been a comparatively William Wilberforce was small foundation and the author describes the buildings, everywhere lauded for the which probably stood there and the materials used in immense contribution that their construction.The book also contains references to he made to the campaign Colne Priory at Earls Colne, where many of the de Vere to achieve this and the family were buried and to Coggeshall Abbey and its final abolition of slavery in mill, the subject of an earlier publication by this author. British territories in 1833. The Priory was conveniently situated near the In the process, how- River Colne, which powered its nearby water mill. ever, the names of other Unfortunately no trace of either remains but the abolitionists received less appropriately named Nunnery Farm stands in the than due credit for their vicinity of the former Priory. Nunnery Farm remained input and some have been in the ownership of successive owners of Hedingham completely overlooked. In the case of the contribution Castle until it was sold off, with other properties, in from Essex, the part played by Sir Thomas Fowell 1896.This ancient site was therefore closely associated Buxton, who took over from Wilberforce, has been with the Castle and its owners for over 700 years.The remembered, but that of William Smith of Parndon author’s particular knowledge of the working of water House, Parndon, appears to have been totally forgotten. mills has helped her to interpret various maps, the In these circumstances, the appearance of a comprehen- course of the river, its channels and surviving features sive biography by Jenny Handley and Hazel Lake, of in the landscape. She has very helpfully recorded details Harlow, is greatly to be welcomed.The authors have of other properties amounting to 250 acres, particularly made an exhaustive search of all conceivable sources of in the Hedinghams, which belonged to the Priory and information and made use of a number of scattered and provided it with income, as did the water mill. sometimes fragmentary diaries kept by family members Quite apart from Hedingham Castle, the author has which their labours have brought to light. also recorded other relevant information from the William Smith (1756-1835) was born into a well- Saxon, Norman and Medieval periods. In particular connected non-conformist family whose wealth had Crouch Green, on the opposite side of the River Colne, been derived from a prosperous grocery business. from the Priory, has also been researched including the Leaving this to be run by his cousins, he devoted carved stone shaft, which once stood at this ancient himself to progressive political causes and served as a meeting place and is now incorporated into the village Member of Parliament, apart from interludes caused by war memorial. electoral defeat, from 1784 until 1830. Despite the fact This is an A4 size book, perfect bound, with a colour that his entry into the unreformed House of Commons cover and good-sized print. For a book, which is largely necessitated recourse to bribery, he became a lifelong

EssexJOURNAL 31 Book Reviews

campaigner for moderate Parliamentary reform. He position as an Official War also worked consistently for the repeal of the Test and Artist by the Admiralty Corporations Acts, which prevented most noncon- and given the honorary formists holding public office, and for Catholic rank of Captain. On 2nd emancipation to remove all legislative restraints on September 1942 he went Catholics. He, personally, was a Unitarian. In addition, on an air-sea rescue mission William Smith dedicated himself to the cause of the near Iceland, which failed abolition of slavery and played a key role, in association to return. He was reported with Wilberforce,Thomas Clarkson and others, in as missing, presumed dead continuous campaigns from the 1790s to 1833, to and his name is recorded achieve abolition. on the Castle Hedingham Parndon House, Parndon, in what is today Harlow, War Memorial.There is was William Smith’s country mansion. For much of the an increasing interest in year it was home to his wife and 10 children as well as a the paintings, woodcuts place where he could entertain prominent personalities and designs of Ravilious and plan his political work.William Wilberforce, and some of his work is Thomas Clarkson,Thomas Malthus, Robert Owen, the exhibited at the Fry Art poets S.T. Coleridge and Mrs.Anne Barbould, and Gallery in Saffron Walden. author Sydney Smith, were among the guests who Over the last year or so stayed with him – some on numerous occasions. research has discovered the Not only William Smith himself, but also numerous true identity of some of the Essex shops illustrated in descendants or their spouses played prominent roles in High Street.The family butcher’s shop, named J. Hart, British history. Florence Nightingale, of nursing fame, was actually Mark Newman’s butchers shop in Barbara Bodichon, campaigner for women’s rights and a Swan Street, Sible Hedingham.The hardware shop founder of Girton College, Cambridge, the well-known was Bennett Smith’s shop in Falcon Square, Castle Liberal family of Bonham Carter, and the poet Arthur Hedingham.The illustration shows a penny-farthing Clough, were linked to the Smith family. bicycle above the shop, which was not actually there. This book provides a wealth of information on A preliminary drawing and some research reveals that Smith and his extensive progeny.To supplement the a cycle shop owned by W.C. Green at 98 North Street, background, there are 11 family trees, over 20 pages Sudbury had this bicycle above it and Ravilious added of biographical notes on connected personalities, it to Bennett Smith's hardware shop. (The same as the summaries of key contemporary events at home and white horse on the saddler's shop). abroad, and over 100 illustrations.This is a most valuable The saddler and harness maker was George Cox’s contribution to both Essex local and national political shop in St. James Street, Castle Hedingham, which history.The authors are to be congratulated on a was opposite Bank House, where Ravilious lived and detailed study of an important if much neglected worked from 1934 to 1941.The name 'E. Smith' political reformer and his circle. (no relation to Bennett Smith) is the name of the previous owner before George Cox took over the Stan Newens. business. He was owner when Eric Ravilious did the painting but Cox traded under his predecessors name for whom he was previously employed.The illustration Eric Ravilious: The Story of High Street, of the saddler’s shop is interesting because it features a white horse above it.This white horse was not in The Mainstone Press, 2008, pp.288. Castle Hedingham but actually located on the ISBN 978-0-9552777-2-6, £160. White Horse Hotel in North Street, Sudbury.The Castle Hedingham shop High Street was published in 1938 by Country front and the Sudbury Life Books. It was primarily a children's book white horse were joined about shops with the text being written by together to form one Jim Richards and the accompanying illustra- of many splendid tions by Eric Ravilious.The 24 shops that illustrations in High Street. Ravilious chose were real - many were Mainstone Press have from London but several were from produced a new limited Castle and Sible Hedingham, edition of 750 copies of Halstead and the surrounding area. High Street which also Eric Ravilious, (1903-1942) includes two essays lived in Great Bardfield from examining the making 1932 to 1934, in Castle of the book as well as Hedingham from 1934 to the quest to identify 1941 and in Shalford from the 24 shops illustrated. 1941 to 1942. He served It is printed on good in the Royal Observer quality paper and is a Corps at the Castle delight to read. Hedingham post from September to December 1939. In December 1939 he was offered a Adrian Corder-Birch

EssexJOURNAL 32 EJ 20 Questions? Stan Newens

Arthur Stanley Newens, BA, was born into a Newens) of S. c.1994 courtesy (Photograph Stan Newens & Fidel Castro, working class family in Bethnal Green in 1930, but moved to North Weald in 1939. Educated at state schools, University College London and Westminster Training College, he opposed the Korean War, and spent four years at the coalface in North Staffordshire, leading a strike of seven pits in 1955. Returning to Essex, he taught in Hackney but served as Labour MP for Epping (1964-70), for Harlow (1974-83); and as Labour Member of the European Parliament for London Central (1984-99). A Director then President of the London Co-operative Society, and Chairman then President of Liberation (formerly the Movement for Colonial Freedom); President of the Essex Society for Archaeology & History (2005-2008), Chair of Harlow Civic Society, etc., he is a lecturer and author on Essex, East London and political subjects. He is married to Sandra, with five children and four grandchildren. 12. What is your favourite food? Salads. 1. What is your favourite historical period? The nineteenth and twentieth centuries. 13. The history book I am currently reading is... I never stick to one at a time, but am struggling, 2. Tell us what Essex means to you? Attractive with my poor German, to read Essex VCH Deputy green countryside stretching from sea-lapped beaches Editor Herbert Eiden’s fascinating thesis on the 1381 in the east to Epping Forest and the Stort Valley in Peasants’ Revolt, In der Knechtschaft werdet ihr verharren. the west, dotted with picturesque historic towns, villages and solitary buildings, embodying a rich 14. What is your favourite quote from history? heritage from centuries past. John Ball, in 1381:‘When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?’ 3. What historical mystery would you most like to know? Closest to home, the male ancestry of my 15. Favourite historical film? BBC TV series I, paternal great grandfather, born out of wedlock; but, Claudius from Robert Graves’ books. on a broader plane, the origin of the Slavs. 16. What is your favourite building in Essex? 4. My favourite history book is... E.P.Thompson Audley End for grandeur;Thaxted Guildhall as an - The Making of the English Working Class;Anthony epitome of traditional Essex. Wagner – Pedigree and Progress. 17. What past event would you like to have 5. What is your favourite place in Essex? seen? The triumph of the Dockers’Tanner Strike, in Colchester. 1889. 6. How do you relax? Watching a good film, browsing in my library at home, or listening to ‘When Adam delved Dixieland jazz. and Eve span, 7. What are you researching at the moment? Amongst other things, the history of Harlow. who was then the 8. My earliest memory is... the sight of an airship gentleman?’ over Bethnal Green. In the rush to see it, my head was banged on a wall, which fixed it in my memory! 18. How would you like to be remembered? 9.What is your favourite song/piece of music and As a good family man who opposed abuses of human why? Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake ballet - sheer magic. rights and worked for a better society at home and 10. If you could travel back in time which abroad. event would you change? The outbreak of World 19. Who inspires you to read or write or War I – an unnecessary conflict which led to research history? Initially my teachers at Buckhurst immense suffering, many millions of deaths and, in Hill County High School, Edward Wigley and Peter due course, to Hitler, fascism, and World War II, with Sillis; but also great historians like Edward Gibbon, its own deaths and suffering. George Grote, Samuel Rawson Gardiner and 11. Which four people from the past would you Winston Churchill. invite to dinner? John Lilburne, seventeenth century 20. Most memorable historical date? 1945: the Leveller;Tom Paine, author of The Rights of Man; election of the first Labour Government with an Robert Owen, the utopian socialist and co-operator; absolute majority, which transformed society in James Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party. Britain.

EssexJOURNAL 33 Help to support the Essex Record Office

by joining the Friends of Historic Essex

You will: Have the opportunity to be involved in special projects in the Record Office, such as helping to preserve some of the vital raw materials of Essex history.

Receive regular newsletters and free copies of ‘Update’, the Record Office bulletin of accessions.

Receive a discount on Essex Record Office publications.

Meet other people with historical interests at occasional talks and seminars especially geared towards new researchers, and at other special events.

Join the Friends of Historic Essex, and help support one of the best county record offices in England.

Please send your cheque for at least £10.00 (but a larger amount is especially welcome) to the Hon. Membership Secretary:

Mr Peter Durr Membership Secretary, Friends of Historic Essex 2 Thatched Cottages, Church Lane, Little Leighs, Chelmsford CM3 1PQ