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Amersham Farms
A
1739 Quit Rental D/BASM/2/14
Manor of Tomlins
Ralph Adams: Adams Farm
Meadow adjoining House 3
Mares Maid 5
Little Meadow 1
Maunce 6
Little Mares 10
Great Mares 12
Lower Brackley 8
Upper Brackley 7
Maunce Close 14
Pightle 1
Down Field 11
Little Down 10
Three Upper Fields adjoining Barn close 19
Lagger 3
Two Nether Streets 8
Nether Leys 13
___
131
B
1777 Court Books D/BASM/2/2
Admission of Elizabeth Frost dau of Elizabeth Moore
Messuage or tenement at Woodside in p A
5 closes of land adjoining
14 acres
late in occ Thomas Barker
1777 Court Books D/BASM/2/2
Sur: John Frost of Upper Charlotte Street p St Pancras Esq & Elizabeth h. w.
Ad: Isaac Eeles of Amersham Esq
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Isaac Eeles Esq Occ: Thos Barker £2 0s 0d
1798 Posse Comitatus Amersham Woodside
Thomas Barker jun farmer 1 horse, 1 cart
1800 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Isaac Eeles Esq Occ: Thos Barker £2 0s 0d
1816 Rental John Marshall
For a messuage and lands at Woodside formerly Charles Moores afterwards John Frost Esq & wife and late Isaac Eeles Esq
in occ Thomas Barker
Copyhold 4d
1831 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner T Marshall Esq Occ: G Saunders late Barker £2 0s 0d
1839 Tihe Award 385
Owner: Thomas Marshall Occ: Ann & Thomas Andrews
1880 O.S. Map Bakers Farm
1926 O.S. Map Barkers Farm
2000 Still standing
1659 Purchased from John Reading Deeds 1473-1660 D/DR/2/32
1674 Rental Tomlins Manor
Will Sparkes for Bartlett farm £20 and being part Denterhold £25 0s
1681 D/DR/1/11
Lease of Bartletts Farm to Thomas Randall of Beaconsfield yeoman £50 p.a.
1739 Quit Rental Wm Drake Esq: Henry Batchelor: Yearly rent £21 0 0
To a meesuage tenement or farmhouse fields closes pieces and parcells of ground hereinafter particularly mentioned:
All those three closes of meadow or pasture ground
adjoining his farmhouse 5 acres
One close called Penn Croft 2 1/2 acres
One other piece of Meadow 2 acres
One other close of arable land called Great Wide Field 3 acres
One other close called Middle Wide Field 2 acres
One other close called Little Wide Field 1 acre
All which said fields or closes contain alltogether 15 acres and a half
Belsons Farm now in the occupation of Batchelor in the Parish of Amersham
See also Woodside farm
1677 Jonas Harding paid 5s towards building the Baptist Meeting House
1690 22 Sept Will of Jonas Harding of Woodside the elder yeoman
1694 30 Dec Jonas Harding buried at Baptist Meeting House “he lieth at ye west end of ye house next to ye widow Naile who was buried in the same year at the beginning of it lying on the north side of him towards ye pales
1738 Rental
Jonas Harding in his possession
To lands late Mrs Bovingdon’s Joynture 3s 8d
For lands late John Bovingdon’s 2s 11d
For Lands late his father’s 5s 9d
NB These premises are charged in the quit rent roll as follows viz:
Jonas Harding the elder and Jonas harding the younger for the house wherein John Bovingdon lived and the farm at Woodside late Bovingdon’s the half year 6s 4d
Jonas Harding the elder for house and land thereto belonging late his father’s the half year 5s 9d which together for the half year 12s 1d whereof he pays as per severall old records as above is charged in the column viz: 12s 4 1/2d the hald year
1762 5 May Will of Jonas Harding the elder of Amersham gent
To son Jonas Harding
Pond Broadfield with the hedgerow there bel or adj
Middle Broadfield
Wood Broadfield
Colins Grove otherwise Hunts Field with the wood & wood ground also adj thereto
Two Hollow Fields
Grove Field with a hedgerow of wood thereto also bel or adj
6 acres of freehold land in Upper Stoney Field
9 acres of freehold land in Middle Stoney & Lower Stoney Fields
2 acres of freehold land in Bottom Close otherwise the Lagger
4 acres of freehold land in Footpath Field
Parcel of meadow ground called Turney Mead
1765 30 March Will of Jonas Harding the elder of Amersham gent proved by William Harding & John Harding sons & joint executors
1770 26 Sept Then Mrs Harding wife of Mr William Harding & Mrs Harding wife of Mr Jonas Harding were both baptised at Chesham at ye baptistry in the meeting house by Brother Caleb Cock
1783 land tax Amersham Woodside
Mr Jonas Harding Himself for Houses & Land £10 12s 0d
1793 Quit Rental
Jonas Harding one year 13s 3d
1798 Posse Comitatus Amersham Woodside
Jonas Harding farmer infirm 4 horses 3 wagons 3 carts
1800 land tax Amersham Woodside
Jonas Harding House Land and Wood £10 12s 0d
1800 Map of Beel House Mrs Harding on south west boundary BAS Maps 2
1816 Rental Sergeant, John esq
For a messuage & 40 acres of land at Woodside formerly
Mrs Bovingdon’s afterwards Jonas Harding & late Geo Freehold 6s 1d
Lawson Esq late in the occupation of the said Jonas Harding now of
For 14 acres of land at Woodside formerly the said
Mrs Bovingdon’s afterwards the said Jonas Harding’s & late Copyhold 1s 3d
the said Geo Lawson’s late in the occupation of the said
Jonas Harding now of
For other lands containing about 74 acres at Woodside formerly
John Bovingdon’s afterwards the said Jonas Harding’s & late Freehold 5s 11d
the said Geo Lawson’s late in the occupation of the said
Jonas Harding now of
1831 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Chas Sargant Esq: Robt Toms £10 12s 0d
1831 Voters list
Jones Robert, Bendrose Farm farm and lands as joint occupier
Jones Robert jun., Bendrose Farm farm and lands as joint occupier
Sargeaunt, Charles 17 Spring Gardens London Freehold Farm Bendrose Farm
1839 Tithe Award 367 Bendrose Farm
Owner: Charles Sergeant Esq Occ: William Partridge
343 Grove Field
344 Lower Hants
345 Upper Hants
346 Middle Stoney
347 Lower Stoney
348 Lagger Field
350 Upper stoney
351 Long Field
352 Lower Hollow Field
353 Upper Hollow Field
354 Wood Broad Field
355 Middle Broad Field
356 Pond Broad Field
357 Lower Heath Field
358 Upper Heath Field
359 Upper Maudlin
211 Maudlin
361 Isle of Wight
362 Foot Path Field
363 Primrose Field
364 Pye Field
365 Great Bendrose
366 Little Bendrose
367 Homestead & orchard
368 Barn Meadow
369 Beech Meadow
370 Ley Field
175 acres
1851 Census Woodside Bendrose Farm
Jacob Hatch 57 farmer 176 acres 7 men
1903 Directory Clark, Annie (Mrs) farmer Bendrose
C
Within this place lies the body of Mr Richard Grimsdell who purchased this estate and died 1657 and his wife
Mr Richard Grimsdell his son who died in 1716 aged 64 and Jane his wife who died in 1730 aged 86
Mr Richard Grimsdell the only son of Mr Richard Grimsdell by Jane his wife who died in 1712 .... 4 daughters coheirs of the estate
And of Miss Jane Grimsdell one of the coheirs of the said Mr Richard Grimsdell by Hannah his wife in memory of whom his affectionate wife hath erected this stone in 1739
1669 Answers to Archbishop Sheldon’s Questions to the Clergy concerning Non-conformists
Jews, so called because they observe Saturday Sabbath. They meet at one Sarah Grimsdell’s house, a widow at Woodside in this parish. One Nicholas Babb of this town and a weaver by trade is often their preacher, and sometimes they meet at Babb’s own house in the town. These Jews have had their meetings ever since I came hither to this place.
1706 15 May Marriage Settlement of Richard & Hannah Grimsdale D/LO/1/39/2
1) Richard Grimsdale the elder of Woodside Amersham yeoman & Jane his wife
2) Daniel Beck of Amersham blacksmith
Peter Loatman of Little Missenden yeoman
3) Richard Grimsdale the younger son & heir apparnent of Richard Grimsdale the elder
Hannah Grimsdale of Amersham widow
Houndsfield (Amersham) 5a
3 closes called Ashmer Fields (Chalfont St Giles) 27a
Five acres - 4a of Upper Harridge Downs
1 a of Houndsfield(Chalfont St Giles) 5a
2 closes called Doggetts (Chalfont St Giles) 16a
Messuage called Cokes in which Richard Grimsdale the elder lives
Orchard Field 5a
Long Orchard 2 1/2a
Oldwell 5a
Barwell 4a
Hatch Piece & land taken out of Lagger 14a
Apshedge 6a
Close of arable land & woodground
formerly 2 closes & 2 hedgerow 10a
Wafers Grove 4a
Stubbs Croft 6a
Cozens Croft 1a
Stewards Fields & 3a of Dell Field 23a
Cokes Field 7a
Upper & Nether Foxholes 26a
Laggers 6a
Bottom Close 3a
Footpath Close 3a
Maudlins 4a
Next House Orchard 2a
Plot behind Orchard 1a
All in Amersham in occ Richard Grimsdale the elder
__________________________
1712 Gravestone at Cokes Farm
Mr Richard Grimsdell the only son of Mr Richard Grimsdell by Jane his wife who died in 1712 .... 4 daughters coheirs of the estate
And of Miss Jane Grimsdell one of the coheirs of the said Mr Richard Grimsdell by Hannah his wife in memory of whom his affectionate wife hath erected this stone in 1739
N.B. Richard Grimsdale the younger died leaving three daughters:
Hannah m. John Anthony of Hughenden
Jane Grimsdale deceased
Mary m. John Wells of Burston Bucks
Sarah m (1) West (2) William East
Sun Insurance 35305 13 April 1725 11936/18
Hannah Grimsdall of the Parish of Amersham widow
For her house and malthouse and other outhouses adjoining and now in the possession
of William Healey
And One Tenement near the same Yard in the possession of Widow Pearce £
situate in the Town aforesaid
For the House in possession of William Healey 100
The Malt Office & outhouses 140
The tenement in possession of Widow Pearce 60
____
300
______________________________
1731 15 March Marriage settlement of John Anthony & Hannah Grimsdale D/LO/1/39/5
1) Hannah Grimsdale of Woodside Amersham spinster one of daus & coheirs of Richard Grimsdale the younger late of Woodside Amersham deceased
2) Walker Norwood of Uxbridge mealman
3) John Anthony of Hughenden yeoman
___________________________
1739 Quit Rental Manor of Tomlins
Heirs of Richard Grimsdeale: in their possession
Messuage called Cokes and lands called Stubbs Croft Quit Rent 9s 0d
1751 30 May D/LO/1/39/15
1) James Harding of Amersham yeoman
Richard Norwood of Amersham currier
2) John Wells of Great Marlow yeoman & Mary his wife formerly Mary Grimsdale
3) Isaac Eeles of Amersham Esq
1/3 part of premises
1787 20 January D/LO/1/39/34
1) Richard Allen of the Bury Farm Amersham gent
2) John Lawrence of Amersham gent
3) Isaac Eeles late of Amersham now of Wilmington Kent Esq
4) Kender Mason of Hatton Street p St Andrew Holborn Esq
5) Peter Hedman Elliston of Birchin Lane City of London Esq
Cokes Farm (See 1706)
And part of Reeves Farm formerly Woodside Farm viz:
a | r | p | ||
Little Croft | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
Lower Westfield | 2 | 1 | 9 | |
Upper Westfield | 2 | 2 | 8 | |
Stony Butts | 5 | 1 | 18 | |
Upper Stoney Hill | 5 | 0 | 9 | |
Lower Stoney Hill | 3 | 3 | 37 | |
Upper Pond Field | 4 | 0 | 38 | |
Lower Pond Field | 3 | 3 | 19 | |
Little Reddings | 3 | 1 | 26 | |
Great Reddings | 8 | 2 | 18 | |
Piece in Turney Mead | 0 | 2 | 7 | |
Stanley Wood | 9 | 0 | 8 | |
1824 Bryants map Cokes farm
1831 Voters List
Holt, William, Woodside Farm and lands as occupier, Cokes Farm
Mason, Henry William Broadstairs, Isle of Thanet Freehold Farm Cokes Farm
1839 Tithe Award 305 Cokes farm
Owner: William Lowndes Occ: William Campion 191 acres
1851 Census Cokes Farm Amersham Common
William Campion 43 farmer258 acres 15 men
1903 Directort Moore, Robert farmer
1925 V.C.H. Occupied by Mr Robert Moore.
1931 Directory Schuyler Mrs A Cokes Farm
1939 Directory Wilcox, Mrs Herbert Cokes Farm
1824 Bryants Map Crabtree Farm (N W Amersham Common)
1839 Tythe Award 274 Part of Loudham’s farm (On map Colemans Farm)
Owner: Hon Charles Compton Cavendish Occ: David Eggleton 53 acres
1851 Census Colemans farm Ann Andrews w 51 parish relief
1869 Directory Brookes, John farmer Colemans Farm
H
1) Henry Harding the elder of Woodside yeoman
2) Henry Harding the younger son and heir apparent husbandman
All that his messuage or tenement called Heiroynes situate standing and being at Woodside aforesaid together with all and singular the lands tenements meadows crofts pastures feedings woods underwoods commons commodities rents reversions emoluments profits whatsoever to the said messuage or tenement belonging.... to be held of the chief lord of the fee by the serevice and rent heretofore due and of right accustomed
Henry Harding the elder to have use of the house for life and 32s per annum
subject to rent of 33s 4d out of two closes called Woodcrofts parcel of the premises payable to Thomas Harding another of the sons of Henry Harding the elder
_______________________________
1685 1 Oct
1) John Harding of Amersham yeoman and Mary his wife
2) Henry Morton of Chalfont St Peter yeoman
£600
All that messuage or tenement wherein the said John Harding now dwells called Heroynes situate standing and being at Woodside 33 acres
Amyats Close 2 a
_________________________________
1738 Rental Henry Moreton
House and land at Woodside formerly Nicholas Babbs 2s 4d
House and land where Wm Eeles lately dwelt 5s 2d
House and land thereunto belonging late his fathers 8s 6d
1808D/DR/2/123 Messuage or Farmhouse called Herons or Heroynes
Eeles farmhouse now 2 cottages
2 cottages called Babbs (earlier messuage called Holders)
3 cottages in occ Thomas Jordan & others
blacksmith’s shop
freehold & copyhold land 120 acres at Woodside & elsewhere in Amersham
from Henry Morten 1808
Deeds 1597-1808
1816 Rental
For a house and land at Woodside formerly Richard Babbs afterwards Thomas Morten’s since Henry Morten’s and late the said T D T Drake heretofore in the occupation of the said Henry Morten and now of John Craft 4s 8d
For another house and other lands at Woodside formerly the said Thomas Morten’s afterwards the said Henry morten’s and late the said T D T Drakes heretofore in the occupation of Wm Eeles late of the said Henry Morten and now of the said John Craft and his undertenants Part Copyhold 10s 4d
For another house and other lands at Woodside formerly the said Thos Morten’s afterwards the said Henry Morten’s and late the said T D T Drake’s heretofore in the occupation of the said Henry Morten and now of the said John Craft and his undertenants 17s 0d
For a house and orchard aAmersham common formerly Joseph Preston’s afterwards John Andrew’s since the said Henry morten’s and late the said T D T Drakes heretofore in the occupation of now of Copyhold 1s 8d
1824 Bryants Map Irons Farm
1839 Tithe Award Heroynes Farm 271 acres
Owner: T T Drake Occ: James Williams
10 | Ten Acres | arable | 10 | 2 | 15 |
63 | Lower Seven Acres | arable | 6 | 2 | 15 |
64 | Seven Acres | arable | 7 | 1 | 26 |
68 | Further Redding | arable | 12 | 0 | 33 |
69 | Baldwin’s Field | arable | 14 | 1 | 16 |
70 | Hither Redding | arable | 12 | 2 | 8 |
71 | Little Windmill Field | arable | 4 | 1 | 9 |
72 | Great windmill Field | arable | 15 | 0 | 5 |
73 | Germans | arable | 10 | 0 | 34 |
74 | Sandpit Field | arable | 10 | 3 | 22 |
75 | Corner Field | arable | 9 | 2 | 38 |
76 | Water Shot Field | arable | 11 | 2 | 35 |
77 | Twelve Acres | arable | 12 | 3 | 14 |
78 | May Plot | arable | 4 | 2 | 13 |
100 | Bottom Field | arable | 11 | 1 | 20 |
101 | Lower Field | arable | 6 | 3 | 18 |
103 | Little Stanley | arable | 7 | 0 | 33 |
105 | Lower Long Field | arable | 8 | 3 | 31 |
106 | Black Acre | arable | 11 | 1 | 26 |
107 | Grubbed Ground | arable | 9 | 2 | 1 |
108 | Long Croft | arable | 6 | 1 | 36 |
109 | Little Top Lane Field | arable | 3 | 3 | 14 |
113 | Orchard Croft | arable | 3 | 2 | 22 |
114 | Eeles Homestread & meadow | grass | 2 | 2 | 25 |
115 | Shepherds Close | grass | 5 | 1 | 12 |
116 | Lower Mead | grass | 2 | 2 | 3 |
117 | Homestead & Orchard | grass | 4 | 3 | 17 |
118 | Askew Wood Field | arable | 7 | 2 | 7 |
119 | Meadow Field | arable | 5 | 2 | 3 |
120 | Great Top Lane Field | arable | 4 | 3 | 35 |
121 | Six Acres | arable | 6 | 0 | 25 |
123 | Bachelors Wood Field | arable | 9 | 0 | 34 |
138 | Belsons Homestead & Orchard | grass | 4 | 2 | 4 |
159 | Belsons Close | arable | 2 | 2 | 16 |
167 | Belsons Meadow | grass | 9 | 1 | 15 |
168 | Allotment | grass | 19 | 3 | 34 |
199 | Souths Allotment | arable | 17 | 0 | 26 |
214 | Holdens Close | arable | 5 | 3 | 2 |
220 | Warners | arable | 5 | 3 | 33 |
221 | Little Bates | arable | 2 | 3 | 23 |
222 | Burying Ground | grass | 1 | 3 | 14 |
223 | Briery Field | arable | 10 | 2 | 15 |
---- | -- | --- | |||
352 | 1 | 9 |
1851 Census Herons Farm
James Williams 56 Farmer 358 acres 14 labourers
1883 Directory Williams, George Herons Farm
1903 Directory Payne, John farmer Hyrons Farm
1910 Valuation
Owner: W W Drake Occ: Frank Lisley 105 acres
Owner: W W Drake Occ: Shardeloes Estate
Parkfield Estate part sold 33 acres
1911 Directory
Lisley, Frank farmer Hyrons Farm
L
1739 Quit Rental
Wm Drake Esq: Thomas Hill Yearly Rent £55 0s 0d
Meassuage tenement or farmhouse called or known by the name of Bottom Fram
Stockbury Meadow 3
Dell Field 12
Long Platt 1
Stable Croft 5
Six Acres 6
Three acres 3
Five Acres 5
Nine Acres 9
Orchard Platt 1
Apple Tree Field 7
Lotts Field 8
Stoney Dell 9
Mares 7
Wooffield 14
Widefield 15
Holy Croft 16
Upper Wagdens 7
Middle Wagdens 9
Great Wagdens 16
Durgins Hill 12
___
165
1777 Rental Bottom Farm Mr Harvey £59 10s 173 acres
Whelpleys Farms Mr Harvey £121 0s 96 acres
Stockings Farm Mr Harvey 164 acres
1831 Voters List Coates, Alfred Farm and lands as occupier Lower Bottom Farm
1839 Tithe Award 869 Bottom & Whelpleys Farm
Owner: T T Drake Occ: Alfred Coates
1851 Census Thomas Gurney 40 Farmer 300 acres 15 men
1903 Directory Williamson, Thomas farmer Bottom House Farm
M
To son John Harding
All that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell situate and being in the parish of Amersham aforesaid together with the four orchards and four closes of land thereto belonging with half an acre of wood and wood ground be the same more or less lying and being in a certain wood called Stanley Wood and all other outhouses buildings barns stables yards gardens other orchards backsides hedges ditches trees mounds fences .......
1772 ` D/BASM/2/2
Sur: Joseph Hill of Woodside Amersham yeoman
Ad: John Harding of Amersham gent & Mary his wife
Wilmotts in occ John Harding
1779 Church Book of Amersham
The new Meeting House was built by John Harding at his own expense and finished at Christmas 1779
1783 Land Tax
Mr John Harding: himself for house & land £4 6s 0d
ditto himself for house & land £3 4s 9d
Samuel Hunt 6s 0d
1791 July Church Book of Amersham
John Harding put up the fence against arbour field
1797 25 April Church Book of Amersham
25 April Death of John Harding of Amersham Common
1797 PCC Will John Harding of Amersham gent
1800 Land Tax
Mrs Harding: house & land £4 6s 0d
ditto late Hills £3 4s 9d
late Hunt’s 6s 0d
1815 Enclosure Map
141-3 T M Moody
1831 Land Tax
Mrs Moody: G Saunders £4 6s 0d
1839 Tithe Award
Owner:John Goater & Henry Nicholes Trustees of Ann Heather
Occupier: James Dyer
414 Long Field arable 3 1 35
415 Further Field arable 2 0 12
416 Great Field arable 3 3 10
417 Orchard grass 2 1 19
418 Homestead & Orchard Grass 2 1 38
419 Common Field Arable 2 1 8
420 Allotment Grass 2 0 26
1871 Census Moody’s Farm
Richard Ball farmer 17 1/2 acres
1881 Census Moody’s Farm
Richard Ball 58 farmer of 20 acres
1891 Census Moody’s Farm
Richard Ball 70 farmer
1907 Directory Motion, Sydney The Common
1910 Valuation 734
Motion S.H.: Motion S.H. Stanley Wood House
1911 Directory Motion, Sydney H Stanley Wood House The Common
1912 RCHM Stanley Wood House
1915 Directory Motion, Sydney H Stanley Wood House The Common
1920 Directory
? Rendle H.C. Little Reeves White Lion Road
1924 Directory
? Rendle H.C. Little Reeves White Lion Road
1925 O.S. Map House still there
1931 Directory
? Rendle H.C. Little Reeves White Lion Road
Little Reeves Avenure built on site
Q
Wm Drake Esq: Jos Anthony
Quarrendon Farm Manor of Tomlins
Meadow adj farmhouse 2
Cowpasture adj Gore Hill 16
Gutter grove adj do 2
Broad Close adj Mouldy Close 14
Mouldy close adj Great Grove Field 16
Little Grove Field abutting on Puddiford Lane 10
Great Grove Field abutting do 22
Quarrendon pightle adj Great grove Field 7
Little Quarrendon adj Widmer Field 6
Great Quarrendon 12
Widmer Field adj Upper Deadly Grove 16
Upper Deadly Grove adj Cozens Croft 11
Lowes do adj Turney Mead 8
Cozens Croft adj Home Field 16
Little Home Field 10
Great Home Field adj Great Hurdle Croft 14
Little Hurdle Croft adj do 10
Great Hurdle Croft adj Little do 14
Great Tomlins adj Little Tomlins 14
Little Tomlins adjBryery Close 6
Bryery Close abutting Puddefords Lane 6
Turney Mead 4
___
236
1777 Rental Quarrendon Farm J Anthony £79 277 acres
Sun Insurance 416385 13 July 1779 11936/274
Henry Anthony of Quarrendeon Farm in the parish of Amersham in Bucks £
On his household goods in his now dwellinghouse situate as aforesaid 70
Wearing apparel 30
Utensils & stock Viz: Wheat Barn, Cowhouse & Offices adjoining
timber & tiled 100
In the Barley Barn & Offices under one roof timber & tiled 80
In a Stable & Granary under one roof timber & tiled 80
In a Barn & Carthouse thatched 20
In the Rick Yard 80
____
460
1779 Sun Insurance 408781 22 Jan 1779 11936/271
Richard Lee & Edward Smith of Amersham in Bucks waggoners £
On utensils & stock & goods in trust Viz: in their Warehouse only in the Kings Arms
Inn Yard at Holborn Bridge brick & timber 100
For their Stables only adjoining 150
In the said Yard only 350
In their Stables only adjoining at Amersham aforesaid 250
For their Barn at Collingwood Yard at Amersahm 50
____
900
_________________
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Wm Drake Occ: Lee & Smith late Anthony £8 14s 6d
1798 Posse Comitatus Amersham Woodside
Richard Lee farmer lame 12 horses, 3 wagons 5 carts
Richard Lee jun farmer
1800 Land tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: T T Drake Occ: Messrs Lee & Smith £10 10s 6d
1851 Census Quarrendon Farm
Philip Goddard 43 farmer 380 acres 31 men
1903 Directory Brown, John farmer Quarrendon Farm
R
1731 Sur: Timothy Harding sen of Woodside p Amersham yeoman & Elizabeth h. w.
Timothy Harding his son
Ad: Ann Mellor of Chenies
All that Messuage with appurts called Reeves with 25 acres of arable land and pasture late in ten of said Timothy Harding and Ralph Belch situate & being in Woodside p Amersham
_____________________________
1755 D/BASM/2/1
Sur: Ann Mellor of Chenies widow
Ad: Isaac Eeles of Amersham Esq
All that Messuage with appurtenances called Reeves
35 acres in occ said Ann Mellor and Joseph Saunders
___________________________
1763 Admission of Isaac Eeles on death of Isaac Eeles of Amersham Esq his father
___________________________
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Isaac Eeles: Joseph Saunders jun £8 6s
1787 20 January D/LO/1/39/34
1) Richard Allen of the Bury Farm Amersham gent
2) John Lawrence of Amersham gent
3) Isaac Eeles late of Amersham now of Wilmington Kent Esq
4) Kender Mason of Hatton Street p St Andrew Holborn Esq
5) Peter Hedman Elliston of Birchin Lane City of London Esq
Cokes Farm (See 1706)
And part of Reeves Farm formerly Woodside Farm viz:
a | r | p | ||
Little Croft | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
Lower Westfield | 2 | 1 | 9 | |
Upper Westfield | 2 | 2 | 8 | |
Stony Butts | 5 | 1 | 18 | |
Upper Stoney Hill | 5 | 0 | 9 | |
Lower Stoney Hill | 3 | 3 | 37 | |
Upper Pond Field | 4 | 0 | 38 | |
Lower Pond Field | 3 | 3 | 19 | |
Little Reddings | 3 | 1 | 26 | |
Great Reddings | 8 | 2 | 18 | |
Piece in Turney Mead | 0 | 2 | 7 | |
Stanley Wood | 9 | 0 | 8 |
1800 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: H Pomroy Mason Esq: Joseph Saunders £8 6s
1820 D/DR/2/144 125 1/2 acres in Amersham
2 cottages at Woodside
copyhold messuage called Reeves and land belonging
All formerly the estate of Kender Mason
Deeds 1728-1820 Plan on deed 1820
From William Henry Pomeroy formerly Mason and others
1824 Bryants Map Reeves Farm
1839 Tithe Award 408 Reeves Farm
Owner: T T Drake Occ: James Rogers
406 | Hog Pond Field | arable | 3 | 1 | 19 |
407 | Elm Field | grass | 3 | 2 | 22 |
408 | Homestead & Orchard | grass | 4 | 1 | 2 |
409 | Orchard Field | arable | 3 | 2 | 22 |
410 | Ley Field | arable | 3 | 2 | 6 |
411 | Long Field | arable | 7 | 2 | 21 |
412 | Long Field Butts | arable | 6 | 2 | 6 |
413 | Grove Field | arable | 19 | 1 | 5 |
422 | Mote field | arable | 12 | 2 | 5 |
423 | Lime Field | arable | 8 | 2 | 28 |
424 | Stoney Dean | arable | 9 | 1 | 0 |
425 | Stoney Butts | arable | 15 | 0 | 14 |
426 | China Croft | arable | 5 | 0 | 15 |
428 | Upper Old Lands | arable | 7 | 2 | 29 |
429 | Lagger | arable | 8 | 3 | 28 |
---- | -- | --- | |||
118 | 2 | 12 |
1851 Census James Rogers Farmer 200 acres 12 men
1861 Census Reeves Farm Cottage Thomas Preen 61 farm labourer
1871 Census Reeves Farm Elizabeth Preen 72
1891 Census Reeves farm
George Hill 34 butter dealer
Daniel Harding 60 farm bailiff
1912 RCHM Photo
S
STOCKINGS FARM
1637 D/DRD/2/22
1) Rt Hon Francis Earl of Bedford
Rt Hon Sir William Russell Kt son & heir apparent
2) William Drake of Shardeloes Amersham Esq
Conveyance of Manor of Amersham including
Stockings farm in occ Walter son of Henry Tredway gent deceased leased to the said Henry by Edward Earl of Bedford 15 May 16 James I for 90 years or lives of the said Walter Tredway Daniel Readinge and Henry Wyngfield at £9 p.a.
1692 Ledger Edward Babb Stocking Farm in Coleshill Hamlet £50 p.a.
1694 Deeds D/DRD/2/42
1777 Rental Bottom Farm Mr Harvey £59 10s 173 acres
Whelpleys Farms Mr Harvey £121 0s 96 acres
Stockings Farm Mr Harvey 164 acres
T
TOMLINS FARM
1605 Deeds to manor of Tomlins D/DRD/2/31
1657 Tomlins manor bought from Richard Stydolf (VCH)
1674 Rental
Bought of Treadway Tomlins Manor
Ralph Trumper for Tomlins Farm £34 8s
James Ball for ye Denterhold lands £11 10s
Will Sparkes for Bartlett farm £20 and being part Denterhold £25 0s
Jo Day for part of ye Denterhold lands a barnett & a peece of ground £17 0s
Mr Robert Styles for Whelpley Farm by lease £13 10s
TOWN FARM
1692 Ledger John Charsley
House & backside adjoining to the almshouses & a close called Mill Platt £5 p.a.
1698 Rent Book D/DR/2/18
John Charsley 1/4 years rent for his house & orchard near the Almshouses £2 10s 0d
1723 Rental D/DR/2/26
John Charsley for house & meadow £8 0 0
1739 Rental
Wm Drake Esq: Mr Squire for a house and an orchard 1 acre Yearly rent £6 0 0
Wm Drake Esq; Almshouses
Stephen Squire: Thos Woodbridge for a house )
Step How ditto ) 5 1/2d
Martha Humphrey ditto )
Daniel Leared for part of Pratts )
1742 Map 81-4 Step Squire [Cottages east of almshouses]
1744 19 March Will of Stephen Squire the elder of Amersham carpenter
Leaves to son Stephen Squire
Messuage or Tenement farm lands and estate called Nightingales in the Parish of Penn
Four several messuages cottages or tenements situate and being in Amersham aforesaid and now in the several tenures or occupations of Thomas Rayment William Cooper Thomas Hentin and Henry Woodbridge
Leaves to wife Hannah for life then to son Stephen
Messuage cottage or tenement situate and being in Wielden Street in Amersham aforesaid now in the tenure or occupation of James Nash cordwainer
Proved 25 Jan 1759
1745 Rental D/BASM/2/16
Wm Drake Esq: Mr Squire: for a house
ditto Almshouses
Steph Squire: Hen Woodbridge )
Thos Henting ) 4 tenements
Wm Cooper )
Thos Rayment )
1756 8 May Bap Stephen son Stephen & Mary Squire
1757 30 Sept Bap Thomas son Stephen & Mary Squire
1759 9 Jan Burial of Stephen Squire carpenter
1765 Window Tax Mr Stephen Squier 13 windows
1773 10 July Burial of Stephen Squire
1783 31 Jan D/DRD/2/116
1) Thomas Squire late of Cupids Bridge Lambeth now Cornet of HM Troop of Horse Guards only brother & heir of Stephen Squire of Amersham a minor deceased and also one of the sons of StephenSquire the younger who was eldest son of Stephen Squire the elder who was the only son and heir of Stephen Squire of Amersham carpenter
2) William Weller the elder of Amersham brewer
[Sale of cottages to east of Almshouses]
1783 Land Tax
Wm Drake Esq: Thomas Plaistowe for Platt late Squires 4s 0d
1816 Rental
T T Drake For three houses in the High Street near the Amshouses formerly Thomas Squires afterwards William Weller & late the said T D T Drakes in the occ Thomas Shrimpton Hawkins and Thos Whitmell [cottages to east of Almshouses]
1839 Tithe Award 556
Owner T T Drake Occ: Sarah Trone Houses yard & garden
John Earle
554 Town Farm
Owner T T Drake Occ: John Earle
554 Homestead & orchard grass 0 3 17
575 Upper Round Dell arable 6 0 37
576 Lower Round Dell arable 3 3 25
578 Child Lane Meadow grass 9 0 9
588 Little Wood Field arable 2 1 9
589 Baldwins Field arable 11 2 21
590 Pipers Close arable 7 0 34
593 Giles Field arable 7 2 9
594 Eeles Homestead & close arable 1 1 28
720 Deep Dean arable 9 2 7
573 Great Round Dell arable 10 2 32
__________
74 3 27
1841 Census [next to Almshouses]
John Earle 35 farmer
1851 Census William Salter 36 farmer 108a 7 men
1881 Census Mary Williams 55 brazier & cow ....
Frederick P Williams son 17 builder’s apprentice
1891 Directory Williams Mary (Mrs) brazier High Street
1891 Census Mary Williams 65 farmer
1899 Directory Williams, M & Sons agricultural implement repairers & general plumbers High Street
1910 Valuation
Drake, W W T: Hoare, A.P. Hoare Town Farm
Land 37a 1r 37p
1911 Directory Goare, Alfred dairy High Street
1912 RCHM 28
House, probably formerly an inn, now two cottages, adjoining 27 {Swan Inn], is of two storeys and an attic, built in the 17th century and altered in the 18th century. The front is of red brick with black headers, and has a large covered gateway, inserted or made higher in the 18th century.
1931 Hoare, Alfred farmer Town Farm
1935 Directory Barret, John farmer Town Farm
1939 Directory Hine, Sidney Victor Town Farm High Street
1952 Directory Town Farm Palmer, E. H.
U
UPPER BOTTOM FARM
1763 D/BASM 2/1
Admission of David Ball on death of Henry Ball
Bottom House parish of Amersham county of Herts late in the occupation of Henry Ball now of David Ball his son
1765 D/BASM/2/1
Presented Death of Mrs Duncombe held freely farm and lands called Bottom Farm in the occ of Widow Carter
Yearly rent of £1 8s 3d
1788 D/DR/2/102 Copyhold messuage called Bottom House in Amersham Herts from Robert Welch 1788 Deeds 1603-1788
1816 Rental John Grove
For a Messuage and certain lands thereunto belonging called Bottom Farm formerly Henry Childs afterwards Mrs Duncombe’s and late John Gaunt Esq hereto in occ Henry carter late John Curtis now of George Grove
1839 Tithe Award 860-66 etc
Owner: John Grove Esq Occ: William Wilson
860 Five Acres
861 High Field
862 Dell Field
863 Bottom Plot
864 Homestead and Orchard
865 Apple Tree Field
866 Cherry Tree Close
878 Bow Field
880 Little Sands
881 Great Sands
885 Old Road
886 Lower Ashwell
887 Penn Wood Field
888 Penn Field
895 Middle Ashwell
896 Lower Doggetts
898 Little Doggetts
899 Upper Ashwell
900 Two Acres
901)
902) Cottage Field and Garden
1851 Census Upper Bottom Farm
George Worster 33 farmer 130 acres 7 men
1903 Directory Worcester, Edwin farmer Upper Bottom House Farm
W
WEDON HILL FARM
1649 Will of William Child, Weedon Hill, Amersham, yeoman We 38 46 Wf 38 26
1674 Rental John Bowndon for Weedon Hill Farm £55
1777 Rental Wedon Hill Farm J Towne Rent: £93 15s 209 acres
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Wm Drake Esq: Mrs Ann Towne Wedon Hill Farm £21 2s 8d
1800 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: T T Drake Occ: James Lovett £21 2s 8d
1831 Voters List Saunders, Thomas, Weedon Hill Farm and lands as occupier Weedon Hill Farm
1839 Tithe Award 4
Owner: T T Drake Occ: Thomas Saunders 291 acres
1847 Directory Saunders, Isaac Wedon Hill
1851 census Wedon Hill farm
Henry Lazenby 33 Farmer 318 acres 22 men
1903 Directory Archer, charles farmer Wedon Hill Farm
WHELPLEYS FARM
1661 Bought from Robert Style Deeds 1653, 1661 D/DR/2/34
1674 Rental Tomlins Manor
Mr Robert Styles for Whelpley Farm by lease £13 10s
1683 Lease of Whelpleys Farm to Nathaniel Ball of Coleshill D/DR/1/15
1777 Rental Bottom Farm Mr Harvey £59 10s 173 acres
Whelpleys Farms Mr Harvey £121 0s 96 acres
Stockings Farm Mr Harvey 164 acres
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Wm Drake Occ: Thos Harvey Bottom House Farm £8 12s 6d
do for land in Stockbury Mead 4s 4d
do for late Vauser £6 2s 6d
1800 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: T T Drake Occ: Thos Harvey £8 12s 6d
do for land in Stockberry Mead 4s 4d
do for Whelpleys £6 2s 6d
do for late Adams £4 0s 0d
1839 Tithe Award 869 Bottom & Whelpleys Farm
Owner: T T Drake Occ: Alfred Coates
WILMOTS FARM
1734 D/BASM/2/1
Sur: Joseph Child of Amersham gent
Ad: Richard Hill of Rickmansworth husbandman
All that Messuage or Tenement with appurtenances called or known by the name of Wilmotts situate and being in the parish of Amersham
40 acres now in the tenure or occupation of Thomas Ashby and Richard Bryant
1741 D/BASM/2/1
Sur: Richard Hill late of Rickmansworth then of Chalfont St Peter husbandman
Ad: Joseph Hill of Woodside Amersham yeoman
Wilmotts 40 acres then in occ Joseph Hill
1772 ` D/BASM/2/2
Sur: Joseph Hill of Woodside Amersham yeoman
Ad: John Harding of Amersham gent & Mary his wife
Wilmotts in occ John Harding
1799 26 July Contract for redemption of land tax D/LO/6/11/1/6
Mary Harding of Amersham widow
Two messuages and several pieces of land
Two cottages
In hamlet of Woodside
1812 11 Aug Depositions of John Grace Thomas Barker and Richard Green as to ownership of Wilmots Farm Woodside Amersham
1816 Rental
Harding, Mary: For a house and lands thereto belonging at Woodside called Wilmots formerly Joseph Hills & late John Hardings late in the occ of herself % now of Thomas Morten & Kender Mason Esq
Copyhold Enfranchised under the Amersham Inclosure Act subject to a rent of 5/-
1824 Bryants Map Wilmots (S E Beel House)
1851 Census James Rogers 65 farmer 200 acres 12 men
WOODROW FARM (1) SP 939 960
1739 Rental John Child: In his own occupation
Tenement called Fosters at Woodrow
For another tenement next to that
For a close called Dowse Croft
For 4 crofts formerly Edward Childs
For Street Fields
For lands formerly Gillmores )
Colliers Croft Coppice Hill Field )
and the hedgerows thereto belonging ) ) in all 29 acres
Orchard Field and the Great orchard )
For a close of land called Home Field
For land formerly Russells
For 3 closes bought of Tim: Child
called Home Field Hill Field and
Orchard Field formerly Biggs
1783 Land Tax Mr Wm Child: Mr Wm Child for his own farm Freeholder £9 8 0
1789 PCC Will William Child of Amersham yeoman
1793 Quit Rental D/DR/2/139a
Woodrow
Devisees of the late Wm Child (by J Mallers) three years £3 9s 3d
1800 Land Tax Mr J Mallors & Mrs Wm Child Trustees of the late Wm Child:
Thomas Allen for farm £9 8 0
1802 Letter John Croft, Amersham, to William Drake 13 June 1802
This is to inform you that I have bought Woodrow Farm at £2,900 and have paid Mr Mallors £100 in part of payment which I received of Mr Eeles - Mr Marshall has made the agreement which is inclosed. If Mr Allen leaves Woodrow Farm Mr Compton wishes to take it if it meats with your approbation
1802 Deeds 1714-1802 D/DR/2/113
Messuage in occ Thomas Allen and 3 cottages at woodrow and lands (137a) in Amersham & Coleshill in Bucks & Herts [field names deed 1802 contains references to grubbing up of woodland
From John Turner, Thomas Child and others 1802
1831 Land Tax Drake T T Esq: Butcher James Woodrow Farm £9 8 0
1833 Voters List Butcher, James, Woodrow, farm and lands as occupier, Woodrow
1839 Tithe Award 703 Woodrow Farm 227 acres
Owner: T T Drake Occ: Arthur Butcher
647 | Little Chancellors | arable | 5 | 2 | 38 |
648 | Great Chancellors | arable | 14 | 2 | 17 |
649 | Milestone Piece | arable | 14 | 3 | 6 |
650 | Great Pipsmore | arable | 25 | 0 | 21 |
651 | Little Pipsmore | arable | 20 | 2 | 4 |
652 | Chancellors | arable | 13 | 1 | 13 |
686 | Meadow allotment | grass | 31 | 1 | 17 |
703 | Homestead & Orchard | grass | 3 | 3 | 26 |
702 | Little Orchard | grass | 2 | 1 | 29 |
704 | Common Plot | grass | 1 | 2 | 8 |
705 | Street Field | grass | 8 | 0 | 13 |
707 | Walnut Tree Field | arable | 19 | 3 | 31 |
708 | High Field | arable | 7 | 0 | 26 |
710 | Collear Croft | arable | 9 | 1 | 39 |
711 | Home Field | arable | 5 | 3 | 9 |
712 | Hill Field | arable | 18 | 3 | 33 |
721 | Orchard Field | arable | 16 | 2 | 4 |
722 | Further Grounds | arable | 8 | 1 | 32 |
------ | -- | - | -- | ||
227 | 3 |
1847 Kelly’s Directory Butcher, Arthur Esq Woodrow
1851 CensusWoodrow
Arthur Butcher 51 farmer 280 acres 18 labourers
1903 Directory Hatch, Joseph Woodrow Farm
1952 Directory Deacon, S.V. Ame 748
WOODROW HIGH HOUSE FARM (north of High House)
1692 Ledger
John Daveney
High House Farm by Wickomb Heath
Stony Field
Hatch field
Church Path Close
Broxhalls
Knightleys
£60 p.a.
1698 Ledger Nash, Richard
High House Farm (from lady Day 1698) £44 p.a.
n.d. An account what land Matthew Evans has incroached on Richard Nashe’s Farm at the High House in Amersham
1739 Rental
Wm Drake: Joseph Brandon Yearly Rent £100
Messuage Tenement or Farmhouse called High House
5 small fields adjoining to the house 10
Carters Platt meadow 2
Jackmans 5
Orchard Field 6
Hawkes Close 2 1/2
The Warren 5
Pound Close 3
Lamb Croft 5
Sand Croft 8
Hangerwell 10
__
56 1/2
The Farm at Amersham in the occupation of Brandon
One close of meadow adjoining the house
now in the occupation of Mr Brandon
called ye White Hart Orchard 2
The Field Above 4
Whilden Platt 1
Hither Bentleys 5
2nd Bentleys 6
3rd Bentleys 5
4th Bentleys 6
Old Mead meadow 5
Great Bentleys 13
2 Fields called Whitley 11
Clay Bentleys 6
Stoney Bentleys 7
Round Dell 10
__
72 1/2
High House Farm 56
__
129
n.d. Particulars of farm including tenants and field names D/DR/2/227
Joseph Brandon’s Farm called High House
n.d. Valuation of High House and estate on Wycombe Heath D/DR/2/252
1756 Appraisal of stock of Thomas Browne at High House farm D/DR/2/235
1759 Occular survey of the High House Farm and Hardings Farm D/DR/2/236
1769 5 January Lease 9 years at £90 10s p.a. D/DR/1/47
1) William Drake Esq
2) Thomas Butcher of North Dean Hughenden yeoman
High House Farm with cottage in Amersham
Mop End Farm in Amersham and Little Missenden
1777 Rental High House Farm Thos Butcher £63 0s 0d 85 acres
1783 Land Tax Wm Drake Esq: Thomas Butcher for the farm 6 0 0
Ditto for late Graveneys 2 4 0
Ditto for Bentleys land 1 4 0
Wm Drake Esq for house and land 1 0 0
______
10 8 0
1800 Land Tax Woodrow [half year sum exonerated]
Thomas Drake Tyrwhitt Drake Esq: Thomas Butcher for Farm 3 0 0
Do late Graveneys 1 2 0
Do late Bentleys 12 0
Do late Wm Drake Esq house and land 10 0
______
5 4 0
1839 Tithe Award 632 High House Farm 146 acres
Owner T T Drake Occ: Thomas Salter
591 | Glade Field | arable | 6 | 1 | 23 |
595 | Nether Croft Field | arable | 5 | 2 | 37 |
592 | Green Lane Field | arable | 4 | 0 | 23 |
596 | Hither Hangerwell | arable | 3 | 3 | 38 |
626 | Jessopps Meadow | grass | 3 | 0 | 11 |
627 | North Close | grass | 1 | 1 | 30 |
628 | Cottage & meadow | grass | 1 | 3 | 28 |
629 | Plot Field | arable | 4 | 3 | 25 |
630 | Long Meadow | grass | 2 | 1 | 8 |
631 | Barn Field | arable | 8 | 1 | 38 |
632 | Home Close homestead & orchard | grass | 6 | 0 | 39 |
633 | Warren | arable | 5 | 2 | 1 |
634 | Orchard Field | arable | 7 | 1 | 33 |
635 | Three Corner Field | arable | 5 | 3 | 36 |
638 | Further Hangerwell | arable | 4 | 0 | 35 |
639 | Hangerwell | arable | 11 | 2 | 4 |
640 | Sand Close | arable | 10 | 0 | 6 |
641 | Lamb Croft | grass | 2 | 0 | 32 |
642 | Land Croft | arable | 4 | 2 | 29 |
646 | Allotment | arable | 17 | 3 | 26 |
687 | Milestone Field | arable | 12 | 2 | 35 |
718 | Further Hall Field | arable | 6 | 2 | 5 |
719 | Nether Croft | arable | 8 | 3 | 11 |
------ | -- | - | -- | ||
146 | 0 | 33 |
1851 Census Woodrow
Thomas Salter 39 farmer
1952 Model Farm Lyne, R.M.
WOODSIDE FARM
1702 20 July Catalogue of deeds
1) Henry Batchelor the elder of Chesham Bois
2) Henry Batchelor the younger of Woodside in Amersham his son & heir
Cottage and land
1704 29 May Will of Timothy Pratt of Amersham yeoman
Wife Ann:
All my estate where it hath pleased God to lend me during her natural life that is to say one house wherein I now dwell at Amersham Woodside and the close thereunto belonging and also all those three houses in Great Missenden ....
Daughter Elizabeth
House and close wherein I now dwell paying to my son Charles £40
Daughters Mary & Sarah
3 houses in Great missenden
Executor wife Ann
Proved 15 Oct 1705
1738 D/BASM 2/1
Sur: Henry Batchelor the elder of Woodside yeoman
All that Messuage or tenement and farmhouse situate at woodside aforesaid
and also all that field or close called Hills
and also all that field or close called Aberry’s
and also all that wood called Hill’s Wood
Henry Batchelor died holding land at yearly rent of £1 2s 7d
eldest son Henry Batchelor
1739 Quit Rental D/BASM/2/14
Wm Drake Esq: Henry Batchelor: Yearly rent £21 0 0
To a messuage tenement or farmhouse fields closes pieces and parcells of ground hereinafter particularly mentioned:
All those three closes of meadow or pasture ground
adjoining his farmhouse 5 acres
One close called Penn Croft 2 1/2 acres
One other piece of Meadow 2 acres
One other close of arable land called Great Wide Field 3 acres
One other close called Middle Wide Field 2 acres
One other close called Little Wide Field 1 acre
All which said fields or closes contain alltogether 15 acres and a half
Belsons Farm now in the occupation of Batchelor in the Parish of Amersham
Henry Batchelor: In his own possession
To his house and land at Woodside 11s 3 1/2d
Sir Thomas Saunders: Wm Ewers
To a house & land at Woodside formerly Pratts 4d
1740 Court Books D/BASM 2/1
Admission of Henry Batchelor, son & heir of Henry Batchelor the elder of Woodside yeoman
Messuage or Tenement called Austins & Pratts
New Mead
Old Mead
Ley orchard
Hills
Pratts
Avery Field
House Field
Ley Croft
______________________
n.d. Particulars of farms including tenants and field names.... D/DR/2/227
Henry Batchelor Woodside Farm
1761 11 May Will of Henry Batchelor of Amersham yeoman D 222
Leaves property to daughters Sarah Ewer Elizabeth Batchelor and Hannah Batchelor
_____________________________
1762 Court Books D/BASM 2/1
Admission of Sarah Ewer & Hannah Batchelor on the death of Henry Batchelor
Austins & Pratts
______________________________
1763 1- 2 Sept D 222
1) John Wells of Chesham husbandman & Hannah his wife late Hannah bachelor and dau in law and devisee of late Henry Batchelor
2) Jacob Ewer the younger of Woodside yeoman and Sarah his wife only surviving dau & devisee of Henry Batchelor
3) Joseph Saunders of Amersham husbandman
John nash of Amersham cordwainer
4) John Loveday of Amersham draper
Recites death of Elizabeth Batchelor dau of Henry Batchelor in his lifetime
Recites death of Elizabeth Batchelor wife of Henry Batchelor
All those three cottages or tenements wherein Thomas Grainger George Watts the elder and George Watts the younger did then dwell at Woodside
Long Croft 3 1/2 a
Little Penn )
Great Penn ) 13 a
Upper Barn Field )
Lower Barn Field ) 10 a
Upper Meadow 1 a
Turney Mead 1/2 a
Stockbury Mead 1/2 a
late in the tenure or occupation of Henry Batchelor and then of Jacob Ewer
+ land to be surrendered at nest court
All that Messuage or Tenement called Austins & Pratts situate and being at Woodside
New Mead
Home Mead
Ley Orchard
Hills arable & woodland
Pratts arable
Avery Field arable
Home Field arable
Ley Croft arable
58 a 1 r late in the occupation of the said Henry Batchelor and then of the said Jacob Ewer
__________________________________
1764 Court Books D/BASM 2/1
Sur: John Wells & Hannah his wife
Ad: Jacob Ewer & Sarah his wife
Austins & Pratts
1777 Wm Drakes Rental Woodside Farm W Bachelor £21 16 acres
1783 Jacob Ewer: Lee & Smith for farm & tenement £7 4 6
1784 Measurement of Woodside Farm D/BASM/2/9/2
Hills | 20 | 3 | 14 | ||
Barns | 5 | 1 | 14 | ||
Betwixt Barns and the Common | 5 | 0 | 15 | ||
Hither Pens | 8 | 1 | 17 | ||
Further Pens | 5 | 1 | 6 | ||
By Mortons | 4 | 2 | 21 | ||
Long Field | 8 | 0 | 6 | ||
Avery Field | 7 | 0 | 39 | ||
Pratts | 6 | 0 | 14 | ||
By the Ricks what is ploughed | 0 | 0 | 14 | ||
Long Croft beyond the Common | 3 | 1 | 0 | ||
Orchard by the stable | 1 | 0 | 16 | ||
Orchard with bit without the gate | 1 | 1 | 14 | ||
Orchard by the wheat barn | 1 | 1 | 30 | ||
Orchard behind the house | 1 | 1 | 9 | ||
Little Meadow | 1 | 2 | 30 | ||
Great Meadow | 4 | 1 | 32 | ||
-- | - | --- | |||
85 | 2 | 16 | |||
Woodland | 9 | 0 | 0 | ||
--- | -- | --- | |||
94 | 2 | 16 | |||
1800 Land Tax
Christopher Robinson: House land & wood £7 0 0
1831 Land Tax
John Stratton: Wm Scott £7 0 0
1831 Register of Electors
Stratton, John Thomas, Langley, Bucks Freehold Farm: Woodside Farm
1838 6 -7 Sept D 222
1) John Thomas Stratton & Jane his wife
2)Charles Arrowsmith
3)Edward Weller
William Weller the younger
4)Thomas Marshall
1839 26 April Admission of Edward Weller & William Weller
1839 Tithe Award Pratt’s Farm
Owner: Edward Weller and William Weller the younger Occ: themselves
124 Grubbed Ground arable 4 0 21
126 Hills do 21 2 28
129 Avery Field do 7 2 12
130 Upper Pratts do 6 1 22
131 Pratts do 7 3 24
132 Pratts do 7 0 23
133 Homestead & orchard grass 5 2 18
134 Arable close arable 6 2 10
135 Hither Barn Field do 5 2 24
136 Furher Barn field do 5 1 37
137 Common Plot grass 1 1 11
160 Great Penns arable 8 3 38
161 Little Penns do 7 3 10
162 Little Meadow grass 0 2 25
169 Allotment arable 7 1 8
_______
104 0 31
1851 Census Woodside Farm
William Statham 54 Farm bailiff to W Weller 138 acres 14 labourers
1871 Census Edward Weller 27 Landowner
1910 Valuation
Owner: W & G Weller 94 acres
1924 Denning, Frederick farmer Woodside Farm Rickmansworth Road
1925 Woodside belongs to Mr George Weller (V.C.H.)
1929 Bucks Examiner 15 Nov.
Woodside Farm, Amersham Common
50 short horn cattle, viz:
28 dairy cows
12 two to three years old heifers
9 head of Young stock
1 bull
6 cart horses
2 sows with litters
150 head of poultry
200 tons of mangolds and swedes
The straw, chaff, manure
Messrs W Brown & Co. have received instructions from the executors of the late Geo. Weller Esq., to sell by auction on the premises above on Thursday Nov 21st 1929
1930 Weller Estate, 78 acres, purchased by Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd. for £18,000 “soon to be covered with 535 semi detached houses (priced at £875 upwards) and 51 shops”. London’s Metroplitan Railway p.249
1930 Bucks Examiner 2 May
Metropolitan Railway Company (sic) Estates Ltd., submitted a plan for the lay out of the Weller Estate, Amersham
1930 30 Dec Plan Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Lt
WH Dougworth R H Powiss Ltd
New sewers & roads
Town planning approved Sep. 1st
1931 30 Jan Plan 2155 Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd W H Dongworth
6 houses type A
4 houses type B
6 houses type C
Weller Estate
Plan2185 ARDC Weller Road site 24 houses
1931 6 May Plan 2239 Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd
Plot 2 Station Road 6.5.31
1931 1 Aug Plan 2315 Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd
Four houses on plots 2,3,22 & 23 Woodside Road
1931 15 Dec Plan 2402 Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd W H Dongworth Marks & Gullett
House plot 8 The Rise Weller Estate 15.12.31
Plan 2438 Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd
2 houses plots 6-7
2 houses 19-20
2 houses 29-30
1932 For Sale freehold - Metropolitan Railway Country Estates Ltd. (Metroland p 110)
1935 Darvill, Wm Geo forage manure sand & gravel merchant Woodside Farm
1939 Darvill, Wm Geo manure merchant Woodside Farm
1941 Directory
Darvill, Wm & Son haulage contractors, Woodside Farm
1948 Amersham RDC bought buildings and 18 acres of land for Civic Centre
1951 Foundation of Amersham & District Community Association
1952 Directory
Woodside Farm Smiths Upholsterers Man Dir S Smith
Woodside Farm House J Darvil
1956 16 June Restored barn and stable handed over to Amersham & District Community Association
1965 Swimming pool commenced
1966-70 Farmhouse demolished
This information appears here with the kind permission of Julian Hunt see Julian Hunt's Local History website.
It is data collected in preparation for his publication A History of Amersham
Amersham
Introduction
Church: St Mary
Hundred: Burnham
Poor Law District: Amersham
Size (acres): 6119
Easting & Northing: 496198
Grid Ref SU960980 Click to see map
Names
Names & Places
Name | Type | Note |
---|---|---|
Amersham | PARISH | St Mary |
Agmomdesham | NAMES | name for Amersham in Domesday Book in 1086 |
Agmondesham Wodrowe | NAMES | name for Woodrow in 1520 |
Agmundisham | NAMES | name for Amersham in 1600 |
Amotesham | NAMES | name for Amersham in 1414 |
Egmonsham | NAMES | name for Amersham in 1513 |
Hakmersham | NAMES | name for Amersham in 1483 |
Hamersham | NAMES | name for Amersham in 1522 |
Rheins Fm | NAMES | name for Raan's Farm in 1826 |
Sharlees | NAMES | name for Shardeloes in 1625 |
Wheedon | NAMES | name for Weedonhill in 1826 |
Witley Wood | NAMES | name for Wheatley Wood in 1826 |
Baptist | NON-CONFORMIST | Upper Meeting House. First Mentioned: 1669. Formed a separate society in 1675 |
Baptist | NON-CONFORMIST | Coleshill Preaching Station. First Mentioned: ?. Recorded 1851 Religious census |
Baptist | NON-CONFORMIST | Lower Meeting House, High Street. First Mentioned: 1740. Seceded from Upper Meeting House |
Free Church, undenominational | NON-CONFORMIST | First Mentioned: 1911 |
Methodist Chapel | NON-CONFORMIST | High Street |
Plymouth Brethren | NON-CONFORMIST | First Mentioned: 1935 |
Quaker | NON-CONFORMIST | Friends Meeting House, Whielden Street. First Mentioned: 1660 |
United Reformed Church | NON-CONFORMIST | Woodside Rd. First Mentioned: 1908 |
Weslyan | NON-CONFORMIST | Bury End later Woodside Road. First Mentioned: 1818 |
Amersham Common | PLACE | within the parish |
Amersham Union Workhouse | PLACE | the workhouse in Whielden Street |
Amersham on the Hill | PLACE | within the parish |
Coleshill | PLACE | detached part of Hertfordshire |
Mantles Green | PLACE | within the parish |
Mop End (Part) | PLACE | within the parish |
Quarrendon (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
Shardeloes | PLACE | house in parish |
Weedonhill (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
Wheatley Wood | PLACE | within the parish |
Whielden Lane | PLACE | within the parish |
Winchmore Hill (Part) | PLACE | within the parish |
Woodrow | PLACE | within the parish |
Links
Links
Photographs
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Photographs in our Gallery |
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Pictures in the Frith collection |
These links will take you to external websites which will open in a new browser window. Bucks FHS is not responsible for nor has any control over the content of these sites. If any of these links do not work please let us know. It would be helpful if you could say which parish you were viewing and the name of the link which is broken.
Population
Population
These population figures are based on the Census results. The boundaries are those used in the particular census which may vary over time..
Note | |
1801 | 2130 |
1811 | 2259 |
1821 | 2612 |
1831 | 2816 |
1841 | 3098 |
1851 | 3104 |
1861 | 3019 |
1871 | 2726 |
1881 | 2500 |
1891 | 2613 |
1901 | 2674 |
1911 | 3392 |
1921 | 4221 |
1931 | 6121 |
1941 | N/A |
1951 | 10894 |
1961 | 14612 |
1971 | 17254 |
1981 | 17396 |
1991 | 17144 |
There was no census in 1941.
Records
Records
Parish | Church | Register | Start Date | End Date | Online Search | E-Mail Search | Publication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amersham | Lower Meeting House | Baptisms | 1773 | 1812 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Amersham | St Mary | Baptisms | 1561 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Amersham | St Mary | Marriages | 1561 | 1903 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Amersham | St Mary | Burials | 1561 | 1904 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Amersham | Lower Meeting House | Burials | 1784 | 1837 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Surnames
Surnames
These were extracted from our own records and presented as a guide.
Position | Before 1700 | 18th Century | 19th Century | Overall Surnames |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CHILD | CHILD | COX | CHILD |
2 | BALL | NASH | SMITH | NASH |
3 | HARDING | HUNT | SAUNDERS | BALL |
4 | HILL | SHRIMPTON | SLADE | SMITH |
5 | NASH | MILES | ROGERS | HILL |
6 | HARDINGE | HATCH | SHRIMPTON | SAUNDERS |
7 | CLARKE | HOBBS | LANE | SHRIMPTON |
8 | HUNT | AYRES | BALL | ROGERS |
9 | HILLAM | SMITH | BATSON | HUNT |
10 | CHILDE | HILL | KEEN | COX |
Churches
Churches
1669 Archbishop Sheldon’s Questionaire
For Anabaptists, of these we have a meeting at Woodside in David Symson’s house. One Robert Turner, a maltster in the town is often their preacher, and some time Edwards Ednepp, a blacksmith, and sometimes others out of other parishes. Their numbers at a time I know not, these have so met about these two years, which is so long as I have been in the town, and how long before I know not.
1677 Baptist Meeting House built
1706 Bishop Wake’s Episcopal Returns
{Amersham] is a large extent and has bout 200 fanmilies in it
There are many dissenters, especially Anabaptist and Quakers who each have of them a meeting house in it.
1709 Bishop Wake’s Episcopal Returns
Families 400; souls 2,000; dissenters of all kinds, chiefly Anabaptists and Quakers; these meet every Sunday; in number the former of 70, the latter of 90. About one third of the parish are dissenters
1779 Meeting House rebuilt at cost of John Harding
1797 25 April Death of John Harding of Amersham Common
1823 Meeting House passed to seceders from the Lower Meeting House
1944 Meeting House sold. Now private house
1777 House of Richard Morris in Amersham registered as a meeting house.
1783 Fund opened to erect "a more commodiuos building" on part of Richard Morris's "Great Yard"
1816 Rental Morris, Richard: For a house in the High Street formerly Henry Hobbs
in his own occupation Freehold 3d
1817 Death of Richard Morris
1842 British School built on rear of Baptist Chapel
1980 Interior refitted.
1713 Upper Meeting House
Baptised Sister Bigg of Woodrow by Brother North and had hands laid on her by Borther Charsley
1725 Dwelling house of John Bigg, sawyer, at Woodenrow in the parish of Amersham licenced as a meeting house
1734 1 May Recited in BAS 1260/38
1) John Bigg of Woodrow husbandman & Ann his wife
2) Philip James of Hemsted Herts Doctor of Divinity
Francis Walker of Princes Risborough gent
Robert Dorsett of Haddingham gent
Joshua Russell of Wapping Middlesex brewer
Samuel Burch junior of London corn factor
John Lane of Bovingdon Herts husbandman
Richard Moor of Coleshill labourer
Joseph Wheeler of Chesham clothworker
John Tims of Chesham bricklayer
Jonas Bovingdon of Woodrow husbandman
Francis Fryer of Chenies husbandman
Lazarus Pratt of Amersham glover
Thomas Honnor of Woodrow shoemaker
All that piece or parcel of ground with appurtenances situate lying and being at Woodrow then or late in the tenure or occupation of the said John Bigg and Ann his wife....for the purpose of erecting building and setting up thereon a tenement edifice or building to be from time to time and at all times during the said term of 800 years used and enjoyed by a Society or Congregation of Protestant Dissenters of which they the said grantees were the chosen trustees as a meeting house or place of public and religious worship ...
1738 Rental Manor of Woodrow
Wm Drake: David Salter
For lands and premises hereafter mentioned:
Dovehouse Mead adjoining to his house 3a
In Church Field, Gospel Field & Meeting House Platt 25a
1741 Entries in the parish registers for burials at Woodrow from this date
1775 Rev Richard Morris came to Woodrow from Lancashire to preach the Baptists cause
1781 5 July BAS 1260/38
1) Thomas Honnor of Beaconsfield Taylor son of Thomas Honnor late of Woodrow shoemaker
2) Simon Verlander of Amersham collector of excise
John Hailey the elder of Amersham plumber & glazier
Nathaniel Palmer of Penn cordwainer
George Rogers of Penn husbandman
James Carter of Penn husbandman
Thomas Parker of Penn cordwainer
1792 Woodrow meeting house abandoned. Congregation joins fellow Particular Baptists in the town.
Description
Extract from the Universal British Directory 1791
Is a borough town. It is 26 miles from London; has a market on Tuesdays; fairs Whitsun-Monday for cattle, 19th of September for ditto and statute. The chief manufactures are lace, which is considerably large chiefly black lace; the sacking manufacture, which is but small and a manufactory for cotton, by Messrs. Morris, Hailey, and Hailey, of all kinds of white cotton goods, by machinery of the newest, and some of it of peculiar, construction.
It lies in a vale between woody hills, near the river Colne, and has a free school, founded in the reign of queen Elizabeth. This little town consists of a long street, in the road from Uxbridge to Buckingham, divided about the middle by a shorter cross street; in the intersection of which stands the church; its town-hall, or market-house, is the handsomest in the county. The living is said to be the best in England. Here are three inns, at which are good accommodations ; the Crown inn, Fowler; the Griffin inn, Loton ; the King's Arms, Morgan. The post-office, at the Crown inn, opens mornings at 7, and shuts at 9 o'clock in the evening. Aylesbury stage coach to London at 10 every day, except Saturday; and 1 o'clock in the afternoon from London every day, except Sunday; stops at the Griffin; inside fare 7s. outside 3s. 6d.- Amersham and Missenden stage coach, from the Crown inn, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 8 in the morning; comes in Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 5 o'clock in the evening ; fare as above. Waggon Mondays and Thursdays, at noon to London; comes in Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 6 o'clock in the evening. On the hill, rather North of Amersham, is the seat of John Drake, D. D. which commands a fine view of the town; rather beyond the town, West, it the seat of William Drake, Esq. M. P. a noble house, in a fine large pleasant park. It is 3 miles from Amersham to Chesham ; 5 miles to Beaconsfield; 7 miles to High Wycomb; 3 miles to Little Missenden, a small village, at which there is a church, the minister, the Rev. Mr. Anderson. Here is a boarding, school for young ladies, by Mrs. Reed. Five miles from Amersham, is Great Missenden, a large village, in it is a church, the minister, Rev. Mr. Nevell a little beyond this, is the seat of Capt. Backas, one of his majesty's justices of the peace. It is 3 miles from Amersham to St. Giles's Chalfont, a small village, near which is the seat of Sir Hugh Palliser, Bart, and also, not far from hence, is the seat of Henry Gath, Esq. one of his majesty's justices of the Peace; it is also 5 miles from Amersham to St. Peter's Chalfont, a large village, at which is a church, the Rev. Mr. Jonas, minister, who is one of his majesty's justices of the peace.
Houses
1668 Some Account of the Circumstances in the Life of Mary Pannington from her manuscript left for her Family
We sought within a compass of four or five miles, but could find none.... Whilst I was thus distressed, and we had nearly concluded on going to Waltham Abbey, R.T. came to see us, and much bewailed our going out of the country, and having no place near them to return to. At length he asked why we did not buy some little place near them.... He said he had an uncle that had a little place that he would sell for about thirty pounds a year, that stood about a mile from the meeting house in a healthy situation; that there was a house on it, which might be trimmed up, and made habitable for a little expense.... Soon after T.B. came in ; I told him of the proposal made by R.T. He encouraged the thing saying that he had heard there were some rooms in the house that might serve. That night Thomas Elwood came out of Kent, and told me he had much to do to come back without selling my farm at Westbeer. I laid all these things together, and said “I think the best way is to sell Westbeer, and purchase this place which R.T. has mentioned; and with the overplus of money, put the house in a condition to receive us”. Next day I took Ann Bull with me and went on foot to Woodside, to John Humphrey’s house to view it. We came in by Hill’s Lane, through the orchard. The house appeared in such a ruinous condition, so unlikely to be fitted up, that I did not go inside it; and we gave over all thoughts about it, till we were disappointed of a house in Beaconsfield, which my husband was in treaty about. Upon this, we were pressed to go and see the house again, which T.E., H.B. and I did. Whilst I went about the house, they viewed the grounds. In less than half an hour I had the whole thing clearly in my mind, what to pull down, and what to add; and thought it might be done with the overplus money of the sale of Westbeer, that being valued at fifty pounds a year, and this thirty. I was quite recociled to the thing, and willing to treat about it. The day we went to see it, we walked to Chalfont, and took my son Penn’s coach thither, desiring him to make enquiry respecting the title etc. and let me know at Waltham, which he did, and sent us word that the title was clear, but that it was judged fifty pounds too dear...”
1680 Will of Mary Penington leaves property to son John Penington
1682 Death of Mary Penington.
1694 Oct 30 D/CH/A/13
1) John Tanner the elder
John Penington
2) Mary Prince widow
Listed in schedule to 1821 deed D/CH/A/13
1700 1 June
1) John Penington
2) Harbert Springett
William Springett
1708 31 May Will of John Penington of Amersham Woodside
Leaves to executors brother Daniel Wharley and Thomas Elwood of Coleshill in the parish of Amersham “all that messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell called Beale House with the lands appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying and being in the parish of Amersham”
1710 March 8 Death of John Penington. Buried at Jordans: John Penington of the hamlet of Woodside
1710 2 June Probate of Will of John Penington granted to Daniel Wharley and Thomas Elwood.
1713 1 May Death of Thomas Ellwood
1717 29 June
1) Daniel Wharley & Mary his wife
Thomas Pixley and Mary his wife
2) Robert Jackson
Listed in scedule to 1821 deed D/CH/A/13
1722 Amersham poor rate
Captain Jackson for late Peningtons £3.00
1728 Amersham court Rolls
Death of Robert Jackson who held freely messuage and land at Woodside
1730 2 April
1) Simon Aris
2) Peter How
Ann How
Grace Jackson
Bernard Swainson
Frances Swainson
3) Thomas White
4) Robert Attkyns sen
1738 Quit Rent
Foreigns of Amersham.
Thomas White Esq for house and land late Peningtons
1739 Quit Rent
Thos White Esq: in his own possession
House and land formerly Peningtons 1s 10d
1745 Quit Rent
Thomas White Esq for a house and land formerly Peningtons
1748 7 April
1) Thomas White and Margaret his wife
2) Johannah Stephens spinster
3) Philip Harcourt
1761 10 Dec
1) John Harcourt
2) Johannah Stephens
1761 24 Dec
1) Johannah Stephens
2) William Jennings
1763 4 March
1) Harcourt Powell
Anna Maria Poyntz
2) Rev Sepncer Cowpoer
3) Johannah Stephens
4) William Jennings & Harriet his wife
5) George Suthery
1764 10 May
1) George Suthery & Mary his wife
2) Robert Campbell
1768 13 Oct
1) Robert Campbell & Mary his wife
2) Richard woolley
Samuel Stanway
1769 29 June
1) Richard woolley
Samuel Stanway
2) Kender Mason
3) Robert Hassall
1770 Jeffery’s map Bail Hall Campbell Esq.
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Kendar Mason Occ: self house & Land £4 7s 4 1/2d
1786 26 July Will of Kendar mason of Hatton Street p of St Andrew Holborn
Estates in London Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Bucks and plantations in Montserrat Antigua and Dominica.,
1790 Times Index 11 Oct Death of Mr K Mason
1791 Will of Kendar Mason proved 22 March
1791 Amersham Court Roll
Death of Kender Mason who held freely house and land at Woodside late Mrs Stevens
1798 Posse Comitatus Amersham Woodside
Kender Mason Esq 3 horses 1 wagon 1 cart
1816 Rental Kendar Mason Esq
For a capital messuage and land at Woodside formerly Mrs Stevens and late Kendar Mason Esq deceased in his own occ
Freehold 3s 8d
Sold to Henry William Mason Esq
William Lowndes Esq
1817 2 April D/CH/A/10
1) Henry William Pomeroy lately Henry William Mason of Chalfont St Peter Esq
eldest son & heir of Kendar Mason of Hatton Street Esq deceased
2) Kendar Mason of Beel House Amersham Esq
younger son & heir of Kendar Mason of Hatton Street Esq deceased
3) Lord George Henry Cavendish
Allotments on Amersham Common 11a 0r 2p & 9a 3r 32p
1821 13 January D/CH/A/13
1) Langford Lovell
Baijer Otto Baijer
Henry William Pomeroy
2) Henry William Pomeroy
3) Thomas Tyrwhit Drake
4) Lord George Henry Cavendish
(Schedule includes deeds to Beel House 1694-1821)
1824 Bryant’s Map Beel Ho
1829 Henry William Mason of Amersham Esq High Sheriff
1830 Directory Mason, Henry William Esq Beel House
1830 12 Aug
Mary Harriett, daughter of Kender Mason deceased married William Lowndes of The Bury Chesham
1831 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Henry Mason Esq: Self £28 10s 3 1/2d
1836 August
1) Henry William Mason
2) William Lowndes
Beel House, Cokes farm and other lands
1839 Tithe Award 290-297
Owner: William Lowndes. Occ: Hon Lady Caroline Cavendish
1847 Directory Higham, John Esq Beel House
1883 Directory Milner, Dennis J.P. Beel House, The Common
1903 Directory Milner, Mrs. Beel House, The Common
? Tate & Lyle
1931 Directory Hargreaves, Mrs Arthur S Beel House
1939 Directory Mrs Arthur S Hargreaves, Beel House Amersham Common
1954 2 April
Bell House sold to Dirk Bogarde for £4,000 see Snakes & Ladders
1479 Thomas Cheyne buys Shardeloes manor for 200 marks
1591 Henry Cheyne & Henry his son sold Shardeloes to Henry Fleetwood
1595 Henry Fleetwood sold Shardeloes to William Tothill
William Tothill (1557-1626)
1575 Richard Tothill, famous printer who held a patent for printing legal books, buys Manor of Wedon Hill, Amersham
1593 Death of Richard Tothill. Son William Tothill, one of the Six Clerks in Chancery, inherits Wedon Hill Manor
1595 William Tothill purchases Shardeloes from Henry Fleetwood
1624 Committee for Priviledges and Returns accepted case for boroughs of Amersham, Marlow and Wendover to resume sending M.P.s to Parliament. Case brought by William Hakewill of Lincolns Inn who was elected to one of the Amersham seats in 1628.
1624 William Tothill negotiating with Lord Russell for the purchase of the manor of Amersham. Sale particulars 16 May 1624. The 148 freehold tenants would each have a vote.
1625 Francis Drake M.P. for Amersham.
1625 Death of Joane Drake, wife of Francis Drake and dau & coheir of William Tothill of Shardeloes bur at Amersham
1626 Death of William Tothill of Shardeloes bur at Amersham 10 December 1626. Heirs grandson William son of Francis Drake, and dau Catherine Tothill
Francis Drake ( -1633)
1625 Francis Drake M.P. for Amersham
1625 Death of Joane Drake, wife of Francis Drake and dau & coheir of William Tothill of Shardeloes bur at Amersham
1633 Death of Francis Drake Esq of Esher, Surrey, Gent of Privy Chamber to James I bur at Walton on Thames
William Drake (1606-1669)
Chirographer to the Common Pleas
1630 William Drake M.P. for Amersham
1632 Catherine Tothill renounces right to Shardeloes in favour of her nephew William Drake
1637 William Drake of Shardeloes completes the purchase of the manor of Amersham from the Russells
1641 Sir William Drake created a baronet
1649 Sir William Drake in Italy until 1660. Leases 150 acres to James Perrott his steward on condition he provided diet for three people including Sir William's invalid aunt Catherine Tothill
1649 Lease for 3 years at £25 p.a. D/DR/1/1
1) Sir William Drake of Shardeloes
2) James Perrott of Amersham gent
Acres
Castrupps Close 26
Brokefield Close Pasture 8
Church Path Close 7
Highwood Close Pasture 10
Brocksalls Close 8
Cherry Tree Close)
Stony Field ) 17
Colliers Close 14
Orchard Field 28
Bentleyes Close )
Whiteleyes Close) arable in occ William Trego 24
New Warehouse Meadow meadow 28
The Hopp Garden moorish ground 1 1/2
All in Amersham parish
With barns stables and yards to the capital messuage or tenement called Shardeloes.... for the term of three years.... yearly rent or sum of £25 .... paying therefore for the said term of three years at Shardeloes aforesaid good wholesome and sufficient diet for three such persons as the said Sir William Drake shall there leave and appoint to inhabit.... and in case Mistress Katherine Tothill shall happen to depart this life at any time before the end of the said term and that there shall not be three persons there residing.... Sir William Drake.... will bear and pay all such taxes charges and expenses as he the said James Perrott his executors or assigns shall necessarily expend during the said term in quartering of soldiers and their horses at Shardeloes aforesaid and that the said James Perrott his wife and family may lawfully dwell and inhabit in some convenient part of the mansion house at Shardeloes
1657 Sir William Drake of Shardeloes builds six almshouses at Amersham
1669 Death of Sir William Drake of Shardeloes bur at Amersham Succeeded by nephew William Drake, son of brother Francis Drake of Walton on Thames
William Drake ( -1690)
1661 William Drake M.P. for Amersham
Married Elizabeth second dau & heir of Sir William Montague Knt Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer
1674 Rental
John Sells hath taken ye several grounds following for 1 year and to enter in June 1675 and lease it at our lady Day 1676 And then to be in the hands of Sir Wm Drake to let at an improved rent or to keep them for ye accommodation of his house which he thinks most convenient that is to say
Highwood Close
Church Path Close
Brocksells
Orchard Field
Castrupps not to be ploughed nor broke up
Middle Warehouse Mead
Long Orchard
£41 10s p.a.
1682 Market Hall built by Sir William Drake of Shardeloes
1690 Death of Sir William Drake of Shardeloes bur at Amersham
Montague Drake (1673-1698)
1692 Ledger
John Sells
The new farm by the Fifh Ponds which had been Hayes £34 10s
By 1697 this was called “Farm by the Pond, called The Canall” and the rent was reduced to £31 10s but this was never paid in full, as a gift or allowance £17 p.a. was made to Mrs Selles
1695 Montague Drake M.P. for Amersham
1698 21 July Inventory of Montague Drake Esq of Shardeloes
£
Stony Field 12 acres of wheat 42 0 0
Church Patch Close 9 acres of peas 9 0 0
Brookfield 9 acres of barley 15 15 0
Little Castrope 6 acres of beans & peas 10 10 0
Upper Grove rick of last years peas 6 0 0
Long Orchard 5 rood of barley 2 3 0
Orchard Field 17 acres of oats 25 5 0
Wilderness 2 1/2 acres barley 6 5 0
Cherry Tree Close and the other field
Score of weathers 13 0 0
26 ewes & 6 lambs 9 0 0
A cow calf 3 0 0
At grass 2 mares & 4 geldings 15 0 0
1698 Rent Book D/DR2/18q
Benjamin Peede
For that farm by the Canal which had been left by John Seller widow 2 quarters £17 0 0
1698-1705
1851 Census Shadeloes House
staff only
Education
Education
Agmondesham, or Amersham Borough and Parish, including the Hamlet of Coleshill, situate in the County of Hertford (Pop. 3,313.)
Thirty-four Daily Schools, which collectively contain 201 males and 274 females; one of these is an Endowed Classical School, open to all the residents in the parish without restriction ; but the number of children at present on the foundation, are not distinguished from other daily scholars (the master states that full particulars have been furnished to the Commissioners of Charities;) another School is endowed with £20 per annum for writing and arithmetic; 20 boys (each of whom pay 4d. per week), are instructed by this charity; all the other children (the classical scholars excepted), are paid for by their parents.
One Day and Boarding School, wherein 38 males are educated at the expense of their parents.
Four Sunday Schools, in two of which are 133 males and 180 females,who attend the Established Church; these Schools are endowed under the will of the late William Drake, Esq., with £10. 12s. 10d. per annum, and are otherwise supported by voluntary contributions ; the other two are of the Baptist denomination, and supported by contributions, one of which consists of 70 males and 125 females; the other (commenced 1824), of 33 males and 31 females.
Abstract of Education Returns 1833
Manor
1066 Queen Edith 7 1/2 hides
1086 Geoffrey de Mandeville 7 1/2 hides
1200 Earl of Essex secures Charter for a Friday market and a fair on the vigil and day of Nativity of the Virgin
1419 Duchy of Lancaster Rentals and Surveys Bundle 14 No 4
Manor let to John Jourdelay for £40 13s 4d
The site of the manor contained 2 acres, on which was built a hall with two rooms annexed covered with tiles. There were a chapel, a kitchen, dovecot worth 40d., and a sheepfold. Within the ‘Gayndriam’ was a new hall with a room, a stable and a small house with granary. There was another dovecot within a shed, and six woods called Hyswood, Westwod, Hoddesnesswod, Bernegrove, Stokburywod and Braynfordwod
Corn mills let at 100s.
1485 Approximate date of Birth of John Ruseel at Berwick nr Bridport, Dorset
1506 Having travelled and aquired a knowledge for foreign languages, accompanies Archduke Philip of Austria to Court after he was driven into Weymouth in a storm en route from Flanders to Spain
1507 John Russel appointed Gentleman of the Privy Chamber by Henry VII
1520 Attended Henry VIII at Field of the Cloth of Gold
1521 Edward Duke of buckingham executed for treason. Manor of Amersham taken by the Crown
1522 John Russell knighted after the battle of Morlaix at which he lost his right eye.
1526 Married Anne dau of Guy Sapcote heiress to Chenies Manor
and builder of the Russell Chapel at Chenies Church
1526 Amersham granted to Sir John Russell, favourite of Henry VIII
1539 Created Baron Russell of Chenies
1540 Granted Abbey of Tavistock
1550 John Russell granted Abbey of Woburn and created Earl of Bedford
1554 Went to Spain to escort King Philip to England
1555 Death of John Earl of Bedford. Buried at Chenies. Succeeded by son Francis, 2nd Earl of Bedford
1555 Francis 2nd Earl of Bedford succeeds to family property
1585 Death of Francis Earl of Bedford. Succeeded by grandson Edward
1585 Edward 3rd Earl of Bedford succeeds grandfather
1601 Involvement in Essex's rebellion. Fined. Attempt to raise money by sale of property opposed by heir presumptive Francis
1613 Edward Earl of Bedford secures fresh grant of a market on Tuesday
1618 Francis Lord Russell appointed administrator of Chenies and Amersham estates
1626 Death of Edward 3rd Earl of Bedford. Buried at Chenies.
1637 Francis Earl of Bedford conveys manor of Amersham to William Drake for £7,500
1641 Francis 4th Earl of Bedford dies of small pox. Buried at Chenies
1559 Patent to print law books granted to Richard Tothill for life
1575 Richard Tothill, famous printer who held a patent for printing legal books, buys Manor of Wedon Hill, Amersham
1593 Death of Richard Tothill leaving property in Buckinghamshire and Devon and house in Fleet Street. Son William Tothill, one of the Six Clerks in Chancery, inherits Wedon Hill Manor
1595 William Tothill purchases Shardeloes from Henry Fleetwood
1606 Birth of William son of Francis Drake of Esher, Surrey by his wife Joan, daughter of William Tothill
1624 A case was brought before the Committee for Priviledges and Returns of the House of Commons by William Hakewill of Lincoln’s Inn on behalf of the boroughs of Amersham, Wendover and Marlow seeking the restoration of their right to send two representatives to Parliament last excercised in the year 1309. The case was upheld on the grounds that the boroughs had failed to send representatives due to poverty alone and in the election of 1624, William Hakewill and John Crewe were returned for Amersham
1624 William Tothill negotiating with Lord Russell for the purchase of the manor of Amersham. Sale particulars 16 May 1624. The 148 freehold tenants would each have a vote. 25 copyhold tenants.
1625 Francis Drake M.P. for Amersham.
1625 Death of Joane Drake, wife of Francis Drake and dau & coheir of William Tothill of Shardeloes bur at Amersham
1626 Death of William Tothill of Shardeloes bur at Amersham 10 December 1626. Heirs grandson William son of Francis Drake, and dau Catherine Tothill
1606 Birth of William son of Francis Drake of Esher, Surrey by his wife Joan, daughter of William Tothill
1625 Francis Drake M.P. for Amersham
1625 Death of Joane Drake, wife of Francis Drake and dau & coheir of William Tothill of Shardeloes bur at Amersham
1633 Death of Francis Drake Esq of Esher, Surrey, Gent of Privy Chamber to James I bur at Walton on Thames
bibliophile & classical scholar took little active part in in politics
1606 28 Sept Baptism of William son of Francis Drake of Esher, Surrey by his wife Joan, daughter of William Tothill
1630 William Drake M.P. for Amersham
1632 Catherine Tothill renounces right to Shardeloes in favour of her nephew William Drake
1637 2 May D/DRD/2/22
1) Rt Hon Francis Earl of Bedford
Rt Hon Sir William Russell Kt son & heir apparent
2) William Drake of Shardeloes Amersham Esq
£7,500
All that the lordship or Manor of Amersham .... in the said County of Bucks and in the County of Herts .... and also all those woods coppices and soil of wood .... situate lying and being in the parish of Amersham and Beaconsfield .... and called or known by the several name or names of
Bramford Wood 50 acres
Puddyfoote Spring 30 acres
Hills Wood 30 acres
Hillfield Grove 24 acres
Hillfield Spring 12 acres
Earls Wood 12 acres
Wood adjoining Earls Wood 11 acres
Beeshen Wood 8 acres
And also all those waste grounds .... lying and being in the parishes and hamlets of Amersham and Beaconsfield .... called....
Coltshill Green
Wickham Heath
Westwood
Amersham Heath
Now or late being in the tenure or occ of the Earl of Bedford
And also all that the site capital messuage or manor house of Amersham .... called the Bury together with all and every the houses edifices buildings barns stables dovehouses yards orchards gardens lands tenements meadows leasows pastures feedings and arable lands .... situate lying and being in the town fields parishes and hamlts of Amersham and Beaconsfield .... now or late in the tenure or occupation of Sir Thomas Sanders Kt and Francis Sanders his brother or either of them and to them demised .... by the said Earl by indenture bearing date 12 July in the ninth year of his said majesty (1634) for their lives under the yearly rent of 84 quarters of good sufficient and reasonable mault
Stockings farm in occ Walter son of Henry Tredway gent deceased leased to the said Henry by Edward Earl of Bedford 15 May 16 James I for 90 years or lives of the said Walter Tredway Daniel Readinge and Henry Wyngfield at £9 p.a.
Water mill in Amersham late in the occupation of Tobias Sanders together with a messuage barns stables and outhouses to the said mill adjoining .... with all leasowes pastures and one meadow contaning 3 acres leased by the said Edward Earl of Bedford to said Tobias Sanders, Henry Watkins and Bridgett Watkins 10 Nov 12 Jas I 3 life lease at £6 p.a.
Also messuage and tenement in Amersham in the tenure of Thomas Daye leased by Francis Earl of Bedford to Thomas Daye 26 Nov 5 Chas I 16 yrs at £5 p.a.
Messuage or tenement in the occupation of Henry Greenwood Francis Earl of Bedford to Henry Greenwood 24 Nov 10 Chas I £1 p.a.
1641 Sir William Drake created a baronet
1649 Sir William Drake in Italy until 1660. Leases 150 acres to James Perrott his steward on condition he provided diet for three people including Sir William's invalid aunt Catherine Tothill
1652 Made Chirographer of the Common Pleas (probably exercised by a deputy)
1657 Sir William Drake of Shardeloes builds six almshouses at Amersham
1661 Returned to Parliament forAmersham. Retained seat until his death
1669 Death of Sir William Drake of Shardeloes bur at Amersham Succeeded by nephew William Drake, son of brother Francis Drake of Walton on Thames
Married Elizabeth second dau & heir of Sir William Montague Knt Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer
1661 William Drake M.P. for Amersham (Said to have been “under the command of his father- in-law”) Remained M.P. till death in 1690.
1682 Market Hall built by Sir William Drake of Shardeloes
1690 Death of Sir William Drake of Shardeloes bur at Amersham
Married Jane dau and heir of Sir John Garrard 3rd Bart M.P. of Larner, herts
1695 Montague Drake M.P. for Amersham
1698 Death of Montague Drake bur at Amersham
Tory
1692 14 Oct Birth of Montague Garrard Drake, son of Montague Drake of Shardeloes by Jane dau and heir of Sir John Garrard 3rd Bart M.P. of Larner, Herts
1713 M.P. for Amersham till 1722
1719 13 Oct Married Isabella dau and heir of Thomas Marshall of London merchant
1722 M.P. for Buckinghamshire till 1727
1727 M.P. for Amersham 1727 till death in 1728
1728 April Death of Monatague Garrard Drake
Tory. No recorded speeches in House of commons
1723 12 May Birth of William son of Montague Garrard Drake by Isabella dau and heir of Thomas Marshall of London merchant
1746 26 Feb Returned as M.P. for Amersham. Served until his death in 1796.
1747 9 Feb Married Elizabeth daughter and heir of John Raworth director of South Sea Co.
£100,000
Independent. Frequent speaker in House of Commons
1747 Birth of William son of William Drake by Elizabeth daughter and heir of John Raworth
1768 Represented Amersham until his death in 1795. Reputed by the Public Ledger to be “a very independent, conscientious man, votes on each side but most usually in the minority”. He spoke frequently in a loud voice, generally advocating caution in public expenditure
1795 18 May Death of William Drake. The Gentleman’s Magazine reported that “He has left an immense property partly aquired by marriage, and partly by some collateral branches. Had he lived to inherit that of his father, he would have been one of the richest men in the country”.
Pubs
1653 25 Nov D/DRD/2/29
1) Susanna Newman one of daus of Mary Newman late of Amersham widow
2) William Drake of Shardeloes Knight
£86
All that messuage or tenement with appurts now used for a victualling house called or known by the name or sign of the Chequer situate and being in Amersham aforesaid adjoining to the messuage or tenement called the Angel on the one side and to a messuage now or late of George Ball on the other side
And also one orchard or meadow platt thereunto adjoining and belonging lying and being in Amersham aforesaid containing by estimation 3 roods be it more or less and now in the tenure of the said George Ball
And also all that other messuage or tenement with appurts situate and being in Amersham aforesaid adjoining to the further end of the said orchard or meadow platt
Endorsed Mrs Newmans conveyance of the Chequer Inn in Whielden Street
1674 Rental
Timothy Sanders for the Angell Inn orchard & meadow £7 0s 0d
1692 Ledger Edward Leared:
House formerly the Angel, ground adjoining to it, and a mead of 6 acres £29
1696 Ledger John Costard
That which was the Angell in Amersham with the Orchard and a part of the
Berry Field £12
1698 Rent Book D/DR/2/18 q
p 49 1698-1702 John Costard
That which was the Angel Inn in Amersham with his orchard and a part of Berry Field
Half years rent £12
1702-1707 William Hopper for the same house and land
1720 8 Feb. Will of William Hopper of Amersham lace buyer
Leaves to son Henry Hopper:
All that Messuage or Tenement with the appurtenances wherein I now dwell together with the outhouses edifices buildings barns stables yards orchards gardens and backsides thereto belonging
And also that close or parcel of arable land called the Berry Field adjoining to the orchard of or belonging to the said messuage contaning by estimation 4 acres .... held by lease of Montague Garrard Drake Esq at the yearly rent of £57
Proved 9 May 1721
BELL INN
1706 Elizabeth son of John Hopper victualler bapt
1724 Recognizances Victuallers of Amersham
Quarter Sessions
John Child of Amersham victualler surety for them all including John Hopper
1736 D/DR/2/71
Deeds to messuage in High Street in the occupation of John Hopper called the Bell adjoining to Copt Hall and forming part of it from Richard Lovett 1736
1736 D/DRD/2/74
Cottage called Copt or Copped Hall two cottages near to it in occ Widow Hill and William Almond and newly erected brick cottage adjoining in occ Lancelot Arnold
1739 Quit Rental
Henry Marshall Esq Mrs Drake Lancelot Arnold and John Hopper for house 6d
1742 Map 55-56
1753 Alehouse recogniscences Edward Pearcy 1753-1757
N.B. no further Alehouse recogniscences
BLACK HORSE
1776 John Dean
1780 Faith Dean
1785 John Dean
1798 Posse Comitatus Amersham Woodside
John Dean Publican
1801 Sarah Dean
1824 Marked on Bryants map
1824 Francis Edge
1839 Tithe 112 Owner: John & William Weller
Occ: Joseph Putnam
1851 Census Amersham Common
Joseph Putman 49 Victualler
1872 Weller: George Line
1880 O.S. Map marked as Black Horse P.H.
1893 Licence transferred to the Station Hotel
Catherine Wheel,
1734 D/DR/2/184 Deeds to two messuages one called the Catherine Wheel John Ware to Joshua Parsons
1753 John Foster 1753-1766
1767 Esther Foster widow 1767-1768
Chequers Inn, Whielden Street
1653 25 Nov D/DRD/2/29
1) Susanna Newman one of daus of Mary Newman late of Amersham widow
2) William Drake of Shardeloes Knight
£86
All that messuage or tenement with appurts now used for a victualling house called or known by the name or sign of the Chequer situate and being in Amersham aforesaid adjoining to the messuage or tenement called the Angel on the one side and to a messuage now or late of George Ball on the other side
And also one orchard or meadow platt thereunto adjoining and belonging lying and being in Amersham aforesaid containing by estimation 3 roods be it more or less and now in the tenure of the said George Ball
And also all that other messuage or tenement with appurts situate and being in Amersham aforesaid adjoining to the further end of the said orchard or meadow platt
Endorsed Mrs Newmans conveyance of the Chequer Inn in Whielden Street
1692 Rental
James Nash
Tenement near the Chequer in Whilding
John Wingfield:
Farm called Denterhold Land £28 0 0
House called Hell where he dwells by the Saracens Head £8 10 0
Chequer alehouse let by him to Webb 4 10 0
1723 Rental D/DR/2/26
John Webb for the Chequer £2 14s 0d
Chequers Inn, Bury End
1756 Thomas Boddington
1760 Hannah Boddington
1761 Joseph Deering
1770 Matthew Line
1777 Sun insurance 378703 11936/254
£
Matthew Line of Amersham co Bucks victualler
On his household goods in his now dwelling house only situate
as aforesaid brick & tiled 45
Utensils & Stock therein 50
___
95
__________________
1783 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Mr Wm Child Occ: Matt Line 11s 0d
1793 John Ayres
1800 Land Tax Amersham Woodside
Owner: Exec of Wm Child Occ: John Ayres 11s 0d
1807 Samuel Cawdery
1839 Tithe Award John & William Weller
433 Thomas Putnam Chequers Inn & garden
1851 Census Thomas Putnam 54 Innkeeper
1872 Return of Public Houses
Chequers Over 50 Years Owner Messrs Weller, Amersham
Occ: Thomas William Axten
Crown Inn
1696 Assessment James child for the Crown £1 18s 0d
1708 Deposition of witnesses taken at the house of James Childs called and known by the name and sign of the Crown in Amersham in the 7th year of Queen Anne, 1708
1739 Quit Rental
Henry Marshall Esq, Mrs Tipping, Mrs Dickson, John Child butcher:
William Eeles for the Crown Inn and Orchard Quit Rent 3s 1d
1739 D/DRD/2/85
1) John Child
2) Isabella Drake
Recites division between four daughters of John Cheesman of Amersham innholder deceased
1/4 part of Capital messuage called the Crown in occ William Eeles or his assigns
1742 Map 117
1753 Charles Fowler
1755 Charles Fowler the younger
1765 Window Tax 29 lights
1776 Moiety of Crown Inn from John Lawrence D/DRD/2/85
Late in tenure of William Eles now of Charles Fowler
1783 Katherine Fowler
1783 Land Tax Amersham Town
Wm Drake Esq: Katherine Fowler £2 4s 0d
1784 John Fowler
1789 Account for bricklayers work done for Wm Drake Esq at the Crown Inn by Samuel Maycock
1790 ? William Weller married Katherine Fowler
1792 Directory “.... good accommodation.” [John] Fowler
1798 Posse Comitatus
John Fowler victualler Amersham Town
10 horses 2 wagons 3 carts
1824 Charles White Fowler
1830 Directory Crown, Charles White Fowler (& wine and brandy merchant) High Street
1839 Tithe Award Thomas Tyrwhitt Drake: William Wilson
Francis Priest
530-1 Crown Inn Yard Garden and House
1851 Census Crown Inn William Wilson 42 innkeeper
1851 Census Crown Inn
Thomas Bown 46 innkeeper
1872 Public Houses
Crown Owner T T Drake; Occ: William George
1881 Census William George 57 victualler & farmer
1891 Directory Collins, Alfred George Crown Hotel High Street
1903 Directory Read, Frederick Crown family & commercial hotel, High Street
1910 Valuation Drake, W W T: Read, Frederick Crown P.H. High street
1928 Drake Sale Catalogue
Let to Trust Houses Ltd
Dove Inn
1753 William Moerton
1756 William Morton
See Old Griffin
Eagle Inn (145 High Street)
1728 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Abraham Benning 0s 6d
1735 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Wm Nevett: Wm Nevett 0s 6d
1743 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Widow Nevett: Widow Nevett 0s 6d
1761 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Eliz & Martha Hobbs: William Woodbridge & Lazarus Pratt 0s 6d
1771Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Martha Hobbs: Wm Woodbridge & Laz Pratt 0s 6d
1783 Land Tax
Henry Woodbridge: Wm Shrimpton 6s 0d
Henry Woodbridge: Wm Woodbridge 4s 0d
1785 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Martha Woodbridge: Wm Woodbridge & Wm Shrimpton 0s 6d
1800 Land Tax
Walker: Herself & William Only 10s 0d
1810 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Late Jane Walker widow: Wm Dimes and Nathaniel Birch late himself & Wm Olney 0s 6d
1831 Land tax
Daniel Field: self House 4s 0d
Mrs Axten: Mary Gwilliam House 6s 0d
1839 Tithe Award
486 John & William Weller: Charles Hailey house & garden
1851 Census William Climpson 29 labourer chair maker
William Wheeler 31 brewers labourer
1856 Beerhouse licence
1872 Owner: Messrs Weller, Amersham
Occ: Henry A Rogers
1891 Census The Eagle Beerhouse
Joseph Aylett 42 publican
1939 Eagle P.H. (Chas MacDonald) High St
1941 Macdonald, Charles beer retailer
1952 The Eagle licensee W Phillips
2000- 2008 Still a pub
Elephant and Castle (97 High Street)
1728 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Ed Child sen or Jos Nash 1s 9 1/2d
Wid Todd & Mrs Tanner 1s 9 1/2d
1729 Amersham Rectory Court Rolls
..... Hunphreys who held freely of the lord of the manor two messuages or tenements now in three tenements in the possession or occupation of Joseph Nash ....Todd widow and Henry Hobbs at 3s 7d rent has alienated the same to Thomas Todd
1735 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Thos Todd Humphreys: Jos Nash John Todd & Rich Wid Todd & Wid Tanner 3s 7d
1743 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Rich Todd: Joseph Nash John Todd & Rich Todd 3s 7d
1761 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Mary Parsons: Jos Nash Jos Climpson & Eliz Todd 3s 7d
1771 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Mary Parsons: Jos Nash Wm Gates & Eliz Todd 3s 7d
1783 Land Tax Mrs Mary Parsons: James Line 8s 0d
1785 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Mary Parsons: James Line Wm Berry & Thos Humphreys 3s 7d
1792 Directory Priest, Francis grocer
Priest Francis cordwainer
1800 Land Tax William Statham: Francis Priest 8s 0d
1810 Amersham Rectory Quit Rental
Wm Spratley late Wm Statham part of 3s 7d: himself late Francis Priest jun 1s 0d
John Statham late ditto: William Berry Daniel Hatch late John Salter & Benj Hoare late Wm Clarke 2s 7d
1830 Beerhouse licence
1831 Land Tax William Spratley: self 8s 0d
1847 Directory Spratley, William beer retailer & butcher, High street
1869 Directory, Dumbarton, Henry butcher high Street
1872 Owner: Wethered Occ: Henry Dumbarton
1883 Directory, Dumbarton, Henry butcher high Street
1903 Directory Dumbarton, William Henry butcher High Street and Childs Farm Woodrow
2000 Still a pub
Amersham on the Hill - Developers
This information appears here with the kind permission of Julian Hunt . It is data collected in preparation for his publication A History of Amersham
Ashley Green
Introduction
Church: St John the Evangelist
Hundred: Burnham
Poor Law District: Amersham
Size (acres):
Easting & Northing: 497205
Grid Ref SP970050 Click to see map
Names
Names & Places
Name | Type | Note |
---|---|---|
Ashley Green | PARISH | St John the Evangelist |
Leigh | NAMES | name for Lye Green in 1766 |
Grove (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
Lye Green | PLACE | within the parish |
Pressmore (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
The Thorne | PLACE | within the parish |
Whelpley Hill | PLACE | within the parish |
Links
Links
Photographs
![]() |
Photographs in our Gallery |
These links will take you to external websites which will open in a new browser window. Bucks FHS is not responsible for nor has any control over the content of these sites. If any of these links do not work please let us know. It would be helpful if you could say which parish you were viewing and the name of the link which is broken.
Population
Population
These population figures are based on the Census results. The boundaries are those used in the particular census which may vary over time..
Note | |
1801 | 559 |
1811 | 471 |
1821 | N/A |
1831 | N/A |
1841 | 536 |
1851 | N/A |
1861 | N/A |
1871 | N/A |
1881 | N/A |
1891 | N/A |
1901 | N/A |
1911 | 587 |
1921 | 595 |
1931 | 684 |
1941 | N/A |
1951 | 682 |
1961 | 897 |
1971 | 1088 |
1981 | 940 |
1991 | 961 |
There was no census in 1941.
Records
Records
Parish | Church | Register | Start Date | End Date | Online Search | E-Mail Search | Publication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ashley Green | St John the Evangelist | Baptisms | 1876 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Ashley Green | St John the Evangelist | Marriages | 1876 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Surnames
Surnames
These were extracted from our own records and presented as a guide.
Position | Before 1700 | 18th Century | 19th Century | Overall Surnames |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GARDNER | SMITH | PUDDEPHATT | PUDDEPHATT |
2 | GROVER | BATCHELOR | REDDING | SMITH |
3 | WETHERED | PUDDEPHATT | JUDGE | REDDING |
4 | WARE | GEARY | CHAPMAN | BATCHELOR |
5 | SALE | BALDWIN | BAIL | GARDNER |
6 | DARVILL | WARE | WOODS | WARE |
7 | POWELL | NASH | CHARGE | GEARY |
8 | FOARD | WATERTON | BROWN | JUDGE |
9 | DELL | PUTNAM | BRACKLEY | BALDWIN |
10 | TWITCHELL | HOW | WRIGHT | NASH |
Description
Description
The village of Ashley Green is situated on the B416 road running from Berkhamsted to Chesham. It is one of the typical Chiltern villages, consisting of a long 'green', with a church, post office/ shop, village hall and public house. Unfortunately, it is dissected by the main road.
The soil is clay, in chalk flints, and there are many underground rivers and streams in the area. There are also underground sandstone caves in the village. These are filled with water most of the year round it is supposed, and no one seems to know where the entrance to the caves is, although it is strongly suspected that the entrance is in a small area near the green, now owned by the Water Board. It is also thought that from the caves leads a passageway to Berkhamsted Castle.
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "The Buckinghamshire Village Book" (1987) and reproduced here with their permission
Whelpley
Whelpley Hill
The Romans made a camp on the hill now known as Whelpley Hill, situated high up on the edge of the Chilterns. The Romans moved on and for a while the little place slumbered. Later a little hamlet developed. Through all the changes in the following centuries the little hamlet has survived.
A major change to the village's traditional way of life came with the Second World War. Our menfolk took up arms and uniforms joining the defence volunteers. Evacuees were made welcome and quickly absorbed into village life. Everyone at home was busily involved in first aid classes, fitting gas masks and raising money for the war effort. Then, suddenly, there came the bulldozers carving huge swathes through the standing corn. Unbelievably, we heard that our village was to become part of an airfield. Large areas of concrete were laid criss-crossing the village. What was happening? It looked as if we were to be cut off from the outside world. Barriers were erected at each end of the village but we were told we would be issued with passes to allow us to leave and enter. So the villagers watched and waited.
A few weeks later some American servicemen arrived to prepare the area for operation as a bomber airfield. On a sunny afternoon we watched the arrival of the 'Flying Fortresses' which, after landing, moved to their dispersal points, four of them only fifty yards away from our Village Hall. The local lads soon adopted their favourite plane, for each had a name painted on the side, such as Yankee Doodle, Friday the 13th, Memphis Belle, Johnny Reb and Bad Penny to name but a few. Friendly relations between the crews and villagers soon developed, especially in our Village Hall. We danced and we sang together. It was our boast that we never had any trouble. Preparations went on apace for bombing operations. Each morning at dawn we were awakened by the roar of engines as the aircraft were readied for take off for that day's target. Some did not return, their parking place empty. The village mourned. Many well known faces appeared around the village, Clark Gable, Glen Miller, Bob Hope, James Stewart and William Holden, to name a few.
In September 1944 the bombers left the airfield, their places taken over by the Air Transport Service, whose task it was to return the American servicemen to the U.S.A. In a few months the war ended. The village gradually settled down to its normal quiet ways. Concrete dispersals and runways fell into disuse. The barriers were down. The land was eventually given back to the farmers.
Only the old runways remain, weeds and scrub growing freely between the cracks where so much action had taken place. Is it all in the past or does something still remain? Newcomers to the village walking their dogs in the area have experienced a feeling of a 'presence'. Their animals bristle and howl and sometimes run away home. Their owners cannot account for it. Is there something? Who knows? For many of those airmen leaving this airfield on their deadly missions, it was to be their last contact in this world. It makes one think!
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "The Buckinghamshire Village Book" (1987) and reproduced here with their permission
Notes
Notes
The ecclesiastical parish was formed in 1875 with the building of St John the Evangelist. A building of flint with stone dressings, the church was paid for by Miss Dorrien. The civil parish of Ashley Green was formed out of the civil parish of Chesham on the 1st April 1897. One of the main families in the early period of the parish is the Smith-Dorrien family
Chalfont St Giles
Introduction
Church: St Giles
Hundred: Burnham
Poor Law District: Amersham
Size (acres): 3726
Easting & Northing: 498193
Grid Ref SU980930 Click to see map
Names
Names & Places
Name | Type | Note |
---|---|---|
Chalfont St.Giles | PARISH | St Giles |
Boderellis Close | NAMES | name for Bottrell's Farm in 1505 |
Celfunde | NAMES | name for Chalfont in Domesday Book in 1086 |
Celfunte | NAMES | name for Chalfont in Domesday Book in 1086 |
Chalfounte | NAMES | name for Chalfont in 1535 |
Charlfont | NAMES | name for Charlfont in 1766 |
Chawfount | NAMES | name for Chalfont in 1538 |
Jurdens | NAMES | name for Jordans in 1766 |
Row Wood | NAMES | name for Roughwood Park in 1826 |
Congregational | NON-CONFORMIST | First Mentioned: 1669. New building in 1854 |
Primitive Methodist | NON-CONFORMIST | First Mentioned: 1835 |
Quaker | NON-CONFORMIST | Jordans. First Mentioned: 1669 |
Austens | PLACE | within the parish |
Boastridge | PLACE | within the parish |
Goldhill | PLACE | within the parish |
Grove (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
Jordans | PLACE | within the parish |
Maltmans Green | PLACE | within the parish |
Newland Park | PLACE | within the parish |
Outfield (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
Roughwood Park | PLACE | within the parish |
The Vache | PLACE | within the parish |
Three Households | PLACE | within the parish |
Links
Links
Photographs
![]() |
Photographs in our Gallery |
![]() |
Pictures in the Frith collection |
These links will take you to external websites which will open in a new browser window. Bucks FHS is not responsible for nor has any control over the content of these sites. If any of these links do not work please let us know. It would be helpful if you could say which parish you were viewing and the name of the link which is broken.
Population
Population
These population figures are based on the Census results. The boundaries are those used in the particular census which may vary over time..
Note | |
1801 | 762 |
1811 | 924 |
1821 | 1104 |
1831 | 1297 |
1841 | 1228 |
1851 | 1169 |
1861 | 1217 |
1871 | 1243 |
1881 | 1264 |
1891 | 1286 |
1901 | 1362 |
1911 | 1762 |
1921 | 2074 |
1931 | 2882 |
1941 | N/A |
1951 | 4381 |
1961 | 5927 |
1971 | 7118 |
1981 | 7004 |
1991 | 6601 |
There was no census in 1941.
Records
Records
Parish | Church | Register | Start Date | End Date | Online Search | E-Mail Search | Publication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chalfont St Giles | St Giles | Baptisms | 1576 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Chalfont St Giles | St Giles | Marriages | 1576 | 1910 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Chalfont St Giles | St Giles | Burials | 1584 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
School
School Records Project
Place | School Type | Name | Start Year | End Year | Indexed | Document Type |
Chalfont St Giles | Infants | Chalfont St Giles | 1873 | 1897 | Logbook | |
Chalfont St Giles | Chalfont St Giles | 1873 | 1893 | Logbook | ||
Chalfont St Giles | Chalfont St Giles | 1873 | 1890 | Yes | Admissions Register | |
Chalfont St Giles | Girls | Chalfont St Giles | 1881 | 1898 | Logbook | |
Chalfont St Giles | Girls | Chalfont St Giles | 1890 | 1921 | Yes | Admissions Register |
Chalfont St Giles | Infants | Chalfont St Giles | 1890 | 1908 | Admissions Register | |
Chalfont St Giles | Boys | Chalfont St Giles | 1893 | 1919 | Logbook | |
Chalfont St Giles | Infants | Chalfont St Giles | 1897 | 1931 | Yes | Logbook |
Chalfont St Giles | Girls | Chalfont St Giles | 1899 | 1906 | Logbook | |
Chalfont St Giles | boys | Chalfont St Giles | 1891 | 1921 | Admissions Register |
Surnames
Surnames
These were extracted from our own records and presented as a guide.
Position | Before 1700 | 18th Century | 19th Century | Overall Surnames |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | KIBBLE | HILL | CLARK | CLARK |
2 | DUNTON | BODDY | HEARNE | SAUNDERS |
3 | GRIMSDALE | COCK | SAUNDERS | HILL |
4 | RUSSELL | NASH | KEEN | WORLEY |
5 | GRIMSDALL | GREEN | REED | HEARNE |
6 | NASH | SMITH | WORLEY | KEEN |
7 | EWER | WORLEY | EDWARDS | REED |
8 | EVERED | KIBBLE | CHAPMAN | CHAPMAN |
9 | CRAFFORD | CLARK | CRAFT | CARTER |
10 | BODY | BUCKMASTER | CARTER | CRAFT |
Description
Chalfont St Giles lies about a quarter of a mile from the A413 about three miles south east of Amersham. This distance from the main road has helped to preserve its identity as a village with church, pond and village green surrounded by cottages. It has a recorded Roman road running through it, so has nearly 2,000 years of history. It is, in fact, a fine example of the development of an English village through the ages.
The church was built in Norman times and the dedication to St Giles may possibly refer to the beechwoods that once covered the surrounding hills, St Giles being the patron saint of woodlands as well as the sick, poor, lepers and cripples. The east window of the church is said to have been damaged by Cromwell's cannon stationed in Stone Meadow while Cromwell himself was lodged at Stone House. The river Misbourne flows through Stone Meadow and local folklore has it that if it stops flowing it foretells disaster.
The principal great house of St Giles is The Vache, a very ancient manor house. The de la Vache's, the owners of the manor may well have brought the name with them from Normandy when they came to England with William the Conqueror and took possession of the estate. The property passed later to Thomas Fleetwood, Master of the Mint to Queen Elizabeth I, and was held by that family until George Fleetwood, one of the judges of Charles I, was evicted from the property after the Restoration in 1660. The Vache estate is now owned and occupied by the British Coal Board.
Between St Giles and St Peters on the north side of the Misbourne valley is another great house, Newlands Park. It was constructed by a Georgian banker, Abraham Newlands, who eventually became Chief Cashier of the Bank of England. At that time all bank notes were signed by hand and since Mr Newland's signature appeared on £5 notes they were popularly known as 'Newlands'.
Chalfont St Giles is principally known for Milton's cottage, although it was never owned by him. When the Plague came to London in 1665 John Milton asked his friend and former pupil, Thomas Ellwood to find him a refuge. Ellwood rented the cottage on Milton's behalf but could not be on hand to welcome Milton and his family to the cottage because he was in prison for being a Quaker. He was released from prison while Milton was still at the cottage and visited him there. Milton is said to have handed him the manuscript of Paradise Lost which he had just completed, asking for his opinion. On returning the manuscript Ellwood said 'Thou has said much here about Paradise lost, but what has thou to say of Paradise found?' Legend relates that after the Plague Milton returned to London and wrote Paradise Regained. The cottage is now the only existing building in which Milton is known to have lived. It was purchased by public subscription in 1887 in honour of Queen Victoria's Jubilee, the Queen heading the list with a donation of £20.
On the hillside above Chalfont St Giles is an obelisk some 60 feet high made of flintstones with the corners strengthened with brick. Although the obelisk itself gives no clue as to why it is there, local legend has it that at this spot King George III, being out hunting and separated from his attendants by a sudden fog, accosted a yokel and asked where he was. The yokel replied that 'Peters is down there and Giles over yonder but this 'ere ain't rightly a place at all'. To which the King replied 'we will make it a place then'. He had the obelisk erected to mark the spot.
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "The Buckinghamshire Village Book" (1987) and reproduced here with their permission
Jordans
About a mile across the fields from Seer Green lies the village of Jordans which takes its name from 'Old Jordans', the farm where Quaker farmers lived in the 17th century.
Jordans village originated when some land became available in 1915-16. A small number of members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) saw an opportunity to establish a village and community where artisans and others could apply their skills for the benefit of the community. Jordans Village Industries was formed, but alas, was not a successful venture and went into voluntary liquidation in 1923.
The village was designed to surround a green; building began in 1919 and commemorative bricks were laid under the first house on February 15 th of that year, and on the nearest Friday to that date, a great supper is held, attended by as many of the tenants as possible. Building continued until 1923, by which time cottages were built round the Green and a number of single houses, all of which are rented on monthly tenancies. The management of the village estate is vested in a committee of 12 members — eight elected by shareholders, three from what is called Tenant Members Committee and one from the Society of Friends.
The Old Jordans farm house was bought by the Society of Friends and is now run as a Guest House and Conference Centre. In the grounds is the Mayflower Barn, reputed to be built of the timbers of the Mayflower which carried the Pilgrim Fathers to America. This barn is used in the summer for concerts and many other events.
On the road to Beaconsfield is the Friends Meeting House, built in 1688. In the graveyard, among many other early Quakers, lies the remains of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.
In the inevitable progress brought about by time, the nature of the village has modified, though much of the old spirit remains, and during the course of the year, many visitors come to visit the historic Meeting House and enjoy the lovely countryside around.
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "The Buckinghamshire Village Book" (1987) and reproduced here with their permission
Notes
Description of Chalfont St Giles from J. J. Sheahan in 1861.
This parish extends over 3,641 acres, and contains 1,217 persons. Rateable value, £4,623. The soil is gravelly with a subsoil of chalk at various depths, and is considered poor. The surface is undulated. The village is situated near the Misbourne stream, in a very secluded spot in a valley, 3.75 miles S.E. from Amersham, 4 miles N.W. from Gerrard's Cross; and 4 miles N.E. from Beaconsfield. A fair for pleasure is held here on the 22nd of June.
William Moreton, Esq., the Rev.Edward Moore, Mrs Priestley, and Mrs Main, are the other principal landowners in the parish.
The Church (St. Giles) stands on very low ground, and the building is an intermixture of flint, brick, and stone, chequered. Its component parts are a nave and chancel, with north and south aisles, and a tower at the west end. The tower is embattled and contains six bells. The building is principally in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles.
Education
Chalfont Saint Giles, Parish (Pop. 1,297)
A small Daily School (commenced 1826) in which 3 males and 6 females are instructed at the expense of their parents
Two Day and Sunday National Schools, attended by 73 males and 57 females
daily, and 78 males and 79 females on Sundays; both are endowed, but the funds being insufficient, they are further supported by voluntary contributions, and small weekly payments from the children. The master's salary is £40 per annum, with a house to reside in; the mistress's £20 with an allowance of £8 for house rent; in addition to which they have annual gratuities of £5, and £4 each, if the state of their respective Schools gives satisfaction to the visitor.
ABSTRACT OF EDUCATION RETURNS, 1833.
Chalfont St Peter
Introduction
Church: St Peter
Hundred: Burnham
Poor Law District: Amersham
Size (acres): 4758
Easting & Northing: 500190
Grid Ref TQ000900 Click to see map
Names
Places
Name | Type | Note |
---|---|---|
Chalfont St.Peter | PARISH | St Peter |
Celfunde | NAMES | name for Chalfont in Domesday Book in 1086 |
Celfunte | NAMES | name for Chalfont in Domesday Book in 1086 |
Chalfounte | NAMES | name for Chalfont in 1535 |
Charlfont | NAMES | name for Charlfont in 1766 |
Chawfount | NAMES | name for Chalfont in 1538 |
Baptist | NON-CONFORMIST | Gold Hill. First Mentioned: 1870 |
Austenwood | PLACE | within the pariah |
Gerrards Cross (Part) | PLACE | hamlet in parish until 1861 |
St Paul, Horn Hill | PLACE | Victorian Chapel of Ease with 40 places. |
Stampwell (Fm) | PLACE | within the parish |
Links
Links
Photographs
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Photographs in our Gallery |
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Pictures in the Frith collection |
These links will take you to external websites which will open in a new browser window. Bucks FHS is not responsible for nor has any control over the content of these sites. If any of these links do not work please let us know. It would be helpful if you could say which parish you were viewing and the name of the link which is broken.
Population
Population
These population figures are based on the Census results. The boundaries are those used in the particular census which may vary over time..
Note | |
1801 | 1174 |
1811 | 1153 |
1821 | 1351 |
1831 | 1416 |
1841 | 1483 |
1851 | 1482 |
1861 | 1344 |
1871 | 1459 |
1881 | 1456 |
1891 | 1509 |
1901 | 1753 |
1911 | 2802 |
1921 | 4183 |
1931 | 6217 |
1941 | N/A |
1951 | 8114 |
1961 | 12460 |
1971 | 14498 |
1981 | 13027 |
1991 | 12669 |
There was no census in 1941.
Records
Records
Parish | Church | Register | Start Date | End Date | Online Search | E-Mail Search | Publication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chalfont St Peter | St Peter | Baptisms | 1539 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Chapel of St Peter | Gold Hill | Baptisms | 1791 | 1836 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Chalfont St Peter | St Peter | Marriages | 1538 | 1902 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Chalfont St Peter | St Peter | Burials | 1584 | 1901 | Yes, click here |
Yes, click here |
Not available |
Surnames
Surnames
These were extracted from our own records and presented as a guide.
Position | Before 1700 | 18th Century | 19th Century | Overall Surnames |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | RANDALL | HUNT | NEWMAN | HUNT |
2 | TREDWAY | WORLEY | HUNT | NEWMAN |
3 | BROWNE | NEWMAN | ALDERMAN | HILL |
4 | DELL | SMITH | HILL | ALDERMAN |
5 | BUTTERFIELD | BENNETT | EDWARDS | EDWARDS |
6 | BABBE | FRANKLIN | HEATH | WORLEY |
7 | SMITH | GURNEY | LESLIE | HATCH |
8 | EWER | NASH | DANCER | SMITH |
9 | MUNKE | HATCH | JONES | JONES |
10 | DOWNES | EDWARDS | HATCH | JOHNSON |
Description
Chalfont St Peter is a village and parish on the main road, A413, from London to Aylesbury. It lies in a valley on the spur of the Chiltern Hills. The river Misbourne runs through the middle of the main village street, now culverted in the shopping area.
This was an agricultural area, but much has changed since the population exploded. This grew tenfold in 100 years from 1,456 in 1881 to 14,498 in 1981, the latest census year, and certainly much more by 1986.
The village street was very pretty, with some early 16th century buildings of rare and distinctive architecture. These included two very rare brick-built, half-timbered cottages which we called Wingfields.
The parish church of St Peter, in the diocese of Oxford, stands in the centre with the churchyard flanking the road. The church is a red brick and stone building with a fine tower. The present building was re-erected in 1708, the previous one having collapsed.
The Greyhound Inn, a striking red-brick building, had an imposing coach entrance. Sadly, this has been infilled of recent years. This was a stop for the stage coaches in the 18 th and early 19th centuries. The infamous Judge Jeffreys held court here when he lived at The Grange, a short distance away.
The George Inn, a cream washed building, stands facing the parish church. This still retains its coach entrance. A notice over a low door states: 'Duck or Grouse'! Alongside the inn a large modern shopping centre, with car park, has risen from the ruins of the 16th century 'Barrack Yard'.
The Grange is a charming house, built on the site of a former imposing residence and is steeped in history. Here was once the home of the infamous Judge Jeffreys and is now the Holy Cross Convent, a boarding and day school for girls.
The Cottage Hospital, its early title, was built in 1871 and was the gift of the Hibberts of Chalfont Park, with initially six beds and one cot. Now there are over 30 beds and, through the generosity of the public, outpatients and physiotherapy departments, a new X-ray department, day rooms and many other amenities have been added. It is now named The Chalfonts and Gerrards Cross Hospital and serves several parishes.
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "The Buckinghamshire Village Book" (1987) and reproduced here with their permission
Memories
I was born in Chalfont St Peter in 1902 and remember well conditions before the First World War. The milk was delivered to my home by a man who carried a heavy can, with half pint and pint measures suspended inside the can. We came to the door with a jug for twice-daily deliveries and once on Sunday. If we needed milk on Sunday afternoon, we collected it from the farm.
Mr Keys was the postmaster and he also ran a grocery business on the same premises. Mr Mills had a bakery and sold both bread and groceries in his shop. Mr Brown sold groceries, hardware and paraffin oil (no oil to be sold after dark!). Mr Bonsey kept The George and he also had a butcher's shop, now the saloon bar. At the rear of The George was a slaughterhouse where cattle were brought on foot controlled by a dog and a man (or often a boy), from Watford cattle market (ten miles away) and Slough (six miles). Mr Stone also had a bakery and confectioner's shop. Mr Dell was the carrier "to and from London twice per week”, and Mr Bastin “to and from Uxbridge daily”.
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "Buckinghamshire Within Living Memory" (1993) and reproduced here with their permission
Memories
The River Misbourne once flowed over the main road at one point and was known as 'the splash'. Horses and carts paused here to be washed down. When the first cars came they often got stuck in the splash and the local lads would call out, 'Push you out for a penny, Sir'. At times the houses were flooded and on one occasion the customers were marooned in a pub. A foot-bridge was built and eventually by 1968 the River Misbourne had competely disappeared under a shopping precinct and parking space with flats above.
The London to Aylesbury coach stopped every five miles and as a coaching stop Chalfont St Peter was a village of pubs. Several have been demolished in the last twenty years, but the Greyhound, visited once by Sir Winston Churchill on his way to Chequers from No 10 still stands. A few years ago a grand archway through which the coach and horses passed, was blocked up and made into a dining room.
When the first buses came, their route could be changed without warning because the driver went wherever the majority of passengers wished and stopped at their own front gates. The fare to London was- half a crown.
There have always been gravel pits in the area, many now filled in and built on. A local pig farmer was distressed when because of swine fever his animals had to be destroyed, but while digging graves for them he found gravel and made more money than he ever had on pigs.
Phyllis Warden, Chalfont St Peter
Extracted from 'A Pattern Hundreds' (1975) and reproduced with the kind permission of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes
Horn Hill
Horn Hill was meant to have been a model village and, where the Hall now stands, there were at the turn of the century, six picturesque cottages but without 'mod-cons'. Mr H. D. Harben, the then Chairman of the Prudential, bought Newland Park and much of the adjoining land, farms, and above-mentioned six cottages.
On inspecting his agent's book, he saw that one cottage was rented by someone and found it to be a young man who used it in the week-nights for a games and reading room for the youth of the locality and, on Sundays, for a Sunday School and evening service. He refused to take more rent and said that he would build a suitable building for the Sunday work and a recreation room. It meant the demolition of the cottages, and, firstly, he built 12 cottages in three blocks of four higher up in Roberts Lane, and as a temporary measure, let the young man have rent-free a cottage he owned up Rickmansworth Lane. He intended making a model village of the whole area, but alas he died in 1910 before completion of the Hall. The Village Hall was being built on the site where had stood the six cottages opposite the small church - St Paul's - a Chapel of Ease.
Mr Eric Harben, his son, had the Hall completed and he opened it in 1911. Mr Harben was a barrister and he drew up the rules for the running of the Hall. Unfortunately, the First World War made it impossible for Mr Harben to carry on living at Newland Park, so that the model village his father had envisaged did not come to pass. So many people have wondered why such an outstanding building is found in such a rural setting, and one wonders what Horn Hill would have been like had Mr Henry Harben lived and had fulfilled his dream. The first 12 cottages were the beginning of the dream, and the Village Hall was and is a monument to his memory.
Article written by members of the Buckinghamshire Federation of Women's Institutes for the publication "The Buckinghamshire Village Book" (1987) and reproduced here with their permission
Notes
Description of Chalfont St Peter from J. J. Sheahan, 1861.
This parish is about thirteen miles in compass, and contains 4,717 acres. Population, 1343; rateable value, £5,751. The soil consists of chalk and brick earth, interspersed with numerous flints. The Misse, or Misbourne stream runs through the parish, about three miles from north to south. A great portion of Gerrard's Cross Common is in this parish. The village is large and situated 5 miles N.E. from Beaconsfield, 5 miles S.S.E. from Amersham, and 5.5 miles N.N.E. from Uxbridge. There is a Fair for pedlary and toys on the 4th and 5th of September. At Durrants Heath is an earthenware pottery, and brick and tile manufactory.
Chalfont Park is on the verge of the turnpike road to London, and is a fine and extensive demesne, undulated and beautifully timbered. Here is an ash said to be the largest and most ancient ash-tree in England. It is 25 feet in circumference.
Education
Chalfont Saint Peter's, Parish (Pop. 1,416)
Two Daily Schools, in which about 24 males and 30 females are instructed, at the expense of their parents.
One Day and Sunday National School (commenced 1829), which is daily attended by 60 males and 36 females, and by 70 males and 45 females on Sundays; supported by subscription.
One Sunday School, of the Baptist denomination, in which 36 males and 45 females are gratuitously instructed.
ABSTRACT OF EDUCATION RETURNS, 1833.