Essex

Essex is in Home Counties.

1001 First Battle of Alton

1665 Great Plague of London

1666 Four Days' Battle

1671 Woodcock and Flatfoot Race at Newmarket

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Aldham [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Belchamp St Paul

Around 1526 Margery Golding Countess of Oxford was born in Belchamp St Paul.

On 01 Aug 1548 John de Vere 16th Earl of Oxford (age 32) and Margery Golding Countess of Oxford (age 22) were married at Belchamp St Paul. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. He the son of John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford and Elizabeth Trussell Countess of Oxford.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Blackmore [Map]

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

Ingatestone Blackmore

Augustinian Priory of St Lawrence Ingatestone Blackmore [Map]

On 15 Jun 1519 Henry Fitzroy 1st Duke Richmond and Somerset was born illegitimately to Henry VIII (age 27) and Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount Baroness Clinton and Tailboys (age 21) at Augustinian Priory of St Lawrence Ingatestone Blackmore [Map].

Ingatestone Hall Ingatestone Blackmore

On 02 Jul 1742 Robert Petre 8th Baron Petre (age 29) died of smallpox at Ingatestone Hall Ingatestone Blackmore. His son Robert Edward Petre 9th Baron Petre succeeded 9th Baron Petre.

St Edmund and St Mary's Church Ingatestone Blackmore

On 11 Oct 1613 John Petre 1st Baron Petre (age 63) died at West Horndon and was buried in St Edmund and St Mary's Church Ingatestone Blackmore. His son William Petre 2nd Baron Petre (age 38) succeeded 2nd Baron Petre.

Jericho Manor, Blackmore

Henry Machyn's Diary. 04 Sep 1551. The iiij day of September ded my lade Admerell (age 39) wyffe in Lynkolne-shyre, and ther bered.

Note. Death of the lord admiral's wife. This lady [Note. The editor of the diary appears to have confused Bessie Blount, who died around July 1540, with Edward Clinton's second wife Ursula Stourton Baroness Clinton who died in 1551.] was the mother of the duke of Richmond, the natural son of king Henry the Eighth: to whom she gave birth at Jericho, a manor near the priory of Blackmore in Essex, in the year 1519. She was married shortly after to sir Gilbert Talboys, who was summoned to Parliament as lord Talboys in 1529, died 15 April, 1530, and was buried at Kyme in Lincolnshire. She became secondly the wife of Edward lord Clinton (age 39), lord admiral of England, who after her death was in 1572 created earl of Lincoln. She had issue by her first husband two sons, Robert and George, who both died without issue, and one daughter, Elizabeth (age 29), who became his heir, and was, first, the wife of Thomas Wymbish (who claimed the barony of Talboys jure uxonis), and, secondly, of Ambrose Dudley (age 21), earl of Warwick. By lord Clinton she had issue three daughters: viz. Bridget (age 15) wife of Robert Dymoke of Scrivelsby (age 20) co. Linc. esquire, Katharine (age 13) wife of William lord Burgh of Gainsborough (age 18), and Margaret (age 12) wife of lord Willoughby of Parham (age 14). Her royal offspring the duke of Richmond died on the 24th July, 1536, at the age of seventeen years.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Bocking [Map]

In 1495 Bishop Thomas Ruthall (age 23) was appointed Rector of Bocking, Essex [Map].

In May 1577 Archdeacon John Mullins was collated to the rectory of Bocking, Essex [Map]. In Oct 1583 he was made Dean of Bocking, Essex [Map] along with Bishop John Still (age 43).

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Boreham [Map]

On 14 Dec 1593 Henry Radclyffe 4th Earl of Sussex (age 61) died. He was buried at Boreham [Map]. His son Robert Radclyffe 5th Earl of Sussex (age 20) succeeded 5th Earl of Sussex, 5th Viscount Fitzwalter, 14th Baron Fitzwalter.

The Great Road leaves Chelmsford [Map] along Sprinfield Road [Map] through Boreham [Map], Hatfield Peverel [Map], Witham [Map], Kelvedon [Map] aka Canonium, Marks Tey [Map] where it was joined by Stane Street to Chichester before reaching Colchester [Map] aka Camulodunum.

New Hall, Essex

Archaeologia Volume 3 Section V. 31 Jul 1515. I, Thomas Butler (age 89) knt. erle of Ormonda, do make this my last will and testament, &c.

Item I give and devise to my dar dame Anne St. Leger (age 60) — to my dar dame Marg’t. Bolin (age 61), late the wife of Sir Wm. Bolin knt. my manor of Newhall in Essex

Item when my lorde my father, whose soul God affoile [?], left and delivered unto me a lytle whyte horne of ivory , garnished at both thendes with gold, and corse thereunto of whyte sylke , barred with barres of gold, and a tyret of golde thereupon, which was myn auncetours at fyrst time they were called to honourb, and hath sythen contynually remained in the same blode, for wych cause my seid lord and father commanded me upon his blessing, that I shuld doo my devoir to cause it to contynue still in my blode as far furth as that myght lye in me soo to be doone to the honor of the same blode. Therefore for the accomplishiment of my seid father’s will, as farr as it is in me to execute the same, I will that my executors delyver unto Sir Tho. Boleyn (age 38) knt. son and heir apparent of my said dar Margaret (age 61), the said lytle white horn and corse, he to keep the same to the use of the issuee male of his body lawfully begotten. And for lack of such issue the said horne to remayne and be delyvered to Sir George Seyntleger (age 31) knt. son of my said dar Anne, and to the issue male which successively shall come of the body of the said George. And so to contynue in the issue male of the bodies of the same dame Margaret and dame Anne, as long as shall fortune any such issue male of their bodies to be. And alls for default of issue male of the body of any of my said daughters, the said horn to remaine, and to be delivered to the next issue male of my said auncetors, so that it may contynew styl in my blode hereafter as long as it shall please God, lyke as it hath doone hytherto to the honor of the same blode.

Note a. He was the 7th Ead of Ormond, and 3d son of James the 4th Earl. He was attainted by E. IV, but restored by H. VII. sworn of the privy-counci, and summoned as a baron to the English parliament by the title of Thomas Ormond de Rochford. He died 1515, and was buried in the church of Sir Thomas D'Acres, now Mercers Chapel, London. His two daughters married as above, Sir James St. Leger, ancestor to the family of Eggesford, in Devonshire, and Sir William Bullen, Knight of the Bath, and father of Tho. Viscount Rochford (age 38), [who was the father of] Queen Anne (age 14), and Mary (age 16) wife of Wm. Carey (age 15), ancestor to the Lord Hunsdon.

Note b. Q. Whether, on Henry II's appointing Theobald, the first of this family, butler of Ireland, 1177, or on the creation of the first Earl of Ormond, by E. I, when the county of Tipperary was made palatine.

Chronicle of Queen Jane and Two Years of Queen Mary 1553. 23 Jul 1553. A lettere written in London mentiones that the lord admirall, and the lords Greye (age 44),b Garret, Wormon,c and the lord Fitzwarren, sir Henry Sidney (age 24), and sir James Croffts (age 35), with divers others, have already their pardon graunted them.

The duke of Northumberland is in custody of the garde as a prisoner in Cambridge, and my ladie his wyfe, the lord Guilford (age 18), and the lady Jane (age 17), are in the Towere as prisoneres. My lord marques of Northampton, the earle of Huntingdon, sir Henry Gates, and divers other, cannot as yet gett their pardones."

Note b. William lord Grey of Wilton (age 44) was the commander upon whose military talents the duke of Northumberland seems to have mainly relied: but lord Grey, who had been an adherent of the duke of Somerset, probably did not serve on this occasion very cordially. He seems to have left Northumberland when at Cambridge, and made his submission to Mary; who on her arrival at her manor of Newhall in Essex, on the 31st of July, dismissed him to his former charge of the castle of Guisnes, with a reinforcement of 350 footmen and 50 horsemen demi-lances: see her letters patent, printed in the Appendix to the Life of Lord Grey of Wilton, No. VI.

Note c. The earl of Ormond.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 14 Jun 1561. The xiiij day of June was bered in Essex my lade Wartun, the wyff of ser Thomas Wartun (age 66), behyng presoner in the towre of London [Map] at here deth and berehyng, and master Somersett the harold of armes, a gret baner of armes, and iiij dosen of skochyons of armes, the wyche the good lade ded of a thowgh [cough], and she was as fayre a lade as be, and mony mornars in blake, and grett mone mad for her in the contrey.

Note. P. 259. Funeral of lady Wharton. "Lady Anne Ratclyff, daughter to Robert erl of Sussex and lady Margaret his wyff daughter of Thomas erl of Darby, late wyff to sir Thomas Wharton (age 66) knight, son and heyr to Thomas lord Wharton, dyed the 7. of June, 1561, at the honner of Bewlew, otherwysse called Newhall, in Essex, and was beryed in the parishe churche of Boreham the xiiijth of the mounthe aforesaid: leaving issue Phelyp Wharton son and heyre, Thomas Wharton 2 son, Mary Wharton, Anne." (MS. Harl. 897, f. 18.)

Vesta Monumenta. 1765. Plate 2.26. East Window of St Margaret's Church, Westminster [Map]. A sixteenth-century Flemish-inspired stained-glass window produced in Holland and shipped to England around 1526. Known now as the "Great East Window at St Margaret's Church, Westminster," its three central lights show the Crucifixion, and its two outer lights feature portraits of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The window was first installed in the Church of Waltham Abbey, and then moved to New Hall, Essex during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The window was installed in St. Margaret's in 1758. Engraving by James Basire (age 35) after George Vertue.

Tudor Letters. Cecill, in the "submission" and apology which he presented to queen Mary on his meeting her at Newhall, (a document prejerved in the MS. Lansdowne 104, and printed in Tytler's Edward the Sixth and Mary, vol. ii p. 192,) alleges, "7. I eschewed the wrytyng of the Quenes highnes bastard, and therfore the duke wrote the lettre himself whioh was set abroode in the realm."

The very paper here alluded to, wholly in the writing of the duke of Northumberland, is now preserved in the Lansdowne MS 3, art. 24. It is now printed with all its erasures and interlineations, the former shown by Italic types, the latter by parentheses, and the reader will thus be enabled to follow the thoughts of the wily politician in its composition: --

Vesta Monumenta. May 28, 1573, Queen Elizabeth granted to Thomas Ratcliffe earl of Suffolk, all that capital mansion-house commonly called the Honor and Manor of Biewliew, alias Newhall, or Biewliew-house, and all the buildings and demesne lands thereto belonging, with the Old Park1 And Dec. 31, following, she further granted to the same earl all the manor of Boreham, the manor of Walkfare, the manor of Oldhall, and the honour of Beauliew, alias Newhall2 This nobleman was lord deputy and lieutenant of Ireland, in the reign of her predecessor, and was continued in that office by herself; he was also lord president of the North in her twelfth year, and made several successful inroads into Scotland. He was employed in several foreign negotiations, and sat as one of the peers on the duke of Norfolk's trial, and was lord chamberlain of the household at the time of his decease, June 9, 15833. By a deed of feofment, dated Dec. 20, 1579, he settled the manor of Beaulieu, alias Newhall, with divers other lordships and lands in Essex and elsewhere, on the issue male of his own body until the tenth son: remainder to his brother Sir Henry Ratcliffe, knight, for life, and, after his decease on Robert Ratcliffe son and heir apparent to the said Henry and the heirs male of his body, and for a lack of such issue on Thomas Ratcliffe, esq. son and heir of Sir Humphrey Ratcliffe of Elnestow, c. Bedford, knight, deceased, and the heirs male of his body; remainder to Edward Ratcliffe second son of the said Sir Humphrey, and the heirs male of his body; and for default of such issue to the lady Frances his sister, then wife of Sir Thomas Mildmay, knight, and the heirs of his body by her4 He married first Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Wriothesley earl of Southampton, by whom he had two sons who died young; and secondly, Frances daughter of Sir William Sydney, knight, sister of Sir Henry Sydney Knight of the Garter, but dying without issue male surviving, he was succeeded in this and his other estates by his brother Henry earl of Sussex, who died April 10, 15945, leaving his only son and heir Robert, who, though, as his grandfather, he married two wives, yet died without issue male surviving, Sept. 22, 16296. Before his decease he had sold this estate for £30,000. to George Villiers duke of Buckingham, on whose murder by Felton, Aug. 23, 1628, it descended to his son George, a minor, duke of Buckingham, who having, 1648, engaged with the earl of Holland and others to rise in behalf of king Charles I. and being defeated and dispersed at Kingston upon Thames, the parliament voted him a traitor, and sequestered his estates. This was sold by the commissioners appointed by parliament for that purpose7 and purchased by Oliver Cromwell; the consideration money being 5s. and the computed yearly value £.1309. 12s. 3½d.8 But in 1653 he exchanged it for Hampton Court, paying the difference9 It was then sold to three wealthy citizens of London for £.18,000. Mr. Morant says, "Undoubtedly the duke of Buckingham recovered it at the Restoration." Whether he did or not, it was then purchased by George Monk duke of Albemarle, who lived here in a splendor which greatly reduced his fortune, and dying Jan. 4, 1669-70, was succeeded in his estate and title by his only son Christopher, who died 1688, in Jamaica, of which he had been appointed Governor the year before. He married Elizabeth eldest daughter of Henry earl of Ogle, son and heir apparent to William Cavendish duke of Newcastle, who being jointured in this estate was remarried 1691 to Ralph Duke of Montague. From that time this noble mansion was neglected and became ruinous. Her Grace died at Newcastle House, near Clerkenwell-church, Aug. 28, 1734, in the 96th year of her age.

Note 1. Pat. 16 Eliz.

Note 2. Pat. 17 Eliz.

Note 3. Dugd. Bar. II. 286.

Note 4. Ib.

Note 5. Ib. 287.

Note 6. Ib. 288, [sic]

Note 7. Scobell's Collection of Acts July, 1651. c. 10.

Note 8. Mr. Booth's MS. Collections for Essex.

Note 9. Parliamentary History, XX. p. 223.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Borley

On 18 Oct 1599 Frances Neville (age 80) died at Borley.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map]

In 1276 Thomas Dagworth 1st Baron Dagworth was born at Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map].

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Bradwell-on-Sea [Map]

In 1241 Roger Acquigny (age 61) died at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Before 1284 Florence Acquigny (age 62) died at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Braintree Essex [Map]

On 30 Jan 1846 Katherine Wood was born to Reverend John Page-Wood 2nd Baronet (age 50) at Braintree Essex [Map].

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

The River Brain rises near Great Bardfield [Map] where it is known as Pods Brook. From there it flows past Shalford Green [Map] through Braintree Essex [Map], past White Notley [Map] and Witham [Map] after which it joins the River Pant aka Blackwater.

Panfield, Essex

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 08 Apr 1719. Mr President brough an M:S. of the Antiquitys and History of Penfied in Essex which was read over. It was wrote by Mr Holmes [Note. This is noted as ?Holman so may not refer to George Holmes (age 57)] and thanks were ordered to him for it, it being a curious and very particular account of the place.

Ordered eodem die that one print of King Richard be presented to the public library of Oxford also one of the Font.

Stisted [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Brentwood [Map]

Around 1455 Richard Fitzlewis was born at Brentwood [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1658. I went with my wife (age 23) to keep Christmas at my cousin, George Tuke's, at Cressing Temple, in Essex. Lay that night at Brentwood [Map].

Pepy's Diary. 03 Aug 1665. By and by met my Lord Crew (age 67) returning, after having accompanied them a little way, and so after them, Mr. Marr telling me by the way how a mayde servant of Mr. John Wright's (who lives thereabouts) falling sick of the plague, she was removed to an out-house, and a nurse appointed to look to her; who, being once absent, the mayde got out of the house at the window, and run away. The nurse coming and knocking, and having no answer, believed she was dead, and went and told Mr. Wright so; who and his lady were in great strait what to do to get her buried. At last resolved to go to Burntwood [Map] hard by, being in the parish, and there get people to do it. But they would not; so he went home full of trouble, and in the way met the wench walking over the common, which frighted him worse than before; and was forced to send people to take her, which he did; and they got one of the pest coaches and put her into it to carry her to a pest house. And passing in a narrow lane, Sir Anthony Browne, with his brother and some friends in the coach, met this coach with the curtains drawn close. The brother being a young man, and believing there might be some lady in it that would not be seen, and the way being narrow, he thrust his head out of his own into her coach, and to look, and there saw somebody look very ill, and in a sick dress, and stunk mightily; which the coachman also cried out upon. And presently they come up to some people that stood looking after it, and told our gallants that it was a mayde of Mr. Wright's carried away sick of the plague; which put the young gentleman into a fright had almost cost him his life, but is now well again. I, overtaking our young people, 'light, and into the coach to them, where mighty merry all the way; and anon come to the Blockehouse, over against Gravesend, Kent [Map], where we staid a great while, in a little drinking-house.

The Great Road left London at Aldgate Gate [Map] after which it crossed the River Lea then continues to Gallows Corner [Map], through Brentwood [Map], Ingatestone [Map], White's Place [Map] after which it reaches Caesaromagus aka Chelmsford [Map].

Codham Hall Brentwood

Around 1429 Henry Wentworth was born to Roger Wentworth (age 34) and Margery Despencer 3rd Baroness Despencer, Baroness Ros (age 32) at Codham Hall Brentwood.

In 1453 Margery Wentworth was born to Henry Wentworth (age 24) and Elizabeth Howard (age 35) at Codham Hall Brentwood.

Around 1457 Margaret Wentworth was born to Henry Wentworth (age 28) and Elizabeth Howard (age 39) at Codham Hall Brentwood.

Around 1457 Elizabeth Wentworth was born to Henry Wentworth (age 28) and Elizabeth Howard (age 39) at Codham Hall Brentwood.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Brightlingsea [Map]

The River Colne rises near Ridgewell, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Great Yeldham [Map], Sible Hedingham [Map], Halstead [Map], Earls Colne [Map], Wakes Colne [Map], Aldham [Map], Fordham Heath [Map] to Colchester [Map] then past Wivenhoe [Map] where it widens before joining the North Sea at Brightlingsea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Bruyn

On 16 May 1571 George Tyrrell of Thornton in Buckinghamshire (age 41) died at Bruyn.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Chignall St James [Map]

The River Can rises at High Easter [Map] from where it flows past Clatterford End [Map], Frambridge End [Map], Chignall St James [Map] and Writtle [Map] to Chelmsford [Map] where it joins the River Chelmer.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Chipping Ongar

In 1719 Barton Booth (age 37) and Hester Santlow (age 29) were married at Chipping Ongar.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Chrishall

Around 1357 Joan Cobham (age 20) died at Chrishall.

On 31 May 1379 John Pole (age 40) died at Chrishall.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Clatterford End [Map]

The River Can rises at High Easter [Map] from where it flows past Clatterford End [Map], Frambridge End [Map], Chignall St James [Map] and Writtle [Map] to Chelmsford [Map] where it joins the River Chelmer.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Clavering

In 1144 John Fitzrichard 6th Baron Halton was born to Richard Fitzeustace 5th Baron of Halton (age 24) and Albreda Lissours (age 16) at Clavering.

On 29 Apr 1310 Robert Fitzroger 5th Baron Warkworth (age 70) died at Clavering.

In 1329 Margaret Zouche Baroness Warkworth (age 78) died at Clavering.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Coggeshall [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Colne Priory [Map]

On 24 Jan 1360 John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 47) died. He was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. His son Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford (age 24) succeeded 8th Earl of Oxford.

After 22 Nov 1395 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. King Richard II of England (age 28) had the coffin opened to kiss his friend's hand and to gaze on his face one last time.

On 10 Mar 1513 John de Vere 13th Earl of Oxford (age 70) died at Hedingham Castle [Map]. He was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. His nephew John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford (age 13) succeeded 14th Earl of Oxford.

On 14 Jul 1526 John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford (age 26) died. He was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. His second cousin John de Vere 15th Earl of Oxford (age 55) succeeded 15th Earl of Oxford.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Cressing Temple

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Dec 1658. I went with my wife (age 23) to keep Christmas at my cousin, George Tuke's, at Cressing Temple, in Essex. Lay that night at Brentwood [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Dagenham

Valence House Dagenham

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Danbury

Around 1478 Roger Darcy was born to Thomas Darcy (age 19) at Danbury.

In 1503 Richard Southwell was born to Francis Southwell (age 27) and Dorothy Tendering (age 18) at Danbury.

Around 1524 Mary Darcy was born to Thomas Darcy 1st Baron Darcy Chiche (age 17) and Audrey Raynsford (age 20) at Danbury.

In 1540 Richard Southwell (age 37) and Thomasine Darcy (age 33) were married at Danbury. She the daughter of Roger Darcy and Elizabeth Wentworth Countess Bath (age 70).

In 1540 Richard Southwell was born illegitimately to Richard Southwell (age 37) and Mary Darcy (age 16) at Danbury.

Around 1544 Catherine Southwell was born illegitimately to Richard Southwell (age 41) and Mary Darcy (age 20) at Danbury. Whether she was legitimate or not is somewhat confusing. Some sources suggest she was the only child of her father's second marriage to Mary Darcy (age 20) to be born after the marriage. However, this doesn't agree with the date of her birth being 1544?

Around 1549 Thomas Southwell was born illegitimately to Richard Southwell (age 46) and Mary Darcy (age 25) at Danbury.

After 1573 John Wentworth (age 33) and Dorothy Southwell (age 11) were married at Danbury. The difference in their ages was 21 years.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Debden

On 26 Mar 1613 Henry Vane "The Younger" was baptised at Debden.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Dedham

Evelyn's Diary. 08 Jul 1656. Went to Dedham, a pretty country town, having a very fair church, finely situated, the valley well watered. Here, I met with Dr. Stokes, a young gentleman, but an excellent mathematician. This is a clothing town, as most are in Essex, but lies in the unwholesome hundreds.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Earls Colne [Map]

In Dec 1263 Hugh de Vere 4th Earl of Oxford (age 55) died. He was buried at Earls Colne [Map]. His son Robert de Vere 5th Earl of Oxford (age 23) succeeded 5th Earl of Oxford.

In 1420 Ralph Audley was born at Earls Colne [Map].

Around 1450 Geoffrey Audley was born to Ralph Audley (age 30) at Earls Colne [Map].

Around 1488 Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden was born to Geoffrey Audley (age 38) at Earls Colne [Map]. He was educated at Magdalene College aka Buckingham, Cambridge University and Middle Temple.

The River Colne rises near Ridgewell, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Great Yeldham [Map], Sible Hedingham [Map], Halstead [Map], Earls Colne [Map], Wakes Colne [Map], Aldham [Map], Fordham Heath [Map] to Colchester [Map] then past Wivenhoe [Map] where it widens before joining the North Sea at Brightlingsea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, East Ham

On 08 Jul 1753 Cecilia Stede died. She was buried on 14 Jul 1753 at East Ham.

Ham Creeke

Pepy's Diary. 18 Dec 1663. Up, and after being ready and done several businesses with people, I took water (taking a dram of the bottle at the waterside) with a gaily, the first that ever I had yet, and down to Woolwich, Kent [Map], calling at Ham Creeke, where I met Deane (age 30), and had a great deal of talke with him about business, and so to the Ropeyard [Map]e and Docke, discoursing several things, and so back again and did the like at Deptford, and I find that it is absolutely necessary for me to do thus once a weeke at least all the yeare round, which will do me great good, and so home with great ease and content, especially out of the content which I met with in a book I bought yesterday, being a discourse of the state of Rome under the present Pope, Alexander the 7th, it being a very excellent piece. After eating something at home, then to my office, where till night about business to dispatch. Among other people came Mr. Primate, the leather seller, in Fleete Streete, to see me, he says, coming this way; and he tells me that he is upon a proposal to the King (age 33), whereby, by a law already in being, he will supply the King (age 33), without wrong to any man, or charge to the people in general, so much as it is now, above £200,000 per annum, and God knows what, and that the King (age 33) do like the proposal, and hath directed that the Duke of Monmouth (age 14), with their consent, be made privy, and go along with him and his fellow proposer in the business, God knows what it is; for I neither can guess nor believe there is any such thing in his head.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, East Horndon

On 04 Apr 1541 John Tyrrell of Heron in Essex (age 33) died at East Horndon.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Elsenham

On 03 Mar 1322 Geoffrey Saye 1st Baron Say (age 40) died at Elsenham. On 03 Mar 1322 His son Geoffrey Saye 2nd Baron Say (age 13) succeeded 2nd Baron Say.

Elsenham Manor Elsenham

In Apr 1281 Geoffrey Saye 1st Baron Say was born to William Saye (age 27) at Elsenham Manor Elsenham.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Epping [Map]

Pepy's Diary. 27 Feb 1660. Monday. Up by four o'clock, and after I was ready, took my leave of my father (age 59), whom I left in bed, and the same of my brother John (age 19), to whom I gave 10s. Mr. Blayton and I took horse and straight to Saffron Walden [Map], where at the White Hart, we set up our horses, and took the master of the house to shew us Audley End House [Map], who took us on foot through the park, and so to the house, where the housekeeper shewed us all the house, in which the stateliness of the ceilings, chimney-pieces, and form of the whole was exceedingly worth seeing. He took us into the cellar, where we drank most admirable drink, a health to the King (age 29). Here I played on my flageolette, there being an excellent echo. He shewed us excellent pictures; two especially, those of the four Evangelists and Henry VIII. After that I gave the man 2s. for his trouble, and went back again. In our going, my landlord carried us through a very old hospital or almshouse, where forty poor people was maintained; a very old foundation; and over the chimney in the mantelpiece was an inscription in brass: "Orate pre anima Thomae Bird", &c.; and the poor box also was on the same chimney-piece, with an iron door and locks to it, into which I put 6d. They brought me a draft of their drink in a brown bowl, tipt with silver, which I drank off, and at the bottom was a picture of the Virgin and the child in her arms, done in silver. So we went to our Inn, and after eating of something, and kissed the daughter of the house, she being very pretty, we took leave, and so that night, the road pretty good, but the weather rainy to Eping [Map], where we sat and played a game at cards, and after supper, and some merry talk with a plain bold maid of the house, we went to bed.

Copt Hall Epping

In 1532 Thomas Heneage was born to Robert Heneage (age 32) and Lucy Buckton at Copt Hall Epping.

Epping Forest

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Sep 1669. I was this day very ill of a pain in my limbs, which continued most of this week, and was increased by a visit I made to my old acquaintance, the Earl of Norwich (age 54), at his house in Epping Forest, where are many good pictures put into the wainscot of the rooms, which Mr. Baker, his Lordship's predecessor there, brought out of Spain; especially the History of Joseph, a picture of the pious and learned Picus Mirandula, and an incomparable one of old Breugel. The gardens were well understood, I mean the potager. I returned late in the evening, ferrying over the water at Greenwich, Kent [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 16 Mar 1683. I dined at Mr. Houblon's (age 53), a rich and gentle French merchant, who was building a house in the Forest, near Sir J. Child's (age 52), in a place where the late Earl of Norwich dwelt some time, and which came from his lady, the widow of Mr. Baker. It will be a pretty villa, about five miles from Whitechapel.

Evelyn's Diary. 16 Mar 1683. I went to see Sir Josiah Child's (age 52) prodigious cost in planting walnut trees about his seat, and making fish ponds, many miles in circuit, in Epping Forest, in a barren spot, as oftentimes these suddenly monied men for the most part seat themselves. He from a merchant's apprentice, and management of the East India Company's stock, being arrived to an estate (it is said) of £200,000; and lately married his daughter (age 17) to the eldest son (age 22) of the Duke of Beaufort, late Marquis of Worcester, with £50,000 portional present, and various expectations.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Faulkbourne

On 05 Jul 1449 John Montgomery died at Faulkbourne.

John Montgomery was born at Faulkbourne.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Felstead

Henry Machyn's Diary. 16 Dec 1558. The xvj day of December was cared in a charett from sant Baythelmuw the grett unto Essex to be bered, with baners and banerrolles abowt her, my lade Ryche (age 48), and so to the plasse wher she dwelyd.

Felstead School Felstead

Around 1645 Hender Robartes (age 9) educated at Felstead School Felstead.

Around 1646 Robert Robartes (age 11) educated at Felstead School Felstead.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Finchingfield

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Flitch Green [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Fordham Heath [Map]

The River Colne rises near Ridgewell, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Great Yeldham [Map], Sible Hedingham [Map], Halstead [Map], Earls Colne [Map], Wakes Colne [Map], Aldham [Map], Fordham Heath [Map] to Colchester [Map] then past Wivenhoe [Map] where it widens before joining the North Sea at Brightlingsea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Frambridge End [Map]

The River Can rises at High Easter [Map] from where it flows past Clatterford End [Map], Frambridge End [Map], Chignall St James [Map] and Writtle [Map] to Chelmsford [Map] where it joins the River Chelmer.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Frinton Manor

In Aug 1734 George Lynn (age 27) and Anne Bellamy (age 54) were married by which he came into possession of Frinton Manor. The difference in their ages was 27 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of George Lynn (age 58) and Elizabeth Bellamy (age 54).

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Galloper Sand

Galloper Sand. A sandbank, around 50 km offshore from the Felixstowe area, around 11.5 km long and less than 1 km wide. The general depth of the area is 30-50 m to the west and 20-30 m to the east. However the depth over the Galloper itself decreases from 20 m to as little as 2 m.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Jun 1666. By and by comes Mr. Wayth to me; and discoursing of our ill successe, he tells me plainly from Captain Page's own mouth (who hath lost his arm in the fight), that the Dutch did pursue us two hours before they left us, and then they suffered us to go on homewards, and they retreated towards their coast: which is very sad newes. Then to my office and anon to White Hall, late, to the Duke of York (age 32) to see what commands he hath and to pray a meeting to-morrow for Tangier in behalf of Mr. Yeabsly, which I did do and do find the Duke (age 32) much damped in his discourse, touching the late fight, and all the Court talk sadly of it. The Duke (age 32) did give me several letters he had received from the fleete, and Sir W. Coventry (age 38) and Sir W. Pen (age 45), who are gone down thither, for me to pick out some works to be done for the setting out the fleete again; and so I took them home with me, and was drawing out an abstract of them till midnight. And as to newes, I do find great reason to think that we are beaten in every respect, and that we are the losers. The Prince upon the Galloper, where both the Royall Charles and Royall Katharine had come twice aground, but got off. The Essex carried into Holland; the Swiftsure missing (Sir William Barkeley (deceased)) ever since the beginning of the fight. Captains Bacon, Tearne, Wood, Mootham, Whitty, and Coppin, slayne. The Duke of Albemarle (age 57) writes, that he never fought with worse officers in his life, not above twenty of them behaving themselves like men. Sir William Clerke (deceased) lost his leg; and in two days died. The Loyall George, Seven Oakes, and Swiftsure, are still missing, having never, as the Generall writes himself, engaged with them. It was as great an alteration to find myself required to write a sad letter instead of a triumphant one to my Lady Sandwich (age 41) this night, as ever on any occasion I had in my life. So late home and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Jun 1666. Up betimes, and to my office about business (Sir W. Coventry (age 38) having sent me word that he is gone down to the fleete to see how matters stand, and to be back again speedily); and with the same expectation of congratulating ourselves with the victory that I had yesterday. But my Lord Bruncker (age 46) and Sir T. H. (age 41) that come from Court, tell me quite contrary newes, which astonishes me: that is to say, that we are beaten, lost many ships and good commanders; have not taken one ship of the enemy's; and so can only report ourselves a victory; nor is it certain that we were left masters of the field. But, above all, that The Prince run on shore upon the Galloper, and there stuck; was endeavoured to be fetched off by the Dutch, but could not; and so they burned her; and Sir G. Ascue (age 50) is taken prisoner, and carried into Holland. This newes do much trouble me, and the thoughts of the ill consequences of it, and the pride and presumption that brought us to it.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Jul 1666. He told me that our very commanders, nay, our very flag-officers, do stand in need of exercising among themselves, and discoursing the business of commanding a fleete; he telling me that even one of our flag-men in the fleete did not know which tacke lost the wind, or which kept it, in the last engagement. He says it was pure dismaying and fear that made them all run upon the Galloper, not having their wits about them; and that it was a miracle they were not all lost. He much inveighs upon my discoursing of Sir John Lawson's saying heretofore, that sixty sail would do as much as one hundred; and says that he was a man of no counsel at all, but had got the confidence to say as the gallants did, and did propose to himself to make himself great by them, and saying as they did; but was no man of judgement in his business, but hath been out in the greatest points that have come before them. And then in the business of fore-castles, which he did oppose, all the world sees now the use of them for shelter of men. He did talk very rationally to me, insomuch that I took more pleasure this night in hearing him discourse, than I ever did in my life in any thing that he said. He gone I to the office again, and so after some business home to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Jul 1667. By and by up to the Duke of York's (age 33) chamber; and there all the talk was about Jordan's coming with so much indiscretion, with his four little frigates and sixteen fire-ships from Harwich [Map], to annoy the enemy. His failures were of several sorts, I know not which the truest: that he come with so strong a gale of wind, that his grapplings would not hold; that he did come by their lee; whereas if he had come athwart their hawse, they would have held; that they did not stop a tide, and come up with a windward tide, and then they would not have come so fast. Now, there happened to be Captain Jenifer by, who commanded the Lily in this business, and thus says that, finding the Dutch not so many as they expected, they did not know but that there were more of them above, and so were not so earnest to the setting upon these; that they did do what they could to make the fire-ships fall in among the enemy; and, for their lives, neither Sir J. Jordan nor others could, by shooting several times at them, make them go in; and it seems they were commanded by some idle fellows, such as they could of a sudden gather up at Harwich [Map]; which is a sad consideration that, at such a time as this, where the saving the reputation of the whole nation lay at stake, and after so long a war, the King (age 37) had not credit to gather a few able men to command these vessels. He says, that if they had come up slower, the enemy would, with their boats and their great sloops, which they have to row with a great many men, they would, and did, come and cut up several of our fireships, and would certainly have taken most of them, for they do come with a great provision of these boats on purpose, and to save their men, which is bravely done of them, though they did, on this very occasion, shew great fear, as they say, by some men leaping overboard out of a great ship, as these were all of them of sixty and seventy guns a-piece, which one of our fireships laid on board, though the fire did not take. But yet it is brave to see what care they do take to encourage their men to provide great stores of boats to save them, while we have not credit to find one boat for a ship. And, further, he told us that this new way used by Deane (age 33), and this Sir W. Coventry (age 39) observed several times, of preparing of fire-ships, do not do the work; for the fire, not being strong and quick enough to flame up, so as to take the rigging and sails, lies smothering a great while, half an hour before it flames, in which time they can get her off safely, though, which is uncertain, and did fail in one or two this bout, it do serve to burn our own ships. But what a shame it is to consider how two of our ships' companies did desert their ships for fear of being taken by their boats, our little frigates being forced to leave them, being chased by their greater! And one more company did set their ship on fire, and leave her; which afterwards a Feversham fisherman come up to, and put out the fire, and carried safe into Feversham, where she now is, which was observed by the Duke of York (age 33), and all the company with him, that it was only want of courage, and a general dismay and abjectness of spirit upon all our men; and others did observe our ill management, and God Almighty's curse upon all that we have in hand, for never such an opportunity was of destroying so many good ships of theirs as we now had. But to see how negligent we were in this business, that our fleete of Jordan's should not have any notice where Spragg was, nor Spragg of Jordan's, so as to be able to meet and join in the business, and help one another; but Jordan, when he saw Spragg's fleete above, did think them to be another part of the enemy's fleete! While, on the other side, notwithstanding our people at Court made such a secret of Jordan's design that nobody must know it, and even this Office itself must not know it; nor for my part I did not, though Sir W. Batten (age 66) says by others' discourse to him he had heard something of it; yet De Ruyter (age 60), or he that commanded this fleete, had notice of it, and told it to a fisherman of ours that he took and released on Thursday last, which was the day before our fleete came to him. But then, that, that seems most to our disgrace, and which the Duke of York (age 33) did take special and vehement notice of, is, that when the Dutch saw so many fire-ships provided for them, themselves lying, I think, about the Nore, they did with all their great ships, with a North-east wind, as I take it they said, but whatever it was, it was a wind that we should not have done it with, turn down to the Middle-ground; which the Duke of York (age 33) observed, never was nor would have been undertaken by ourselves. And whereas some of the company answered, it was their great fear, not their choice that made them do it, the Duke of York (age 33) answered, that it was, it may be, their fear and wisdom that made them do it; but yet their fear did not make them mistake, as we should have done, when we have had no fear upon us, and have run our ships on ground. And this brought it into my mind, that they managed their retreat down this difficult passage, with all their fear, better than we could do ourselves in the main sea, when the Duke of Albemarle (age 58) run away from the Dutch, when the Prince was lost, and the Royal Charles and the other great ships come on ground upon the Galloper. Thus, in all things, in wisdom, courage, force, knowledge of our own streams, and success, the Dutch have the best of us, and do end the war with victory on their side. The Duke of York (age 33) being ready, we into his closet, but, being in haste to go to the Parliament House, he could not stay. So we parted, and to Westminster Hall [Map], where the Hall full of people to see the issue of the day, the King (age 37) being come to speak to the House to-day.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Gallows Corner [Map]

The Great Road left London at Aldgate Gate [Map] after which it crossed the River Lea then continues to Gallows Corner [Map], through Brentwood [Map], Ingatestone [Map], White's Place [Map] after which it reaches Caesaromagus aka Chelmsford [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Gosfield

Around 1460 Roger Wentworth was born to Henry Wentworth (age 31) and Elizabeth Howard (age 42) at Gosfield.

In 1496 Henry Wentworth was born to Roger Wentworth (age 36) and Anne Tyrrell (age 16) at Gosfield.

In 1564 John Wentworth was born to John Wentworth (age 24) and Dorothy Southwell (age 2) at Gosfield.

Before 10 Aug 1593 Cecily Wentworth Countess Winchelsea was born to John Wentworth (age 29) and Cicely Unton (age 32). On 10 Aug 1593 Cecily Wentworth Countess Winchelsea was baptised in Gosfield.

On 10 Feb 1613 John Wentworth (age 49) died at Gosfield.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Bardfield [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

The River Brain rises near Great Bardfield [Map] where it is known as Pods Brook. From there it flows past Shalford Green [Map] through Braintree Essex [Map], past White Notley [Map] and Witham [Map] after which it joins the River Pant aka Blackwater.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Braxted

Braxted Park

On 20 Feb 1377 Marie Chatillon Countess Pembroke (age 74) drew up her will at Braxted Park.

In 1745 Peter Du Cane (age 31) established his family at Braxted Park.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Dunmow [Map]

On 06 Nov 1753 George Howland Beaumont 7th Baronet was born to George Beaumont 6th Baronet (age 27) and Rachel Howland (age 35) at Great Dunmow [Map]. He was baptised at St Mary's Church, Great Dunmow on 17 Dec 1753.

St Mary's Church, Great Dunmow

On 06 Nov 1753 George Howland Beaumont 7th Baronet was born to George Beaumont 6th Baronet (age 27) and Rachel Howland (age 35) at Great Dunmow [Map]. He was baptised at St Mary's Church, Great Dunmow on 17 Dec 1753.

On 06 Aug 1825 Frederick Henniker 2nd Baronet (age 32) died unmarried. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Great Dunmow. His brother Augustus Brydges Henniker 3rd Baronet (age 30) succeeded 3rd Baronet Henniker of Newton Hall in Essex.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Easton [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Hallingbury

On 27 Nov 1556 Henry Parker 11th Baron Marshal 10th Baron Morley (age 75) died at Great Hallingbury. His grandson Henry Parker 12th Baron Marshal 11th Baron Morley (age 23) succeeded 12th Baron Marshal, 11th Baron Morley.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Oakley

Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries. 11 Feb 1719. It was ordered that every Member for his last years contributions beside two prints of Richard II already ordered shall have three prints of the Font and two of Ulphus's Horn.

My Lord Oxford sent a brass old seal for the Inspection of the Society belonging to the Fraternity of St Lazarus of Jerusalem in England.

Dr Knight brought an old dye of a coin of Queen Elizabeth of a sixpence, found immured at Oakeley in Essex.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Sampford [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Thornton

Around 1390 James Tyrrell died at Great Thornton.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Great Yeldham [Map]

The River Colne rises near Ridgewell, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Great Yeldham [Map], Sible Hedingham [Map], Halstead [Map], Earls Colne [Map], Wakes Colne [Map], Aldham [Map], Fordham Heath [Map] to Colchester [Map] then past Wivenhoe [Map] where it widens before joining the North Sea at Brightlingsea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Greensted

St Andrew's Church, Greensted [Map]

St Andrew's Church, Greensted [Map] is said to be the earliest extant wooden church in the world? Greensted Church has possibly stood for nearly 1,200 years. A dendrochronological dating estimated its construction to 845 AD; a later analysis has reset the date of the timbers to 1053 (+10/55 years).

Vesta Monumenta. 1752. Plate 2.7. Greensted Church with Objects Commemorating St. Edmund. The central image of the Church of St. Andrew, Greensted [Map], Essex, is rendered along with the burial shrine of St. Edmund and a seal fragment from the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds, both in Suffolk. Engraving by George Vertue (age 68) after Smart Lethieullier (age 50) and John Lydgate.

Edmund "The Martyr" King East Anglia: In 855 he was appointed King East Anglia. On 20 Nov 869 he died. Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 870. This year the army rode over Mercia into East-Anglia, and there fixed their winter-quarters at Thetford. And in the winter King Edmund fought with them; but the Danes gained the victory, and slew the king; whereupon they overran all that land, and destroyed all the monasteries to which they came. The names of the leaders who slew the king were Hingwar and Hubba. At the same time came they to Medhamsted, burning and breaking, and slaying abbot and monks, and all that they there found. They made such havoc there, that a monastery, which was before full rich, was now reduced to nothing. The same year died Archbishop Ceolnoth; and Ethered, Bishop of Witshire, was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Gunfleete Sand

Gunfleete Sand. Lies off the coast near Clacton-on-Sea.

Pepy's Diary. 10 May 1665. Up betimes, and abroad to the Cocke-Pitt, where the Duke (age 56) [of Albemarle] did give Sir W. Batten (age 64) and me an account of the late taking of eight ships, and of his intent to come back to the Gunfleete1 with the fleete presently; which creates us much work and haste therein, against the fleete comes.

Note 1. The Gunfleet Sand off the Essex coast.

Pepy's Diary. 31 May 1666. Homewood, and I took him home in the evening to my chamber, and discoursed with him about my business of the Victualling, which I have a mind to employ him in, and he is desirous of also, but do very ingenuously declare he understands it not so well as other things, and desires to be informed in the nature of it before he attempts it, which I like well, and so I carried him to Mr. Gibson to discourse with him about it, and so home again to my accounts. Thus ends this month, with my mind oppressed by my defect in my duty of the Victualling, which lies upon me as a burden, till I get myself into a better posture therein, and hinders me and casts down my courage in every thing else that belongs to me, and the jealousy I have of Sir W. Coventry's (age 38) being displeased with me about it; but I hope in a little time to remedy all. As to publique business; by late tidings of the French fleete being come to Rochelle (how true, though, I know not) our fleete is divided; Prince Rupert (age 46) being gone with about thirty ships to the Westward as is conceived to meet the French, to hinder their coming to join with the Dutch. My Lord Duke of Albemarle (age 57) lies in the Downes with the rest, and intends presently to sail to the Gunfleete.

Pepy's Diary. 02 Jun 1666. Up, and to the office, where certain newes is brought us of a letter come to the King (age 36) this morning from the Duke of Albemarle (age 57), dated yesterday at eleven o'clock, as they were sailing to the Gunfleete, that they were in sight of the Dutch fleete, and were fitting themselves to fight them; so that they are, ere this, certainly engaged; besides, several do averr they heard the guns all yesterday in the afternoon. This put us at the Board into a tosse. Presently come orders for our sending away to the fleete a recruite of 200 soldiers. So I rose from the table, and to the Victualling Office, and thence upon the River among several vessels, to consider of the sending them away; and lastly, down to Greenwich, Kent [Map], and there appointed two yachts to be ready for them; and did order the soldiers to march to Blackewall [Map]. Having set all things in order against the next flood, I went on shore with Captain Erwin at Greenwich, Kent [Map], and into the Parke, and there we could hear the guns from the fleete most plainly.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Jul 1666. So with my heart full of content to bed. Newes come yesterday from Harwich [Map], that the Dutch had appeared upon our coast with their fleete, and we believe did go to the Gun-fleete, and they are supposed to be there now; but I have heard nothing of them to-day. Yesterday Dr. Whistler, at Sir W. Pen's (age 45), told me that Alexander Broome, a the great song-maker, is lately dead.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Sep 1666. Thence I by coach home to the office, and there intending a meeting, but nobody being there but myself and Sir J. Minnes (age 67), who is worse than nothing, I did not answer any body, but kept to my business in the office till night, and then Sir W. Batten (age 65) and Sir W. Pen (age 45) to me, and thence to Sir W. Batten's (age 65), and eat a barrel of oysters I did give them, and so home, and to bed. I have this evening discoursed with W. Hewer (age 24) about Mercer, I having a mind to have her again; and I am vexed to hear him say that she hath no mind to come again, though her mother hath. No newes of the fleete yet, but that they went by Dover on the 25th towards the Gunfleete, but whether the Dutch be yet abroad, or no, we hear not. De Ruyter (age 59) is not dead, but like to do well. Most think that the gross of the French fleete are gone home again.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hadleigh

Hadleigh Castle

Froissart. Around 12 Jul 1397. The duke's (age 42) body was honourably embalmed at Calais, and put into a leaden coffin, with an outward one of wood, and transported in this state by sea to England. The vessel that carried the body landed at Hadleigh Castle [Map] on the Thames, and thence it was conveyed on a car, unattended, to his castle of Pleshy [Map], and placed in the church which the duke had founded in honour of the Holy Trinity, with twelve canons to perform devoutly the divine service. In this church was the duke (age 42) buried. The duchess of Gloucester (age 31), her son Humphrey (age 16), and her two daughters, were sorely grieved when the body of the duke arrived. The duchess (age 31) had double cause of affliction, for the earl of Arundel (age 51), her uncle, had been publicly beheaded in Cheapside [Map] by orders of the king. No baron nor knight dared to interpose, nor advise the king to do otherwise, for he was himself present at the execution, which was performed by the earl's son-in-law, the earl-marshal (age 29), who bandaged his eyes.

1829. John Constable (age 52). "Hadleigh Castle [Map]".

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Halstead [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hamperden End [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hartford End [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hatfield Broad Oak

Hatfield Regis aka Broad Oak Priory [Map]

In 1139 Hatfield Regis aka Broad Oak Priory [Map] was founded as Benedictine Priory. was a daughter house of the Breton monastery of Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine de Rennes in Rennes, and was dedicated to "God, St Mary, and St. Melanius Redonensis". It was thus considered an "alien priory" as it was subordinate to a monastery outside England. It was dissolved in 1536.

In 1214 Aubrey de Vere 2nd Earl of Oxford (age 51) died at Hatfield Regis aka Broad Oak Priory [Map]. His brother Robert de Vere 3rd Earl of Oxford (age 48) succeeded 3rd Earl of Oxford. Isabel de Bolebec Countess of Oxford (age 40) by marriage Countess of Oxford.

On 25 Oct 1221 Robert de Vere 3rd Earl of Oxford (age 56) died at Hatfield Regis aka Broad Oak Priory [Map]. His son Hugh de Vere 4th Earl of Oxford (age 13) succeeded 4th Earl of Oxford.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hatfield Chase

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Jun 1676. I went with my Lord Chamberlain (age 58) to see a garden, at Enfield [Map] town; thence, to Mr. Secretary Coventry's (age 48) lodge in the Chase. It is a very pretty place, the house commodious, the gardens handsome, and our entertainment very free, there being none but my Lord and myself. That which I most wondered at was, that, in the compass of twenty-five miles, yet within fourteen of London, there is not a house, barn, church, or building, besides three lodges. To this Lodge are three great ponds, and some few inclosures, the rest a solitary desert, yet stored with no less than 3,000 deer. These are pretty retreats for gentlemen, especially for those who are studious and lovers of privacy.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hatfield Peverel [Map]

The Great Road leaves Chelmsford [Map] along Sprinfield Road [Map] through Boreham [Map], Hatfield Peverel [Map], Witham [Map], Kelvedon [Map] aka Canonium, Marks Tey [Map] where it was joined by Stane Street to Chichester before reaching Colchester [Map] aka Camulodunum.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Havering

Pirgo Havering

In 1570 Henry Denny (age 30) and Elizabeth Grey were married at Pirgo Havering.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Havering atte Bower [Map]

On 04 Mar 1238 Joan Plantagenet Queen of Scotland (age 27) died at Havering atte Bower [Map]. She was buried at Tarrant Abbey, Dorset [Map].

On 09 Feb 1321 Richard Fitzalan 10th Earl Arundel 8th Earl Surrey (age 15) and Isabel Despencer Countess Arundel (age 9) were married at Havering atte Bower [Map]. She by marriage Countess Arundel Sussex. He the son of Edmund Fitzalan 9th Earl Arundel (age 35) and Alice Warenne Countess Arundel. They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 5 grandson of King John "Lackland" of England. She a great granddaughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England.

Froissart. The king (age 29), under pretence of deer-hunting, went to a palace he had at Havering-at-the-Bower [Map], in Essex: it is about twenty miles from London, and as many from Pleshy [Map], where the duke of Gloucester generally resided. The king set out one afternoon from Havering, without many attendants, for he had left them behind with the queen at Eltham, and arrived at Pleshy [Map] about five o'clock: the weather was very hot; and he came so suddenly to the castle, that no one knew of it, until the porter cried out, "Here is the king!" The duke of Gloucester had already supped, for he was very temperate in his diet, and never sat long at dinner or supper. He immediately went out to meet the king in the court of the castle, and paid him all the respect due to his sovereign, as did the duchess (age 30) and her children.

On 10 Jun 1437 Joanna of Navarre Queen Consort England (age 67) died at Havering atte Bower [Map].

Chronicle of Gregory 1437. Jul 1437. And the same yere dyde Quene Jane (deceased) a at Averyng at the Bowre [Map], in Esex, in the monythe of Juylle, and she ys buryde at Cauntyrbury [Map] whythe hyr hosbonde, Kynge Harry the iiij the.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hedingham

Hedingham Castle

On 23 Apr 1408 John de Vere 12th Earl of Oxford was born to Richard de Vere 11th Earl of Oxford (age 22) and Alice Sergeaux Countess Oxford at Hedingham Castle [Map].

On 10 Mar 1513 John de Vere 13th Earl of Oxford (age 70) died at Hedingham Castle [Map]. He was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. His nephew John de Vere 14th Earl of Oxford (age 13) succeeded 14th Earl of Oxford.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 31 Aug 1562. The xxxj day of August was bered in Essex the good erle of Oxford (deceased), with iij haroldes of armes, master Garter (age 52), master Lancostur, master Rychmond, with a standard and a grett baner of armes, and viij baner-rolles, [helmet,] crest, targett, and sword, and cott armur, and a herse with velvett [and a] palle of velvett, and a x dosen of skochyons, [and with] mony mornars in blake, and grett mone mad for hym.

Note. P. 290. Funeral of the earl of Oxford. "This John Vere, erl of Oxford, dysseased at his castell of Hemyngham [Map] in Essex on Monday the 3. of August, in the 4. yere of the quene our soveraigne lady Elizabeth, &c. 1562, and was beryed on tewsday the 25. of August next enshewing, at the parishe churche of Hemyngham. He married firstDoraty, doughter of Raff erle of Westmerland, and had issue Kateren wyff to Edward lord Wyndesor; secondly, Margery doughter of Golding, syster to sir Thomas Goldinge, and had issue Edward erl of Oxford, and Mary." (MS. Harl. 897, f. 81.)

In 1580 Frances de Vere was born to Geoffrey Vere and Elizabeth Hardkyn at Hedingham Castle [Map].

In 1591 Edward de Vere 17th Earl of Oxford (age 40) sold Hedingham Castle [Map] to his father-in-law William Cecil 1st Baron Burghley (age 70) in trust for his three daughters Elizabeth Vere Countess Derby (age 15), Bridget Vere Baroness Norreys Rycote (age 6) and Susan Vere Countess Montgomery (age 3) by his first wife Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford.

In 1609 Elizabeth Trentham Maid of Honour Countess of Oxford purchased Hedingham Castle [Map] from her late husband's three daughters by his first wife so that Hedingham Castle [Map] remained in the estate of her son Henry de Vere 18th Earl of Oxford (age 15).

On 01 Apr 1786 Thomas Fowell Buxton 1st Baronet was born to Thomas Fowell Buxton (age 29) at Hedingham Castle [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Henham

In 1247 Robert Fitzwalter 1st Baron Fitzwalter was born to Walter Fitzrobert (age 43) and Ida II Longespée (age 25) at Henham. He a great grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

In 1248 Ela Longespee Fitzrobert was born to Walter Fitzrobert (age 44) and Ida II Longespée (age 26) at Henham. She a great granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

In 1275 Christiana Fitzwalter Baroness Marshal was born to Robert Fitzwalter 1st Baron Fitzwalter (age 28) and Devorgille Burgh (age 19) at Henham. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Heybridge [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, High Beach

Holy Innocents Church High Beach

On 14 Sep 1879 Bishop Charles Baring (age 72) died at Wimbledon, Surrey. He was buried at Holy Innocents Church High Beach.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, High Easter [Map]

In 1506 Geoffrey Gates was born at High Easter [Map].

On 22 Aug 1553 Geoffrey Gates (age 47) died at High Easter [Map].

The River Can rises at High Easter [Map] from where it flows past Clatterford End [Map], Frambridge End [Map], Chignall St James [Map] and Writtle [Map] to Chelmsford [Map] where it joins the River Chelmer.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, High Laver

All Saints' Church, High Laver [Map]

On 06 Dec 1734 Abigail Hill Baroness Masham (age 64) died. She was buried at All Saints' Church, High Laver [Map].

Otes House, High Laver

In 1679 Samuel Masham 1st Baron Masham was born to Francis Masham 3rd Baronet (age 33) and Mary Scott Lady Masham (age 30) at Otes House, High Laver.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Hornchurch

On 23 Jun 1666 Francis Prujean (age 73) died. He was buried at Hornchurch.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Howe Street [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Ingatestone [Map]

The Great Road left London at Aldgate Gate [Map] after which it crossed the River Lea then continues to Gallows Corner [Map], through Brentwood [Map], Ingatestone [Map], White's Place [Map] after which it reaches Caesaromagus aka Chelmsford [Map].

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Isle of Dogs

Pepy's Diary. 24 Jul 1665. We set out so late that it grew dark, so as we doubted the losing of our way; and a long time it was, or seemed, before we could get to the water-side, and that about eleven at night, where, when we come, all merry (only my eye troubled me, as I said), we found no ferryboat was there, nor no oares to carry us to Deptford, Kent [Map]. However, afterwards oares was called from the other side at Greenwich, Kent [Map]; but, when it come, a frolique, being mighty merry, took us, and there we would sleep all night in the coach in the Isle of Doggs. So we did, there being now with us my Lady Scott, and with great pleasure drew up the glasses, and slept till daylight, and then some victuals and wine being brought us, we ate a bit, and so up and took boat, merry as might be; and when come to Sir G. Carteret's (age 55), there all to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Jul 1665. Up, and very betimes by six o'clock at Deptford, Kent [Map], and there find Sir G. Carteret (age 55), and my Lady (age 63) ready to go: I being in my new coloured silk suit, and coat trimmed with gold buttons and gold broad lace round my hands, very rich and fine. By water to the Ferry, where, when we come, no coach there; and tide of ebb so far spent as the horse-boat could not get off on the other side the river to bring away the coach. So we were fain to stay there in the unlucky Isle of Doggs, in a chill place, the morning cool, and wind fresh, above two if not three hours to our great discontent. Yet being upon a pleasant errand, and seeing that it could not be helped, we did bear it very patiently; and it was worth my observing, I thought, as ever any thing, to see how upon these two scores, Sir G. Carteret (age 55), the most passionate man in the world, and that was in greatest haste to be gone, did bear with it, and very pleasant all the while, at least not troubled much so as to fret and storm at it. Anon the coach comes: in the mean time there coming a News thither with his horse to go over, that told us he did come from Islington [Map] this morning; and that Proctor the vintner of the Miter in Wood-street, and his son, are dead this morning there, of the plague; he having laid out abundance of money there, and was the greatest vintner for some time in London for great entertainments. We, fearing the canonicall hour would be past before we got thither, did with a great deal of unwillingness send away the license and wedding ring. So that when we come, though we drove hard with six horses, yet we found them gone from home; and going towards the church, met them coming from church, which troubled us. But, however, that trouble was soon over; hearing it was well done: they being both in their old cloaths; my Lord Crew (age 67) giving her, there being three coach fulls of them. The young lady mighty sad, which troubled me; but yet I think it was only her gravity in a little greater degree than usual. All saluted her, but I did not till my Lady Sandwich (age 40) did ask me whether I had saluted her or no.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Dec 1665. Lord's Day. After being trimmed word brought me that Mr. Cutler's coach is, by appointment, come to the Isle of Doggs for me, and so I over the water; and in his coach to Hackney, a very fine, cold, clear, frosty day. At his house I find him with a plain little dinner, good wine, and welcome. He is still a prating man; and the more I know him, the less I find in him. A pretty house he hath here indeed, of his owne building. His old mother was an object at dinner that made me not like it; and, after dinner, to visit his sicke wife I did not also take much joy in, but very friendly he is to me, not for any kindnesse I think he hath to any man, but thinking me, I perceive, a man whose friendship is to be looked after.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Kelvedon [Map]

The Great Road leaves Chelmsford [Map] along Sprinfield Road [Map] through Boreham [Map], Hatfield Peverel [Map], Witham [Map], Kelvedon [Map] aka Canonium, Marks Tey [Map] where it was joined by Stane Street to Chichester before reaching Colchester [Map] aka Camulodunum.

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Felix Hall, Kelvedon

On 10 Sep 1640 Anthony Abdy (age 60) died. Thomas Abdy 1st Baronet (age 28) inherited Felix Hall, Kelvedon.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Langford [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Langham [Map]

The Great Road leaves Colchester along the A12 passing Langham [Map] to Stratford St Mary, Suffolk [Map] where it crosses the Suffolk River Stour and make a change in direction before passing Capel St Mary, Suffolk [Map]. After Capl St Mary the road turns north following a direct parh past Sproughton, Suffolk [Map], Bramford, Suffolk [Map], Great Blakenham, Suffolk [Map] to Combretovium [Map] aka Baylham.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Leyton

Around 1552 Margaret Bourchier 1st Baroness Bryan (age 84) died at Leyton.

On 26 Aug 1722 George Carpenter 2nd Baron Carpenter (age 27) and Elizabeth Petty Baroness Carpenter were married at Leyton.

St Mary's Church Leyton

On 15 Aug 1612 Michael Hicks (age 68) died. He was buried in St Mary's Church Leyton.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Baddow [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Braxted [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Dunmow

On 14 Jun 1464 Elizabeth Chidiock Baroness Cobham Sternborough (age 60) died. She was buried at Little Dunmow.

Little Dunmow Priory [Map]

In 1104 Little Dunmow Priory [Map] was founded as an Augustinian Church by Juga de Baynard, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and consecrated by Maurice, bishop of London. Juga was the widow of Ralph Baynard, baron of Little Dunmow, sheriff of Essex and builder of Baynard's Castle [Map].

In 1293 Walter Fitzrobert (age 18) died at Little Dunmow Priory [Map].

On 18 Oct 1361 John Fitzwalter 3rd Baron Fitzwalter (age 46) died. He was buried at Little Dunmow Priory [Map]. His son Walter Fitzwalter 4th Baron Fitzwalter (age 16) succeeded 4th Baron Fitzwalter.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Easton

Easton Lodge, Little Easton

Lifes Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. [Around 1811]. Those incomparable officers of the Blues, Colonel the Honourable Oliver Montague and Colonel Seymour Wynne Finch, were in the centre of the Marlborough House set ; we shall never see their like again. I must mention also Viscount Curzon (now Earl Howe) and his wife, the late Lady Georgina Curzon — my fast friend from the days of our Phoenix Park gallops, when her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, reigned at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin. She drove tandem; so did I. I went "one better" and got a team, and she followed suit with a four-in-hand. At that time she and I were the only two women in England to pursue so "fast" an equine venture! I once drove my coach from Easton to the Land's End in Cornwall, three hundred odd miles, with fresh teams of horses sent down from Ward’s in London.

Lifes Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. The ebb and flow of life brings to memory many names, many thoughts of friends who formed our little circle at Easton in the eighties, most of whom have crossed the ferry from which there is no return. Among others, dear Prince Leopold came as a bachelor in February 1883, and afterwards as Duke of Albany with his Duchess in December.

Lifes Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. [Around 1881]. Of another group were Henry and Violet Manners, the late Duke of Rutland and the present Dowager Duchess, Lord Rowton, the witty Henry Calcraft, Mr. and Mrs. Henry White (later Ambassadors of the United States in Paris, both now dead), beautiful Gladys deGrey (the late Marchioness of Ripon), Sir Robert Collier (the painter, father of the Hon. John Collier), Lady Randolph Churchill (who was first at Easton in 1885, and figured in all our gatherings afterwards), Admiral Sir Hedworth Lambton, and Henry Chaplin ("the Squire," the late Lord Chaplin), and Lord and Lady Carmarthen (afterwards the late Duke and Duchess of Leeds). Sir William Gordon Cumming, the smartest of men about town and more sinned against than sinning, was a constant friend, but he cut us all off in his retirement, and I often had sad thoughts of him, and always kept a warm comer in my heart for him. Mr. and Mrs. Hwfa Williams, who founded Sandown Park racing, were welcome everywhere. Maurice and Beatrice Ephrussi were dear Paris racing friends. Prince Charles Kinsky rode his own winner of the Grand National, "Zoedone," and was a sharer of my horsey adventures!

Lifes Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. Queen Mary’s brothers, Prince Adolphus and Prince Francis of Teck, were often at Easton. The latter, a constant visitor until his death, was godfather to my youngest daughter, Mercy.

St Mary's Church, Little Easton [Map]

On 04 Apr 1483 Henry Bourchier 2nd Count Eu 1st Earl Essex (age 79) died. He was buried firstly in Beeleigh Abbey [Map] and thereafter St Mary's Church, Little Easton [Map]. His grandson Henry Bourchier 2nd Earl Essex 3rd Count Eu succeeded 2nd Earl Essex, 3rd Count Eu, 2nd Viscount Bourchier, 6th Baron Bourchier.

In 1610 Henry Maynard of Estaines Parva (age 63) died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Little Easton [Map] where there is a fine monument to him and his wife.

On 14 May 1615 William Maynard 1st Baron Maynard (age 28) and Anne Everard Baroness Maynard (age 21) were married at St Mary's Church, Little Easton [Map]. They had 2 sons and 5 daughters.

Lifes Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. In August 1886, my sister Blanche (age 2) married the Duke of Richmond’s (age 48) son, Lord Algernon Gordon-Lennox (age 18), in Little Easton church [Map], the Bishop of St. Albans [Map] performing the service, and a family party assembling. The only child of this marriage is my niece, Ivy, Marchioness of Titchfield, who married the eldest son [William Arthur Henry Cavendish-Bentinck 7th Duke Portland] of the present Duke (age 8) and Duchess (age 2) of Portland.

Lifes Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. Our dear friend, the Bishop of St. Albans (Claughton), helped by our neighbour the rector of Little Easton [Map], the Rev. G. Tufnell, along with two London clergy, officiated at our wedding. It pleased me very much to have the benediction pronounced by Dean Stanley, who had kept in the background during the ceremony. The register was signed by the Prince of Wales, Prince Leopold, and Lords Warwick and Rosslyn. Our honeymoon was spent at beautiful Ditton Park, which was lent us by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, and there, in lovely May weather, we had a fortnight on the river, boating and canoeing. But, alas for romance, there was one worldly honour given us that demanded all our self-control. We were commanded to dine at Windsor Castle on the day after our wedding, and I was asked to wear my bridal dress, orange blossoms and all! I must confess that Her Majesty’s kindness on that occasion went far to soothe the shyness of a bride in her teens. The Queen took from my corsage a spray of orange blossom to keep as a souvenir and said many charming things about the beauty of my frock. Her Majesty so much admired what she was pleased to call the "lovely" dress, that I had a note next day from Lady Churchill, then in waiting, to say that the Queen wished so very much to possess a photograph of me if I would have myself taken in the gown, and hoping I was not too tired from the long standing.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Henham [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Ilford

Aldersbrook Manor House

In 1693 John Lethieullier Merchant (age 60) purchased Aldersbrook Manor House.

On 03 Nov 1701 Smart Lethieullier was born to John Lethieullier and Elizabeth Smart at Aldersbrook Manor House. He was educated at Eton College [Map] and Trinity College, Oxford University; he was awarded MA in 1723.

In 1737 John Lethieullier died. Smart Lethieullier (age 35) inherited Aldersbrook Manor House.

On 27 Aug 1760 Smart Lethieullier (age 58) died at Aldersbrook Manor House. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Little Iford. His niece Mary Lethieullier inherited Aldersbrook Manor House.

St Mary's Church, Little Iford

On 27 Aug 1760 Smart Lethieullier (age 58) died at Aldersbrook Manor House. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Little Iford. His niece Mary Lethieullier inherited Aldersbrook Manor House.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Sampford [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Little Waltham [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Low Leyton

On 04 Dec 1606 Charles Morrison (age 19) and Mary Hicks Lady Cooper were married at Low Leyton.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Manningtree [Map]

On 23 Mar 1943 Mervyn Horatio Herbert 17th Baron Darcy of Knayth (age 38) died whilst on active service. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Welshpool.

He was participating in a training night exercise when his Mosquito intercepted a Stirling bomber returning from a leaflet dropping raid in Europe, following which the Mosquito crashed into the ground near Manningtree [Map], killing both Herbert and his navigator Albert Eastwood; possibly a friendly fire incident?

Davina Darcy 18th Baroness Darcy of Knayth (age 4) succeeded 18th Baroness Darcy of Knayth.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Margetting

Killigrews [Map]

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

Margetting [Map]

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

White's Place [Map]

The Great Road left London at Aldgate Gate [Map] after which it crossed the River Lea then continues to Gallows Corner [Map], through Brentwood [Map], Ingatestone [Map], White's Place [Map] after which it reaches Caesaromagus aka Chelmsford [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Marks Tey [Map]

The Great Road leaves Chelmsford [Map] along Sprinfield Road [Map] through Boreham [Map], Hatfield Peverel [Map], Witham [Map], Kelvedon [Map] aka Canonium, Marks Tey [Map] where it was joined by Stane Street to Chichester before reaching Colchester [Map] aka Camulodunum.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Morley

Hallingbury Morley

On 24 Dec 1489 Elizabeth Pole Baroness Marshal and Morley (age 21) died in Hallingbury Morley.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Moulsham

Around 1521 Walter Mildmay was born to Thomas Mildmay (age 36) and Agnes Read at Moulsham. He was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge University [Map].

In 1540 Thomas Mildmay (age 55) acquired the manor of Moulsham.

Letters of the Court of James I 1613 Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Sir Thomas Puckering Baronet 24 Jun 1613. 24 Jun 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).

If these letters did not assure you to the contrary, you might judge me dead; at least that some strange accident hath befallen me, who have kept so deep silence so long a time; for to imagine that either I could forget or neglect your so infinite merits towards me, were a censure too hard and rigorous once to enter into the conceit of so generous a disposition. None of these therefore have been the occasion, but only a mere necessity, first of drawing forth my journey into a longer tract than ever I propounded to myself, and then of making a farther abode in France, than at the beginning I intended, thereby to accommodate certain businesses of your brother [Note. brother-in-law] Newton's (age 33)1, which began through my absence to grow into some untowardly disorder. But now that I am safely arrived here, I shall promise to dedicate myself wholly to your affairs, and will hope to improve my industry and diligence such as you shall find no fault to complain that ever you reposed in me that trust which you have done. Touching your design in the prince's' service, I had already communicated it with Mr. Newton, who giveth small encouragement of proceeding farther in it, at least till his highpess grow near upon the point of bis creation [as Prince of Wales], which is yet likely to hold us in expectance three years longer.

There hath been already some contestation had between your brother (age 33) and Mr. Murray2, the prince's tutor, touching the place of secretaryship, this man making it, as your brother formerly did, the chief end of his hopes; so that at length Mr. Newton hath been content to relinquish his right thereunto, upon condition to be made his highnesses Teceiver»general, which is like to be no less beneficial than the former. The mastership of his highness's horse hath divers competitors. Sir Thomas Howard is the most importunate suitor; and Ramsey, who is first escuyer to the prince, thinks it great wrong if he do not enjoy it. In the bedchamber, you know there are already two, Sir Robert Carey and Sir James Fullerton (age 50): David Murray sues to be the third, hoping by that means to recover himself of what he is so much cast behind in, having made a very weak and uncertain estate unto himself, notwithstanding all his former service. But he is like to meet with difficulty enough before be obtain it, notwithstanding all the furtherance he finds from Mr. Murray, his kinsman.

Among the grooms, Sandilands began the suit first, and had procured the king's grant for his present entrance into that charge: but this giving occasion to Gibb and Ramsey to do the like, their importunity hath been a means to revoke and cross that which the other made sure reckoning to have before fully effected for himself.

The first day of this next month the prince begins to keep house at Richmond, where Sir Arthur Mainwaring (age 33) and Sir Edward Varnam (age 23) (so I think they call him, for I am a bad treasurer-up of names) are like to exercise their former places, though they both sue to exchange them with being gentlemen of the privy-chamber. Mr. Alexander likewise shall be pat again into the possession of his. So shall Mr. Peter Newton and his fellow Shaw also. Few others shall be admitted above stairs at this present; and for them below, the first clerks in every office shall execute their proper charge as before.

The great places of the court are not yet disposed of. The manifest faction which is between the family of the Howards on the one side, and the Earl of Southampton (age 39) and Viscount Rochester (age 26) on the other, is supposed to be the cause thereof. For the treasurership, the general voice confers it still upon Northampton (age 73), as it did that of the secretaryship upon Sir Harry Neville; though, for this latter, I suppose his hopes quite dashed; for merely depending upon my Lord Rochester (age 26), he wants not opposition; and then, besides, Overbury (age 32) being fallen into disgrace3, he is thereby deprived of his best instrument. The most likely man to carry it, in the judgment of those who are not al- together unacquainted with those businesses, is Sir Charles Cornwallis, late treasurer to the prince deceased, who is reported very sufficient for foreign affairs: and with him it is thought shall be joined Sir Thomas Luke, though in a far meaner condition than were their predecessors, by reason of the lord treasurer's present greatness.

There hath lately come forth a proclamation against one Cotton, a west-country gentleman and a great recusant, charging him with high treason against the king and State, for having published a very scandalous and railing book against his majesty; and promising a very large reward to whosoever could apprehend him and bring him in. At the very self-same time, this Cotton being to cross the Thames, and inquiring of the watermen what news, they, not know- ing the man, told him what was newly happened concern- ing himself. Whereupon being landed, he muffled himself in his cloak, thinking thereby to pass unknown to any of his acquaintance that he might haply meet. But he had not passed thence many paces, when one Maine, a follower sometimes of the late Lord of Devonshire, and a sure friend of his meeting him in the street and discovering well what he was, [warned] him likewise of danger, with protestation nevertheless not to make any benefit of the discovery of his friend, but wishing him to provide for his own safety. Thereupon Cotton demanding his opinion what he thought fittest to be done, he advised him to submit himself to the king's mercy: whose counsel he followed, and presently went and surrendered himself into my Lord of South* ampton's hands, and so rests at his majesty's mercy.

Your brother Newton (age 33), Mr. Southcot, and one Mr. Wood, have all, jointly together, lately obtained letters-patents for the putting in practice of an invention of the said Wood's, who by steeping all kind of com and grain in a certain liquor, undertakes thereby to render it more fruitful with five shillings' cost, than would ever have been before done with forty. They are now very busy in projecting a course for the [spread]ing of it throughout the realm, and hope to reap no small profit and advantage by it. When that is settled, your brother meaneth to make a journey to Durham4, whither Sir Thomas Grantham and his lady purpose to accompany him. He despatches away before great store of provision by sea, both of wine, beer, and divers other commodities, and means to be at the charge of a very honourable entertainment. Only Mrs. Newton stays behind, being hindered by a very happy occasion, finding herself quick with child.

Sir Thomas Mildmay5 keeps Whitehall close, not daring to venture abroad, for Sir John Wentworth's debt. He intends [to sell] Moulsham away shortly, and so to procure his own liberty.

About four or five days since, the Duke of Savoy's (age 51) ambassador took his leave, who hath been here honoured with a very royal entertainment. The occasion of his ambassage, I suppose, is well enough known unto you, namely, to treat of a second motion of marriage between our prince and one of the daughters of Savoy. His offers are very great, and such as none other cometh near to. His wars upon the Duke of Mantua do, in a manner, furnish the whole subject to the Frenchmen's discourse. To write anything of them, I hold it needless; for, being much nearer, you cannot but understand those things likewise, much better than myself. Only I shall, in a word or two, inform you in how doubtful a deliberation the state of France stands, touching those affairs. The Prince of Conde (age 24) and the Duke of Bouillon press both very earnestly for the relief of the Mantuan against the Savoyard. The Duke d'Espemon, on the contrary, travaileth all he may to overthrow and hinder it. And not long since, this point being debated in open council. Monsieur le Prince, in the heat of his contestation with the said duke, spared not to tell him that there was now carried so much respect to the affairs of Spain, as in the mean time they quite forgot that natural affection which they owed unto France, threatening therewithal that, in case they continued to reject the wholesome counsel which he gave in a matter of that importance, he would go and make his protestations to the Court of Parliament. It is that which keeps the adverse part somewhat in bridle, though yet the queen seems rather inclined to authorize the advice of the others than his. For, as touching the little aid which the Chevalier de Guise hath lately carried over, it is rather by permission than any commission from the queen, and is wholly composed of mere voluntaries.

The Duke de Vendome having lately retired himself from court to a certain house of his, not far from Paris upon a discontentment taken in the behalf and favour of the Prince of Conde (age 24), and there threatening never to return again so long as the regency of this queen lasteth; the queen, being advertised thereof presently, sent and con- fined him to his house. But the said duke, not able to brook any such confinement, contrary to the queen's in- junction, made a journey into Bretagne, and there put himself into a very strong castle, named Ansenis. Where- upon, the queen presently despatched Monsieur de la Yarenne towards him, to command him to return; and, in case of his refusal, threatened to deprive him of his goyemment. The duke thereto made a very humble and submissive answer, yet no way disposes himself to obey her commandment Hereupon, the queen hath renewed it a second time by letters; but these are thought will as little avail as the former. And yet, nevertheless, the Prince of Conde (age 24), employing himself very earnestly in favour of the said duke, it is not like that there will be any rigorous proceeding against him, as is threatened.

Note 1. Adam Newton, Esq (age 33). He is styled by Dr. Thomas Smith, "Vitre quorandam eruditise et illost. virorim," printed in 4to., in 1707, vir elegantissimi ingenii."

Note 2. This appears to refer to Mr. Thomas Murray, who was tutor to the Duke of York, Charles I (age 12).

Note 3. He had ventored to remonstrate with the favourite (age 26) respecting his intimacy with the Countess of Essex (age 23).

Note 4. See the letter of August 12. Mr. Newton (age 33) was, as we have stated, Dean of Durham, though a layman: such an appointment being allowable at this period.

Note 5. Knighted by King James I., at his majesty's arrival at Whitehall from Scotland, July 23, 1603, and created a baronet, Jane 29, 1611.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Mountnessing [Map]

In 1545 Henry Wentworth (age 49) died at Mountnessing [Map].

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Navestock

On 16 Nov 1784 George Henry Fitzroy 4th Duke Grafton (age 24) and Charlotte Maria Waldegrave (age 23) were married at Navestock. She the daughter of James Waldegrave 2nd Earl Waldegrave and Maria Walpole Duchess Gloucester and Edinburgh (age 48). He the son of Augustus Henry Fitzroy 3rd Duke Grafton (age 49) and Anne Liddell Duchess Grafton (age 47). He a great x 3 grandson of King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King James II of England Scotland and Ireland.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Newport [Map]

Pepy's Diary. 08 Oct 1667. At last, rose, and up, and broke our fast, and then took coach, and away, and at Newport [Map] did call on Mr. Lowther (age 26), and he and his friend, and the master of the house, their friend, where they were, a gentleman, did presently get a-horseback and overtook us, and went with us to Audley-End [Map], and did go along with us all over the house and garden: and mighty merry we were. The house indeed do appear very fine, but not so fine as it hath heretofore to me; particularly the ceilings are not so good as I always took them to be, being nothing so well wrought as my Chancellor's (age 58) are; and though the figure of the house without be very extraordinary good, yet the stayre-case is exceeding poor; and a great many pictures, and not one good one in the house but one of Harry the Eighth, done by Holben; and not one good suit of hangings in all the house, but all most ancient things, such as I would not give the hanging-up of in my house; and the other furniture, beds and other things, accordingly1. Only the gallery is good, and, above all things, the cellars, where we went down and drank of much good liquor; and indeed the cellars are fine: and here my wife and I did sing to my great content.

Note 1. Mr. George T. Robinson, F.S.A., in a paper on "Decorative Plaster Work", read before the Society of Arts in April, 1891, refers to the ceilings at Audley End as presenting an excellent idea of the state of the stuccoer's art in the middle of James I's reign, and adds, "Few houses in England can show so fine a series of the same date ... The great hall has medallions in the square portions of the ceiling formed by its dividing timber beams. The large saloon on the principal floor-a room about 66 feet long by 30 feet wide-has a very remarkable ceiling of the pendentive type, which presents many peculiarities, the most notable of which, that these not only depend from the ceiling, but the outside ones spring from the walls in a natural and structural manner. This is a most unusual circumstance in the stucco work of the time, the reason for the omission of this reasonable treatment evidently being the unwillingness of the stuccoer to omit his elaborate frieze in which he took such delight" ("Journal Soc. of Arts", vol. xxxix., p. 449).

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, North Ockendon

Around 1445 John Poyntz was born to Henry Poyntz (age 30) at North Ockendon.

In 1592 Audrey Poyntz Lady Littleton was born to Thomas Poyntz (age 22) at North Ockendon.

On 25 Mar 1648 Audrey Poyntz Lady Littleton (age 56) died. She was buried at North Ockendon.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Ongar

Henry Machyn's Diary. 13 Aug 1553. The xiij day (of) August dyd pryche at Powlles crosse doctur [Bourn] parsun of hehnger, in Essex, the qwen('s) chaplen, and ther [was a] gret up-rore and showtyng at ys sermon, as yt [were] lyke madpepull, watt yonge pepell and woman [as] ever was hard, as herle-borle, and castyng up of capes; [if] my lord mer and my lord Cortenay (age 26) ad not ben ther, ther had bene grett myscheyff done.

Note. Riot at the Paul's Cross sermon. This incident is noticed in the public chronicles. Bourne, the preacher, offended the audience by speaking vehemently in the defence of bishop Bonner, and extremely against bishop Ridley. One of the populace threw a dagger at Bourne, which struck one of the sideposts of the pulpit. Maister Bradford, the celebrated Reformer, came forward to persuade the people to quietness, and by the help of that worthy man and of maister Rogers, (both of whom were afterwards sacrificed in cold blood by their religious adversaries,) Bourne was conveyed safely away into Paul's School. Grafton's Abridgement, 1566, and Stowe's Summarie of the same date.

The privy council, which was sitting at the Tower, took immediate alarm at this difturbance. The "order taken" on the same day, in concert with the lord mayor, will be found in their Register. (transcript in MS. Harl. 643, f. 1.) On the 16th Homfrey Palden was "committed to the counter for seditious wordes uttered by him againste the preacher Mr. Burne for his sermon at Paule's crosse on Sunday last;" and the same day the celebrated Bradford and Veron, "two seditious preachers," were committed to the Tower, as was "Theodore Basill, alias Thomas Beacon, another seditious preacher." Ibid. pp. 2b, 3.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 09 Apr 1561. The ix day of Aprell dyd pryche at sant Mare spyttell master Colle the parsun of Hehonger in Essex.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 13 Apr 1563. The xiij day of Aprell dyd pryche at sant Mare spyttyll tuwysday in Ester weeke master Colle parsun of Hehenger in Essex and (dean elect) of Norwyche, and my lord mare (age 54) and ij juges and the althermen and byshopes, with all the masturs of the hospetall and the chylderyn.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Pirgo

In 1559 Margaret Grey was born to John Grey (age 35) and Mary Browne (age 32) at Pirgo.

On 07 Jan 1570 Thomas Cheeke was born to Henry Cheeke (age 22) and Frances Radclyffe (age 25) at Pirgo.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Pleshey

Around 1471 Henry Stafford (age 46) was buried at Pleshey.

Holy Trinity Church Pleshy

Froissart. Around 12 Jul 1397. The duke's (age 42) body was honourably embalmed at Calais, and put into a leaden coffin, with an outward one of wood, and transported in this state by sea to England. The vessel that carried the body landed at Hadleigh Castle [Map] on the Thames, and thence it was conveyed on a car, unattended, to his castle of Pleshy [Map], and placed in the church which the duke had founded in honour of the Holy Trinity, with twelve canons to perform devoutly the divine service. In this church was the duke (age 42) buried. The duchess of Gloucester (age 31), her son Humphrey (age 16), and her two daughters, were sorely grieved when the body of the duke arrived. The duchess (age 31) had double cause of affliction, for the earl of Arundel (age 51), her uncle, had been publicly beheaded in Cheapside [Map] by orders of the king. No baron nor knight dared to interpose, nor advise the king to do otherwise, for he was himself present at the execution, which was performed by the earl's son-in-law, the earl-marshal (age 29), who bandaged his eyes.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Purleigh

On 01 Feb 1632 John Washington was born to Lawrence Washington (age 30) and Amphilis Twigden (age 23) at Purleigh.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Quendon

On 27 Aug 1236 Maud Mandeville Countess Hereford (age 59) died in Quendon.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Radwinter [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Raleigh

Around 1111 Ralph Essex was born at Raleigh.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Rayne

In 1579 Henry Capell was born to Arthur Capell (age 22) and Margaret Grey (age 20) at Rayne.

On 29 Apr 1622 Henry Capell (age 43) died at Rayne.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Redbridge

Wanstead

Pepy's Diary. 14 May 1665. After dinner my wife and she and Mercer to Thomas Pepys's wife's christening of his first child, and I took a coach, and to Wanstead, the house where Sir H. Mildmay (age 72) died, and now Sir Robert Brookes (age 28) lives, having bought it of the Duke of Yorke (age 31), it being forfeited to him. A fine seat, but an old-fashioned house; and being not full of people looks desolately.

On 29 May 1750 Richard Child aka Tylney 1st Earl Tylney (age 70) was buried at Wanstead.

Church of St Mary the Virgin Wanstead

On or before 05 Feb 1680 Richard Child aka Tylney 1st Earl Tylney was born to Josiah Child (age 48) and Emma Barnard (age 34). He was baptised on 05 Feb 1680 at the Church of St Mary the Virgin Wanstead.

Wanstead Manor

In 1673 Josiah Child (age 41) purchased Wanstead Manor from the executors of Robert Brooke.

Wansted House

On 26 Dec 1605 Charles Blount 1st Earl Devonshire (age 42) and Penelope Devereux Countess Devonshire (age 42) were married at Wansted House during a service conducted by Archbishop William Laud (age 32) (future). The marriage was regarded as uncanonical and resulted in the disgrace of both parties, who were banished from King James I's court circles. She by marriage Countess Devonshire. She the daughter of Walter Devereux 1st Earl Essex and Lettice Knollys Countess Essex (age 62). They were third cousins.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Apr 1667. Set us down, so my wife and I into the garden, a fine moonshine evening, and there talking, and among other things she tells me that she finds by W. Hewer (age 25) that my people do observe my minding my pleasure more than usual, which I confess, and am ashamed of, and so from this day take upon me to leave it till Whit-Sunday. While we were sitting in the garden comes Mrs. Turner (age 44) to advise about her son, the Captain, when I did give her the best advice I could, to look out for some land employment for him, a peace being at hand, when few ships will be employed and very many, and these old Captains, to be provided for. Then to other talk, and among the rest about Sir W. Pen's (age 45) being to buy Wansted House of Sir Robert Brookes (age 30), but has put him off again, and left him the other day to pay for a dinner at a tavern, which she says our parishioner, Mrs. Hollworthy, talks of; and I dare be hanged if ever he could mean to buy that great house, that knows not how to furnish one that is not the tenth part so big.

Pepy's Diary. 01 May 1667. Sir W. Pen (age 46) did give me an account this afternoon of his design of buying Sir Robert Brooke's (age 30) fine house at Wansted; which I so wondered at, and did give him reasons against it, which he allowed of: and told me that he did intend to pull down the house and build a less, and that he should get £1500 by the old house, and I know not what fooleries. But I will never believe he ever intended to buy it, for my part; though he troubled Mr. Gawden to go and look upon it, and advise him in it.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Rettendon

All Saints Church Rettendon

In 1837 Bishop James Bowstead (age 36) was appointed Rector of All Saints Church Rettendon.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Rickling

On 19 Apr 1197 Beatrice Mandeville (age 92) died at Rickling.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Rochford

On 12 Jun 1567 Richard Rich 1st Baron Rich (age 70) died at Rochford. His son Robert Rich 2nd Baron Rich of Leez (age 30) succeeded 2nd Baron Rich of Leez. Elizabeth Baldry Baroness Rich Leez (age 29) by marriage Baroness Rich of Leez.

Rochford Hall

After 1534 William Stafford (age 26) and Mary Boleyn (age 35) lived at Rochford Hall.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Romford

Around 1480 Giles Capell of Rayne Hall was born to William Capell (age 34) and Margaret Arundell (age 24) at Romford.

Gidea Hall [Map]

In 1467 Thomas Cooke commissioned the building of Gidea Hall [Map]. It was completed by his descendant Anthony Cooke.

In 1467 Thomas Cooke was charged with high treason for lending money to Margaret (age 36), the queen of the deposed Lancastrian King Henry VI (age 45), on the strength of a confession of a statement obtained under torture from one Hawkins. Chief Justice Markham directed the jury to find it only misprision of treason, whereby Cooke's lands and life were saved, though he was heavily fined and long imprisoned. While awaiting his trial in the Tower his effects, both at his town house and at Gidea Hall [Map], were seized by Lord Rivers (age 62), then treasurer of England, and his wife was committed to the custody of the mayor. On his acquittal he was sent to the Bread Street compter [Map], and afterwards to the king's bench [Map], and was kept there until he paid eight thousand pounds to the king (age 24) and eight hundred pounds to the queen (age 30). Lord Rivers (age 62) and his wife (age 52), the Duchess of Bedford, also obtained the dismissal of Markham from his office for having determined that Cooke was not guilty of treason.

In 1578 Anne Russell 2nd Marchioness Worcester was born to John Russell (age 25) and Elizabeth Cooke (age 51) at Gidea Hall [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Saffron Walden [Map]

On 23 Dec 1513 Unknown Smith was born at Saffron Walden [Map].

On 30 Apr 1544 Thomas Audley 1st Baron Audley Walden (age 56) died. He was buried at Saffron Walden [Map]. Baron Audley Walden in Essex extinct.

On 19 Dec 1563 William Howard was born to Thomas Howard 4th Duke of Norfolk (age 27) and Margaret Audley Duchess Norfolk (age 23) at Saffron Walden [Map].

On 13 Aug 1582 Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 20) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 18) at Saffron Walden [Map].

On 08 Oct 1587 Thomas Howard 1st Earl Berkshire was born to Thomas Howard 1st Earl Suffolk (age 26) and Catherine Knyvet Countess Suffolk (age 23) at Saffron Walden [Map].

Pepy's Diary. 27 Feb 1660. Monday. Up by four o'clock, and after I was ready, took my leave of my father (age 59), whom I left in bed, and the same of my brother John (age 19), to whom I gave 10s. Mr. Blayton and I took horse and straight to Saffron Walden [Map], where at the White Hart, we set up our horses, and took the master of the house to shew us Audley End House [Map], who took us on foot through the park, and so to the house, where the housekeeper shewed us all the house, in which the stateliness of the ceilings, chimney-pieces, and form of the whole was exceedingly worth seeing. He took us into the cellar, where we drank most admirable drink, a health to the King (age 29). Here I played on my flageolette, there being an excellent echo. He shewed us excellent pictures; two especially, those of the four Evangelists and Henry VIII. After that I gave the man 2s. for his trouble, and went back again. In our going, my landlord carried us through a very old hospital or almshouse, where forty poor people was maintained; a very old foundation; and over the chimney in the mantelpiece was an inscription in brass: "Orate pre anima Thomae Bird", &c.; and the poor box also was on the same chimney-piece, with an iron door and locks to it, into which I put 6d. They brought me a draft of their drink in a brown bowl, tipt with silver, which I drank off, and at the bottom was a picture of the Virgin and the child in her arms, done in silver. So we went to our Inn, and after eating of something, and kissed the daughter of the house, she being very pretty, we took leave, and so that night, the road pretty good, but the weather rainy to Eping [Map], where we sat and played a game at cards, and after supper, and some merry talk with a plain bold maid of the house, we went to bed.

White Hart, Saffron Walden

Pepy's Diary. 27 Feb 1660. Monday. Up by four o'clock, and after I was ready, took my leave of my father (age 59), whom I left in bed, and the same of my brother John (age 19), to whom I gave 10s. Mr. Blayton and I took horse and straight to Saffron Walden [Map], where at the White Hart, we set up our horses, and took the master of the house to shew us Audley End House [Map], who took us on foot through the park, and so to the house, where the housekeeper shewed us all the house, in which the stateliness of the ceilings, chimney-pieces, and form of the whole was exceedingly worth seeing. He took us into the cellar, where we drank most admirable drink, a health to the King (age 29). Here I played on my flageolette, there being an excellent echo. He shewed us excellent pictures; two especially, those of the four Evangelists and Henry VIII. After that I gave the man 2s. for his trouble, and went back again. In our going, my landlord carried us through a very old hospital or almshouse, where forty poor people was maintained; a very old foundation; and over the chimney in the mantelpiece was an inscription in brass: "Orate pre anima Thomae Bird", &c.; and the poor box also was on the same chimney-piece, with an iron door and locks to it, into which I put 6d. They brought me a draft of their drink in a brown bowl, tipt with silver, which I drank off, and at the bottom was a picture of the Virgin and the child in her arms, done in silver. So we went to our Inn, and after eating of something, and kissed the daughter of the house, she being very pretty, we took leave, and so that night, the road pretty good, but the weather rainy to Eping [Map], where we sat and played a game at cards, and after supper, and some merry talk with a plain bold maid of the house, we went to bed.

Widdington Saffron Walden

Amberden Hall Widdington Saffron Walden

In Jul 1216 Robert Mortimer (age 47) died at Amberden Hall Widdington Saffron Walden.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Sawston

In 1602 Henry Hastings (age 24) and Dorothy Huddlestone (age 26) were married at Sawston.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Sewards End [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Shalford [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Shalford Green [Map]

The River Brain rises near Great Bardfield [Map] where it is known as Pods Brook. From there it flows past Shalford Green [Map] through Braintree Essex [Map], past White Notley [Map] and Witham [Map] after which it joins the River Pant aka Blackwater.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Sible Hedingham [Map]

The River Colne rises near Ridgewell, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Great Yeldham [Map], Sible Hedingham [Map], Halstead [Map], Earls Colne [Map], Wakes Colne [Map], Aldham [Map], Fordham Heath [Map] to Colchester [Map] then past Wivenhoe [Map] where it widens before joining the North Sea at Brightlingsea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, St Osyth's

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1123. Soon after this sent the king (age 55) his writ over all England, and bade all his bishops and his abbots and his thanes, that they should come to his wittenmoot on Candlemas day at Glocester [Map] to meet him: and they did so. When they were there gathered together, then the king (age 55) bade them, that they should choose for themselves an Archbishop of Canterbury, whomsoever they would, and he would confirm it. Then spoke the bishops among themselves, and said that they never more would have a man of the monastic order as archbishop over them. And they went all in a body to the king (age 55), and earnestly requested that they might choose from the clerical order whomsoever they would for archbishop. And the king (age 55) granted it to them. This was all concerted before, through the Bishop of Salisbury, and through the Bishop of Lincoln ere he was dead; for that they never loved the rule of monks, but were ever against monks and their rule. And the prior and the monks of Canterbury, and all the other persons of the monastic order that were there, withstood it full two days; but it availed nought: for the Bishop of Salisbury was strong, and wielded all England, and opposed them with all his power and might. Then chose they a clerk, named William of Curboil. He was canon of a monastery called Chiche.148 And they brought him before the king (age 55); and the king (age 55) gave him the archbishopric. And all the bishops received him: but almost all the monks, and the earls, and the thanes that were there, protested against him.

Note 148. St. Osythe, in Essex; a priory rebuilt A. 1118, for canons of the Augustine order, of which there are considerable remains.

In 1593 Penelope Darcy Lady Gage was born to Thomas Darcy 1st Earl Rivers (age 28) and Mary Kitson Countess Rivers (age 25) at St Osyth's, Essex.

On 01 Jun 1723 Richard Savage Nassau was born to Frederick Nassau (age 41) at St Osyth's, Essex.

St Osyth's Priory [Map]

Around 1121 Richard de Belmeis, Bishop of London, founded the Augustinian St Osyth's Priory [Map].

Blythburgh Priory [Map] was an Augustinian Priory founded around 1125. It was among the first Augustinian houses in England and began as a cell of St Osyth's Priory [Map] in Essex.

On 28 Jun 1558 Thomas Darcy 1st Baron Darcy Chiche (age 51) died at Wivenhoe [Map]. He was buried at St Osyth's Priory [Map]. His son John Darcy 2nd Baron Darcy Chiche (age 26) succeeded 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche.

In Mar 1581 John Darcy 2nd Baron Darcy Chiche (age 49) died. He was buried at St Osyth's Priory [Map]. His son Thomas Darcy 1st Earl Rivers (age 16) succeeded 3rd Baron Darcy of Chiche. Mary Kitson Countess Rivers (age 13) by marriage Baroness Darcy of Chiche.

In 1586 Thomas Darcy was born to Thomas Darcy 1st Earl Rivers (age 21) and Mary Kitson Countess Rivers (age 18) at St Osyth's Priory [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Stanway

In 1580 William Bonham was born to Thomas John Bonham (age 35) at Stanway.

Stanway Hall Stanway

In 1470 Catherine Marney was born to Henry Marney 1st Baron Marney (age 23) and Thomasine Arundell at Stanway Hall Stanway.

Before 1482 Thomas Bonham was born at Stanway Hall Stanway.

In 1545 Thomas John Bonham was born to Willam Bonham (age 32) at Stanway Hall Stanway.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Stratford

Henry Machyn's Diary. 30 Aug 1555. The xxx day of August was cast at yeld-hall [Map], for robyng of the quen('s) warderobe, one John Boneard, a servantt of hers, dwellyng be-syd the Warderobe at the Blake Frers, and cast. The sam day were cast, for robyng of ther masturs, ij. wher prentes, and the thurd was a servyngman, the prentes dwellyng in Boke larbere, for kepyng of herers, and after send unto the bysshop('s) presun at Startford in Essex.

In 1839 Louisa Cockburn was born to Alexander Cockburn (age 36) at Stratford.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Swallows Cross [Map]

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Takeley [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Tendring

In 1446 Anne Howard was born to John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk (age 21) and Katherine Moleyns (age 22) in Tendring.

In 1522 William Drury was born to John Drury of Rougham (age 43) at Tendring.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Terling

In 1440 Thomas Cornwall was born to Otis Cornwall (age 31) at Terling.

In 1460 Laurence Cornwall was born to Thomas Cornwall (age 20) at Terling.

In 1479 Thomas Cornwall (age 39) died at Terling.

Around 1494 Robert Rochester was born at Terling.

In 1546 George Cornwall was born to Richard Cornwall (age 16) at Terling. His birth date usually given as 1539 an his father's as 1530. George's birth date changed to 1546.

On 19 Jan 1578 Nicholas Tufton 1st Earl of Thanet was born to John Tufton 1st Baronet (age 34) and Christian Browne Lady Tufton (age 24) at Terling.

Laurence Cornwall died at Terling.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, The Naze [Map]

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1049. Then Osgod fetched his wife from Bruges; and they went back again with six ships; but the rest went towards Essex, to Eadulf's-ness [Map], and there plundered, and then returned to their ships. But there came upon them a strong wind, so that they were all lost but four persons, who were afterwards slain beyond sea.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Theydon Garnon

In Feb 1561 Archdeacon John Mullins was collated to the rectory of Theydon Garnon.

Gaynes Park Hall Theydon Garnon

Around 1460 William Fitzwilliam was born to John Fitzwilliam (age 45) in Gaynes Park Hall Theydon Garnon.

Around 1490 William Fitzwilliam was born to William Fitzwilliam (age 30) in Gaynes Park Hall Theydon Garnon.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Thornton

Thornton Hall Thornton

Around 1500 Humphrey Tyrrell was born to William Tyrrell (age 35) and Elizabeth Bradbury (age 10) at Thornton Hall Thornton.

On 15 Jan 1548 Humphrey Tyrrell (age 48) died at Thornton Hall Thornton.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Thunderley

Around 1572 Henry Mordaunt (age 41) died at Thunderley.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Thurrock

Around 1203 Hugh Grey was born to Henry Grey (age 42) at Thurrock.

Grays

Around 1149 Richard Grey was born to Anchitel Grey (age 19) at Grays.

In 1150 John Grey was born to Anchitel Grey (age 20) at Grays.

Around 1161 Henry Grey was born to Richard Grey (age 12) at Grays.

Around 1162 Anchitel Grey (age 32) died at Grays.

In 1175 Richard Grey (age 26) died at Grays.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Sep 1665. Lord's Day. Waked, and up and drank, and then to discourse; and then being about Grayes, and a very calme, curious morning, we took our wherry, and to the fishermen, and bought a great deal of fine fish, and to Gravesend, Kent [Map] to White's, and had part of it dressed; and, in the meantime, we to walk about a mile from the towne, and so back again; and there, after breakfast, one of our watermen told us he had heard of a bargain of cloves for us, and we went to a blind alehouse at the further end wretched dirty seamen, who, of the towne to a couple of poor wretches, had got together about 37 lb. of cloves and to 10 of nutmeggs, and we bought them of them, the first at 5s. 6d. per lb. and the latter at 4s.; and paid them in gold; but, Lord! to see how silly these men are in the selling of it, and easily to be persuaded almost to anything, offering a bag to us to pass as 20 lbs. of cloves, which upon weighing proved 25 lbs.

Shell Haven

Pepy's Diary. 24 Jul 1667. At noon home to dinner, where my wife mighty musty, [Dull, heavy, spiritless] but I took no notice of it, but after dinner to the office, and there with Mr. Harper did another good piece of work about my late collection of the accounts of the Navy presented to the Parliament at their last session, which was left unfinished, and now I have done it which sets my mind at my ease, and so, having tired myself, I took a pair of oares about five o'clock, which I made a gally at Redriffe [Map], and so with very much pleasure down to Gravesend, Kent [Map], all the way with extraordinary content reading of Boyle's (age 40) Hydrostatickes, which the more I read and understand, the more I admire, as a most excellent piece of philosophy; as we come nearer Gravesend, Kent [Map], we hear the Dutch fleete and ours a-firing their guns most distinctly and loud. But before we got to Gravesend, Kent [Map] they ceased, and it grew darkish, and so I landed only (and the flood being come) and went up to the Ship [Map] and discoursed with the landlord of the house, who undeceives me in what I heard this morning about the Dutch having lost two men-of-war, for it is not so, but several of their fire-ships. He do say, that this afternoon they did force our ships to retreat, but that now they are gone down as far as Shield-haven: but what the event hath been of this evening's guns they know not, but suppose not much, for they have all this while shot at good distance one from another. They seem confident of the security of this town and the River above it, if the enemy should come up so high; their fortifications being so good, and guns many. But he do say that people do complain of Sir Edward Spragg (age 47), that he hath not done extraordinary; and more of Sir W. Jenings, that he come up with his tamkins1 in his guns. Having discoursed this a little with him, and eat a bit of cold venison and drank, I away, took boat, and homeward again, with great pleasure, the moon shining, and it being a fine pleasant cool evening, and got home by half-past twelve at night, and so to bed.

Note 1. Tamkin, or tampion, the wooden stopper of a cannon placed in the muzzle to exclude water or dust.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Tilbury [Map]

Pepy's Diary. 27 Mar 1660. Early in the morning at making a fair new establishment of the Fleet to send to the Council. This morning, the wind came about, and we fell into the Hope, [A reach of the Thames near Tilbury [Map].] and in our passing by the Vice-Admiral, he and the rest of the frigates, with him, did give us abundance of guns and we them, so much that the report of them broke all the windows in my cabin and broke off the iron bar that was upon it to keep anybody from creeping in at the Scuttle. [A small hole or port cut either in the deck or side of a ship, generally for ventilation. That in the deck is a small hatch-way. Smyth's Sailor's Word-Book.] This noon I sat the first time with my Lord at table since my coming to sea. All the afternoon exceeding busy in writing of letters and orders. In the afternoon, Sir Harry Wright (age 23) came onboard us, about his business of being chosen Parliament-man. My Lord brought him to see my cabin, when I was hard a-writing. At night supped with my Lord too, with the Captain, and after that to work again till it be very late. So to bed.

The Hope, or Hope Reach, is the part of the Thames Estuary between Tilbury [Map] and the mouth of the River Medway. It is named after the Hope stream that enters the Thames about three miles east of Tilbury [Map]. A noted anchorage for fleet assemblages and rendevous.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Tolleshunt

Around 1538 Thomas Darcy was born to Thomas Darcy (age 27) and Anne Mundy in Tolleshunt.

In 1560 Thomas Darcy was born to Thomas Darcy (age 22) in Tolleshunt.

Tiptree Priory [Map]

Around 1150 Tiptree Priory [Map] was an Augustinian Priory founded by the local Tregoz family. The priory church was dedicated to Saints Mary and Nicholas. The Priory was suppressed in 1525 when it was granted to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey who granted it to Cardinal's College, Oxford (Christ Church College, Oxford University) and then to his college at Ipswich.

Around 1511 Thomas Darcy was born to Anthony Darcy (age 41) in Tiptree Priory [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Ulting [Map]

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Upminster

New Place Upminster

Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 03 May 1621. All things being provided for my journey thither, and Easter Term being ended, the same day the Parliament was again adjourned till after Whitsuntide, being Saturday the 19th day of this instant May, I went with my father and the rest of his family to Newplace, in Upminster, in the county of Essex, where my Aunt Lathum dwelt, being little out of the way to Lawford Hall aforesaid; whither I set forward alone upon Thmsday morning, lying at Maiden that night, May 24. The next day, being Friday, May 25, I arrived at Colchester between twelve and one, and that afternoon saw Miss Jemima (age 19) with the Lady Bingham (age 61) her mother, (whom, having been the widow of Sir Richard Bingham, Knt., Mr. Waldegrave had married to his second wife,) and had some discourse with the old lady, and some short view of the gentlewoman, whom I did not take to be so handsome at this first view as I thought her afterwards. I went not home at this time with the old lady, but lay at a town called Langham, near to Lawford, at one Mr. Littlebury's house; from whence, the next day, I went with him to Mr. Waldegrave's in the afternoon, and had full access in private discourse afforded me with the young gentlewoman. That night I returned again with Mr. Littlebury (who had used a great deal of faithful care to make up this match) to his house; where having staid till Monday, May 28th, in the forenoon we went again to Mr. Waldegrave's, and dined there. After which ended, I had several discourses with the young gentlewoman, and received from her so many remonstrances of acceptation and affection, as her own father acknowledged she never had done before, and we all thought the business in fair forwardness for the consummation thereof. But I, fearing my father's inconstancy, by reason he was to settle above £1100 per annum upon me, and to receive no portion, had all my expectations even at this present mixed with doubts, which were the more increased upon my return to him next day to Newplace, (for, his coach-horses going cheerfully, I went the whole thirty-eight miles from Lawford thither in a day,) where, having related to him my unexpected success, I found him in some atrtut, as if he knew not well now how to break it off, or go back.

Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 02 Jun 1623. On Monday, the second day of June, my father, the Lady Denton, and the residue of his family, departed into Essex, to New Place, in Upminster, to keep his Whitsuntide, with my Aunt Lathum, a widow, his only sister; from which journey I excused myself, for my love to the study of the law began now to increase very much, being reasonably well able to command what I read, and finding daily use of it, I exceedingly desired knowledge.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Uttlesford

Great Chesterford

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Oct 1671 and 10 Oct 1671. I went, after evening service, to London, in order to a journey of refreshment with Mr. Treasurer (age 41), to Newmarket, Suffolk, where the King (age 41) then was, in his coach with six brave horses, which we changed thrice, first, at Bishop-Stortford [Map], and last, at Chesterford; so, by night, we got to Newmarket, Suffolk, where Mr. Henry Jermain (age 35) (nephew to the Earl of St. Alban (age 66)) lodged me very civilly. We proceeded immediately to Court, the King (age 41) and all the English gallants being there at their autumnal sports. Supped at the Lord Chamberlain's; and, the next day, after dinner, I was on the heath, where I saw the great match run between Woodcock and Flatfoot, belonging to the King (age 41), and to Mr. Eliot, of the bedchamber, many thousands being spectators; a more signal race had not been run for many years.

On 07 Jan 1689 James Howard 3rd Earl Suffolk (age 69) died at Great Chesterford. He was buried at Waldon Priory and Abbey [Map]. His brother George Howard 4th Earl Suffolk (age 63) succeeded 4th Earl Suffolk. Anne "Mary" Wroth Countess Suffolk by marriage Countess Suffolk. Baron Howard de Walden abeyant between the his daughter Essex Howard Baroness Griffin and the descendants of his daughter's daughter (age 12).

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Wakering

Around 1282 Hugh Neville died at Wakering.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Wakes Colne [Map]

The River Colne rises near Ridgewell, Suffolk [Map] from where it flows past Great Yeldham [Map], Sible Hedingham [Map], Halstead [Map], Earls Colne [Map], Wakes Colne [Map], Aldham [Map], Fordham Heath [Map] to Colchester [Map] then past Wivenhoe [Map] where it widens before joining the North Sea at Brightlingsea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Walter

Woodhouse Walter

In 1404 Elizabeth Chidiock Baroness Cobham Sternborough was born to John Chidiock 5th Baron Fitzpayn (age 29) and Eleanor Fitzwarin (age 20) at Woodhouse Walter.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Waltham

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1001. This year there was great commotion in England in consequence of an invasion by the Danes, who spread terror and devastation wheresoever they went, plundering and burning and desolating the country with such rapidity, that they advanced in one march as far as the town of Alton [Note. Not clear whether this is Alton, Hampshire]; where the people of Hampshire came against them, and fought with them. There was slain Ethelwerd, high-steward of the king (age 35), and Leofric of Whitchurch, and Leofwin, high-steward of the king, and Wulfhere, a bishop's thane, and Godwin of Worthy, son of Bishop Elfsy; and of all the men who were engaged with them eighty-one. Of the Danes there was slain a much greater number, though they remained in possession of the field of battle. Thence they proceeded westward, until they came into Devonshire; where Paley came to meet them with the ships which he was able to collect; for he had shaken off his allegiance to King Ethelred (age 35), against all the vows of truth and fidelity which he had given him, as well as the presents which the king had bestowed on him in houses and gold and silver. And they burned Teignton, and also many other goodly towns that we cannot name; and then peace was there concluded with them. And they proceeded thence towards Exmouth, Devon, so that they marched at once till they came to Pin-hoo; where Cole, high-steward of the king, and Edsy, reve of the king, came against them with the army that they could collect. But they were there put to flight, and there were many slain, and the Danes had possession of the field of battle. And the next morning they burned the village of Pin-hoo, and of Clist, and also many goodly towns that we cannot name. Then they returned eastward again, till they came to the Isle of Wight [Map]. The next morning they burned the town of Waltham, and many other small towns; soon after which the people treated with them, and they made peace.

In 1133 Alice Essex was born to Ralph Essex (age 22) and Alice Vere Baroness Warkworth at Waltham.

Wriothesley's Chronicle. 06 Nov 1551. The 6 of November the sayd Scottishe Quene departed toward Scotland, and rode from Pawles through all the high streates London and out at Bishops-gate [Map], accompanyed with diuers noble Scotland, men and women, to bringe her through the Citye to Shordich Church; the Duke of Northumberlande (age 47) havinge standinge of horsemen in Cheapsyde with jauelinges, iC [Note. One hundred] persons, wherof xl [Note. 40] gentlemen were apparayled in black velvet and white feathers, and chaines of gold about their neckes; next them stoode vixx [Note. 120 ie 6x20] horsmen of the Earle of Pembrookes (age 50), with blacke jauelinges and hattes with feathers; next them stoode ic. [Note. 100] of the Lord Treasurers gentlemen and yeomen with jauelinges allso, which 3 rankes of horsemen compassed from the Crosse in Cheape to Birchin Lane ende. And when the sayd nobles had brought hir to Shordich Church, there they tooke their leaue, and departed home againe. The Sheriffes of London had the conduction of her to Waltham townes ende, where the shires of Middlesex and Essex parteth; and harbingers [were] sent afore into euery shyre to the borders to Scotland, that every sheriffe in euery shyre, accompanyed with the gentlemen of the country, [should] receaue her, and make provision in euery shyre for hir meates, both for hirselfe, familie, and horses, till she come to the borders of Scotland, at the charges of the Kinges Maiestie the shyres that she should passe thorough till she be in Scotland, euery shire for theyr owne precinct; this first night she lodged in Waltham towne.

The Earle of Arundell and the Lord Pagett (age 45) sent to the Tower [Map].

Archaeologia Volume 29 Section XIII. The circumstance that writs are found dated on the same day (December 13) both at Saint Alban's and London seems to lead to the inference that the King withdrew from the procession on the morning after its arrival at Saint Alban's, and came through Barnet to London. Walsingham also says that when the procession arrived in London it was met by the King and his nobles. We know that from Saint Alban's it went to Waltham. Mr. Gough is perplexed with this deviation from the direct route. But two reasons may be given for it. Waltham had a royal monastery founded by King Harold, thus affording a suitable resting-place for another night, which was not to be found in a direct line from Saint Alban's to London: and secondly, the distance of Saint Alban's from London was too great for a winter's day's journey, when it was expedient that the procession should arrive in London early, for the convenience of the concourse who were to meet it.

Waltham Forest

Pepy's Diary. 18 Aug 1662. Up very early, and up upon my house to see how work goes on, which do please me very well. So about seven o'clock took horse and rode to Bowe, and there staid at the Kings Head, and eat a breakfast of eggs till Mr. Deane of Woolwich, Kent [Map] came to me, and he and I rid into Waltham Forest, and there we saw many trees of the King's a-hewing; and he showed me the whole mystery of off square1, wherein the King is abused in the timber that he buys, which I shall with much pleasure be able to correct. After we had been a good while in the wood, we rode to Illford, and there, while dinner was getting ready, he and I practised measuring of the tables and other things till I did understand measuring of timber and board very well.

Note 1. Off-square is evidently a mistake, in the shorthand MS., for half square.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Warley Magna [Map]

Evelyn's Diary. 12 May 1649. I purchased the manor of Warley Magna [Map], in Essex: in the afternoon went to see Gildron's collections of paintings, where I found Mr. Endymion Porter (age 62), of his late Majesty's bedchamber.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, West Ham

All Saints Church

On 12 Oct 1687 Thomas Foote 1st Baronet (age 89) died. He was buried at All Saints Church. His son-in-law Arthur Onslow 1st and 2nd Baronet (age 63) succeeded 2nd Baronet Foote of London according to the special remainder added to the creation.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, West Hampton

On 07 Oct 1733 Thomas Stayner (age 68) died at West Hampton. He was buried at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, West Horndon

In or before 1349 Thomas Tyrrell was born to Walter Tyrrell (age 28) at West Horndon.

In 1406 Thomas Tyrrell (age 57) died at West Horndon.

In 1431 Elizabeth Fitzlewis was born to Lewis Fitzlewis (age 26) in West Horndon.

On 11 Oct 1613 John Petre 1st Baron Petre (age 63) died at West Horndon and was buried in St Edmund and St Mary's Church Ingatestone Blackmore. His son William Petre 2nd Baron Petre (age 38) succeeded 2nd Baron Petre.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Wethersfield

Codham Hall Wethersfield

On 22 Mar 1483 Henry Wentworth (age 54) died at Codham Hall Wethersfield.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, White Notley [Map]

The River Brain rises near Great Bardfield [Map] where it is known as Pods Brook. From there it flows past Shalford Green [Map] through Braintree Essex [Map], past White Notley [Map] and Witham [Map] after which it joins the River Pant aka Blackwater.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Widford [Map]

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Wimbish [Map]

The River Pant rises near Sewards End [Map] after which it flows past Wimbish [Map], Radwinter [Map], Great Sampford [Map], Little Sampford [Map], Great Bardfield [Map], Shalford [Map] and Bocking, Essex [Map] after which it becomes known as the River Blackwater.

The River Blackwater passes north of Braintree Essex [Map] then past Stisted [Map], Bradwell Juxta Coggleshall [Map], Coggeshall [Map] to Kelvedon [Map], Little Braxted [Map], Langford [Map] to Heybridge [Map] where it becomes the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation before it becomes an estuary which joins the North Sea at Bradwell-on-Sea [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Witham [Map]

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 913. This year, about Martinmas, King Edward (age 39) had the northern fortress built at Hertford [Map], betwixt the Memer, and the Benwic, and the Lea. After this, in the summer, betwixt gang-days and midsummer, went King Edward with some of his force into Essex, to Maldon [Map]; and encamped there the while that men built and fortified the town of Witham [Map]. And many of the people submitted to him, who were before under the power of the Danes. And some of his force, meanwhile, built the fortress at Hertford [Map] on the south side of the Lea. This year by the permission of God went Ethelfleda (age 43), lady of Mercia, with all the Mercians to Tamworth [Map]; and built the fort there in the fore-part of the summer; and before Lammas that at Stafford [Map]: in the next year that at Eddesbury [Map], in the beginning of the summer; and the same year, late in the autumn, that at Warwick [Map]. Then in the following year was built, after mid-winter, that at Chirbury and that at Warburton; and the same year before mid-winter that at Runkorn [Map].

In 1790 Bishop William van Mildert (age 24) was Curate of Witham [Map].

The Great Road leaves Chelmsford [Map] along Sprinfield Road [Map] through Boreham [Map], Hatfield Peverel [Map], Witham [Map], Kelvedon [Map] aka Canonium, Marks Tey [Map] where it was joined by Stane Street to Chichester before reaching Colchester [Map] aka Camulodunum.

The River Brain rises near Great Bardfield [Map] where it is known as Pods Brook. From there it flows past Shalford Green [Map] through Braintree Essex [Map], past White Notley [Map] and Witham [Map] after which it joins the River Pant aka Blackwater.

St Nicholas Church, Witham

On 12 Oct 1819 William East 1st Baronet (age 81) died. He was buried at St Nicholas Church, Witham. His son Gilbert East 2nd Baronet (age 55) succeeded 2nd Baronet East of Hall Place in Maidenhead in Berkshire.

Witham Place

On 30 Sep 1728 Francis Jerome Talbot was born to George Talbot (age 58) and Mary Fitzwilliam (age 43) at Witham Place.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Wivenhoe [Map]

Around 1318 Margaret Sutton was born to John Sutton 1st Baron Sutton (age 47) and Constantia Sampson Baroness Lexington (age 45) at Wivenhoe [Map].

On 19 Dec 1507 William Beaumont 2nd Viscount Beaumont (age 69) died at Wivenhoe [Map] where he was buried. Viscount Beaumont extinct. Baron Beaumont abeyant between his two nieces Joanne Lovell and Frideswell Lovell. The issue of Frideswell Lovell were disbarred from succeededing when her son Henry Norreys (age 25) was attainted. Baron Bardolf of Wormegay in Norfolk abeyant between his great nephews including Henry Norreys (age 25), George Stapleton (age 28) and great-great nephew Brian Stapleton (age 30).

On 28 Jun 1558 Thomas Darcy 1st Baron Darcy Chiche (age 51) died at Wivenhoe [Map]. He was buried at St Osyth's Priory [Map]. His son John Darcy 2nd Baron Darcy Chiche (age 26) succeeded 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Woodford

On 22 Oct 1559 Ralph Cheney (age 8) died at Woodford.

In 1714 Robert Taylor was born at Woodford.

On 29 May 1735 Robert Long 6th Baronet (age 30) and Emma Tylney Lady Long (age 28) were married at Woodford. She by marriage Lady Long of Westminster in London. She the daughter of Richard Child aka Tylney 1st Earl Tylney (age 55) and Dorothy Glynne Countess Castlemaine.

Woodford Hall, Essex

On 22 Jan 1721 Charlotte Lee Baroness Baltimore (age 41) died at Woodford Hall, Essex.

Life of William Morris. Meanwhile the business of the bill-broking firm, and Mr. Morris's own private commercial undertakings, grew and prospered. He was now a wealthy man; and in 1840, when his eldest boy was six years old, the family left Elm House, and moved across the Forest to Woodford Hall, a large spacious mansion of Georgian date, standing in about fifty acres of park, on the high road from London to Epping. The park was only separated by a fence from the Forest itself; and the estate included about a hundred acres of farm land, sloping down to the little river Roding. Behind lay the pathless glades and thickets of hornbeam and beech which still, in spite of all encroachments, and of the nearer and nearer approach of London, remain in all essentials a part of primaeval England, little changed in the course of hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. From the Hall the course of the Thames might be traced winding through the marshes, with white and ruddy-brown sails moving among cornfields and pastures. The little brick Georgian church of Woodford (since enlarged and modernized), stood alongside of the Hall, which had a private doorway into the churchyard. On the roadside nearly opposite, on a green space now enclosed, were the pound and the stocks. "When we lived at Woodford," Morris wrote to his daughter half a century later, "there were stocks there on a little bit of wayside green in the middle of the village: beside them stood the cage, a small shanty some twelve feet square, and as it was built of brown brick roofed with blue slate, I suppose it had been quite recently in use, since its style was not earlier than the days of fat George. I remember I used to look at these two threats of law and order with considerable terror, and decidedly preferred to walk on the other side of the road; but I never heard of anybody being locked up in the cage or laid by the heels in the stocks."

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Woodham Ferrers

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Woodham Mortimer

In 1143 Robert Mortimer was born at Woodham Mortimer.

Around 1169 Robert Mortimer was born to Robert Mortimer (age 26) and Maud Meschin at Woodham Mortimer.

Europe, British Isles, England, Home Counties, Essex, Writtle [Map]

The River Wid rises near Blackmore [Map] from where it flows past Swallows Cross [Map], Mountnessing [Map], Ingatestone [Map], Margetting [Map], Killigrews [Map], Widford [Map], to which it gives it name, to Writtle [Map] where it joins the River Can.