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Full text of "The history of the ancient parish of Waltham abbey, or Holy Cross"

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WJILTOJYl JIBBEY 



W. WINTERS, F.R., Hist. Soa, 

Author of Select Passages in the Life of King Harold ; Ecclesiastical Works 

of the Middle Ages ; Our Parish Registers ; Queen Eleanor 

Memorial, Waltham Cross, etc., etc. 



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f frttncru* fUrhtce* anb $url0 of 
^j tljtj report are nonte to be ertolo 

trewln evev-Q focnter bate." 

Skelton, on " 7^^ Dolorous Death" 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 
CHURCH YARD, WALTHAM ABBEY, ESSEX, 
1888. 



COWING, PRINI1B, WALTHAM ABBEY. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

History of Waltham Abbey (or Holy Cross) ... ... i 

Hamlets of Waltham Holy Cross ... ... 4 

Incidents relating to the Kings of England, &c. ... 13 

The Dissolution of the Abbey ... ... .. 30 

The Abbey Mansion ... ... ... ... 34 

Land Sequestered in 1643 ... ... ... 38 

Eleanor Memorial, Waltham Cross . ... ... 40 

Ancient Boundary of Waltham ... ... 42 

Royal Gunpowder Factory ... ... ... ... 48 

The Main Streets and Public Buildings, &c. ... 51 

The Abbey Church ... ... ... ... 66 

Legend of the Holy Cross ... ... ... 76 

The Burial of Harold ... ... ... ... 81 

Consecration of the Church .. ... ... 87 

Architectural Changes in the Abbey Church ... ... 91 

Ancient Music used in the Abbey Church ... 105 

Tombs in the Church ... ... ... ...115 

Inventory of Church Goods ... . . ... 124 

Lady Chapel and Crypt ... ... ... ... 146 

Deans, Canons and Abbots from 1060 to 1540 ... 148 

Ministers of the Abbey from 1540 to 1888 ... ... 155 

The Church Yard ... ... .... ... 160 

Trust for Enlarging the Church Yard ... ... 164 

The Cemetery ... ... ... ... 169 

Local Authors ... ... ... ... ... 170 

Dissenting Chapels in Waltham Abbey ... ... 178 

Old Schools in Waltham Abbey ... ... ... 183 

Antiquities found in Waltham Abbey ... ... 184 

Local Directory ... ... ... ... ... 188 



Stack 
Annex 

5 

ox I 

Mil 
INTRODUCTION. 



WALTHAM, for many centuries, has been regarded by English 
historiographers as a place of importance, principally on account 
of its cathedral-like Abbey, the history of which, says Dr. 
Fuller, "is the history of the Church of England." 

From the number of fragments of ancient pottery, 
coins, &c. (see page 184), which have been discovered in this 
parish at different times, it is quite evident that prior to the 
Saxon rule in Waltham, the locality was familiar to the 
Romans, and other warlike men of Britain who ranged the 
primeval wilds of Fssex,* and whose trackways are traceable 
from Ambresbury Banks across the ancient Lea to Cheshunt, 
the Durolitum of the Romans.f 

The early history of the Abbey Church is established by 
reliable documents, such as the Great Charter (Cartes Antique) 
of Waltham and the Cottonian and ffarleian M SS., in which 
appear Edward the Confessor's gifts to Harold and the various 
lands given by Harold to his Church. A copy of the original 
deed, of contemporary date, (1062,) is preserved in the Public 
Record Office. Domesday Book is another splendid document 
extant, which contains notices in brief of everything belonging to 
the parish at that period.]: Every acre of land is there recorded, 
also all houses, fisheries, mills, woods, cattle, together with the 
names of their owners, &c. The Abbey of Waltham being a 
royal foundation it was not subject to episcopal jurisdiction, but 
only to the " See of Rome and the King." The superior was one 
of the twenty-eight mitred Abbots of England, and ranked the 
twentieth. These mitred Abbots were called "Abbots General'' 
or "Abbots Sovereign," and sat as Lords in Parliament, four 
of which were denominated "Abbots exempt," viz,, the Abbots 
of Waltham, Bury, St. Albans and Evesham. The Abbey of 

* Warlies, and its surroundings, by W. Winters. 

t Salmon's History of Hertfordshire, p. 7, 1728. 

^ Doomsday Book consists of two volumes, a greater and a less. The first 
called the " Winchester Book " was made A.D. 1148 ; and the second known 
as the " Bolden Book " was compiled A.D. 1183. 

1C9G748 



11. INTRODUCTION. 

Waltham had continued (from its foundation by Harold in 1060) 
for 480 years under several Deans and twenty-seven Abbots.* 

The list of the Abbots of Waltham, from the time of 
Henry II., to the dissolution of the Abbey in 1540, inserted in 
this volume, has been carefully compiled from the Harleian and 
Cottontail MSS., compared with the works of Dugdale, Willis, 
Stevens, Newcourt and others ; and the ministers of the Abbey 
from the Reformation to the present time have been principally 
arranged according to the Repertorium of Newcourt and the 
Parish Registers. The clergy in charge of the Abbey since the 
dissolution were until recently designated either incumbents or 
curates. The late Rev. James Francis, M.A., was the last 
Incumbent and the first Vicar of the parish. By an Act passed 
some time ago called " The District Church Amendment Act," 
the ecclesiastical living of Waltham became a Vicarage in 
August, 1868. The Abbey was not under episcopal jurisdiction 
until 1854. 

An original document discovered in the Public Record Office 
a few years ago by J. Burtt, Esq., has thrown much light upon 
the architectural alterations made in the Abbey in the reign of 
Edward I. This notorial instrument setting forth a mandate 
for the repair of the church is in Latin, and was issued 
September 6th, 1286, by Abbot Reginaldi. (See page 97.) 

OLD ENGRAVINGS OF THE ABBEY CHURCH. 

Many engravings of the Abbey Church have been published 
in works of history, but none of them are of great antiquity. 
There may be earlier private drawings and paintings which have 
not come before our notice. Our private collection of plates of 
the Abbey is as follows: (i) John Farmer, 1735, south view; 
(2) 1750 south east view; (3) a similar drawing, by James 
Peak, 1763; (4) north view, 1779, shows the Abbot's refectory, 
re-published September i5th, 1783, by J. Hooper; (5) east view; 
(6) 1798, south view ; the tower was then in course of re-erection; 

* The privilege of being exempt from all episcopal jurisdiction was granted 
to the first Abbot, Wido or Guido, by Pope Lucius III., who was the first 
Pope elected by Cardinals, A.D. 1181. The Abbots of Waltham were indulged 
with the use of Pontificals by Pope Celestine III., A.D. 1191. In the 
November of 1197 the Archbishop of Canterbury visited the Abbey of 
Waltham and expressed his confidence in the Abbot's mode of government. 
Vide Chron. Rich. I. (Stubbs.) 



INTRODUCTION. 111. 

(7) south view, by S. Rawle, Nov. ist, 1804; (8) north view, by 
J. Greig, July ist, 1804; exterior view, by Greig, Dec., 
1804, also Abbey gates, from a drawing by C. Arnald; (9) 
distant view of the Abbey by Ellis, for Dr. Hughson's 
description of London, 1805; (10) north-east view, by 
F. Calvert ; (n) south-west view (small); (12) south-east 
view, by George Shepherd, engraved by W. Woolnorth, 
March ist, 1805, also a view of the Abbey gates; (13) nave 
and great arch, by Barlow, September 20, 1807 ; (14) small 
north view, by Greig, April ist, 1808; (15) small interior view, by 
Greig; (16) west front, as it appeared before the erection 
of the western tower, by J. Carter, May ist, 1810, also 
architectural details of the Abbey Church, by J. Carter, 
1807; (17) north view with Abbey gates, by John Harris, 
November 4, 1812; (18) interior view with seals, Abbey gates, &c., 
by E. Ogbourn (Hist. Essex), 1814; (19) interior and exterior, 
views by John Coney, 1817 1818, showing royal arms on the 
front of the mill near the "Factory Stones"; (20) south-east 
view, by C. H. Campion; (21) "Baker's Entry," by H. Bartlett; 
(22) two plates of the church, by Brayley, 1834; (23) north 
view, by G. F. Sargent, August ist, 1842; (24) an engraving 
by Mr. Salmons, of Cheshunt. Various views of the church were 
taken during its restoration, in 1859-60. J. E. Thompson pub- 
lished a ground plan of the church, engraved ' by E. Rolfe. 
T. Morris made a drawing of the Elizabethan Market House, 
Waltham Abbey, showing the old whipping-post, 1598, engraved 
by G. Hollis. A much better view of the Market House was 
made by the late Joseph Upton, a native of this town. In our 
collection of Views of the Abbey we have an engraving of a 
1 3th century seal from the Abbot of Waltham to Hugh Nevil. 
Also two counter seals of the Abbot of Waltham, dated A.D. 
1253; Views of Copt Hall, &c. 

NOTED PERSONS OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 

Most of the Kings of England, from Harold to Charles II., 
as also many ecclesiastical dignitaries, have at different times 
visited Waltham Abbey. Harold no doubt visited Waltham 
many times during the erection of his college. His last visit 
was shortly before the Battle of Hastings. Henry II. made 
his last Will and Testament under the shadow of the Abbey 



IV. INTRODUCTION. 

in 1182. Henry III. frequently visited the Abbey in 1270; 
and numerous are the writs that were signed in Waltham at 
various periods by Royal hands. 

The body of Queen Eleanor rested here in 1291-2; and the 
body of Edward I. was brought from Scotland in 1307, and 
rested within the precincts of the Abbey for fifteen weeks. 
Here Richard III. took shelter for a short time during the 
insurrection of Wat Tyler ; and later on, Archbishop Cranmer 
resorted to the house of Master Cressey in the Romeland, 
when the plague raged at Cambridge. Thomas Tallis was 
precentor for some time in the Abbey Church, temp. Henry 
VIII. The Bassanoe family of Waltham were great musicians ; 
and received Royal patronage from Henry VIII., Edward VI., 
Queen Elizabeth, James I., Charles I. and Charles II. Sir 
Anthony Denny, Chamberlain to King Henry VIII. , possessed 
nearly the whole of the eccclesiastical property of Waltham. 
He resided near the Abbey, and afterwards at Cheshunt, where he 
died and was buried. The Denny's intermarried with the 
Earls of Carlisle, Bedford, Exeter, Kennoul, Manchester and 
other notable families, most of whom resided in the parish of 
Waltham; as also the Lords Brook, Grevill and Buckhurst. 
In the time of James I. and Charles I., as many as five 
knights resided in Waltham Abbey, besides the noble families 
of Cressey, Colte, Bassanoe, Vavassor, Sackville Dorset, Foxe, 
Wollaston, Swift and others.* 

Sir Anthony Denny received many noble gifts from Henry 
VIII. and Edward VI. and later monarchs. Sir Edward 
Denny possessed a pair of mittens presented by Queen 
Elizabeth to Margaret, his mother, wife of Sir Edward Denny 
and lady-in-waiting to the Queen. Sir Edward Danny possessed 

* In the Harl. MSS. 2,240, fol. 44, occur the names of the P'reeholders 
of Waltham, "on whose lands issues might be levied'' in 1633. Those 
for Waltham Township ware : Edward Cooke, gent., Hinry Blott, Edward 
Turner, William Nash, Rolland Patterson, John Golding, John Vavassor, 
gent, and Francis Greene, gent. For Upshire: Ralph Hodge, John 
Derrington, Thomas Huntley, Henry Williams and Edward Palmar, gent. 
Arm. For Hallifield, Thos. Brewett, Henry Curie, Henry Wollaston, gent. 
For Sewardstone, Edward Fullham, William Cramphorn, Richard Stock, and 
William Reynolds. An account was rendered about this period of persons 
chargeable in Waltham, for what was called " 7^he Essex Lj-in," viz., 
" Toivnship." John Tanner in bonus x li xx li. ; John Standish in bonus 
x li. xx li. ; Upshire and Hallifield Robert Hall, gent in terr. (land) 
x li. xx li. 



INTRODUCTION. V. 

also a magnificent scarf given by King Charles I. to Adam. 
Hill, of Huntingdon (whose daughter married Peter Denny), 
for rallying his troops of horses at the battle of Edghill. His 
Majesty wore the scarf on that memorable day. Sir E. Denny 
also owned a pair of gloves given to Edward Denny, Esq., 
by King James I. 

The names of several pilgrims who sailed to New England 
between the years 1630 and 1640 occur in the Registers of 
Wultham Abbey and Nazing. At this period, and for a 
century later, Waltham was infested with the " Essex Gang " 
and " Waltham Blacks," who ranged the neighbourhood, 
committing all kinds of depredations. After awhile -the 
notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin, resided in the outskirts 
of the parish, and on the 4th of May, 1737, he wilfully shot 
Thomas Morris, servant to Henry Thompson, keeper of the 
Forest ; an entry of which occurs in the Parish Registers 
thus : " Thomas Morrise, servant to Mr. Henry Thompson, 
shot upon ye Forest, Bur. May 7th, 1737." The King 
offered ,200 reward for the apprehension of Turpin on 
account of this murder (See "O-ir Parish Registers," p. 77). 

EARLY NAMES OF PERSONS DERIVED FROM THE 
PLACE OF THEIR NATIVITY. 

In very early times many persons were named after the 
locality in which they were born, or the trade they followed. 
Hence we have Hugh of Waltham, common clerk of the 
City of London, in 1312. William of Waltham appears in the 
list of persons connected with the transfer and valuation of 
pledges, taken for arrears of tallage in 1314 "From William 
de Waltham, one posuet, value i2d." John of Waltham, a 
native of this town, temp. Richard II., died Bishop of 
Salisbury in 1395, and was buried in the Royal Chapel, 
Westminster Abbey. Roger Waltham, a native of Waltham, 
was Canon of St. Paul's and a learned author. In 1316 the 
Abbot of Waltham appointed as one of his attorneys Peter 
de Wautham, with a view to claim his franchise in the 
Exchequer. On the i5th July, 1429, Robert Waltham, son 
and heir of Walter Waltham, of Waltham Holy Cross, 
received for the term of his life, in fee simple, three 
tenements in Waltham near the " Cimitermni Pynest " 



vi. INTRODUCTION. 

(Green), High Beech. John of Cestrehunte and Richard of 
Cestrehunte (Cheshunt), " Plumers and Fethermongers," resided 
in Cheshunt in 1281. Feathers at this early period were 
used exclusively for cushions and beds of the most wealthy ; 
the middle and humbler classes slept upon straw. 

ANCIENT DEEDS AND CHARTERS RELATING TO 
WALTHAM.* 

Chief of the early MSS. relating to the Abbey Church are 
preserved in the British Museum, viz., Harleian Liber Niger, 
3766 ; Liber Rebms, 3766 ; Registry 391, 3,739, 4,809 ; 
Chartce and Extractor Chartarum, 6,748 ; Abbatum Nomina 
3>7?6, 7,520 ; Taxationes, 1,850 ; Fundatio, 692 ; De 
Inventione Cruets, 3,776 ; Miracula and Reliquiae, 3,776 ; 
Waltham Forest, 6,839, 6,853, an d 6,705. Cottonion MSS. 
Register, Tib. C. ix.; De cruce ibi deducta, Jul. D. vi.; 
Carta Fund. Claud D. ii ; Waltham (de terris apud) Nero, 
C. iii.; Roger Waltham, Vesp. B. xxi. Lansd. MSS. 763, 
Church music, used in the Abbey, in the fifteenth century. 
(See " Ecclesiastical works of the middle ages," by W. 
Winters, p. 53). The Carta Antique of Waltham, in the 
Public Record Office, is of great value. We have, at various 
times, and at great expense, collected many ancient deeds of 
interest, in which occur the early names of persons, lands, 
and domestic buildings in the parish of Waltham. In the 
collection of Ancient Deeds and Charters preserved in the 
Record Office, are several relating to lands, buildings, etc., in 
this town, and from which we have taken extracts for this 
work. 

NAMES OF ANCIENT PLACES IN WALTHAM. 

(i) ffighbridge Street (or West Street). Brihtuff Foht con- 
veyed to John Foht, his son, one tenement, with -a quantity 
of arable land in Manneland (Honey Lane) one croft in 
Siwordston called Herdcroft, two acres in Westsote, with a 
tenement held in trust by the Abbot of Waltham, rent 
"// solid" Signed in the presence of Heni de Wermel, 
Rob. de Hertford, Gal. de Langrich, Manigod Napp, Simce 
le Guc d , Thme de Halifeld, Abraham fil Thorn, Will, Pulier 
* Many of these deeds are in the author's possession. 



INTRODUCTION. Vli. 

and Alan Clico. (2) John Foot in 1314, conveyed to his son 
"Dauye," one messuage in the mile of Waltham in " Haye 
Strate " (High Street) abutting a messuage and gardens on 
the west, and land of John Fross on the east. 7 Ed. II., 
1314. (3) Two "shopis" in West Street, belonging to Johan 
Poley de Waltham, 13, Richard II., 1390. John de Poley 
with four others held a religious appointment in St. Sepulchre's 
Chapel, Waltham, founded A.D. 1346. (4) 1395, John Perkyns, 
son of John Perkyns of Waltham, conveyed, by deed, two 
shops in West Street, in the tenure of Richard Hosiere and 
Thomas Frankside, to Thomas Wolmersty, Bobt. Ferour, 
Walto Cuffle, and John Gladwyne. John Perkyns sold to the 
said persons a garden situate in Spaineshaw in Frosshenlane, 
Waltham, adjoining the premises of Elene Byffayn, John 
Sabrichford, and a cottage and garden in " Bowyers" 18, Ric. 
II. (5) John Perkys granted a garden in West Street, called 
" Bowyers" to Walter Enfield and John Gladwyn, 19, Ric. II. 
(6) William Stephens conveyed a tenement in West Street on 
the Marsh Bank with a garden near the " Ftdltngmell Streme" 
and "Austin fy le Pynfolde" to Walter More, John Balitre, 
and William Henry of Waltham, 3, Hen. IV., 1402. This 
garden belonged to John Ive, rector of St. Michael's Wood 
Street, London 23 Ric. II. In 1477 these premises fell into the 
possession of Robert Shambrook, John Audley, and Richard 
Ram of Waltham. (7) Agreement between William Somer, 
Robert atte Lee (Robert at the Lee) and Robert Curson, 
respecting the sale of a tenement in West Strert, i Hen. VI., 1422 
(Red Seal). This MS. is in the British Museum (Add. MSS., 
6012), and was purchased, January 23, 1844, of J. Graham* 
Leverton School-master. (8) Richard Swarston, February 14, 
2 Rich. III., 1485, conveyed to Robto Norton of Waltham one 
tenement and garden situate in " Hie stret," near the premises of 
John Pomante on the West, the "Ojficm Pitant de Waltham" on 
the East, abutting on the north the land of Walteri Harberd, 
and the land formerly belonging to the Mandevilles on the south. 

(9) A transfer of property in Hiijh strete belonging to the late John 
Swarston of Waltham, to Walto Swarston, Robto Suttell, Willo 
Pagrym, John Drawsword and John Sawnden (3 Hen. VIII) 1512. 

(10) A narrow slip of parchment of the same date signed 
" Cressy " being an agreement between Agnes King, of 
London widow of Richard King, grocer, and Thomas Elsey, 



Vlli. INTRODUCTION. 

relative to the sale of land, &c., in Walthaio. (n) Walter 
Swarston, late of Waltham, sold to John Champney, his half 
tent. &c. in Hiyli-strele for the sum of 5 135. 4d. (18 Hen. 
VIII), 1518 (Red Seal). (12) Alice Champney widow of John 
Champney sold her property in Hygli Strete to Thomas 
Melowe, Tho. Saunders, Tho. Clendon, and John Breteyne, and 
which formerly belonged to John Wren of Waltham, " Bryke 
lyre," 1528 (Red Seal). John Champney of Leyton sold the said 
property to John Wren for 10. This MS (English) is 
dated 13 Oct. (19 Hen. VIII) 1528. (13) John Wren (who 
is called a "tyler" residing at Xazing in 1535) sold his premises 
in II//fjh Strete to John Dedyngton; these premises were near 
the house of William Haleworth, (Red Seal). (14) In 1545) 
John Wren " Bryckleyar " de Nasyny sold his property in 
Highest real e called Resin rj [Risings] formerly in the possession 
of Walter Herbert and William Corbyn, Dated, Nazing, 20 
Jan., 36 Hen. VIII, (Red Seal). (15) British Museum MS. 
(Add. Charter 6013). An agreement between Will. Browne of 
Waltham, and Agness and Robert Porter concerning a tenement in 
Westrete de Waltham belonging to "the Guild" of the " B. 
Marise de Waltham." n Jan. (3 Ed. VI.) 1550. (16) John 
Corbet granted his house and orchard called " Poynls" in 
Hyestreate to John Derrington for the sum of 20. (17) The 
" Crosse Keys," House was granted by Thomas Parnell " Baker 
of Waltham" to Thomas Camp, Jun., of Nazing, Yeoman, Dec. 
15, 1609. This building situate in West Street was formerly 
occupied by William Hare and afterwards by John Biggs. It 
stood near the tenement belonging to John Goldsborough, gent, 
then occupied by Wm. Nokes, tailor, and " a yard and cart- 
way of Sir W. Wade, Knt, held by John Wetherhead, 14 June, 
1611. (18) 1638, Richard Dawson, gent, surrendered all his 
copyhold property in West Streets " nere to the Hitjhebridye,'' 
with a close called Brick-li ill-close, late in the tenure of Edward 
Liverland to John Chomeley of Crowhunt co. Surrey. (19) 
1638 Edward May surrendered to his daughter Mary Duchat, 
widow, two houses adjoining the Church Yard, one of which 
was in the occupation of Henry Wood " Body Maker." (20) 
This MS. contains Court Leet admittances from 1691 to 1695. 
The Romeland. (i) Richard Mascoll and Maria his wife, 
surrendered (to Henry Denny Lord of the Manor) a house 
and garden in the Romeland occupied by John Reed and 



INTRODUCTION. IX. 

Tho. Wilkenson to the use of Thomas Milles, 22 May, 1567. 
(2) M3S. dated 156.7, 1576, 1593 and 1610 relate to the transfer 
of the same property belonging to John Hudson. (3) 1614. 
Elizabeth Collop surrendered a cottage in the Rome/and near 
the house of W. Ward [Sir W. Wade, Knt.] to Phillippi Fuller 
and Christiance Bayford. (4) 1615. Richard Payne surrendered 
a house in the Romeland, in the occupation of Margaret Warner. 
(5) 1628. " FrankpleJge" respecting Elizabeth Collop, Thomas 
Brewett, Henrici Hermqman and several tenements in the Rome- 
land. (6) 16.62. At this period the manor of Waltham was 
possessed by Margretto Countess Carlisle. Tho. Mezant 
surrendered his premises in the Romelani \.Q Abraham Hudson. 
(7) A similar deed occurs under date 1660 in which are the 
names of William Earl of Bedford, Margaret Countisso 
Carlisle, Christopher Davenport, Abraham Hudson, Jacobi 
Stringer, Tho. Mezant, Christopher Wright, Thorns Monk, 
and Ambrose Sumpner. (8) 1686. Willio Countis Bedford 
Lord of the Manor. On the death of Thomas Monk three 
houses in the Romilanl were surrendered to the use of John 
Bell, yeoman. 

Sun Street* (or East Street). (i) The earliest document 
relating to Sun Street, dates back to 1447. Tenements in 
Est Stret formerly belonged to William Orgon and Alice his 
wife, were transferred by Walter Lok, of Waltham, to John 
Gladwyn of London, Draper, and William Treue, of Waltham. 
(2) 1447, relates to the property of Wm. Orgon, in Est Stret, 
situated between the house of Thos. Lok, " plomer," and the 
houses formerly held by John Arke, Walter More and the 
" cimitu Abbathie de Waltham." (3) 1516. Property in 
Tiykkeryslane or Cryketteslane in Eatrete in which occurs the 
names of Richard Lynton, Geo. Jackson (Brewer), John Baker, 
John Drawswerd, Wm. Orgore, Geo. Salt, Robt. Farethwatte 
(Brown Seal, " R," within a wreath). (4) 1531. A house sold 
by Aleyn Keys to William Bereman for ^5. The premises 
connected with this house were situated betweene the kijngs 
liii/lt way on the south partie, and the walle of the "nowe 
Chircheyourd (new Churchyard) of the Abbot of Waltham on 

* Early in the present century an old thatched house stood on the site 

of Mr. Richards' house, Sun Street. The straw eaves of this house were 

very low and in the way of foot passengers. Mr. Jurdan, pig dealer, 
occupied the house last. 



X. INTRODUCTION. 

the north partie. This was the old "White Horse" beerhouse, 
demolished in 1851. (5) 1531, Bereman's Release to Allyn 
Keyis, (Latin), (Seven red seals), signed, W. Bereman ( Weaver], 
W. Magg, T. Bereman, R. Walenger, J. Pecok, J. Collop, A. 
Keys (Baker), W. Cressy, gent., J. Blunt (Miller], J. Bretyn, 
Pet/nter [painter], R. Alexander de Weston, in com. Hertford, 
J. Alexander de villa Hertford (Bocher) [Butcher], and R. Orgon. 
The situation of the property is described as in East-strete on 
the south of the Noui Cemeterii Abbatis de Walt ham, new 
churchyard, (now the old one.} (6) 1555. xxx tb Julie, sale of a 
house in Eststrete, by John Kayes to John Tanner alias Adamps, 
for ;i2, "abbutange upon the wall of the late dissolved 
Monasterie of Waltham holli crosse." This was the "White 
Horse" property, Sun Street. (7) 1562. A house in Est Strete 
(late the property of W. Waller) sold by J. Humphrey of 
Sout/nvell, yeoman, to W. Norman, Lynnen Draper of 
Waltham, for 1% IDS. (Red Seal). (8) 1563. Sale of 
Property in Tryckery-lane alias Creketts-lane, Estrete, by J. 
Waterer to Andrew Warner de Coiffpsald [Coopersale.] (9) 
1564. Grant of a house in Estreate, to W. Norman, by W. 
Pond, W. Iverye, J. King (of Cheshen) and J. Barnard. Signed, 
W. Pond, J. Dennet clic. de Eppinge, and J. Legge. (10) 1565. 
Sale of property by Andrew Warner of Epping to Giles Brett of 
Stortford, situated in Trickrisse Lane, alias Ctekelts Lane, 
Estrett, near the house of W. Orgore. Signed, J. Vavasor and 
others, (n) 1569. Sale of the same premises by Giles Brett 
to Geo. Wilsdon. (12) 1577. Sale of three shops and a piece 
of land in East Street, the property of Edward Maplesdon and 
Jasper Nicolls (the latter was host of the Old Cock Inn). These 
Shops were situated south of the monastery, near the "White 
Horse" in Sun Street. (13) Same deed refers to Jasper 
Nicholls and Richard Willinson (Williamson) "Basketmaker." 
Property situated in "Creeks Lane" or "Cricket Lane" dated 
October 3oth, 1578. (14) Law suit between Henry Breton and 
Ellen Towers, widow, of Waltham. Jan. 23rd 1579. Anne 
Breton by her will dated June 14, 1541, bequeathed certain 
property in Waltham to W. Towers, late husband of the 
defendant, and to his heirs after the decease of John Stickney 
&c. (15) Court of request P. R. Off. 23 Eliz. 1581. To the 
Queen's moste excellent ma tie . Plaintiff Thomas Hare, defendant 
William Howe, certain premises in Waltham called " Chewier '* 



INTRODUCTION. XI. 

belonging to Rob. and Joan Hare, of Waltham, and after- 
wards to their son Thomas IJare, of Smythfield nere London, 
Boocher, and which was formerly possessed by Walter Rand, 
was unlawfully entered upon by William Howe, " Collier" (a man 
of greate welthe and well frended and allied in the said 
county of Essex) who possessed the deeds of the said property. 
(16) June ist, 1589. Sale of a house called "Reasons'* in 
Est Strete, belonging to Richard Derryington, carpenter. (17) 
surrender of property in East Street from 1615 to 1623. (18) 
1623, John Beebie of Waltham, Blacksmith, sold his house 
(then in the occupation of James Cliborne glazier) known as the 
"White Horse," to Thomas Stocke of Sewardstone, yeoman for 
g i os. Signed J. Leverton, J. Smyth, and Giles Knight. 
(19) 1633. Surrender of property in Carbuncles Dunghill 
Fountain Square and East Street. 

The Market Place. (i) Feb 13, 1622. Surrendered by 
Peter Humble a house near the Market Place, and adjoining 
a tenement belonging to Lord Denny, to Mary Nicolls, widow of 
Jasper Nicolls of the " Cock Inn," This house is called in the 
deed " Church Gate House" and appears to be the one owned 
and occupied by the writer, Peter Humble was the son of Richard 
Humble, Alderman of London, who married the daughter of 
John Pierson, of Nazing. (2) 28 Eliz. Surrender of a cottage 
in the Corn Market neere Catebrigg Dongliill in Scale Streete 
(School Street). Admission of Samuel Fox, gent, (son of the 
martyrologist), to a meadow called " Sttffield? 6^., 28 May, 
2 James I. (3) 1636. Surrender of a house in the Market- 
place, occupied by John Bennett, also a tenement near the 
"Cock Inn" East Street. Certain fines presented at the Court 
Leet respecting Town Meade, &c. 

Ancient Deeds relating to Waltham (exact locality not 
given). (i) 1404. The property in Waltham belonging to 
Johes Wodrowe and Walto Moor was sold to W. Skynner, 
J. Finch, mason, J. Reygner, carpenter, W. Syndlesham, 
bocher, and J. Lowe, bocher, 5 Hen. IV., 1404 (Two red 
seals). (2) 1448. Johannis Friday of London, and Willi 
Friday, her son of Waltham ; property released to Georgio 
Brown, of Waltham, situated near the property of Rici 
Rysynges; Signed, Willo. Wake, and others. Nov. 15, 
26 Hen. VI. (red seal). (3) 1570. Transfer of Land be- 

* Probably the same property as belonged to Richard Rysynges in 1448. 



X. INTRODUCTION. 

longing to William Merick "now beinge buylded upon w tb 
shoppes or houses in the towne of Waltham," to Katharine 
Willesdon. (Small black seal). (4) Lawsuit between Laurence 
Biggins and Margaret his wife, John Powell and Elizabeth his 
wife, and Alice Lambert, widow, respecting property in 
Waltham. Signed, "Cesar." Oct. 30, 1619, (white seal, broken). 
Sir Julius Caesar, born at Tottenham in 1557, died 1636, 
was Master of the Rolls. (5) Court Leet, June 3rd, 1639. 
Fine of Five Pounds for any person receiving a stranger into 
the town. (6) 1697. Elizabeth Bell, widow of John Bell, 
disposed of all her rights of Waltham Turnpike, -which she 
held of James, Earle of Kennoule, and his predecessors, to 
James Travers, of Waltham, Feb. 18, 1697. Sewardstone Street 
(otherwise Sheepcote Street, Eldford Street and South Street}. 
(i) 1326. Laurence de Scykeneye conveyed to Simon his son 
two acres of land in Eldworth-field. One acre near the land 
of R. Forshim, east of Town mead. Witness Gilbert de 
Camera, John Fot, Barcho Palfreyman, John Hok, John ate 
Wode, Barcho Scot, Roger de Kingstone, W. le Marchal, W. 
Frosshenlane and Simon de Doittone. (Oval Seal). (2) John 
Foots granted to John Hoks property in Fotys lane Waltham, 
J 339- (3) J orm Golde and Cadma his wife granted a parcel 
of land to John Alisauner of Waltham called Eldfordefeld. 
1341. (4) John Golde and Catina sold John Alisauner of 
Waltham one piece of land called Eldefordefeld between Toicn- 
mede and Eldefordestrate, 1342 (red seal). (5) John Foot 
granted to Walter Bret citizen of London, 3 acres of land 
in Eldeworth lane near the land of John Loord and John 
Froyssch, 1348. (6) John Dysaundri of Enfield granted to 
John Bret arable land formerly belonging to John Goolde 
situated in Eldworth. Signed, John Mandeville and others, 
I 3S 2 - (7) Walter Bret granted to Henry Webbe three pieces 
of land adjoining the land of the Abbot of Waltham, and 
that of John Roger and John Stringer, 1365 (seal). .(8) Elina 
Henesfield, wido\v of Waltham, sold land called Eldworth 
fcld, 1376. (9) Henry le Webbe released to Roger Herras, 
William Skynner, John Trylle and John Sewale 7 acres of land 
in Eldworthweye, near Fledlondys and Tonmed (Ftoodlands and 
Town mead), 1391. (10) John Baldock and John Stock of 
Waltham granted to Walter Waltham all their land in Eldworth 
fcld, 1392. (n) John Hay, son of Godwin Hay, granted to 



INTRODUCTION. Kill. 

John Foot his lands in Yanneland (or Manneland] and 
Edineford in Waltham, 1392. (12) Roger Herras, W. Skynne, 
J. Trille, J. Sevvale of Waltham, disposed of seven acres of 
land in Eldwortlifcldi , 1392. (Floodlands belonged to the 
Abbot of Waltham). (13) Nicho. de Kent granted Richard 
Warle and John Taylor one tenement in Oldefordestrete in 
Waltham, 1394. (14) Willim Fallam disposed of his tenements, 
&c., in Eldeivortli strett with land in Pynesl grove in Vpschire, 
1431 (seal broken). (15) Deed relating to land near the 
tenement of Alice Holts and Town Mead, 1473. (16) Land in 
Town Mead near Ilfordfeld in Shepcot-lane and Fotes-lees and 
Mannelond on the north of Honey-lane, 1473. (Small seal.) 

Sheepcote Street or Seioanlstone Street. (i) John Frosch, 
mercer of London, granted to Robt. atte How de Waltham his 
messuage in Scliepecote-stret, near the house of Johis Chege- 
welle, 1333. (2) William Breggis, Rector of GestmyngtJwrp* 
granted to John Foot and Emma his wife a tenement in Ham 
stret (Hammond Street) with land called Manlond in Colbyye, 
eight acres called Here f eld, one croft called Maystris Croft in 
Schepecote stret, two crofts called Holecroftes near Honey 
Lane and PucMdand, 1356. .(3) Walter Bret of London 
and Christina his wife released to Thomas Poydras a tene- 
ment in Clouwlregye with 3 acres of arable land adjoining 
Potter is helle, Childrenedoune, BeJcebrokysdoune, Primliisfeld and 
Westfdil, in Waltham, 1365. (4) Thomas Poydras granted to 
John Hood of Upshire in Waltham and Agneti his wife a tene- 
ment near Clousebregcj which he bought of Walter Bret, 1367. 
(5) Johes May, Tho. Derby, Radus Palmer, Walter Sherery, 
Johes Sadeler, Johes Balytre and Walta atte More, confirmed 
to Roger Herof, Walto Sherey, Bocher and Walto Enfield 
of Waltham the rental of certain premises in Shepcufe streta 
formerly belonging to Willi Mannying de Waltham (16 Ric.) 
1393, (six seals.) (6) John Hood granted to John Martyn a 
tenement in Shepcote strete near the garden of W. Foot, 1397. 

(7) Anderus the son of Henry (Fitz Aucher) of Copped halle 
granted to Henry de Bougeye and Roesis his wife twelve acres 
of (arable) land and two acres of wood in Schepcot strete, 1399. 

(8) John Vyne of Waltham, and Willim Thurston granted 

* Everard, the son of Sir Ralph de Geist or Geisthorp, co. Norfolk, gave 
the lordship of the manor of Geisthorp or Gestmyngthorp with the advowson 
of the church to the Abbots of Waltham, temp Hen. II. 



xiv. INTRODUCTION. 

to John Foot and Margery His wife property near HoJecroft, 
Waltham, 1341. (9) Robt. Smyth, of Waltham, Yeoman, 
Robt. Bardesey, gent, and Tho. Lyffyn, citizen of London, 
granted land and a tenement in Waltham, 1483. (10) Court 
of Eequest, femp Elizabeth, a lawsuit between Margaret 
Golding, widow, and Margaret Carter respecting three acres 
of land in Cobmead. (n) Particulars for grants 7 Ed. VI. 
Property of Lady Joan Denney, widow of Sir Anthony Denny, 
1553. (12) Deed between Sir Henry Bosvile of Eynsford, 
Kent, and Robert Newman relating to the rental of 16 acres 
of land in Sheepwah-feilds at 14 per annum 1689. (13) 
Deed relating to John Farmer, the historian of Waltham 
Abbey. At the time this deed was written, John Farmer 
resided at Cliesliunt. The deed refers to the sale of copy- 
hold property to Jeremiah Bentham, of Algate, London, gent. 
17201750. 

School Street or Silver Street. (i) Walter de Cokham, John, 
son of Ralph, the Cowherd, of Waltham, granted certain 
messuages formerly called Curtilagio, in Skolestrafe, in Villa de 
Walrham, Signed, Barcho de Rangrich, Simon de Duncon, 
John Hook, Thomas Saxpe, Johne Fot, Walto de Frossthenlane. 
Johne atte Down, Roger de Middleton and others. 15 Ed. iii. 
1342. (2) Richard Yong of Waltham granted to Richard 
Wheler his premises in Clowesbruggestrete between the pro- 
perty of John Martyn and the abbot of Waltham in Estfeld, 
1427. (3) John Sabrichford, and John de Ware respecting 
property in Frosthenlane, Waltham Abbey. (4) Deed between 
Nicholas Burman and John Colyn, relating to the sale of a 
cottage in School Street in the occupation of Andrew Bright (one 
of the ancestors of the Brights of New England) April 8, 1455. 
(5) A parchment in which occurs the name of Francisco 
Jfarvye, the owner of "Frank Harvye's Field," situated at the 
lower end of Sewardst/me Street, 1625. (6) Surrender of pro- 
perty at the Court Leet in 1633, 1637 and 1638. (7) Sale of 
cottages and land in Carbuncle- Dung/till in the occupation of 
Robt. Sparkes, Elizbeth Clay, and John Aylett, 1712. (8) 
Respecting the property of Nathaniel Kilhog, and Susannah 
Smith, 1739. Early in the last century Silver Street was called 
" Kilhogs Lane." (9) Court Leet. Property called " Goddard's" 
in School Street, otherwise Silver Street, 1708 to 1831. (10) 
A list of persons who subscribed towards the purchase of Bells 



INTRODUCTION. XV. 

for the Abbey Church 1 6th cent. (See " Our Parish Registers '' 
p. 136. (n) (Printed) Table of Surplice and Parochial Fees 
1824. 

Notices of property belonging to the Abbey situated in Arlsey 
co. Beds will be found in " Colledane Typographical ct 
Genealofjica " Vol. vi. (see "Ecclesiastical works of the Middle 
Ages," by W. Winters.) For MSS. respecting the River Lea 
circa 1482, see Lansd. Coll. I. fol. 42. Rights of pasturage in 
"VValtham Marshes (circa 1574) see Hunter Collection of MSS. 
25, 289. Suits in Chancery relating to property in AValtham 
see "Proceedings in Chancery" temp. Elizabeth (printed). 

A LIST OF THE NAMES OF SOME OF THE EiRLY RESIDENTS 

OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 
(Prom the Parish Registers.) 

Richard Brown, of High Bridges, [High Bridge] 1564 ; Tawney at 
Copt hall, 1567; Myles Apryce of Snvatdstone, 1568; John Stoke of 
Seuiardstone, 1569; Lawrens Greene of Copt hall greane, 1569; Robt. Paydly 
of Sewardstone, 1569; Robert Carter of Pynest, 1570; Tho. Browne of the 
hey bregeds [High Bridge], 1571 ; John Preclow of Halowfeld [Holyfield], 
I 57 I ! John Poore, Sewardstone, 1671 ; Roger Somers of Upcheare [Upshire] 
1572 ; Peter Shelly, taller [Tailor] of Waltham, 1573 ; George Wright 
teberts hell [Lippetts Hill] 1573; Ralf Daniel of Finest, 1578; Mr. Tho. 
Hall of Claverhambitry, 1580; Tho. Coleman of olyfietd 1590; Thomas 
Stocke of Reves Gate, 1591 ; Robert Lowen of Ames Green, carpenter, 
1591; William Harrison of Walth. Toivn, 1596; Henry Cook of Mott 
Street, 1599; Ralf Gardener, of Mott Street, 1599; Eliz. Smith of Pynest, 
1599; Ann Peacock of Hone v Lane. 1599; Will Green of Dallants, 1599; 
John Carter of Pynest, 1600 ; Thomas Whitehead of Holyfield, 1600 ; 
Xristopher Peacock of Cobbivend, 1600 ; Henry Eoult, gent., dwelling at 
Sewardstone, 1600; Will. Poole of Pynest, 1600; Robert Case of Leopards 
Hill, 1600; Henry Hadowaye of Mott Street, 1601 ; Nicholas Wesden 
of Mott Street, 1601 ; Geo. Peacock, dwelling at Copt Hall, 1602 ; Tho. 
Quick of Pynest, 1603; John White of Harold's Park, 1613; Henry 
Lowen, fairmead, 1700; Richard Farmer, Finest, 1729; Mrs. Burr, 
Dallants, 1737; Ben. Stevens, King's Oak, 1746; John Harding, Quintan 
Hill, 1752. 

NAMES OF A FEW OF THE GENTRY AND TRADESMEN OF WALTHAM, 
EXTRACTED FROM AN OLD ACCOUNT BOOK BELONGING TO THE PIGBONE 
FAMILY or WALTHAM ABBEY, DATE 1703 1760: Madam Bruce, 1723; 
John Sharp, Govencr, 1726-7; W. Adams, glazier, of Waltham, 1731; 
Richard Farmer, Piness Green, neare Waltham, 1732 ; Richard Stracy, 
att Cobben end, 1732; R. Ruttjr, at Dallants farm, 1733; Charles 
Chesher, att ye Harrow, 1733 > George Beavis Higler, at Sfwardstone 
1733 ; Robert Druce, Waltham, Hatter, 1733; Tho. Dew Farmer, Sewardstone, 
1733 ; John Evans, Crown at Waltham, 1733 ; Thomas Freeman at ye Boar's 



XVI. INTRODUCTION. 

Head, Waltham, 1733; Thomas Judd att Holy field, Farmer, 1733; Mr. Pearce, 
gentleman, Wnltham, 1733; William Taylor, Blacksmith, 1733; John Cass, 
Leather Bottle, 1734; John Farmer, attorney, att Waltham, 1734; W. Hill, 
carpenter, Waltham 1734 ; Ambrase Keys, Daysman at Copt Hall Green, 
1734 ; John Lyntall att Sewardstone, ye Blackhorse and Cock, 1734 ; W. 
Miller at ye Crocked Billet, Forest Side, 1734 ; Mr. 1'igbone, sen., at High 
Beech 1734 ; W. Pigbone, jun., Farmer, Sewardstone, 1734 ; Henry Thompson, 
at Fair Mead Bottom, Keeper 1734 (his servant, Mr. Mason, was shot by Dick 
Turpin) ; John Clark, Sewardstone Bury, Farmer, 1734 ; Mrs. Eliz. Hitchen, 
widow and Butcher att Waltham, 1734; Charles Jones, Esq., att ye Abbey, 
T 7345 J onn Beard, Copthall Green, 1734; Ralph Dell, att Longhton, 1734; 
Thomas Stubberfieldatt Holy field, 1734 ; George Gill at Hayse Hill. Holy field, 
Farmer, 1734 ; John Aylbury, Tylekiln Farm. 1735 ; Widow Burr att Dallants, 
1739 ; John Hunt, Wheelwright at Waltham, 1740 ; Will. Peirce, Blacksmith, 
1742; Nowel Thompson, Carpenter, 1747; Miss Harding of Quintan Hill, 
1758; Mr. Cowell, Dallants, 1758; Mr. Johnson, Starchman, 1758; Sir 
William Wake, 1758; John Conyers, Esq., 1758; Mrs. Preston, Cobbin, 
1758; W. Sargant at Dallance, 1758; Mrs Walker to a Womans Wool 
Shroiud, 1758 (for the dead); Mrs. Mainard, Copt Hall Green, 1759; 
Burrell, puddin gtvoman, 1759; Mrs. Burgh, Harold's Park, 1759; Mrs. 
Sanders, Cold Hall, 1759; Mr. Pomphrey, to Shroud and Pillow 6s. zod. 
1759; Mrs. Grant \oz. of Tea, 6\d., 1759; Mrs. Letchworth to xoz. of 
Bloom Tea fid., 1759; Mr. Purnell, Cheshunt, 1759; Eichard Fuller, 
Leopards Hill. 

ACCOUNT BOOK, 1760. Mr. Cowell at the Crown, 1760; Miss 
Sukey Auther, Miss Polly Auther, 1760; (these were daughters of John 
Anther the first Baptist Minister in Waltham Abbey) ; Mrs. Childs at the 
Oiul, 1760; Mrs. Sanders at ye Compasses, 1760; Mr. Greenwood at ye 
Oy II Mills, 1760; Mr. Fuller, Piners Green, 1760; Mr Hervey at Skillets, 
[Hill], 1760; Mrs. Clark Shopkeeper, 1760; Mrs. Eaton, Galley Hill, 1760; 
Mrs. Sanders at the Horseshoes, 1760; Lady Cesars, 1762; Workhouse, 
1762 ; Will. Ford, Holyfield, 1762 ; Francis Harvey, 1769. We possess many 
interesting MSS. relating to the Manor of Sewardstone, ifec. 

LIST OF PLACES, BUILDINGS, &c., IN WALTHAM ,'ABBEY, 
FROM THE ORDNANCE SURVEY OF 1871. 

Abbey Church, Abbey Farm and Gardens, Ames Green, and Farm. 
Araben House, Aldergrove Lodge, Aldergrove Wood, Avey Lane, and 
Farm, Almshouse Plain, Almshouses (Highbridge-street.) 

Buffey's Farm, Blackbush Plain, Buttonseed Corner, Blind-lane, Beaulieu, 
Beech-hill-park, Bathing-pond, Boutwell Farm, Breach Barns, Breaches, 
Broomstick Hall, Burgess Farm, Burry Road, Bury Wood, Barn Hill, 
Broadgate, Broadgate Springs, Balcony-house. 

Cuckoo-pits, Claypit-hall, Cemetery, Coneybury Wood, Cold Hall, Church 
lands (Copt Hall), and Churchyard and Eoad, Cornmill and Stream, Cobbin- 
brook, Cobbinend Farm, Crook-mile Clapgate-lane, Cashfield House, 
Coleman's-lane, Carrall's Farm, Clavenhambury-road and Farm, Claypit- 
hill, Copt-hall, Copthall-green, Copthall School, Chandler's Farm, Crown- 
hill. 



INTRODUCTION. XV11. 

Dalance Farm, Deer-park-wood, Dawshill, Day's Farm. 
Earl's-path, Edmondsey Mead, Epping or Waltham Forest, Epping-road. 

Farm Hill, Fir-tree-cottage, Forest-side, Forest Lodge, Fernhall Farm, 
Fisher's Green and Farm, Fair Mead Bottom. 

Gillwell-park and Farm, Grubs Hill, Galley-hill-green, Galley-hill-wood, 
Great Riddens Pond, Golden Row, Green Yard, Great Hoppit. 

Holyfield Hamlet, Holyfield Hall and Farm, High Beech, Horseshoe 
Hill, Home Farm, Honey Lane, Honey Lands, Honey Lane Plain, Horse- 
mill Island, Homefield Wood, Hook's Marsh, Hall Marsh, Haye's Hill, 
Harold's Park and Farm, Hillwood, Hawksmouth Farm, Highbridge-street, 
Hume's Farm. 

Long-street, Long-hills, Ludgate Plain, Ludgate House, Lippit's Hill, 
Lippitt's Hill Lodge, Lovet's Mead, Lower Island, Little Hoppit, Lodge- 
Jane, Longfield Shaw, Louse Hall Lane, Luther's Farm, Longcroft-grove, 
Lodge Farm, Limes. 

Manor House, Marshall's Farm, Mott Street, Martletts, Maynard's Farm, 
Mongham's Hill, Manning's Cottage, Magpie Hill, Maple Springs. 

Newton's Pool, Nazing Cottage, Nursery High Beech, Netherhouse, 
Nether House Farm, Obelisk Farm, Obelisk Wood, Old Gravel Pit, Oxleys 
Wood. 

Poplar Shaw, Pear Tree Farm, Pear Tree Plain, Paynes Island, Pick Hill, 
Pick Hill Farm, Pattypool, Puck-lane, Potkiln Shaw, Piper's Farm, Pinner's 
Green, Pepper Alley, Park Farm, Petensary Farm, Paternoster Hill, Prince 
Field Farm, Powder Mill-lane. 

Quinton Hill and Farm, Queen Meads. 

Royal Gunpowder Factory, River Lea Navigation, Rookery Lane, Rookery, 
Ravens Farm, Rugged-lane, Round Thicket, Rifle Range, Reeves Gate, 
Romeland. 

Sewardstone Hamlet, Sewardstone-street and Road, Shatterbushes Wood, 
Spratt's Hedgerow Wood, Stocking Grove, Sewage, Sewardstone Green, 
Sewardstone Bury, Sewardstone Mills, Sudbury House, St. Paul's Church 
(High Beech), Springfield House, Skillit Hill, Southend Farm, Sergeant's 
Green, Stoney Bridge, Small Lea River, Spencer's Farm, Stubbing-hall 
Farm, Sun Street, Silver-street, Township of Waltham, Town Mead, The 
Warren, The Grange, The Cheshnuts, Thompson's Wood, Thompson's- 
Jane, Thrift Hall. 

Upshire Hamlet, Upshire Hall. 

Waltham Holy Cross, Waltham Lane, Waltham Marsh, W T arlies Park, 
Wood Green Farm, Wood Green Pottery, Woodlands, Wake's Arms Inn, 
Woodside Farm, West Hill, Woodridden Farm, White Horse Plain, Wall- 
grove Lodge, Woodyer's Farm. 

Yardley House. 



INTRODUCTION. 

In the compilation of this volume the author has found 
great difficulty in determining what best to select from the 
vast quantity of data to hand, which he has culled at various 
times during the past twenty years from rare MSS. and printed 
works. The early Deeds, Grants, Court Leet Admittances, 
Registers and other local documents of interest in the writer's 
possession are to some extent valuable as materials for history. 
If these manusciipts, together with the ancient charters, etc., 
relating to the Abbey Church, Town and Forest of Waltham, 
now preserved in the British Museum and Public Record Office, 
could be arranged and published in an entire form with ex- 
planatory notes, they would not only tend to show what the 
public and private buildings in the town were like in past ages, 
but throw considerable light upon the habits and customs of 
men once famous in the renowned parish of Waltham Holy 
Cross. Many interesting chapters of local history have appeared 
at various times in the Weekly Telegraph. This excellent weekly 
paper w-as originated in Waltham Abbey, by Mr. Joseph 
Taberham, of Highbridge Street, and edited by the late W. 
T. YVakefield, Esq., of Farm Hill, in this town, and published May 
3oth, 1863, under the annexed title, " Waltham Abbey and 
Cheshunt Weekly Telegraph, Enfield Lock, Waltham Cross, 
Woodford, Epping, and Enfield Advertiser.'' In the following 
January (1864) this paper became the property of Mr. George 
Wetton Cowing, who greatly enlarged it, and subsequently altered 
its title to "The Weekly Telegraph for Waltham Abbey, Cheshunt 
and Districts, and General Advertiser for West Essex, South Herts, 
and North Middlesex." Edited by Mr. John Charles Yates, 
Publishing Office, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey. 

W. WINTERS. 

CHURCHYARD, WALTHAM ABBEY. 
January, 1888. 



HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY (OR HOLY CROSS.) 



"The treasures of antiquity laid up 
In old historic rolls, I opened. Beaumont. 

tHE radical change made in the appearance of the town 
of Waltham Holy Cross* within the past fifty years 
is really amazing. Various modern improvements (?) 
have been made, to the sacrifice of nearly every vestige of 
antiquity. What the houses of the original settlers were 
like, of upwards of eight centuries since, is difficult to say: 
they were probably little more than rude huts, without 
either chimneys or glazed windows, notwithstanding their 
builders had the finest sites at command, as also the whole 
forest to cut timber from; and were free to build in what- 
ever style they chose. In the days of Edward the Confessor 
there were twenty persons in Waltham occupying houses 
and paying rent; and in William the Conqueror's time 
there were thirty-six tenants paying rent. There were also 
at the same time twelve houses in London belonging to 
the manor of Waltham Holy Cross, worth twenty shillings. 
WALTHAM, in the time of Tovi le Prude, or Tofig the 
Proud (A.D. 1035 1041-2), was a mere wilderness, over- 
grown with forest trees, and unmarked by any house or 
Church. Itsderivationis from the Saxon, Weald-ham, i.e. Weald, 
a wood, and ham a town; hence a village or dwelling near 
a wood. The extensive Forest with which this district was 
covered must have been a favourite resort of the Saxon Kings, 
as it was after the subversion of their independence, of the 
Saxon Thanes of this country; hence Tovi chose for him- 
self this spot as the most favourable for hunting, as he 
possessed also Cheshunt. Enfield, Edmonton, and the Minims' , 
the barony of which afterwards passed into the possession 

* The Parish is usually called Waltham Abbey. Its proper name, 
Waltham Holy Cross, did not originate, as presumed by some, from the 
Eleanor Cross, a short distance west of the town ; but from the early 
legend of the Holy Cross. 



of the Mandeville family. The forest of Waltham, which 
originally extended nearly over the whole county of Essex, 
was well known for hunting purposes in Saxon and Norman 
times. By charter, written in rhyme, Edward the Confessor 
granted to Ralph Peperking the wardenship of the royal 
forest. Swein, the brother of the Confessor, and founder 
of Rayleigh Castle, co. Essex, is mentioned in the charter, 
with bishop Wolston and Howelin the steward 

" Ich Edward Koning, 
Have geven of my Forest the keping, 
Of the hundred of Chelmer and Dancing, 
To Randolph Peperking and to his kindling." 

A similar rhyming charter is mentioned by Weever as having 
been in the Register Office of Gloucester, and which he 
had seen in the possession of his friend Aug. Vincent, 
relating to the conveyance of land by William the Conqueror 
to Pauline Roydon, and which was similar to one col- 
lected by Stowe out of an old Chronicle in Richmond 
Library 

I, William Kyng, the thurd yere of my reigne, give to 
the Paulyn Roydon, Hope, and Hopetowne, with all the 
bounds both up and down, &c. 

And then follows the mode of sealing the document 

I bit the whyt wax with my tooth 

Before Meg, Maud and Margery, 

And my thurd sonne Horry [Henry I.] 

William the Conqueror granted the forest privileges which 
his royal predecessors had instituted to William the Bishop, 
(probably the Bishop of London) and Godfrey the Portreeve." 
A great many portions of woodland were given by Harold 
to his Church at Waltham, as mentioned in his grant of 
seventeen lordships. Stephen transferred the wardenship of 
Waltham forest to Ralph de Montfitchet ; and Henry II. 
confirmed the same to his heirs. In the reign of Richard I. 
the office of torester was in the Fitz Aucher family, of 
Copthall. The Magna Charta of King John, signed June 
17, 1215, ameliorated a few clauses in the forest laws, 
which before were very rigid, and which Henry III., in 
1218, introduced into a new charter. Edward I. confirmed 
certain perambulations of the ancient forest and ratified 
by letters patent, the Great Forest Charta. The old 



OR HOLY CROSS. 3 

abbots of Waltham realized many forest privileges, and 
which they retained until the dissolution of the Abbey. 
Edward and Eleanor, celebrated in the history of the 
Eleanor Cross, frequently visited the Abbey of Waltham 
and the forest during the protracted wars of Scotland. 
On the Easter of 1290, the King and Queen spent several 
days in Waltham, and as the story goes, the King sought 
to be quiet after a long hunt in the forest of Waltham, 
but seven of the Queen's ladies unceremoniously invaded 
the royal chamber of the King, which was close to the 
Abbey Church, and seizing hold of their majestic master 
proceeded to "heave him" (an old custom then called 
"heaving") in his chair till he was glad to pay a fine 
of fourteen pounds, two pounds for each lady, to enable 
him to enjoy "his own peace and to be set at liberty 
again." On another of these Easter days the King spied the 
Queen's laundress, named Matilda, of Waltham, among the 
lookers on, in the courtyard, while the hounds were being 
coupled and the gallant hunters mounted for Easter Hunt. 
The King, being in a merry mood, wagered that Matilda 
could not ride with them on a fleet hunter. She accepted 
the challenge, mounted the fast steed and rode with such 
success that the King was fain to redeem his good horse 
for forty shillings. 

On February 23, 1608, John Wright received 71 8s. 4d. 
for repairs at the lodge in Waltham Forest. August 6, 

1610, "a grant was given to Mr. Graham of money found 
in Waltham Forest, a good quantity of gold is in the hands 
of Sir Gaven Harvey, and is to be seized for the King 
who desires further information about it." February 23, 

1611, a warrant issued to pay to Edward Lord Denny 
23 43. for the erection of bridges in Waltham Abbey. 
Also a warrant to pay 40 to Sir Robert Leigh for the 
repairing of bridges in Waltham Forest, September 26, 
1611. Easter Hunt flourished most in the middle ages, 
when Kings and Lord Mayors shared in the sport and 
feasted under the " greenwood shade." Stripe writes of 
the Londoners, " Riding on horseback and hunting with 
my Lord Mayor's hounds when the common hunt goes out.". 
In 1827, Tom Hood, the poet; George Cruikshank, the 
artist; James Wright, sen., and James Wright, jun., of 



4 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Waltham, met at the house of Thomas Rounding, Esq., 
on the forest side, to celebrate the Easter Hunt ; Cruikshank 
sketched a portrait of old Squire Rounding, the huntsman, 
to which Hood added some humorous lines. 

In 1871, a committee was appointed to confer with the 
Government, as to how the Corporation of London could 
best secure parts of Epping Forest to the liberty of the 
public for recreation, &c. And on May 6, 1882, Her 
Majesty came to High Beech and declared the forest open 
to the public.* 



THE HAMLETS OF WALTHAM HOLY CROSS. 




'ALTHAM HOLY CROSS, in the Half Hundred 
of Waltham, in Edmonton Union, and in the 
diocese of St. Albans,f rural deanery of Chigwell 
and Archdeaconry of Essex, is bounded on the north by 
Harlow Hundred ; on the east by the Hundreds of Ongar 
and Becontree, and is separated on the west from the 
county of Herts by the old river Lea. The form of the 
parish is almost triangular, and is about six and a half 
miles in width from north to south. The parish contains 
about 1,000 inhabited houses, an area of 11,870 acres of 
land, ratable value .38,897, and a population (1881) of 
5,377, being 180 more than in 1871. Waltham is divided 
into four wards, viz.: Township, Holyfield, Scwardstone, and 
UpsJiire. The TOWNSHIP has an area of 741 acres and a 
population of 2,998. 

HOLYFIELD is situated between the Lea and Cobbingbrook, 
and contains an area of 3.146 acres, which extends three 

* On Saturday, May 6th, 1882, Queen Victoria paid a royal visit to 
High Beech, and a tree was planted in front of the "Royal Oak" Hotel 
in honour of the event. 

t Previous to 1854, the parish church was not under episcopal jurisdiction, 
and for years the churchwardens were threatened with ecclesiastical 
proceedings. The churchwardens had to appear at Doctors' Commons. 



OR HOLY CROSS 5 

miles northward of the town, and includes Galley Hill, 
Monkhams Hill, and a portion of the Gunpowder Mills. 

Holyfield Hall is a fine domestic building of the i6th 
century date. The land surrounding it belonged to the 
Crown at the dissolution of the Abbey.* Thomas Cromwell, 
Chancellor of the Exchequer, temp. Henry VIII., held lands 
in Holyfield to the annual value of 20. King Henry VIII. 
granted Holyfield Hall and lands to Sir Anthony Denny; 
and in 1571, Queen Elizabeth bestowed them to Richard 
Hill and William James. In 1664 the Holyfield estate be- 
longed to William Collard, in whose family it continued 
until 1747, when it passed to Alexander Hamilton, through 
the co-heiress of Adey Collard. Members of the Chapman 
family have occupied the estate for upwards of a century. 
During the residence of old Mr. Chapman, a burglary was 
committed at Holyfield Hall. The burglars were caught 
and tried at Chelmsford on March 10, 1819, two of the 
prisoners Robert Wolfe and Joseph Litchfield were 
sentenced to death by Justice Bayley, and hanged at 
Chelmsford on the 26th of the same month. Henry 
Wollaston, justice of peace, resided at FISHERS' GREEN, 
Holyfield, in 1620. Several fisheries, &c., were connected 
with Holyfield. 

MONKHAM'S HILL is in the locality of Holyfield. The 
Hall, on the crown of the hill, called Monkhams or Mong- 
hams, is beautifully situated. In early days it was no doubt 
the seat of the monks of Waltham, as the name indicates, 
Monkhams (the residence of a monk). The first occupier 
of this Hall, on record,t temp. Henry VIII., was Richard 
Camp, of " Monghams Hill;"J he was succeeded by John 
Somner " of Mongames Hill," who was buried August 30, 

* Much of the property in this hamlet belonged in the middle ages to 
the Abbey, hence the sacred title of " Holy-field." According to the 
charter of Richard I., A.D., 1189 1199, the estate belonged to Gilbert 
de Hallfield or Holyfield, from which place he derived his name. A 
manor called "Hookes" may have been situated in the hamlet of Holy- 
field, as "Hooks Marsh" is between the township proper and Holyfield. 
"Hooks" or "Hokes" is generally spoken of in conjunction, with 
" Pinnacles." 

t Add. MSS. 25,289, British Musuem. 

\ Richard Camp, of Monghams Hill, held his estate under the Abbot 
of Waltham. 12 Hen. VIII. , 1521. See Hunter MSS. 25,289, fol. 92. 



6 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

1607. The Booth family in later times held this Hall, and 
it is now possessed by Richard B. Colvin, Esq. 

SEWARDSTONE. This hamlet is situated 2 miles south of 
the town, over Quinfin If ill, and on the main road to 
Chingford and London. It is supposed to have derived its 
name from its early possessor Siwardus, a person of note in 
Harold's day. The locality is called in the charter of Hen. 
II. (A.D. 1177) Siwardstune. Probably a memorial-stone 
of Siwardus was erected in the neighbourhood at some 
remote period. Some presume that the manor took its 
name from a low water mark, Sea-ward-stone (similar to High 
Beech), when the Thames ran up the Lea Valley. The 
manor does not appear under that name, either in Edward 
the Confessor's Charter, or in that of Harold. It was given 
by the Second Henry with other grants to the Abbots of 
Waltham. On the list of the revenues of the dioceses of 
London, in 1266, the returns for De fcywardestune is 
13 os. od. The earls of Oxford possessed the manor at a 
very remote period, Robert de Vere, earl of Oxford held 
the manor in 1278, in captie.\ Sir Ralph Sadler held the 
manor with that of Woodridden, temp. Ed. VI., and after- 
wards alienated it by licence to Sir Anthony Denny, 
through whom it passed to James Hay, earl of Carlisle, at 
whose death, in 1660, it became the property of William, 
earl of Bedford, who sold it about the same time to 
William Pocock. In 1673 the manor was again sold, and 
was purchased by James Sotherby, and by whose descendants 
it is still retained. J C. W. Sotherby, Esq., is the present 
lord of this manor, whose manor-house is at High Beech. 

THE MANOR OF SEWARDSTONE from the reign of Henry VI. 
to that of James I., taken from the Had. MSS. (3361), viz., 
An abstract of the Rolls of the Right Hon. Edward Lord 
Denny for harriotts of copyhold lands harriotable within 
the manor 

James I. 12 Jac. Isaac Lightfoote admitted to Shotfields. 
10 acr. 13 Jac. Agnes Field daughter of Isaac Greene adm. 

t Harl. MSS. 391, fol. 29. 

% The author is in possession of an inventory of Pentensary House and 
other MSS. relating to the forest in this manor. 

Hariot custom is the holding of property by paying a hariot or fee 
at the time of death to the lord of the manor. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 7 

to a cottage. 6 Jac. Edward Dixon adm. to a message 
bar. called Warleys. 9 Jac. Edward Floyd adm. to all 
that Tenement called Motts and I acre in Mott Streets. 
I Jac. John Taylor adm. to a garden lying between 
little Warden and the king's highway called Chawntdore 
gardens. 3 Jac. Roger Bowyer died seized of lands called 
Homescroft. 

Elizabeth. n, Eliz. Raheim Abraham held an acre of 
land in Shotfield. 15 Eliz., 3 acres of land in Sheffield. 

11 Eliz. Agnes Stephens held a tenement called Motts. 

12 Eliz. Hen. Johnson surr, a garden, half a rod lying in 
hedge croft. 5 Eliz. Rich. Ashe dyed seized of a Tenement 
called Leopards [Lippets Hill], 4 Eliz. William Bowyer 
surr, a tenement called Parks lyeing sevally in a field 
called Seward. 3 Eliz. Adam Storke surr, a tenement and 
17 ac. land called Repitts or Phillip and 3 Roode in Padn- 
Pool, abutt. uppon the head of lorge Dole. 42 Eliz. Andrew 
Lowen adm. Tenante lands and Tenements called mayne- 
goods. 40 Eliz. Tho. Hale surr. 2 ac. 39 Eliz. Wm. 
Peirson dyed seized of a tenement called Warley. 33 Eliz. 
Joane Purvey surr. Holdcroft, East lands, &c. Nicholas 
Blinco adm. Tenant of lands called Hurlelmtts. 15 Eliz. 
Adam Storke surr. one acre called Sextone. 21 Eliz. John 
Cooke surr, a Tenement, 9 acres and a cottage with garden 
abutt uppon Gillwell. 2 Philip and Mary, Richard Ashe 
surr, a croft called Longe croft. 

H. 8. 33 Hen. 8, John Crow held a tenement called 
Wardleyes one acre, in Sowmtad. 35 et 36 Hen. 8, Robert 
Sexton lyeing sicke surr, a Tenement called Leopes. [Leo- 
pards or Lippets.] 

Hen. 7. 15 Hen. 7, John Abraham surr, 3 tenements, 
2 called Pottell. 19 Hen. 7 Rob. Burmeham held a tene- 
ment called Oldcrost. 

Ed. 4. 2 Ed. 4, John Biiggs surr, lands called haywards. 
14 Ed. 4, Richard Potsman surr", a croft of land 4 ac. called 
Megrecden. 

Hen. 6. i Hen. 6, Ann Hooke surr, land called Cameles 
fields. i Hen. 6, Rich. Rolfe died seized of the third part 
of the moyty of one yard land* called Gillrolfes. 

* A yard-land virgata terra, a rod or yard to girt ; in the north, to 
gyrd. Hence a yard or close. 



8 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

33 Hen. 8, Joseph Stoner held certain lands and tene- 
ments late coppiehold land by Indenture for terme of yeares 
to paye atte every death or alienacon 403. for fine and aos. 
for a herriott. 19 Hen. 7. Presented by the homadge that 
Margery Scott suffered her houses to decay, having had 
warning to repayre them, and that she did cutt down ten 
okes whout lisence and sould hem away contrary to the 
custome thereof. 

The contributors to the first payment of the Queen's 
subsidies in 1587: TOWN OF WALTHAM, Henry Standish 
xvd, John Tanner xd. UPSHIRE AND HOLYFIELD, William 
Hodge, vid., Jane Kirbye widowe xiid., William Simons xiid. 
SEWARDSTONE, Thomas Lake xd.* Sir Edward Denny, 
Justice of the Peace in 1601. 

The inhabitants of Sewardstone have a right to cut wood 
from the forest at a certain time of the year. 

A Board School was erected in this hamlet in 1874, for 
136 children. 

PENTENSARY estate in the hamlet of Sewardstone, is very 
old; the house (near the Pound) in connection with it is 
rapidly decaying. These premises were published many 
years ago for sale by auction by the late C. Pryor. 

GILWELL HOUSE, Sewardstone, is a large and picturesque 
building, formerly the residence of the Chinnery family, 
also of Gilbert Goss, Esq., and now of William Gibbs, 
Esq., a poet of high repute and the inventor of the Hay 
Drying Machine. Gillwell estate is mentioned in Had. 
MSS. 3361 temp Elizabeth.f The Silk Mills in the valley 
were once the property of Carr and Dobson, of Cheapside, 
and in later years were occupied by W. Connell and Co., 
Dyers and Scourers. These Mills, which were probably 
built on the foundations of an ancient Fulling Mill, were 
demolished in 1885. Some antiquarians have asserted that 
an old church once stood in the hamlet of Sewardstone. I 
have not found anything to authenticate such a statement. 
An old iron chapel (served by the curates of Waltham) stood 
for many years in a field on the left hand side of the road 

* Lands. MS. 52, fol. 161. 

' t Old Gillwell House, in the reign of Hen. VIII., was used as a royal 
hunting lodge ; and possessed by Sir Anthony Denny. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 9 

opposite the " Luther's " estate, which building, however, 
has long since disappeared. This hamlet includes High 
Beech, Lippets Hill, and Sewardstone Green. Sewardstone 
possesses an area of 3,022 acres. 

HIGH BEECH, south-east of the town is 759 feet above 
the level of the sea (some say only 350 feet). In 1837 it 
was formed into an ecclesiastical parish out of the hamlets of 
Sewardstone and Upshire, and is situated on the border of 
Epping Forest. The church of St. Paul's, now a com- 
plete ruin in disuse, is a plain brick building with bell 
turret, and cost about <goo. Holy Innocents Church 
(on the highest part of the forest) opened in 1873, is 
a gothic stone building, consisting of chancel, nave, 
transept, and spire, with a peal of 13 bells which are played 
by machinery. The register dates from the year 1837. 
The living is a vicarage, yearly value of 90 in the gift 
of the Bishop, and held by the Rev. Josiah Norton, M.A., 
of St. John's Coll., Cambs. The land taken out of the 
forest near the church has been recently appropriated as 
a burial ground. A School has been erected by Thomas 
Charles Baring, Esq., which will hold 100 children. Area 
1,500 acres. It is said that Henry VIII. came to High 
Beech before the execution of his unfortunate Queen Anne 
Boleyn, in order that he might be at a distance, and still 
have the satisfaction of hearing the Tower guns fired as a 
signal of that awful tragedy being ended. 

UPSHIRE hamlet,* eastward from the town, contains in 
area 4107 acres ; and extends to the forest, and along the 
south side of Cobbing Brook, including Warlies Park, 
Sergeant's Green, Broomstick Hall Common and Honey 
Lane Common. In the year 1868, the locality *of Honey 

' The customary tenants of Upshire claimed in the wastes of the 
Forest Common of Pasture all the year for all their commonable cattle, 
except in the forbidden months, and common of wood cutting by pre- 
scriptions in the Woods called Otehawes, Redding-hills, Woodriddens, 
Harth-hills, Longrunning, Bttrnet-heath, Leadyng Queatie, High-Beech' 
green, and Amersbury (near the road to Epping). The Lord of the Manor 
of Holyfield claimed to hold a capital messuage and 100 acres in the 
hamlet of Upshire, and to have free liberty to cut trees grooving upon his 
man ground for repairs of hedge botc and fire bate (vide Moranfs Hist, 
Essex) . 



10 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Lane having severely suffered from drought, Sir Fowell 
Buxton caused a large tank to be constructed near the four- 
want-way, into which water is conveyed by means of a great 
length of piping from a spring in the Waltham Forest. A 
smaller tank is also provided for the benefit of cattle. 
Upshire Manor, together with Holyfield, remained in the 
possession of the crown till the reign of Queen Elizabeth. 
With this hamlet were included 91 acres of arable land 
with a portion of the forest, also two parcels of land in 
Queen's Mead, the parsonage in the Churchyard, and many 
other tenements. Upshire Hall is a fine old building some 
distance east of the town. WARLIES PARK, occupied by 
Sir T. F. Buxton, Bart., is a beautiful country seat, 
situated about two miles north-east of the Church, and near 
Copthall. This was once the residence of Samuel Foxe, son 
of John Foxe, the martyrologist. 

COPTHALL. The estate of Copthall, part of which is in this 
parish and part in the parish of Epping, is full of interesting 
detail from the time of Richard I. to the present century. 
Queen Mary, when Princess, resided for some time at Copt- 
hall. Queen Elizabeth and later sovereigns have visited the 
old noble hall which then stood within the parish of Waltham 
Abbey. The present mansion stands on the borders of 
Epping parish. During the residence of the poet, Charles 
Sackville, Lord Buckhurst, at Copthall, he was guilty of 
notorious riotous acts, as appears by the " State Papers," 
under date March 10, 1662. He was imprisoned in 
Newgate with Edward Sackville, Sir Henry Bellasyse, K.B., 
and two others (one of whom being ill with small pox) for 
the robbery, with violence, of John Hoppy, at Waltham 
Abbey, in February, 1662. Hoppy died in the April follow- 
ing, from injuries received by the robbers. Sir H. 
Bellasyse and three other prisoners were tried at the Middle- 
sex Sessions for manslaughter of the said John Hoppy, 
tanner. A warrant for their pardon was then issued and 
the prisoners were liberated. 

HAROLD'S PARK, situated near Nazing, was so named, 
after King Harold, who gave it to his church at Waltham, 
and which was confirmed with certain grants by King 
Henry II., A.D. 1177. 

An ancient manor called " Pynnacles " was probably in 



OR HOLY CROSS. I t 

the locality of Copthall, as it eventually fell into the posses- 
sion of the Fitz Aucher family. 

OBELISK AT BREACH BARNS FARM NEAR WARLIES 
PARK. The presumptive evidence that this obelisk marks 
the spot where the unfortunate Boadicea, Queen of the 
Iceni fell, awaits confirmation. Tradition alone points 
to Nazing Common as the scene of a celebrated battle in 
which 80,000 of the incensed Romans were slain and all 
the colonies of ancient Verujum and Camelodonum des- 
troyed by the Britons. Amesbury Banks was evidently the 
site of an ancient camp ; a similar one having been dis- 
covered near Danbury, and one adjoining the north-eastern 
roads at Walden in this county. There were trackways 
connected with these camps generally which were known 
to the Saxons by the name of streets, the principal of which 
were the Icknield Street, Ryknield Street, Ermyn Street, 
Ikeman Street, the Saltway, the Fossway, and the Wading 
Street, several branches of which seem to have passed 
through different parts of this county. The situation of 
the Amesbury entrenchments being near the boundaries of 
the Cassii, the communication which Cassivelaunus must 
have established with his allies will account for their being 
well acquainted with its position. The banks are con- 
sidered by Caesar to be the last stronghold of Cassivalaunus. 
The generality of writers have identified the oppidum of 
Cassivelaunus with Verulanium, or St. Albans ; but the last 
named place was the capital of the Cassii, and the only 
cause that led to this supposition appears to be, that no 
other answered any better to Caesar's description. Some 
writers imagine that the kingdoms of the East Saxons and 
the Mercians were separated in the upper part of the county 
of Hertford by the Ermyne Street, and in the lower part in 
Cheshunt parish, near a bank which in early days reached 
from Middlesex through Theobald's Park, across Goffs 
Lane to Thunderfield Grove, over Beaumont Green to Nine 
Acres Wood. On the north, the same natural boundaries 
were most likely preserved which, under the Romans, had 
separated this district from the Cassii. If this memorial 
pile really marks the spot where Queen Boadicea died, it 
must have been erected very many years after the fatal 



12 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

occurrence took place. Near this obelisk is " Dallance " or 
" Ballings" Farm, now occupied by Mr. Bott, farmer. 

DALLANCE FARM, GALLEY HILL. In the reign of 
Queen Elizabeth " Dallance " Farm, in Waltham, was owned 
by Henry Denny, as we find in the following note : " To 
all faithful in Christ To whom this present writing indented 
shall come. Henry Denny, of Dallance, Essex, Esquire, 
Greeting in the Lord for ever. Know ye that I, the aforesaid 
Henry Denny, in the performance of divers covenants 
bearing date 12 March, 12 Elizth, made between me, the 
aforesaid Henry Denny on the one part, And the very noble 
man Arthur Grey, knt., Lord Grey of Wylton, Walter 
Mildmay, knt., one of the Privy Council of the said Lady 
the Queen, Thomas Wroth, of Enfield, Middx., knt., John 
Brockett, of Brockett Hall, George Horsey, of Dixewell, 
and Henry Cocke, of Ponnesborne, in the County of Herts, 
Esqres.j of the other part, Have given, granted, and by this 
writing confirmed to the aforesaid Lord Grey and others All 
those my manners, Lands, and tenements of Waltham Holy 
Cross, Sewardston, otherwise Sywardstone Nasinge, Hallyfield, 
Woodridden, and Claverhambury in Essex, with their rights, 
&c. On the 28th October, 1569, Henry Dennye, of Dallance, 
Essex, Esq., gave and conceded to William Potter, of Kyngs 
Hatfield, als Busshops Hatfeilde, in Herts, yeoman, in 
consideration of good and faithful services, the office or 
place of keeper of his park of Beddwell, called Bedwell pke 
in Herts, and of deere and greate game, from the date of 
the Indenture, for life." Henry Denny died March 24th, 
1574; and at an Inquisition taken at Waltham Cross on 
the 8th of June in that year, before John Cooke, Esq., 
"escheator," on the oaths of "William ffordeham and others, 
who say that the said Henry was seised in his demeasne 
as of fee of and in the Manors of Meryden and Parke, 
alias Parkeburge, with appurts and other property in Essex 
and Herts, being so seised made his will." Henry Denny, 
Esq., of Dallance, was buried in Waltham Church, April 8, 
1574. The Register gives "Mr. henry denye, esquire, the 
funerall the 8 daye Aprill, 1574." 



OR HOLY CROSS. 13 



INCIDENTS RELATING TO WALTHAM ABBEY 
IN CONNECTION WITH KINGS OF ENGLAND. 




'ILLIAM THE CONQUEROR, A.D. 10661087. 
From the death of Harold to that of the Norman 
Conqueror, little is known of what occurred either 
in the Church or in the town of Waltham, except that the 
lands in the parish bestowed on the deans and canons by 
'he founder were wrested from them by William I., on pretence 
that they were the private property of Harold, and in no way 
connected with their church. At the survey they held but half- 
a hide ; the remainder of the town was given by the Conqueror 
to his favourite bishop Walcher, of Durham* On the death 
of Walcher the lands reverted to the Crown, and were afterwards 
appropriated to the queens of Henry I., who in due course 
returned them to the canons with interest. The following 
extract from the Domesday Book gives the survey of Waltham, 
as it appeared in the reigns of Edward the Confessor and 
William the Conqueror, viz. : 

Domesday Survey, relating to Waltham Holy Cross, A.D. 
1080 1086. (Translation.) "The lands of the Bishop of 
Durham, in Essex. The Half Hundred of Waltham. Waltham 
was held by Harold in the time of King Edward for i manor and 
xl hides. There have always been Ixxx. villeins,f and xxiv. 
bordars.J Then vi. serfs, now vii. Then vii. teams in the 

* Walcher afterwards purchased the earldom of Northumberland, where 
he behaved himself so insolently that he was torn in pieces by the populace, . 
4th May, 1080. 

t Villians, Hu:bandmen who held their dwellings at the will of their lord 
as part of the property of the manor. 

\ Bordars possessed houses of their own on the condition of serving the 
table of their lord, and were called "Bord." The same are now called 
copyholders. 

Serfs, domestic slaves which were bought or sold as other property. 



14 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

demesne, now vi. Always xxxvii. teams of the homagers. 
Wood for M.MCC, swine, Ixxx acres of meadow land, ii horses, 
xx beasts, Ixxx. sheep, xii. goats, xl. swine. There is pasture of 
the value of xviii shillings. Then i mill, now iii, v fisheries, 
and then xx tenants paying rent, now xxxvi. And i team, 
might be re-established in the manor. To this manor belong ii. 
socmen* who held vi hides in time of King Edward, now v. 
And the half of the vi th hide is held by the HOLY CROSS, and 
the other part was taken by William of Warren. And there are 
moreover vi. Soc-men of ii. hides and half a virgate. And 
besides this there belonged to this manor i hide, all but xv acres 
which the same William has taken. And Ralph the brother of 
Ilger has taken xxx acres of arable land and vi. of meadow. 
All those Soc-men, who now are there, have vii. hides and xv. 
acres; and they had in the time of King Edward in their 
demesne iv teams, now iv and a half, and always i villein. 
Then vi. bordars, now viii. Then ii serfs, now none. Wood 
for clxxxii swine; xvi and a half acres of meadow, and vi acres 
of pasture. From the whole of this and from the manor, 
Harold received in the time of King Edward xxxvi pounds, 
and the bishop's homagers value it at Ixiii pounds, and v. and 
iv pence. But now according to the testimony of the other 
men of the Hundred, the value is c pounds. In London there 
are xii houses belonging to this manor which yield xx shillings 
and i gate which the King gave." 

Twenty years had elapsed since the death of Harold, when 
his great foe and successor to the throne of England finished 
his part in the drama of life. William died early in the 
morning of the Qth September, 1087, while his physicians were 
regarding the tranquil night he had passed as a sign of his 
recovery. 

WILLIAM RUFUS, A.D. 1087 noo. Lambarde remarks that 
William the Conquerour toke from this House (the Church) 
the Town of Waltham, and gave it to Walter the Byshop of 



* Socmen, tenants who held lands by socage, or inferior service to the 
lord of the fee. 

t This large estate was what Harold had possessed, and, with the 
exception of North Land (Abbey Fields) formed no part of the lands 
granted by him to his College of the Holy Cross. See notes on Domes- 
day, as far as relates to Waltham, by C. Marsh. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 15 

Durham, to repose himself at, when he should be called to 
counseil out of the North Countrye. William Rufus, his son, 
spoyled Waltham of 6666 pounds of money, besides Jewels 
and Churche Ornamentes, al which he transported to Cane 
in Normandie. Howbeit afterward in part of amendes, he 
restored to them the Towne of Waltham, with al the Landes 
thereto of old Tyme apperttayninge. This was the state of 
Waltham before the Tyme of Henry II.* 

HENRY THE FIRST, A.D. noo 1135. Henry L, apart from 
his two wives is little known in the records of Waltham. 
Matilda or Maud, Henry's first wife presented the Abbey with 
a corn millf on the site of which stands the present mill, 
occupied by Mr. James Carr. She also bestowed other favours 
on the Canons of Waltham. Adelicia, of Louvain, the 
second wife of Henry I., was also a great benefactress to 
Waltham. Being possessed of Waltham as part of her revenue, 
says Dr. Fuller, " she gave all the tithes thereof, as well of 
her demesnes as all tenants therein, to the Canons of Walt- 
ham. Meanwhile, how poorly was the priest of the place 
provided for ! Yea, a glutton monastery in former ages makes 
an hungry ministry in our days. An Abbey, and a parsonage 
unimpropriate, in the same place, are as inconsistent together 
as good woods and an iron mill. Had not Waltham Church 
lately met with a noble founder (Sir Edward Denny, Earl of 
Norwich) the minister thereof must have kept more fasting- 
days than ever were put in the Roman Calendar." J 

KING STEPHEN, A.D. 1135 IJ 54- 1 a contemporary 
manuscript, which has been translated and largely quoted by 
Dr. W. Beattie, occurs a curious account of an affray between 
the townsmen of Waltham and several Flemish soldiers in the 
turbulent reign of Stephen. " When every man was at war 
with his next neighbour, and which is naively characterised 
in the legends of Waltharn as being seditionis tempore. The 
town as part of the dower of Adelicia, Queen of Henry I., 
belonged to her second husband, William de Albini, Earl of 

* Lambarde's Hist. Diet. 433. 

t Domesday Survey mentions one mill in the parish ; this is probably 
the same as above. In the middle ages there was a Fulling Mill in 
Highbridge Street, used for scouring cloth. 

J Fuller's Hist. Waltham, p. 260. 



1 6 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

Arundel, between whom and the outlawed baron, Geoffrey de 
Mandeville, a deadly feud had arisen. One day he brought 
or sent to Waltham a body of his Flemish auxiliaries who 
set fire to the town, and the flames spreading quickly, com- 
municated with the houses of the Canons. In the midst of 
the confusion, the invaders penetrated to the Church, where 
the town's people had deposited the most valuable part of 
their effects. The Canons who appeared to have considered 
themselves entitled to the special protection of Geoffrey de 
Mandeville (as Earl of Essex), after vain endeavours to prevail 
with his men by fair words to desist from their enterprise, 
had recourse to what was then looked upon as a last and 
desperate expedient they dragged from its place above the 
altar, the Holy Cross, which was supposed to spread its pro- 
tection over the neighbourhood (?) and threw it upon the 
floor; and it was handed down as a tradition of the place, 
that in the very hour of the throwing down of the cross 
Geoffrey de Mandeville received his death-wound at the siege 
of Burwell. The Canons of Waltham boasted that their Church 
was rescued from the rage of the plunderers by divine inter- 
position ; and that five Flemings, who had already filled their 
sacks with precious articles, were thrown miraculously into 
such a state of mental confusion that they could not find their 
way out of the Church, but remained wandering among the 
boxes and packages, with which the interior of the Church 
was encumbered, until they were taken by the townsmen on 
their return from the pursuit of their enemies, whom they 
had driven away. The Canons now rescued the offenders 
from the vengeance of the people of Waltham, and after 
having administered to them the monastic discipline, namely, 
a severe flogging, they set them at liberty. One of their 
leaders named Humphrey de Barrington, who, entering the 
Church on horseback, had been active in inciting the 
Flemings to plunder and violence, is said to have been struck 
with madness (perhaps with paralysis) as he was leaving the 
town ; he was carried back to the Church and died within 
three days ; but not till he had repented and made some 
compensation to the Church of Waltham by giving to it fourteen 
acres of land in Luchentuna* (probably) Loughton. 

* Castles and Abbeys of England, p. 279. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 17 

KING HENRY THE SECOND, A.D. .1177 1189. Henry the 
Second visited Waltham Abbey several times, and granted 
charters, confirmed others and gave the church a new 
title, i.e., ST. LAWRENCE; but the greatest change wrought by him 
in connection with this church was the ousting of the dean 
and secular canons instituted by the founder, Harold, and 
supplying their place with those of the Augustine order. 
This was effected on June nth, 1177.* As the power of 
Rome gained strength in England it had constantly brought 
with it the dissolution of the Anglo Saxon Colleges of secular 
priests to make way for a more rigid discipline of the regular 
monks, who were considered literally to be the soldiers of 
Papal Rome. No doubt, however, the old secular canons of 
Waltham had fallen into a low state of discipline since their 
foundation, situated as they were amidst the fatness of the 
earth. They were accused of luxurious living which seems to 
have fully justified the king in bringing about a radical change 
" By him the people wider rights acquired 

Whereat the proud, licentious clergy fired." 

Henry increased the number of canons. There were sixteen 
regular canons of St. Augustine, six of Cirencester, six of 
Oseney, and four of Chich.f This the king did because, to 
use his own words, " it was fit that Christ's spouse should 
have a new dowry." He not only confirmed the primitive 
patrimony mentioned in the confessor's charter cum pecus 
terra with pieces of land and tenements, which their bene- 
factors since bestowed upon them, but also confirmed the rich 
manors of Sewardstone and Epping on this Monastery. J The 
benefactions to Waltham in Henry the Second's charter were 
meadows adjacent to the monastery then known as Normede, 
Chelnoseie, and Greater and Lesser Ward ; a meadow that 

* Anno Domini MCLXXVI., a moli sunt canonid satculares tie Waltham et 
introducti regulares. Harl. MSS. 4321, fol. 117. Singular to say Matt. 
Westminster states that the same year [1176] the secular canons were removed 
from Waltham, &c., but it was towards the end of the year, and the business 
was not entirely completed this year. Probably June nth, 1177, was the 
finishing of the affair. 

f The King had the consent of Pope Alexander III. for the suppression of 
the secular canons. Fuller. 

J The King gave the canons Waltham Hall in Takeley, ; Stanslead-Thele, 
or Thule, the tithes of hay of the Lordship of Waltham, and the house of 
Walter de Geldethorp. 



l8 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Philip de Swinehey had given them ; others given by Geoffrey 
the cupbearer of Enfield, Alexander of Enfield, Portehors, 
and the wife of Gilbert of Hillifield, the tithe of hay on the 
demesne of Waltham and the Mills. In Epping they had 
acquired the land of Helynoth and Nazing with the tithe of 
Langrich. In the gift of Humphfrey Barrington is mentioned land 
at Lamburne and Purlai. He also granted the canons of 
Bridlington pannage for hogs in the forest of Scalby. In 
Dunton the Chamberlain had given land to Waltham. The 
estates of Hitchin and Lambeth have already disappeared from 
the rent roll. Besides these lands we know from John of 
Salisbury that the Abbots of Waltham had claims in Waltham- 
stow, and we have already referred to their property in London. 
It appears that the King vowed as a part of his expiation for 
the death of Thomas-a-Becket to found a new institution. 
Money was scarce with him, and he did not scruple to evade 
the spirit of his vow by fulfilling it at the expense of the 
canons of Waltham. On the authority of Roger de Wendove,* 
Ralph, canon of Chichester, received the government of the 
Abbey from the King, the Pontiff, and the Bishop of London, 
to whom as diocesan he bound himself to pay canonical 
obedience. Pope Lucius III. by his bull confirmed to the 
monastery the exemption from all episcopal jurisdiction, and 
Pope Celestian III. indulged the abbot of Waltham with the 
right of wearing pontificals, circa 1191. At the time of the 
induction of the regular canons to the church of Waltham, 
King Henry II. gave the church a new title, as before stated 
St. Lawrence, as well as new estates.! The bust of St. Lawrence 
within a circle is erected above the door of the inner west-end 
porch of the Abbey, and which was restored in 1859-60. 

In the 1 9th year of Henry the Second's reign an assize or 
"tallage" was imposed on the town of Waltham Holy Cross 
by Sefred, Archdeacon of Chichester. Wido or Guido, dean of 
Waltham, was one of the "Justiciers" and co-operated with 
Sefred and others. In 1169 the town of Waltham was assessed 
with the consent of the Justiciers, when Ralf le Napier, of 
Waltham, paid x\s. and four others their respective sums. Also 

* Vide Flowers of History, Bohn's edition, Vol. II. p. 35. 

t Stow says Henry II. rebuilt the church, and proposed to augment its 
revenues and make the building capable of supporting eighty or one hundred 
canons, but which desire he failed to carry out. 



OR HOLY CROSS IQ 

"the Commune of Waltham" paid xU. and the rest of the 
townsmen iiij/. iijs. \\\}d. Tallage appears to have been a rate 
according to which barons and knights were taxed by the King 
towards the expenses of the state. When tallage was paid out 
of the knight's fee it was called scrutage* In the 26th Henry II. 
Maurice de Creon and Gervase Painel (or Pagnell) was fined 
to the crown in v. marks with a view to gain a plea in the 
King's Court respecting some land held by the said Gervase 
in Waltham. In 1182, the King came to Waltham surrounded by 
the first nobles of the land, namely, the Bishops of Winchester 
and Norwich, Geoffrey the Chancellor, Walter de Constantiis, 
Geoffrey de Lucy, Ralph de Glanville, Roger Remfrid, Hugh 
of Morewic, Ralph son of Stephen the Chamberlain, and 
William Rufus. Here the King made his last will and testament, 
which is handed down to us in the writings of Giraldus de BarrLf 
Five years previous to Henry making his will he restored the 
church, and rendered such service to the canons of Waltham 
that to grant them anything more was not considered needful 
by him. His gifts were principally used in assisting the 
crusades to the Holy Land. Pierre Langtoff writes : 
" To Waltham gede the Kyng, his testament to make, 
And thus quathe [bequeathed] he this thing, for his soule sake." 

KING RICHARD THE FIRST, A.D. 1189 1199. In 1189 
Richard I. granted to the Canons of Waltham the whole 
manor of Waltham, with the great wood anfl park called 
Harold's Park, 300 acres of essart lands with the market of 
the same, the village of Nazing a member of Waltham and 
1 60 acres of essart lands in the same with all rights, &c., 
paying yearly into the exchequer at the feast of St. Michael 
only ;6o, for all service with other ample liberties. 

Richard also granted a third charter in which he bestowed 
to Waltham the churches of Windsor, Hertford, Alrichsea, 
(Arlsey) and Nazing; and confirmed certain lands to Richard 
Fitz Aucher called Copt Hall (which Henry II. had previously 
given him) to hold in fee and hereditarily of the Church of 

* The origin of this assize is attributed to Alfred the Great, and which 
was reduced into its almost present shape in the time of Edward I. In the 
I Rich. I., the King's demesnes and other lands in Waltham were tallaged to 
which the men of Waltham paid vij/. xvjr/. Vide Madox Hist. Exchequer. 

t The Will commences thus : " I make known to you that at Waltham in 
the presence of * * * I have made my will, c." 



20 HISTORY OF WALTHAM 'ABBEY 

Waltham. The Abbots of Waltham possessed a fine vineyard' 
at Windsor temp Richard I. Lambarde says in the "recordes 
it appeareth that tythe hathe been payed of wyne pressed out 
of grapes that grew in the Little Parke neare to the Abbot of 
Waltham, which was parson both of Old and New Wyndsore,"* 

KING JOHN, A.D. 1199 1216. King John, according to 
his itinerary, visited Waltham frequently. He was at Waltham 
on Wednesday and Thursday, October i3th and i4th, 1204, 
and again on the iSth. John came from Ongar, where he had 
been staying for two days, probably at the Castle there, and 
rested at Waltham on his way to Westminster August nth 
and 1 2th, 1204. Two years elapsed before he again visited 
Waltham. In 1207 the King came from Westminster, and 
rested at Waltham, October 29th and 3oth. A note states, 
October 30, 1207, Waltham "Allow on account to Robert de 
Leveland what he expended in straw and fine sand for our 
house upon our arrival at Westminster, when we slept there," 
&c. On Oct. 28, 1208, the King visited the town of Waltham, 
and not again until Dec. 2oth, 1213. He returned to Waltham 
from the Tower on Dec. 23rd, and again on Dec. 29th, 3oth, 
and 3 1 st. On the first of January, 1214, the King was at 
Waltham,f viz., " Know that on Wednesday, the feast of our 
Lord's circumcision we received at Waltham 126," &c. King 
John left the following day for the Tower. In the Cottonion 
MSS. Claud. D. II., is a plate representing King John hunting 
(probably in Waltham Forest). King John, in his 9th year, to 
punish the people (who he justly concluded hated him) pro- 
hibited the diversions of hunting and hawking, commanding 
all the fences to be thrown down near the Royal Forest of 
Waltham, that his deer might have access to the corn fields; 
but on June i7th, 1215, the barons of England, after many 
difficulties, obtained from him the famous charter, in which 
are a few favourable clauses with regard to the laws of the 
forest. 

KING HENRY THE THIRD, A.D. 1216 1272. Henry III. 
was a liberal benefactor to the church of Waltham Holy Cross, 
to which sequestered place he often retired during the varied 
scenes of his lonely kingly career. This will be seen by the 

* See Eccles. Annals Mid. Ages by W. Winters, p. 43. 
f See description of Patent Rolls. Pub. Kec. Off. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 21 

number of royal grants signed at this Abbey. He gave the 
parishioners the privilege of holding an annual fair for seven 
days, and a weekly market. * 

Waltham Fair in 1257. An agreement of peace made 
between the Abbot of Waltham and the citizens of London. 
Septima pars Hen. Hi. " About the feast of ye Natynyte of 
bur Lady, a concord and a peas was concluded atwene the 
Londoners and the Abbot of the Holy Crosse of Waltham, 
the whiche hadde been in suyte many yerys before, for certaye 
dystressys taken by thabbottis offycers of the Londoners when 
they came with theyr mercymonyes f unto the fayre of Waltham, 
where as now it is agreed that all suche dystressys shulde be 
restoryd, and if any were perysshed or loste for longe 
kepynge that than the Abbot to content and pay to the partyes 
the value in money of such dystressys so perisshed or loste, 
and that ye cytezyns shulde enioye the lybertyes of ye fayre 
ever after without paying of any tallage or tolle. Anno Dom. 
MCCLVII. Richarde Hardell, Richarde Ewell, Wyllym Ashewy." 

In 1242, says Matthers Paris, Waltham Abbey was solemnly 
re-dedicated by the Bishop of Norwich, King Henry III., and 
many of his nobles being present ; this was probably in con- 
sequence of some alterations or additions. In the 3oth of the 
King's reign, the Abbots had a dispute of some duration with 
the towns-people respecting the rights of pasturage in Waltham 
marsh, several of the Abbots' horses were killed, as also their 
keepers, by the violence of the people in driving them out of 
the marsh. 

* In the year 1219, the Abbot of Waltham's Court was amerced at xxx 
marks for a trespass in putting certain men to the judgment of water. Vide 
Madox Hist. Exchequer. " There were several sorts of ordeals used in 
England at this period, viz., the ordeal of the cross ; the ordeal of the 
consecrated bread ; the ordeal of cold water ; the ordeal of hot water, and 
the ordeal of hot iron. The ordeal of cold water was most in use among 
the common people. The person about to be tried was placed under the 
direction of a priest, who caused him to fast for three days and to perform 
various acts of devotion, after which he was taken to a pool of water and 
thrown into it ; if he floated he was declared guilty, if he sunk deep enough 
to draw the rope (which was placed about his waist) under the water he 
was instantly taken out and declared innocent." Strutt's Chron. Eng., 
Vol. ii. 200. 

f Fabyan (under date 1258) calls the word " merceamentys." Holinshed 
says " The King (Hen. iii. 1265) took them to mercie upon their fine." 



22 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Exchequer subsidies in the reign of Hen. iii. Ville de 
Waltham. An assessment of the subsidy of three grotes upon 
every person laica granted 4 Ric. II. within the town of 
Waltham. 

Calendar of Royal Charters dated from Waltham. Grant 
to the canons of Bridlington of acquittance of pannage for 
their hogs in the forest of Scalby. Hen. II. Waltham 1154 
1162, ex transcripto antique. 

" Hen III. Grant to William Longespe of free warren in all 
his demesne lands in various counties. Dated Waltham, 1252, 
20 December." 

"Letters Patent to Pain de Chaworth. Dated Waltham 1270, 

15 June." 

" Letters Patent, Henry de Percy, to do homage to Edward 
the King's son. Dated Waltham 1270, 15 June." 

"Letters Patent commanding Henry de Lacy to do Do. 
Waltham, 1270, 15 June." 

" Letters Patent to Robert de Stockport to do Do. Dated 
Waltham, 15 June, 1270." 

"Letters Patent to Adam de Holand to do Do. Dated 
Waltham, 1270, June 15." 

" Letters Patent to John de Vescy to do Do. Waltham, 1270, 

16 June." 

" Letters Patent to Abbot of Furness to do Do. Dated 
Waltham, 1270, June 16." 

" Letters Patent to William le Botiller to do Do. Dated 
Waltham, 1270, June 16." 

"Letters Patent to the tenants of the Manor of Newcastle 
to do Do. Dated Waltham, 1270, 16 June." 

In 1258 the Parliament having refused King Henry money 
he procured a messenger from the Pope, one Mansuetus, to 
come to England and beg assistance from the Abbots ; and the 
Abbot of Waltham was "among the first applied to on this 
occasion;" this man, partly by threats, and partly by entreaties, 
obtained from him a security for 200 marks, which the King 
could procure of the merchants. In the early part of the reign 
of Henry III., circa 1218, a hospital was built within the pre- 
cincts of the Monastery of Waltham by the Abbot and Convent. 

KING EDWARD THE FIRST, A.D. 1272 1307. Edward L, 
it will be remembered, stands immediately connected with the 
history of the Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross, erected with others 



OR HOLY CROSS. 23 

by him, in 1291, to the memory of his beloved consort, Queen 
Eleanor. In the Public Record Office, under Ancient Deeds 
and Charters (No. 59) is Inquisione Post Mortem 20 Edward I. 
an agreement between Regnaldi, formerly Abbot of Waltham, 
and Roger Levenoth, Prior of Southwerk (Southwark) respecting 
a tenement there ; to this document is appended the name of 
John de Monastic (John of the Monastery). Dated Feb. 6, 
1292. And in the Chancery Series (No. 81), 34 Ed. I. occurs 
the annexed note respecting the Forest of Windsor Abbas et 
Conventus de Waltham Sand. Crucis. De una acra vasti in 
fores fa de Wyndisore eis concessa. 

Crusades to the Holy Land were very popular events in the 
reign of Edward I. John de Badburgham, Abbot of Waltham, 
was appointed by the King collector of the disme* for the 
crusade in 1301. This Abbot received a letter bearing date 
Nov. i5th, 1301, from John Hatton, Bishop of Carlisle, asking 
for an indulgence to his diocese in the collection of disme. 
The Bishop also describes its miserable state and requests 
the benefices to be taxed according to the present value.f 
The Dean of St. Paul's (probably William de Montford) who 
represented the suffrages of the clergy, fell dead at the feet 
of King Edward I., when speaking in their behalf, and which 
was taken as a divine visitation. 

On the death of Edward I., which occurred at Burgh, on 
Sands, during his onward march to Scotland, July 7, 1307, 
his remains were solemnly conveyed to the Abbey of Waltham. 
Before his decease, he enjoined the Earls of Pembroke, Nor- 
thumberland and other of his nobles to inform his son of his 
dying command, namely, "that his heart should be carried to 
the Holy Land, attended by 140 Knights, who should have 
32,ooolbs. of silver for their maintenance whilst thus employed, 
and that his corpse should remain unburied, and be carried in 
the van of the army till Scotland was reduced to obedience." 

* In the 2nd year of Richard I , Henry de Cornhill accounted for 
money by him laid out in buying ships for the expedition of the Holy 
Land, and in Liveries, Stunnans and Mariners for that voyage, to wit, 
for MMCCL/. which he had received out of the King's treasury by the view 
of Peter de St. Marie Church, the Chancellor's Clerk, and of John de 
Waltham, the Treasurer's Clerk, whereof MCCC/. were in blank silver and 
DCCCCL/. in money. 

t Raine's Hist. Pap. and Letters from Northern Registers, xcvni. p. 151. 



24 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Little regard was paid to these commands ; for the council 
ordered the Bishop of Chester, his treasurer, assisted by the 
King's household, to convey the royal corpse to Waltham 
Abbey, where it arrived with great funeral pomp, attended by 
many of the principal nobility. Peter, cardinal of Spain, went 
to meet it, and also a number of the English clergy. The 
body remained at Waltham Abbey fifteen weeks; during this 
time six religious men were chosen weekly from the neigh- 
bouring Monasteries to attend it night and day, and none were 
permitted to depart without special license till the King's 
remains were removed to Westminster Abbey, where they were 
interred in Edward the Confessor's Chapel, October 28th, 
I307-* 

In the days of Edward I., Copt Hall,f or Copthall, in the joint 
parishes of Waltham and Epping, ;was the noble seat of the Fitz 
Aucher Family. Richard I., as has already been stated, gave 
this manor to Richard Fitz Aucher to hold, of the Abbey of 
Waltham, and here he built a large mansion and enclosed it 
with a park. He was succeeded by his son Richard, whose 
eldest son, Stephen, dying without issue, Copt Hall passed 
to his son Sir Henry, who had a licence granted, in 1295, 
to add 15 acres to his park out of the forest of Waltham. 
He died (in 1304) possessed the estate of Copt Hall, the manor 
of Shingle Hall, and held the office of forester, which his family 
possessed many years by grand serjeancy of the forest of 
Essex. In 1374, the Abbot of Waltham enclosed 120 acres 
out of the estates of Harold's Park and Copt Hall. 

KING EDWARD THE SECOND, A.D. 1307 1327. In the gth 
Edward II. the Abbot of Waltham having appointed before 
the King two persons to be his attorneys, viz., Peter de 
Waltham and Lawrence de Bosco to claim his franchise in the 
Exchequer, the King by his writ commanded the barons to 
receive them as such.;J: In the i2th of Edward II. Hugh de 
Waltham and John de Balling were Sheriffs of London. In 
Riley's Memorials of the City of London occurs, under date 

* Walsingham's Hist. Eng. 

t See Warlies and its surroundings, by W. WINTERS; also Harl. MSS 
3736, fol. 427. 

\ Madox Hist. Exchequer vol. n. p. 177. 

\ Probably of " Dallence " or " Dallings Farm," near Galley Hill in 
Waltham. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 25 

November 11, 1312, an acknowledgment by John de Lung, 
butcher, of London, of a debt of ;i6, to Thomas de Ware, 
.canon and kitchener of Waltham Holy Cross. Hugh of 
Waltham, common clerk of the City of London, September 18, 
1314, was authorised by King Edward the Second to write 
letters patent in favour of the Black Friars (i.e., preaching 
Friars) of London. A lease was drawn up, October 12, 1318, 
between Hugh of Waltham, clerk, and John atte Stouples, 
fishmonger, respecting a bakehouse situated near the Pillory, 
at Cornhulle (Cornhill). This was a bakehouse belonging to 
the Bishop of London, formerly the superior lord of the 
Soke. This same Hugh of Waltham was instructed by the 
City Authorities to draw up a deed, under date July 13, 1331, 
relative to the depositing a box in the safe keeping of Henry 
de Seccheford, chamberlain, by Richard & William de la Pole, 
Sir John de Putteney, Mayor. The following sums are recorded 
by the said Hugh of Waltham : ;io 195. 6d. paid to Simon 
de Swanland, "late mayor," for expenses incurred at the coro- 
nation of Lady Philippa, consort of Edward III. There are 
many ancient documents relating to Copt Hall and the Fitz 
Auchers, of the date of Edward the Second's reign, preserved 
among the " Deeds and charters " of the Public Record Office. 
Henry Fitz Aucher, of Copped Halle, granted 12 acres of 
arable land, and 2 acres of woodland in Holcroft, in Parochia 
de Waltham to Henry de Dongaye and Rosise, his wife. Dated 
at Copt Hall, 1309. In 1312 the son of the above Henry 
granted to the same Henry and Rosa one messuage situate 
in la Potteryshylle, in Waltham. The same place, in 1314. 
is called " Pottershill." This may refer to an ancient 
Pottery near Copt Hall. Edward II., in the course of his 
itinerations, often visited Waltham Abbey, when certain writs 
were signed by him, viz., 1308, September 28th, 29th, 3oth ; 
October ist, 2nd. 1309, May ist, July nth. 1310, January 
29th, 3oth, 3 ist; February ist, 2nd, 3rd. 1316, May 2oth. 
1317, October i5th. 1320, June 7th. 1326, August 7th. 

KING EDWARD THE THIRD, A.D. 1327 1377. -Edward III. 
was a great benefactor to Waltham, and whose armorial 
bearings appear on the spring of the great arch of the Abbey 
gates. In the collection of ancient deeds and charters is a 
deed between Henry Fitz Aucher and William Pikeman, son 
of Elene Bleeche, relative to land in Copt Hall, for which 



26 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

the said William gave " five marks sterling." 4 Ed. III., 1331.* 

KING RICHARD THE SECOND, A.D. 1377 1399. Richard II. 
resided at Waltham during part of the time of Wat Tyler's 
insurrection in 1381. The tenures belonging to the Abbey, 
i Ric. II., are given as follows : f John Morice, sen., Galfred 
de Hunden ; Jo. Morrice, Jun., John Matthews, Vicar de 
Nazing et John King de Chesthunt, qd, ipi xxs. redd exeunt 
de; mess. 80 ac. terr. 20 ac. pra. 10 ac. pa. et 20 ac. bo. 
in Waltham sc. crucis dare possint abbis et con. de Waltham 
pd et sur suis imppni qr tenent de pdc Abbe p sg IX.T. P an- 
et sect cur ipius Abbis de Villa de Waltham. 

KING HFNRY THE FOURTH, A.D. 1399 1413. The Issue Roll 
II. Hen. IV., 1410, contains entries of repayments of divers 
borrowed sums of money (inter alias). To the Abbot of 
Waltham ^336 6s. 8d., with several others. Again to the 
Abbot of Waltham, in money paid to him in discharge of 100 
marks which he lent to the Lord the King at the receipt of 
the Exchequer, on the 26th day of March last past, as appears in 
the roll of receipts of the same day, 66 133. 4d. (44 
Ed. III.) 

KING HENRY THE SIXTH, A.D. 1422 1461. Sir William East- 
field, Lord Mayor, circa 8 Henry VI. held lands in Waltham. 
His daughter married William Cressey, of Waltham, son of Sir 
John Cressey, Knt. 

On May 3rd, 1446, Margaret, daughter of Richard Duke 
of York, afterwards Duchess of Burgundy, was born in Waltham 
Abbey. 

KING EDWARD THE FOURTH, A.D. 1461 1483. Hooks 
and Pynnades in this parish were held by Sir John Say under 
the Abbots of Waltham (Inquis, 18 Ed. IV.) The Say family 
resided at Broxbourne. Salmon says that Pinnacles was 
" possessed by Philip, grandson to Vitalis, which Philip was 
hanged for a pretended robbery, and this estate given to Fitz 
Aucher, whose mother had been too free with Philip. I find 
a memorandum, but without authority, that Hokes and 
Pinnacles belonged to the Marquis of Exeter, and Gertrude, 
his wife attainted. John, son of Walter Morewe, passed the 

* In 1371 William Harding, a messenger, was sent with letters of privy 
seal directed to the Abbots of Waltham Holy Cross, paid 135. 4d. 

t Lansd MSS., 327, fol. 6. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 2^ 

estate of Hokes and Pinnacles to John Kirby and Elizabeth 
his wife." 

In 1473 several tenements at "Copped Halle" were sold by 
Robert Bardesy and Thomas Lyffyn to William Gladwyn, and 
in 1502 lands at Copt Hall were sold by William Petyte, of 
Braburn, Co. Kent, and Margery his wife to Thomas Lupsed, 
which lands were formerly held by William Gladwyne, of 
Waltham, and for which lands the said Thomas Lupsed paid 
";xn. of lawful money." 

KING HENRY THE EIGHTH, A.D. 1509 1547. The Abbey 
of Waltham, which for centuries had been the resort of 
kings, was frequently visited by Henry VIII., who is said 
to have possessed a small house in the Romeland where 
he occasionally sought pleasure and retirement. There is 
a traditionary anecdote relating to one of Henry's visits. 
The King was one day hunting in the forest, and wandering 
from his companions he came to the Abbey about dinner 
time, in the disguise of one of his own guard. He was 
immediately invited to the Abbot's table, and a sirloin of 
beef was placed before him. The King was hungry and ate 
very heartily, to the great admiration of the Abbot, whose 
pampered stomach had been spoiled by the good fare of 
his house. " Well fare thy heart ! " he said to his guest, 
" here is a cup of sack, and remember the grace of thy 
master. I would willingly give a hundred pounds on 
condition that I could feed as heartily on beef as thou 
dost. Alas ! my weak stomach will hardly digest the wing 
of a small rabbit or chicken." The King pledged his host, 
and then thanking him for his hospitality departed as 
secretly as he had arrived. Shortly afterwards a pursuivant 
suddenly made his appearance at Waltham, and to the 
consternation of the whole fraternity the Abbot was carried 
to London, and committed a close prisoner to the Tower, 
where he was kept for some days strictly confined to a diet 
of bread and water. The severity of his imprisonment was 
then as suddenly relaxed, and a sirloin of beef was set before 
him, on which to use the quaint expression of the old 
narrator of the story, " he fed as heartily as a farmer of his 
own grange." The King immediately entered from a small 
lobby where he had been looking on unobserved, and 
demanded of his prisoner a hundred pounds, the sum 



28 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

promised to him who should restore his lost appetite, which 
the Abbot paid immediately, and lost no time in returning 
to enjoy again the good cheer of his own refectory. 

In the State Papers (Foreign) under date August 8th, 1529, 
the King was at Waltham and paid ;io to James Morice 
for mending bridges between the Abbey and Hunsdon. On 
September 18, 1530, the King again appeared at Waltham. 
An entry occurs in the King's accounts, viz. : To Robert 
Acton's servant for bringing 2 skins to the King at Waltham, 
55. Also paid (Sept. 20, 1530) to Robt. Lee and Robt. 
Shere, for finding a buck and the hounds in Waltham 
Forest when they were lost, gs 4d. The King was at the 
Abbey on the following day according to the annexed entry. 
To a woman that gave the king quene apples at Waltham, 
43 8d. On Oct. 2, 1531, King Henry was at Waltham, 
and on the day following his Majesty paid for a cart to carry 
the hounds from Antyll to Waltham, 55. Oct. Qth, paid to 
a Frenchman that my lord of Norfolk brought to the King 
in the garden at Waltham ^7 IDS. Oct. 20, to Olyves, one 
of the keepers of the Forest of Waltham, 6s 8d. Oct. 25, 
paid to the wife when the King shot a tame buck in the 
Forest of Waltham, 75 6d. Oct. 26, to Serjeant Rolte and 
old Stoner, rangers of Waltham Forest, and to 6 keepers 
there, 673. 6d. Dec, 15, to the keeper of the Abbot of 
Waltham's Park (Copt Hall), 75 6d. Grants were signed by 
the King at Waltham, 1531 Sept. 23, Oct. 3rd, 4th, 8th, nth, 
i3th, i4th, i6th, 24th and 26th. 1532. July 4th, to one 
who brought chickens to the King at Waltham, 73 6d. 
July 2.4th, to Old Stoner of Waltham Forest and 3 keepers, 
303. 1533. Feb. i8th, a warrant was issued under the King's 
seal to Cromwell, master of the Jewels, to pay Tho. Roberts 
^2 oo for certain lands in Waltham Holy Cross, purchased 
for the King's use. These lands were at Holyfield. In the 
same series of entries occurs a letter from Sir Humphrey 
Brown to Lord Cromwell, viz.: "You spoke to me for my 
house and land at Waltham. If I may have a little house 
called Alderbroke, once belonging to Heron, I should be 
content if it be of the like value" (25 Hen. VIII.) Sir 
Humphrey Brown resided in High Bridge Street, Waltham 
Abbey, temp. Henry VIII. The Abbot of Waltham to 



OR HOLY CROSS 29 

Cranmer, May 7, 1533.* In this document the Abbot 
solicits Cranmer to give the office of prior at St. Gregory's, 
Canterbury, to John Symkyns, Cellarer (probably of Waltham). 
The Abbot recommended Master Cressy to Cranmer for his 
(Sympkins') qualifications. Dated at Waltham Holy Cross,f 
1534, is an agreement made by Tho. Cromwell in the King's 
behalf with Robt, Abbot of Waltham, relative to an exchange 
of the manor of "Coppydhall" and the manor of "Netyswell" 
near Hunsdon for a messuage called Saxbes and other lands 
purchased of Humphrey Brown, serjeant at law, with provision 
that if the King at his own cost appropriate the monastery of 
Waltham, the Abbot and Convent shall make sure to the 
King and his heirs the manor of Epping. On June i2th, 
1534, the King slept at Waltham, and then rode on to 
Hunsdon. In 1534 Cromwell wrote a paper of the "obsequys" 
of the Lady Regent of France, the King's grandmother, holden 
at Waltham. Cromwell's lands in Waltham were of the annual 
value thus : The fee farm of Waltham 50, and of Holyfield 
20. Robert, Abbot wrote to Cromwell June 2nd, 1534, 
thus : " I received your letters desiring me to deliver to Tho. 
Pykrynge the counterpane J of Nasynge Farm with the bonds 
until you and I shall be agreed upon the covenants. I now 
send them by my servant, John Archer." On June i3th in 
the same year Sir Roger Cholmley wrote from Waltham to 
Cromwell relative to his fines of Knighthood. 

* See Harl. MSS. 6, 148, fol. 78. 

f At the dissolution of the Monastery, Temp. Hen. VIII., Robert the last 
Abbot, was seized of messuages and lands in Waltharn, called Crabtree-field, 
vii acres; Sprotts, vi ac. ; Yerdfielde, ii ac.; jBedrepfelde, vii ac.; one Hedge- 
rowe adjoining, vii ac.; Longcrofte, vi ac. with a Hedgerowe on the South, 
iv ac.; Combertons, iii ac. and viii half ac.; Hoberds-Hatche^ xvi ac.; two fields 
called Cobcfelds [Cobfields], xlv ac.; two fields belonging to the same, xii ac.; 
lands by Cokslane, held by Thomas Heyne, called Highfelde, iii half ac.; 
Mageffelde, iv ac.; a Hedgerowe, i ac.; in the pysshe of Waltham HoJy Cross. 
Also Ptrich-grove, v ac.; a Close adjoining, ii ac.; /a/ts, ii ac.; Great Chissels, 
xx ac.; Bushey ffyll, viii ac.; three ac. adjoining, called The Hoopes; a G^ove 
adjoining Btode-lane, iii ac.; Stony Hyll, vii ac.; Gladwyns-meade, i ac.; a 
Grove, viii ac., between the said mead and Coks in Upshire, in the pysshe of 
Waltham, which, in the whole, amounts to clxxxiii acres ; and whiche sayde 
pmisses deu adioyne and lye nere to the manr or pke of Coppedhall &c. 
(See full account in Warlies and its surroundings, by W. Winters.) Hatch a 
Barr or bolt whence hatch as Buttery Hatch, became bolted or apprehendere 
tenere; to hold last. Harl. MSS. 3739. 

J Counterpane means the corresponding copy of a deed, now called 
counterpart. Nares Glos. 



THE DISSOLUTION OF THE ABBEY. 

MARCH 23RD, 1540. 



Abbey of Waltham was surrendered to the King on 
VjL\ March 23rd, 1540, having continued 480 years under 
several Deans and Abbots. This surrender was made 
by the last Abbot, Robert Fuller, who had previously 
exchanged the estate of Copt Hall with King Henry VI 1 1., for 
the farms called Canefields and Woods, at St. Pancras, Kentish 
Town, and the Manor of Dame Elyns, in Little Warley, co. 
Essex (Harl. MSS. 3739, fol. 427). Its possessions were valued 
by Dugdale at ^900 43. 3d., and by Speed at .1,079 125. id. 
The following is a brief list of the ancient gifts to the 
Church and the benefactors : Hugh de Nevil gave the manor 
of Thorendon ; John de Chishull, Bishop of London, the 
Church of South Welde ; Robert de Valvines, All Saints', 
Hertford ; Geoffrey de Scales, that of Badburgham ; his 
daughter, Juliana, Sudecamps, both in Cambridgeshire ; John, 
Bishop of Sarum gave the Churches of Old and New Windsor; 
Simon le Bret, the Church of Wrangle, and John, son of Alward 
that of Leverton, both in Lincolnshire; Everard de Geist the 
Churches of Geist, and Geisthorpe, and the third part of Norton, 
in Norfolk; Roger de Geist, the Church at Tatersham in Surrey; 
John Morrice in 1377 gave 40 acres of land; and in 1383, John 
Morrice, Senior, and others gave messuages and lands in Waltham, 
Nazing and Roydon; John de Tanny gave the Abbots the 
Manor of Theydon Bois; the Abbots possessed the Lordship 
of Waltham with its dependencies, and nearly the whole of the 
Parish, with the Rectory of Alphamston, the Manor and 
third presentation of Great Parndon, the Manor of Cullings, 
with the advowson of St. Nicholas, Standford le Hope; the 
Manor of Abbots, in Stanway, and Watermans in Matching; 
the Manors and Rectories of Wormingford, Blackmore, Mar- 
garetting; and the Manor of Priors in Broomfield, which the 



OR HOLY CROSS. 31 

Abbots of Waltham received from Henry VIII. for Stansted 
Abbots; also the Rectory of Hormead, and the Manor of 
Lambeth. An account of the possessions of the Abbey, written 
by the last Abbot, may be seen in the British Museum.* 

It appears by the accounts of the Ministers of the Crown for 
the County of Essex, 34 Hen. VIII, that the possessions of 
the Abbey accruing to the Crown at the Dissolution were as 
follows : Manor or lordship of Waltham with its appurtenances, 
^169 os. 7^d. ; site of the late Monastery of Waltham, with the 
Grange called Waltham Grange, and with the demesne lands to 
the same Grange belonging, ^72 25. 4d.; Rectory of Waltham 
^"23 IDS. 2d.; the Water Mills in Waltham 26 135. 4.; Manor 
of Claverhambury ^23; Woodridden Farm, Waltham Abbey, 
S; lands called Pekenpshire ^3 6s. 8d.; rents in Seward- 
stone ;ii 33. 4d.; Manor of Nazingbury ^31 i8s. ; rents at 
Nazing ^33 8s. 3fd.; Manor of Loughton ^"46; tenemants and 
rents in Loughton 10 193. 7d.; Manor of Woodford and Hill- 
house ^30; rents at Woodford 9 93. 5 id.; Manor of Epping 
$$ 6s. 8d.; rents, &c., at Epping 6 os. 6|d.; Manor of 
Shingle Hall 8 ios.; a tenement called Parvills,t in Epping ^4 
135. 4d.; Manor of Theydon ;i8; Manor of Nettswell ^"30 123.; 
Manor of Pasfield, not answered for because granted 34th Hen. 
VIII. to George Harper, Esq., his heirs and assigns; a tenement 
called Buckhurst 2 133. 4d. ; farm at Willingehall ^3 95.4 d.; 
lands in Bromefield ^3 6s. 8d. ; Manor of Katoynes, in Parndon 
Magna -4 133. 4d. ; lands at Tillingham -$ 6s. 8d.; Manor 
called Abbots, in Stanway ^3 6s. 8d.; Manor of Takeley 
S 6s. gd.; Manor of Wormyngford with the Rectory ^13 
os. 3d.; Manor of South Welde or Weald with the Rectory ^4 
i8s. 2d.; Manor of Stanford le Hope 20; rents in Stanford 
>5 7 s - Sid-; Manor of Blackemore (reserved rent) 2 93. 4d.; 
Manor of Gynge Margaret with the Rectory (reserved rent) 
;i 143. lod. ; Manor of Alrychesey (Arlsey) co. Beds. 
^35 6s. 8d. ; Manor of Millhoo (reserved rent) ^i is. 2d. ; 
Manor of Brickendon with Rectory, not answered for, because 
granted 33 Hen. VIII., to Thomas Knyghton, gent., and Mar- 
gery his wife and their heirs; Manor of Wormley (reserved rent) 
;i 133.; Manor of Cullings ^8 43. 2^d.; Rectory of Horemead 

* Harl. MSS. 3739; also Eccles. Works of the Middle Ages, by W. Winters, 
p. 56. 

t Parvill's Farm still exists and is known by the same name to-day. 



32 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Magna ;n; Manor of Newhall -4 133. 4d.; Manor of Am well 
;6 ; rectory of Geisthorp ^3 6s. 8d. ; rectory of Skarninge 2 ; 
Manor of Wrangley, Lincolnshire 45; Manor of Badburgham 
20 is. 9^d. ; rectory of Sudicamps ^2; Manor of Caterham, 
Surrey, 6 i6s. id.; Manor of Windsor ^17 175.; Manor of 
Haywood not answered for, because granted 32 Hen. VIII. 
to Sir John Norres; Canelands and Canewood, St. Pancras, co. 
Midd., ^13; rents in London ^13 55. 4d. 

At the dissolution of the Abbey, 24th March, 315! Henry 
VIIL, certains pensions were given to various persons connected 
with the Abbey (see the list of pensions subsequently given). 

In 1547, King Edward VI. made a grant of the conventual 
estates of Waltham, including the right of advowson, the tithes, 
the patronage of the vicarage and the site of the Abbey, with 
the Manor, to Sir Anthony Denny, one of the executors of 
Henry VIIL* for thirty-one years, Sir Anthony dying soon 
afterwards, the reversion in fee was purchased by his widow 
Joan, the daughter of Sir Philip Champernon for ^3,000. 
The church remained a curacy or donative, in the gift of those 
who held the site of the Abbey, with only the small stipend 
f % P er annum, until Sir Edward Denny (grandson of Sir 
Anthony Denny), Earl of Norwich, and Baron of Waltham 
settled in 1633, ;ioo per annum on the curate f and his 
successors, payable out of the estates of Claverhambury. J 
The ouly daughter and heiress of Sir Edward Denny was 
Honora, married James Hay, Earl of Carlisle; their only son 
James, Earl of Carlisle, dying without issue, the gift fell to the 
descendants of the Denny family, who subsequently sold it to 
the Trustees of Sir W. Jones, and hence to the Wake family. 
The presentation to the vicarage was afterwards invested in 
three families or trustees. When the present Vicar, the Rev. 
F. B. Johnston, M.A., was appointed to the living at Waltham 
Holy Cross, in 1885, there was some difficulty in obtaining the 
whereabouts of the trustees. After several meetings of those 
interested in the matter, new trustees were appointed. The 
names of these gentlemen are: Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart., 

* Hen. VIIL granted so Sir Anthony Denny with the demesne of Waltham, 
Sigmor Downs, and a part of Holyfield Hall ; also lands in co. Herts. 

t John Guibbon was then curate and one of jthe Westminster Assembly 
of Divines. 

+ This will is given by Farmer, p. 170. 

\ Ogbourn History of Essex, p. 193. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 33 

R. B. Colvin, Esq., J.P., and Mr. T. Chapman, Jun.* John 
Dudley, Earl of Warwick, received permission, June 25, 1547, 
to alienate to Sir Anthony Denny, Harold's Park, and in 
July of the same year he purchased of Sir Ralph Sadler the 
manors of Woodridden and Sewardstone with the tithes of 
both. Sir Anthony Denny died possessed of nearly the whole 
parish of Waltham. His son Henry, born in 1540, succeeded 
to the estate, whose eldest son Robert dying without issue, 
the estate fell to his brother Edward, born 1569, and who 
was knighted in 1589, and summoned to Parliament as Baron 
Denny of Waltham 27 Oct., 1604, created Earl of Norwich 
by Charles I., and died 24 Oct., 1637. He married Mary, 
third daughter of Thomas, Earl of Exeter. This great 
benefactor to Waltham, Sir Edward Denny, is said by Stow 
to have met King James on his progress to London " attended 
on by a goodly company, in number seven score, sutably 
apparelled in blew livery coates, and white dublets, hattes, 
and feathers, and well mounted on horses with red saddles ; 
Sir Edward, after humble duty done, presented his majesty 
with a gallant horse, a rich saddle, and furniture correspon- 
dent, being of great value ; and his highnesse accepted 
graciously, and caused him to ride on the same before him." 

James Hay and his wife Honora were succeeded in their 
estates by their only son James Hay, Earl of Carlisle, who 
was a great sufferer for the cause of King Charles I. in the 
Civil Wars. He married Margaret, third daughter of Francis, 
Earl of Bedford, and died without issue in 1660. His widow 
enjoyed part of this estate as her jointure ; she married 
Robert, Earl of Manchester. At her decease the property 
reverted to the sisters of Charles Goring, Earl of Norwich, in 
right of their grandmother Anne, one of the daughters of 
Henry Denny, who sold it to the trustees of Sir Samuel 
Jones ; he sold it to Samuel, fifth son of Sir William Wake, 
who took the name of Jones, and was sheriff of the county 
in 1699 ; and bequeathed it to his nephew Charles, second 
son of Sir Baldwin Wake, who died without issue in 1 740 ; 
and was succeeded by Sir Charles Wake Jones, from whom 
it passed to Sir William Wake, and hence to the present 

* For particulars relating to previous trustees of the grant of 100 to the 
ministers of the Abbey Church. See Close Rolls, 8 Geo, III. pt. 14. Mem. 
-14. Public Record Office. 



34 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

representative, Sir Herewald Wake, of Courteen Hall, 
Northampton, J.P., born 19 July, 1852, married 14 April 
1874, Catherine, youngest daughter of Sir Edward St. Aubyn, 
Bart.* 



THE ABBEY MANSION. 




old mansion ca ed the ABBEY HOUSE, built by Sir 
Edward Denny in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and 
partly re-built by Charles Wake Jones, was demolished 
in 1770; and the stables were converted into a dwelling house 
now occupied by Mr Thomas Chapman. The original mansionf 
was very large, with a wing on each side of the front. 
Farmer describes it thus (1735) "It is beautiful to behold, 
and leads down to a spacious fine garden [now the 'Abbey 
gardens '] ; a fine canal encompassing the same with plenty 
of all kinds of fish. There are the most curious evergreen 
hedges, walks, groves, and for variety of fruit 'tis scarcely to 
be equalled by any private gentleman's. There are also fine 
kitchen gardens, vineyards, a bowling-green, nay in short, 
everything else that is commendable and praiseworthy. The 
whole garden contains about 12 acres of land, and is walled 
in with brick. The Abbey House has a sumptuous Hall, in 
length it contains 16 yards and a half; in height 9 yards 
one foot. It is exceeding handsome by reason of the 
wainscotting and extraordinary paintings. At the entrance 
out of the Romeland you pass over a bridge into a court- 
yard, which both leads to the Abbey House and to the 
stabling, and in which are two large rows of tall and stately 

* The family descended from Hugh Wac, temp. Hen. I. 

t For a plate of this mansion see Farmer's "History of Waltham Abbey " 

(1735). P 159- 

J Specimens of this wainscotting may now be seen in the old house in the 
Green-yard, Waltham Abbey, occupied by Mr. Thompson. See Visitors 
Handbook of Waltham Abbey, by W. Winters, p. 27 (Edition 1877). 



OR HOLY CROSS 35 

Sycamore trees.* There are also rich and large lordships 
belonging thereto, namely, the Town, Upshire, Holyfield, 
and Nazing, which afford plenty of all manner of game, and 
are endowed with great privileges and profits accruing from 
the Forest." The old Abbey House was at one time occupied 
by W. Pigbone (churchwarden in 1706), and was possessed 
in 1770 by James Barwick, Esq., J.P. 

KING JAMES, A.D. 1603 1625. During the reign of 
James I. nothing particular occurred in connection with 
the Abbey, beyond the erection of the Almshouses by 
Frances Green, and the King's visit to the Abbey during 
the curacy of Joseph Hall, D.D., who preached at times 
before his Majesty at Theobalds. In the last year of James' 
reign he visited Town and Abbey Church.f 

KING CHARLES THE FIRST, A.D. 1625 1649. Several 
entries occur in the Churchwardens' Accounts of Charles I. 
coming to Waltham Abbey. Dr. Fuller says, "Anno 1641, 
King Charles came the last time to Waltham, and went, as 
he was wont where anything remarkable, to see the church, 
the Earl of Carlisle attending him. His majesty told him 
that he divided his cathedral churches, as he did his royal 
ships, into three ranks, accounting St. Paul's, in London, 
York, Lincoln, Winchester, &c., of the first form; Chichester, 
Lichfield, &c., of the second; the Welsh cathedrals of the 
third, with which Waltham church may be well compared, 
especially if the roof was taken lower and leaded." The 
king granted a "toll of cattle" to be made for the repairing 
of the church and the paving of the town. But the design 
was "dashed" by archbishop Laud, because the Earl of 
Carlisle first consulted the king on the subject instead of his 
grace. 

* The Poplar Trees that once adorned the edge of the mill stream from 
the Abbey Gates to Harold's Bridge have, within the last few years, nearly 
all fallen down owing to the foundation of old massive stone walls just below 
the surface of the earth running in that direction. Old foundations of 
ecclesiastical buildings may be seen to exist (in the summer months) in the 
Abbey Fields, west of Harold's Bridge. 

t Item. Given to ye ringers at ye King's coining through ye Towne iis. 
.His Majesty probably visited the Abbey House and Copt Hall. See 
" Our Parish Registers." 



36 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

An estate was left for the repair of the church, from 
William Lake and Thomas Stock, of this Parish, in trust to 
Thomas Fox and others, bearing date 5th December, 1637. 

The Pilgrim P cithers of Nazing and Waitham Abbey. 
About this period (1637), and earlier, many local worthies were 
forced for conscience sake to quit the shores of old England 
for America. Since the publication of "The Pilgrim Fathers of 
Nazing," &c., in 1882, we have realised great pleasure in 
collating from parish registers, manuscripts and rare printed 
works in the British Museum, materials for biography of the 
Eliots and others who emigrated to the New World during 
the middle of the seventeenth century, and whose ancestors 
resided in Waitham Holy Cross, Nazing and other antique towns 
and villages in England. During the last few years several of 
the descendants of the Waitham Abbey and Nazing pilgrims 
have visited the places familiar to their forefathers. The 
names of some of the Waitham and Nazing friends are well 
known in the historic Annals of America; such as Curtis, 
Ruggles, Graves, Heath, Payson, Peacock, Uffett, Gore, Morris, 
Burr, Bright,* and others, who left England between the years 
1630 and 1640. 

John Eliot was the son of Bennett Eliot, and one of the 
first of the Nazing pilgrims who quitted the shores of Old 
England for the more peaceful lands on the other side of the 
great Atlantic. We have noticed specially the Eliots of Nazing, 
Waitham Abbey, Cheshunt, Hunsdon and Stortford, being 
evidently closely related to the Apostle to the Indians, John 
Eliot. It is, however, difficult to discover where the ancestors 
f Bennett Eliot resided. It could not have been Nazing, as 
the name does not occur in the registers of that church earlier 
than 1602-3, when the first John Eliot was baptized. See 
extracts from Registers ; also " Memorials of Pilgrim Fathers," 
1882, by W. Winters. 

KING CHARLES THE SECOND, A.D. 1649 1685. George 
Hall, son of Joseph Hall, born in Waitham Abbey, August 24, 
1613, bequeathed by his will, dated August 22nd, 1668, ,100 
for the use of the poor of his native parish. Farmer has confused 
the two names, Joseph and George. Joseph Hall was curate 
of Waitham many years, and eventually became Bishop of 

* Vide. The uffolfe |.. 5, pub. Boston, N.E., 1858. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 37 

Exeter and Norwich.* His son George Hall was Bishop of 
Chester. It is stated that the ^100 were spent in decorating 
the altar piece of the church by the then churchwardens. 
(Shame !) Another deed specifies property left to the church in 
trust from Edward Goulding, Nicholas Hodge, and Henry 
Williams to Edward Clayton and others, 26 Sept. 1681; and a 
counterpart of Mr. Acourt's lease, 2oth Dec. 1683. The rent of 
the above property in 1735 was, viz., a messuage in the 
occupation of Mary Spencer and Ann Bennett, ;io. Seven 
acres of land in possession, ^9. Three acress of land called 
Paternoster Hills (Broomstick Hall); and two acres of land called 
Hostlage, near Wolmerford-bridge; and other lands called 
"Church fields," also one acre of meadow, lying a Wolmerford, 
in the possession of Mary Williams, ^14. Total, ^33 per 
annum. f According to Farmer (p. 165) many of the gifts to the 
church were not appropriated by the Churchwardens, agreeably 
to the wills of the respective donors. If the church had had 
no more generous donors than what it has had of late years it 
would have been poor indeed. 

* The Almshouses at High Beech were built by Bishop Hall. On the 
chimney of these houses is the following inscription -"A gift of Bishop 
Hall. William Shotbolt, churchwarden, 1705." These houses are in a 
most dilapidated condition. The three Almshouses at Copthall Green origi- 
nally belonged to this parish, but subsequently became private property. 
They were destroyed a few years ago by fire. 

t Fields adjoining Broomstick Hall Common. The slip of land east of 
Waltham Abbey Lock, near the River Lea, was called "Church land." 
We have an original deed, dated 1467, which states (in Latin) that Richard 
Carter, of this parish, confirmed by deed to Edward Briggis and Walter Cok 
of the same place, one croft of Land called Pick-croft, containing 3 acres, 
situate near Paternoster Hill (a place where the makers of paternosters or 
rosaries resided), and abutting upon a place called Childwin-dmme and the 
King's highway leading to Pickhill. Also two acres of Land in one croft 
called Hostelage (probably an Inn mainly used by the Abbots on their way 
to Copt-hall), near Wulnerfordbriggs ( Wolmerfordbridge), abutting the 
King's highway leading to Coppidhall on the north, and a place called Porst- 
sefeld on the south. Also one acre of wood Land adjoining Wolmerfordbrigge, 
and abutting upon Mallend on the south, and the King's highway towards 
Pickhill on the north, and the premises (afterwards called Church fields), 
formerly held by John Cowper, Vicar of Eppin^, and Andrew Bright, of 
Waltham, and John Archer of Theydon Gernon, <kc. Witness Johe Hasiai 
/Thorn, Frend, Johe Colynse, Willmo Forth, Nicholaio Forth, Johe Crow, &c. 
Dated Waltham, 6 Ed. iv. (Seal gone). 



38 

LANDS SEQUESTERED IN WALTHAM IN 1643.* 



"JBut on those judges lies a heavy curse, 

That measures crimes by the delinquent's purse-" 

Browne's Satire on tne Rebellion, 

IR Francis Swyft (of Harold's Park) houldelth of James 
Earle Carlile,* a delinquent^ Lands at per ann. ^25. 
S. Atkins houldeth of ye said, at per ann. ^no. W. 
Winspeare for Mistris Sheffield's lease at per ann. ^10. Mr. 
Grene for Town Meade per ann. ^3 16. Mr. Genemore for 
flood lands per ann. ^44. Mr. Vavassor for foots per ann. 
^4. Henry Knagg Senier per ann. ^141. Items for the 
parsonage^ per ann. ^no. Item for a Barne per annum 
4d. Item for the Bayliwick houlder of the within named 
Henry Knagg of the Earle of Carlile per ann. ^20. Sir 
Francis Swift for Mr. Nicholls' lease, per ann. ^115 8s 4d. 
Mr Lyon for the fulling ;/*// per ann. ^30. Mr Leverton 
for his house per ann. ^3 6s 8d. Item for his ground per 
c.nn. ^10. Mr. Winspeare per ann. jCz 2 IOS - Mr. 
Wollaston per ann. ^60. Item for fortije acres per ann. 
^36. Item for other lands per ann. ^23 8s. Mr. Geve 
(or Jeve) for Capieshott\ per ann. ^7 75. Mr. Church for 
Peacock's house per ann. ^47. Mr. Wills per ann. ^11. 
Mr. Chaice per ann. ^16 23 6d. Mr. Greene per annum 
^33 6s 8d. Thomas Sawdrie per ann. ^50. John Joslin 
per ann. ^3 6s 8d. John Joslin houldeth more of the said 

* Add. MSS. 5505. 

t " He that practiseth either for his own profit or any other sinister 
ends may be well termed a delinquent person." State Tnats, 1640, 
Earl Strajford. The Earl of Carlisle was an extravagant person. On May 
16, of the same year (1643) was issued a draft order for the protection of 
James, Earl of Carlisle, against riotous persons who had destroyed certain 
ancient Locks, Mills, &c , on the Hirer Lea in the parish of \Valtham and 
Cheshunt. I't'Je. Reports of Royal Commissioners on Historical MSS., 
Vol. v., p. 86. 

% In the Church-yard. 

In High Bridge Street or at Sewardstone, existing temp. Hen. V. 

j| Rear the Cemetery, Sewards'.one Road. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 39 

Earle of Carlile ^3 los. W. Warren houldeth of him per 
ann. ^103 los. Nicholas Brewet per ann. ^3 i6s. 
Christopher Harwood per ann. 9 6s. John Fullham per 
ann. 8 i6s. Thomas Coather per ann. ^9 los. Mr. 
Neale per ann. ^48. Mr. Wills per ann. ^10. Lettice 
Francis per ann. ;i6, Mrs. Chaire per ann. ,20. Henry 
Knagg per ann. ^"34 2s. Mr. Bridges per ann. ^"49 us 4d. 
Item by Mr. Bridges more per ann. ^26 95 2d. John 
Bridges and John Hodge* per ann. ^32 135 4d. John 
Cowing for Serril Hills per ann. ^29 25. Item more for 
Cobhill per ann. ^33. Christopher Goulding Junior per 
ann. ^37 6s 8d. Item for further Eastfield per ann. ^50. 
Item more for Penerley's lease per ann. ^13 los 8d. Item 
more for Woodhouse lease per ann. ^"8 i8s 4d. Item more 
for Christopher Goulding's Sen. his lease per ann. ^5 23. 
William Nashe for the Parke Ground per ann ^40. Giles 
Carter per annum ^14. Sir Edward Fleetwood per ann. 
^14 ros. Samuel Nash per ann. ^100. John Barnett per 
ann. ^2. Abraham Hudson the Miller per annum ^80 
Mr. Bowers' assignees per ann. 24 135 4d. William Nashe 
for the ffishing there per ann. .30. Lawrence Biggins 
houldeth per ann. is. Mr Chaire for the Park grounds per 
ann. \ 145. Abraham Hudson of the Turnpike per ann. 
^123. Abraham Hudson and Josias Richardson houlde of 
Mr. Robt. Mell a delinquent per ann. ^54. James Clebbone, 
Thomas Wakefield and John Hayward houlde of Patrick 
Winch delinquent per ann. 24. William Nashe holdeth 
of Nicholas Blencoe gent, a delinquent per ann. ^30. 
John Robinson houldeth of the said Mr Blencoe per ann. 
4. Marmaduke Howe houldeth of the Bishopp of Norwich 
(Joseph Hall, formerly of Waltham Abbey) a delinquent per 
ann. ^3. 

SEWARDSTONE. Thomas Peocock houldeth of Mr. Nicholas 
Blincoe a delinquent per ann. 6. Henry Jepson holdeth 
of the Bishopp of Norwich a delinquent per annum ,23. 
John Greene houldeth of him per ann. ^28 IDS. John 
Bridges holdeth of him per ann. ^20. John Smith houldeth 
of the same Bishopp of Norwich per ann. \ 6s 8d. 
^Richard Stock Senior holdeth of Mr Nott a delinquent 

* Tallow Chandler. See Waltham Abbey Tokens lyth cent, Boyne. 



40 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

per ann. 6. W. Nashe houldeth of the said Mr Nott per 
ann. 20. Thomas Wheler houldeth of him per ann. 23 
Richard Peirce houldeth of him per annum ^25 123.* 



THE ELEANOR MEMORIAL, WALTHAM CROSS, 




Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross, is a noble structure 
situated on the road side, near the "Falcon Inn" and 
opposite "Ye Ould Foure Swannes Hostlerie," [A.D. 
1260] a mile from the town of Waltham, and a few minutes' 
walk from Waltham Cross Station, G.E.R.f 

This Cross was erected by Edward I. to perpetuate the 
memory of his beloved consort Eleanor, who died of a fever at 
Herdby near Grantham, Nov. 29th, 1291, aged 47 years. Her 
body was brought in right royal style to London, and a stone 
cross raised to her memory at every place where the funeral 
cortege rested, and Waltham Cross is one of the renowned monu- 
ments remaining. This cross, which is now (1887) being 
restored, has undergone little reparation since 1832. The base 
of the Cross, remarks Dr. Stukeley, was originally surrounded by 
ten steps, several of which were removed to widen the road, as 
the turning near it was rather sharp. The architecture of the 
cross is considered richer, and its sculpture more beautiful than 
either of the crosses of Northampton or Geddington. This is 
no doubt owing to its being near London, as the Eleanor 
Crosses in the Metropolis, which were under the constant eye of 
the king, were more elegant than those a long distance off. 
The. ornamental details of this cross owe much of their sharpness 
and preservation to the hardness of the stone. The form ot 

* In 1643 portions of Land were sequestered within the parish of Nazing. 
The act of sequestration took place before Sir Richard Everard, Bart*, Isaac 
Man, John Attwood, John Sorrell, and Peter Whetcombe. Sir Richard 
Lucy Kt, houldeth of the within named James Earl of Carlile a delinq* Lands 
there at per ann. 93 3 4. William King houldeth of the said Earle p. ann. 
88. Sir Francis Swift p. ann. 50. Sir Francis Swifle for Greene Meade 
p. ann. 3. The names of thirty other holders occur on the Nazing list. 
Add. MSS. 5505. fol. 25. 

f The Great Eastern Railway was opened to Broxbourne on the loth of 
September, 1840, being called at the time, "The London and Essex Railway," 
then the North-Eastern Railway, and since then the Eastern Counties' 
Railway, and lastly the Great Eastern Railway. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 41 

the structure is hexagonal, and separate from the basement, 
and consists of three stories or compartments, decreasing 
progressively at each stage. Each division is finished by an 
embattled frieze, or cornice, and at every angle is a graduated 
buttress enriched with foliated crockets and finials. Within the 
panelled tracery of the lower storey are the shields of England, 
Castile, Leon and Ponthien (or Poicton). These shields are 
suspended by their guiges or straps, from knots of foliage, and 
resemble in style, those in the nave of Westminster Abbey, com- 
memorating the benefactors to the building. The second 
division is even yet more elegant, both from its rich pyramidical 
assemblage of open pointed arches and sculptured finials, and 
from the graceful statues of Queen Eleanor which enrich its open 
divisions. The three elegant figures of the Queen have suffered 
by the weather. The upper storey is beautified with panelled 
tracery and pediments in assimilation to the lower parts, and 
the whole forms even to-day a splendid structure, and one of 
the finest examples of the science and genuine taste of our 
ancestors.* Those who are said to have attempted in drawings 
to restore the effigies of the Queen have erred in altering their 
attitude and in placing a sceptre and a mundns in the hands of 
the Queen, for the orb, as a mark of soverignty, can only belong 
to queens regnant, t The figures of the Queen on this cross 
are identical with those used on the seals of the period. In 
the left hand of the Queen is generally seen the cordon of the 
mantle which is drawn over the shoulders, and in her right 
hand a sceptre. For details of the expenses of the erection of 
this cross, see Household Expenses (Latin) temp. Eleanor (A.D. 
1291) Vetnsta Monumenta, Vol. 3, fol., also "Queen Eleanor 
Memorial, Waltham Cross" by W. Winters (1885.) 

The present (1887) restoration of the Eleanor Cross has 
been considerably promoted by the munificent gift of Sir Henry 
B. Meux, Bart., of the land required for the widening of the 
road near the Falcon side of the Cross. 

The Queen has shown her sympathy with the restoration of 
the Eleanor monument of Waltham, and has sent a donation, 
through Sir Henry Ponsonby of ^25 to Mr J. Tydeman, 
secretary of the fund. 

* Brayley's Graphic Illustrator, p. 406. 
t Gents. Mag. vol. 102, pt. 2, p. 107. 



THE ANCIENT BOUNDARY OF WALTHAM 
HOLY CROSS. 



HE boundary line which divides the parish of Cheshunt 
from that of Waltham Holy Cross, has been the subject 
of dispute between the inhabitants of the two parishes 
from the 33rd Hen. III. (1248), and which was settled in 
favour of Waltham, and called finalis concordia, wherein it is 
stated that the Duke of Savoy " remised and quit claimed from 
him and his heirs, to the said Abbot and his successors, the right 
and claim he had to ask in the same meadows and marshes oj 
the said Abbot." Dr. T. Fuller states that the matter broke 
out again "betwixt Robert the last Abbot and the lord of 
Cheshunt when the Abbey was dissolved." In 1601 the 
men of Cheshunt took a survey of their boundary, but 
evidently without being strictly acquainted with the extent 
of their parish rights, they overstepped the mark, or so the men 
of Waltham considered, the circumstance of which is noted in 
our ancient Parish Register, i.e., The curate of Chesthunt 
and some of the churchwardens of Chesthunt, on the igth 
daye, did come in their pambulation to our hye bridge and 
for so doing and comming out of their own libertye they 
were for there paynes thrust into a dych called Hooks Dich. 
On September 8th, 1643, the boundary of Waltham Holy 
Cross was found to extend from " the hamlet of Roydon to 
the River Lea * from thence to the corner of the marsh 
called Odii Marsh ; and so passing over the River Lea, 
including within the Forest all that marsh called Holyfield 
Marsh, to the meadow called the fryth or Frith, and so 
passing the Fryth at the place called the Shirelake, to Hook's 
Marsh, including within the Forest aforesaid all those Marshes 

* The parishes within the Forest boundary are : Waltham Holy Cross, 
Epping, Nazing, Chingford, Wanstead, Layton, Woodford, Loughton, Chig- 
well, Lambourn, and Stapleford Abbots. The ancient perambulation usually 
began at Bow Bridge, where the Lea divides the western boundary. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 43 

-called Hook's Marsh and Nor Marsh and so going by the 
River Lea, likewise including Waltham Great Marsh ; and 
:so over the ditch there to the bridge called ' Smally bridge ' 
(Small Lea Bridge) extending to the side of the same bridge 
downward by a ditch or a current of water running to the 
right hand of the king's highway, leading to Waltham Abbey, 
.as far as Coldhall, and presently beyond Coldhall turning by 
a ditch that divides the counties of Essex and Hertford, to 
.a river there, including within the Forest aforesaid all that 
meadow or marsh called Canwards" This agrees with MS. 
preserved in the British Museum, written in the early part 
of the sixteenth century, and which bears this title, " THE 

BOWNDYE BYTWEN THE LORDSHYPYE OF WALTHAM AND 

CHESTHUNT." Theyse ben the boundye septinge hertford- 
shyre and Essex by a dyche comynge owte of the Kyngs 
Streme from a Shelpp callid Bodey Shelpp and there septith 
holyfeld mersh, in Essex and Stachysholme in hertfordshyre 
and soo playnly shewyth the pting on the sayde shyre and 
the sayde hokye mshe till it come to the north corner of the 
north mersh of Walthm seynt crosse in Essex and the mersh 
callid Chesthunt mersh in herfordshye. And soo septith the 
sayde mershis till it come to daffyes"mede there the myll streme 
of Chesthunt myll metith with the sayde shyre dych and so 
septith the sayde mshes of Walthm seynt crosse mershe and 
mede till it come to Smallay Brygge and so goth undre the 
Brygge and turnyth. 

In early days there were various gates approaching the forest 
of Waltham of Waltham, such as "Honey Lane Gate," "Reeve 
Gate," "Clapgate," "Theydon Gate," &c. 

AN ACCOUNT OF THE PERAMBULATION OF THE PARISH OF 
WALTHAM HOLY CROSS, TAKEN IN 1823.* An interesting 
account of the perambulation of the parish was published in 
1823, and in which the writer says: "At the day ordered we 
met at the King's Arms, where a nice breakfast was prepared, 
and after we had taken what we pleased, we prepared to marcru 
The churchwardens' staff was put into my [James Carr] hands 
as deputy for them, aud as marshwarden, and we proceeded in 
due order till we came to Small Lea River Bridge. Our Psalm 
.singers pitched up with 'All people that on earth do dwell,' &c.l 

* "Facts Parochial, &c.," by James Carr, of Waltham Abbey. 



44 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

and a man was ordered to jump into the river, which he did,, 
and swam a little way, and out again ; we followed, not through 
the water mind, but over a .bridge prepared for that purpose. 
We, however, soon came up with the poor fellow, and proceeded 
till we came to another part of the river, when he was again 
ordered to go in, and particularly cautioned to go far enough, 
that not an inch should be lost, and after having been there long 
enough to satisfy our captain, he came, and we went on till we 
came to a mead called the Hundred Acres, where we met the 
Cheshunt people, and a parley ensued as to the parish in which 
it was situate, but it was very soon abandoned by us, and we 
went on our course leaving Holyfield Hall on our right steering 
our course to Langridge farm,* leaving the house a little on 
our, left, across some fields into a lane near the little farm 
occupied by Mrs. Dellar, leaving that on the right, going on till 
we came into the road that leads from Holtjjiell to Nazing 
Bury, when we turned short to the right and soon found our- 
selves at the Coach and Horses, where there was a leg of pork 
in waiting for us; this was a very seasonable supply after our 
fatiguing march amidst 

"Moving accidents in flood and field " 

After we had refreshed our weary bodies the word was given 
to move on, which was instantly obeyed, bending our way 
along the road leading to Nazing, till we come to the Black- 
smith's shop occupied by Mr. Low, when we turned short to 
the right up some fields, leaving Galley Hill on the right, and 
went on till we came to Mr. Smith's, at Harold's Park. Here 
again the table was spread, not with pork, but with roast beef 
of old England; but the pork had performed its office so well, 
that we could not avail ourselves of the hospitality of 
Mr. Smith. Before we could proceed further it was necessary 
for our otter, as he was called, to swim through a nasty muddy 
pond, which after having done we proceeded by Mr. Sessions* 
Farm, leaving the house on the left till we came to Mr-. Congers' 
Park, where we met the Squire, who our people complimented 
by bumping against one of his own trees. He, however, took 
it in good part, and we went on through the park, leaving his 
house on the left, and came into the road about a mile on this 



* In 1380, John Langrish possessed land in Holyfield and Edmonsey, and 
whose name may have originated the title to the above farm. 



OR HOLY CROSS 45 

side of the Windmill at Epping, round Woodridden home to 
Waltham Abbey, where a dinner was provided at the JVtw 
Inn." The next day the Cheshunt people perambulated their 
boundary, and it was reported by them that they intended to 
repeat the old grievance in laying claim to all that part of the 
town of Waltham west of Powder Mill Lane. This created 
great sensation in the town and the men of Waltham met 
their antagonists at the Marshgate, where a desperate battle 
ensued and when heads were fractured and other personal 
injuries sustained. 

Marsh Land in the Parish. Owing to the disposal of so 
much of the public property in the parish, the right of common 
pasturage is not so valuable to-day as it was a few years ago. 
The Government about 15 years ago purchased the extinction 
of the commonable rights of the Hoppit and portions in Town 
Mead for 2,600. Afterwards some of Waltham Hall Marsh 
and Edmondsey were taken by the Government. The parishioners 
have also lost the right of commonage in Broomstick Hall 
Common. Honey Lane Common, and part of Town Mead. 
All these, with Edmondsey, were Lammas Lands open to the 
public during certain seasons of the year. Every person renting 
405. per annum in the parish has now an unlimited right on 
the marshes only. These marshes were confirmed by charter 
of Henry II., 1177, to the Canons of Waltham who kept a 
portion of them for hay for the king. Richd. I., circa 1189, 
added Edmondsey to the town by charter. 

RULES OF COMMONAGE IN THE MARSHES were fixed by 
vestry, August i4th, 1781, and printed. As these rules have 
become ijare the publication of them in these pages may be 
found acceptable. 

WALTHAM HOLY CROSS, ESSEX. Regulations respecting the Marsh and 
.other Commons in the said Parish. 

1st. That all Cattle turned on to the said Marsh shall be first marked 
with the usual Mark ' twice every year, viz., on Old Lady Day, and on 
the i8th day of July, for which the Owners shall pay 2d. for every head so 
marked; and that all Cattle found thereon, not being first marked, will be 
Pounded and each Head pay 35. 4d. agreeably to an Order made in Vestry 
the I4th day of August 1781. 

2nd. That agreeably to the Presentments of the Court Leet, any Person 



46 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

who shall put any Horse or other Cattle on the Marsh, Town Mead, or 
Edmondsey, which are not their own Property, will be fined Forty Shillings, 
arid lose the Common Rights for three years after such offence. 

3rd. That any Stone Horse, or unclean or cut Horse commonly called a- 
Rig, or Bull, or Steer found thereon, will be pounded and each Head pay 
6s. 8d. ; likewise any Mare found thereon from Old Lady-day until after 
driving-hour on Old Lammas day, will likewise be pounded, and pay the- 
same fine. 

4th. That no Cow, nor Heifer be turned on the said Marsh before 4 
o'clock in the Morning, nor remain after driving in the Evening, from Old 
Lady-day until Old Lammas day: if any be found thereon after driving,, 
they will be pounded, and the owner thereof pay 35. 4d. And all the above 
Fines are to be accounted for by the Marshwardens in their Accounts; and 
that the Marshwardens are to produce their Accounts to the Jury of the 
Court Leet and swear to the same ; that they are bound to call two Rates 
within the Year for which they serve, or be liable to a Fine of Forty Shillings, 
and that they are allowed Two Pounds at each Rate-making. 

5th. That no Persons but Householders, and who occupy the same, are 
entitled to the Common Rights of the said Marsh and other Commons ; 
and that it is the duty of the Marshwardens to superintend the management 
of the Town Mead and Edmondsey equally with the Marsh. 

6th. That the Owners of Cows and Heifers turned on the said Marsh, 
during the time of driving, are to pay to the Marshard, Sixpence per Head 
for his trouble, which has been a custom from time immemorial. 

The Jury of the Court Leet, whose names are hereunto subscribed, have 
examined the above Regulations and do recommend the same to be Printed,, 
and signed by the Marshwardens' Clerk, and that a Copy be given to the 
Marshwardens on their appointment. 

JOHN UPTON (Foreman), FRANCIS WIGOS, JOHN PAIN, THOMAS 
THOMPSON, JAMES DEATH, LANCE TUCK WHITELY, JOHN LIGHT, 
JAMES BARWICK, JOSEPH NIGHTINGALE, RICHARO GENTRY, WILLIAM 
PHIPPS, THOMAS DENCH ; JAMES ALLSUP, Clerk to the Marshwardens. 

A piece of marsh land situated on the east side of the river 
Lea near to Cheshunt Lock, 15 or 16 acres in extent, and which 
is bounded on the south by the Government Cut, has been the 
subject of dispute. On to that piece of land, both the parish 
of Cheshunt and that of Waltham had a customary right 
of turning "head to head," but just prior to 1870 the marsh- 
wardens of Cheshunt turned that particular piece of land 
into a " night lay " for cows belonging to Cheshunt only, and 
at the same time a fence was put up to prevent the Waltham 
people from turning into the same. This was an infringement 
of the commonable rights of the parish of Waltham. The 
Waltham marshwardeus for the time being entered the 



OR HOLY CROSS. 47 

enclosed land and opened it to the Waltham cattle, and the 
Cheshunt marshwardens were unable to prove their exclusive 
right to the land as it originally belonged to Waltham 
parish. A new Finder House* at the Waltham marsh gate was 
built in 1872-3, at the small cost of 250. In early times, as 
before stated, portions of the marsh and town mead were cut 
for hay. The whole of Waltham Abbey marsh originally 
contained 400 acres ; this included Cheshunt marsh, which 
was then not divided by the river Lea, and was designated 
Waltham marsh, causing many hot disputes between the two 
parishes. Waltham Abbey marsh contains 59a. 3r. 4p. ; Hall 
Marsh, 28a. 3r. 36p. ; Edmondsey, purchased by the Govern- 
ment, 323. ; Town Mead, 523..; Great Hopptt, i3a. 2r. i2p. ; 
Little Hoppit, za. 2r. 28p. These Hoppits now belong to the 
Government. The land occupied by the river Lea and towing 
path, 6a. ir. 3op., exclusive of ditch taken at half a rod wide, 
3r. i3p., making a total of 7a. ir. 5p. The Cut opened in 
1770 takes its rise from " Ives Ferry," co. Herts, where it 
is supplied from the old river Lea. In the year 1772 it was 
proposed to make a canal from Moorfields to Waltham Abbey 
for 52,495. This canal was to be 6oft. wide 4fft. deep, and 
terminating in a bason 4ooft. long by 2ooft. broad. This project 
was never effected from the opposition it met with in Parlia- 
ment consequent on private interest. Ramney Mead Lock 
and Cut were opened September 10, 1864. John Want was 
lockkeeper at the time. The incorporations of the river Lea 
occurred in 1869. Some state that the Lea was made navi- 
gable circa A.D. 1424, but it was used for small barges long 
before that period. Freeholders and copyholders of Waltham 
had not only a right of turning any number of cattle on the 
forest at a certain part of the year, but a legitimate claim 
to fishing in the old marsh river and streams. The Govern- 
ment have held an indisputable right of fishing over their 
own waters since 1787. 

THE FISHERIES. Waltham Abbey and Cheshunt Fisheries 
were renowned in the Middle Ages when the abbots flourished 
in their Convents in Waltham and the nuns in Cheshunt. 

* Mrs. Clark who kept the Finder House, at Cheshunt Marshgate, Wind- 
mill Lane, was cruelly murdered on the riverside, between Broxbourne 
and her house, in 1886. 



48 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

But these waters became famous for fishing in the quiet days 
of old Izaak Walton, the friend of Dr. T. Fuller, curate 
of Waltham. The Governmeut waters are now preferable to 
any preserves for . many miles round. These waters are 
private and are annually let to different persons, The Lower 
Corn Mill Stream is a portion of the river between the Lower 
Island and Enfield Lock. The Upper Fisheries extend from 
Khicfx Weir to Thorogood Since. These waters abound with 
pike, carp, eels, perch, roach, chub, &c. Tom Taylor, the 
great angler, is said to have taken as much as 381bs. of 
roach in less than two hours, near Harold's Bridge. 

THE ROYAL GUNPOWDER FACTORY. The Royal Gunpowder 
Mills* in this town are the oldest of the kind in existence. 
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1561), John Tamworth, a 
gentleman of substance in Waltham Abbey, was in treaty 
with Marco Antonio Erizzo, on behalf of the Queen, for the 
purchase of saltpetre, sulphur, and bow staves for barrels. 
The saltpetre was offered to him at ^'3 zos. per cwt, which 
he declared to be too dear. Erizzo, however, could not take 
less money, nor could he provide any for some time.f This 
John Tamworth is mentioned! in certain MS.S. preserved 
in the British Museum as the executor of lady Joan Denny, 
widow of Sir Anthony Denny, Lord Chamberlain to Hen. VIII. 
.and Ed. VI. John Tarn worth's name also appears in the 
Churchwardens' Accounts for 1563. Item: Received of Mr. 
Tamworth twenty loads of timber, ready hewed, which he gave 
to the parish. Dr. T. Fuller (1655) says, "This gentleman, 
by his bounty to the public, seems better known to God 
than to me, having neither heard nor read of any of his name 
in or near to Waltham." The same writer (Dr. Fuller) became 
curate of Waltham Abbev in 1648-9, and referring to the 
Powder Mills, he says, "The Mills in my parish have been 
Jive times blown up within seven years, but blessed be God 
without the loss of any man's life."|| Thomas Gutridge and 

* See History of Royal Gunpowder Works, by W. Winters. 

t Cat. Stat. Papers ( Foreign), temp. Elizabeth. 

\ Lansd. Charters, No. 16. 

Lady Denny in 1553 let one Tenement, &c , adjoining le Armytage, 
in Waltham Abbey, at five shillings per annum. (See particulars for 
Grants Pub. Kec. Office.) 

|| Worthies of England, p. 318. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 49 

Edward Simmons, carpenter, are the first recorded as being 
killed in these works. The first of the two was buried Oct. 
4th, 1665, and the second one on the day following. The 
next person who lost his life by an explsion was Peter Bennet 
and who was buried Nov. 27, 1720.* The most serious 
explosions in this Factory have taken place during the present 
century, and which have probably prevented many persons 
of affluence from settling down too near the town. However, 
their absence is perhaps more than equalled by the number of 
hands constantly employed in the Royal Works, and which 
may be considered the life of the town. The following are 
the explosions that have occurred since the Government have 
possessed the Factory, viz. (i.) 1801, April i8th, nine men 
killed, (n.) 1811, Nov. 27, seven men lost their lives; (in.) 
Another seven were killed in 1843, April 13; and (iv.) in 
1870, June 1 6, five men died in consequence of an explosion 
at the Lower Island. When John Walton was proprietor of the 
Powder Factory in this parish (1735) it was then considered to 
be the largest in Great Britain. The Board of Ordnance pur- 
chased the mills of John Walton in 1787, and continued the 
works in operation by several of Mr. Walton's best men. The 
Powder Mills at Faversham and Ballincollig were at that time in 
the hands of the Government, and which eventually became 
incorporated with the Waltham Abbey Factory under Sir W. 
Congreve, " Comptroller of the Royal Laboratory," who under 
date December 3ist, 1799, gives an account of the progress of 
the Mills at Waltham Abbey, viz. : " Per contract balance 
remaining in favour of these mills on this date after having paid 
off the original debt incurred, namely, 10,000; new erections, 
repairs, etc., so as to set at work, 13,449 73 6d, making together 
the sum of 23,499 75. 6d., which debt, with interest of 5 per 
cent, per annum, was paid off by the profits arising from the 
manufacture of gnnpowder at Waltham Abbey from ist March, 
1790, and 3ist December, 1795." T ne property of the Board 
of Ordnance, now War Department, in connection with the 
Powder Mills, is a narrow slip of land varying in width and 
running from the Aqueduct, King's Weir, through the town of 
Waltham to the Lower Island, towards Enfield Lock.\ 

* See " Our Parish Register." 

t From the Sewardstone Manor Rolls (private) occurs the following note 
under date July 3rd, 1648. John Berisford admitted on ye surrender of 



50 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

A SUMMARY OF THE BUILDINGS, LANDS, ETC., IN WALTHAM 
HOLY CROSS PARISH, OCCUPIED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1887. 
There are 246 acres in Waltham Holy Cross parish belonging 
to the Government; 67^ acres are let to various individuals; 
1 08 acres in the exclusive occupation of the "War Department or 
its officers; 175^ acres belonging to the Royal Gunpowder 
Factory; 54^ acres are let to various individuals; 1 6 acres in 
the exclusive occupation of the War Department, or its officers 
of the Royal Small Arms Factory 246 grand total. There are 
7^ miles of the River Lea, besides numerous tributary streams 
and several mill heads, the water from which works the water- 
wheels for the manufacture of gunpowder. Over 250 War 
Department buildings are composed of wood and were in 
existence when the property was purchased in 1795* as a ls 
several of the brick buildings, all in good condition. There are 
six quarters for officers and 38 cottages for workmen. A large 
corn mill with two water-wheels, worked by a mill head. The 
land is for the most part marsh, and often flooded in the winter ; 
and there are several plantations of alder and willow. No rents are 
payable by the War Department for property which has come in 
the occupation of the department since ist January, 1861. 
" Hall's " and " Hook's " marshes, let to Mr. W. Hudson at 3 
per acre i3a. ir. 35p. Rates and taxes paid by tenant. 
Possession resumed 29th September, 1874. Great Hoppitt is 
planted with willows i3a. 2r. 2ip. Right of cutting grass is 
sold to Mr. W. Oram, at $ per acre. The tenant is not liable 
for rates and taxes. 16^ acres in Cheshunt parish, planted with 
alders and walnut trees. One acre in Nazing parish planted 
with willows. The Fisheries let by the War Department are those 
of Mr. A. Wheeler for 3 per annum, consisting of the Corn 
Mill Stream and a portion of the river between the Lower Island 
and Enfield Lock ; and the Upper Fisheries just let to Mr. R. B. 

Richd. Stock to \\ acres of land lying in a place called ye Ufper-fortye-field, 
and to ye field called Parkes-field cont. 4a. with ye water-stream and mills, 
called ye POWDER-MILLS, Tenemts, Edifices, Wayes and Appurts belonging 
to ye same and to an Island near ye Town Ambrey cont. 6 perches, abutt on 
ye River Lea and to one Rood of Land lying in MILL HOLME at ye end of 
ye sd. MILL. Fine xls. The POWDER MILLS here mentioned may have 
been situated at Sewardstone. 

* The lands connected with the works were finally purchased in 1795 ; the 
buildings were purchased in 1787. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 51 

Colvin, extending from King's Weir to Thorogood Sluice, for 
20 per annum.* 

The land thus possessed by the Government extends from 
Kings Weir to Enfield Lock, and takes in Edmonsey,! portions 
of the Marshes, Abbey Fields, Town Mead, and the town proper. 
The premises near the Church known as the Corn Mill and the old 
Pin Factory were purchased in 1809 by the Government of John 
Halfhide for ^9,500. This Flour Mill was originally bequeathed 
to the Abbots of Waltham A.D. 1108, by Matilda of Scotland, 
afterwards Queen of Henry the First. Gun-cotton was first 
manfactured by the War Department in the Saltpetre Refinery, 
Waltham Abbey, in June, 1870. 

HIGHBRIDGE STREET. From the Eleanor Cross or from the 
G.E.R. Station, Waltham Cross, the town of Waltham Abbey is 
approached by crossing the Old Lea Stream which runs toward 
the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock (a mile and a half 
south of the Abbey). The next bridge west of the church spans 
the navigable river Lea which mainly commences the town proper, 
of Waltham and is called HIGHBRIDGE STREET (originally West 
Street}. This street derived its present name from a high bridge 
erected very early. J This bridge was no doubt the one over 
Powder Mill Lane Stream, as the yard near it is still called 
" Barge yard," and where was formerly a beerhouse, known as 
" The Two Barges." The bridge over the navigable Lea is kept 
up by the trustees of the river, who pay annually six pounds to 
the marshwardens for land cut through the Marshes. The bridge 
and road near the Refinery are kept and repaired by the War ' 
Department. The "Board of Ordnance" paid ;io for land cut 

* Obligingly communicated by the late J Ansell, Esq. 

f In 1125 Robert Fitz Walter granted the tithes of Edmonsey to the 
Canons of Waltham (see Add. MSS. 5,937)- Hen. II. (1177) gave the whole 
of the tithes of Edmonsey to the monastery. " Edmonsey " was then called 
" Gadwynesheye " (vide Hunter MSS. 25,269). In 1380 John Langrich 
possessed six acres of land in " Edwynseye " (Edmonsey), formerly held by 
John Matthews, vicar of Nazing. The " Chelnosie " mentioned in Henry 
the Second's Charter, A.D., 1177, appears from its connection with A r ormaJ> 
Majorem Warden and Mutorem to be EDMONSEY. 

J A new high bridge was erected in 1587 by order of Queen Elizabeth at 
a cost of upwards of 20 (Lansd. MSS. 53 fol. 94) a heavy sum in those 
days for the better navigation of her Majesty's royal barge as well as for 
barges in general. As far back as 1314 this street was called " Hayestrate 1r 
[High street] and "Hie-street " in 1485. 



52 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

through Edmondsey and for the accommodation of a cartway and 
footpath. The other bridges in the town of Waltham, except the 
one near the Homeland and another on the Sewardstone-road, are 
repaired by the lord of the manor. 

The premises called " THE REFINERY " are used for the 
refining and storage of saltpetre and for the manufacturing of 
Gun-cotton. The yard and field adjoining the large red brick 
house opposite the Marsh, formerly occupied by James Barvvick, 
a local magistrate, were used in the last century for calico 
printing,* a flourishing trade in the town at that time, and the old 
storehouses belonging to the Government south of the Refinery 
were once dwelling houses, occupied by the Jessopp family and 
Mr Torbut, a miller. In the interior of these buildings vestiges 
of old domestic architecture still remain, and near them once 
stood " The Goat " public house, kept by W. Pratt, beadle of the 
parish. This house has long been demolished as also the old 
" Leather Bottle " beerhouse and the butcher's shop tenanted 
forty years ago by Mr. Smith. On the same side of the road 
stands 

THE ALMSHOUSES. This row or block of houses was erected 
in 1818, on the site of those given by Mr. Greene in 1626. 
Singular to say, the parish possesses no original deed of this 
gift, nor yet the donor's Christian name. This Mr. Greene was 
" Purveyor to King James I.," and that is all the parish 
authorities know of him. From early original documents we 
have discovered that the founder of the original almshouses in 
Highbridge-street was Francis Greene, whose will, bearing date 
December i5th, 1637, shows that he gave to Joan, his wife, a life 
interest in all his property in the parish, including the barn, 
orchard, and garden with the four Almshouses in Waltham. f 

* In 1782 Thomas Littler was hanged at Chelmsford for the paltry theft 
of a piece of lawn from these calico grounds. Mr. Barwick carried on the 
calico printing trade in connection with Mrs. Farran with great spirit in 
1770. Mr. Hammond afterwards held these premises. 

t A barn, orchard, and garden attached to the Almshouses were let in 1626 
at _^4pfcr annum. This land was again let some years ago at 20 per annum, 
and which is worth more in the present day. Out of this amount the four 
(senior) widows under the original grant were to have 5 per annum, paid 
quarterly, in addition to 2s 6d weekly from the parish ; and the four (junior) 
widows admitted on the new arrangement of 1818 are to be provided for out 
of Woollard's gift, which amounted many years ago to 2s 2jd weekly, and 
2s 6d weekly from the parish. The widows are also allowed a parlion of 
Wollnston's bread gift. Thc'e houses require reparation. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 53 

The Court Leet fine was then paid. The documents alluded to, 
which are a portion of the book of fines of the Lord's Court 
Baron of this manor, are much worn with age, and are in the 
author's possession.* The parts referring to the Almsliouses are 
here published in full for the first time: 13 Car. Mr. ffi. 
Greene's will, by which he gave to Joane, his wyfe, for her lyfe 
his Copyholld land in Waltham, viz.: Hyme Holmes pc. Exc. 
the barne, orch. & gards, and iiij almeshowses in Waltham. And 
he did give his dwell, ho. [use] & all his mess., lands, tents, and 
hered, as well free as Copy in Walth. (intr alia} lyinge in 
Upsheire & Sewardst. in Walth., wch he prchased of Tho. 
Ellyott & of Edw. Younge, late of Chingford, and all his lands 
in Nasing, wch he lately prchased of Mr. Jo. Fflud., Exc. that 
\\-ch was given to his wyfe for her lyfe wch rem. over as in the 
Will lately bowght of Jo. Standish. 

And he gave the Orch., gardens, barne & Almeshcuses to 
them & their heires upon trust and confide & to such uses as in 
the will is mentioned.t This document is dated December yth, 
1638. Mr. Greene in 1630, in the "time of scearcitie and 
dearth of corne," gave to the poor of Waltham \. i. iiii. for 
bread. Francis Greene may have twice married, as the register 
gives the burial of his first wife " Buried, Mrstris Elizabeth 
Greene, wyfe to Mr. Ffrancis Greene, in the church the 24 day 
Sept., 1607." His second wife was probably Joane, who survived 
him. Francis Greene was buried iQth November, 1638 (which 
date agrees with his will, and Edward Greene, his son, was 
buried August i2th, 1639. 

The original ALMSHOUSES, erected for jour persons, were 
destroyed and rebuilt in 1818, during the curacy of Thomas 
Pickthall, with room enough for double the number of inmates. + 
This undertaking was effected by the funds realised from the 
interest of Robert Mason's gift. These Almshouses were 
repaired out of the church rates, which rate has long been 
abolished. 

* 1 5th December, 1637, intr. Mris. Joane Greene adm. for her lyfe to some 
Cop. Land in Waltham ; ffines xxxiiii adm. tent, intr. fee far cop. vs. 

+ Mr. Edw. Green, Ch. Goldinge (son of Chr.), Jo. Searle, Andr. Searle, 
Adm. tents of the Almeshowse. intr. & ffines iiii Cop. vs. 

% The widows (mostly from. the Township) are chosen and appointed by 
the Churchwardens. 



54 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

On the front of the Almshouses within a recess appear a 
dozen lines of poetry, probably written by the good donor 
himself : 

" Birth is a pain : life, labour, care, toil, thrall : 
In old age strength fails ; lastly, death ends all. 
Whilst strong life lasts, let virtuous deeds be shown ; 
Fruits of such trees are hardly thereby seen or known. 
To have reward with lasting joys for ay, 
When vicious actions fall to ends decay. 
Of wealth o'erplus, land, money, stock, or store, 
In life that will relieve aged, needy poor. 
Good deeds defer not till the funeral rites be past ; 
In lifetime what's done is made more firm, sure and fast ; 
So ever after it shall Le known and seen 
That leaf and fruit shall ever spring fresh and GREENE. 1626." 

THE COUNTY COURT. County Court, a substantial building 
erected in 1849, and in which monthly sittings of the court are 
held. John Thomas Abdy, LL.D. judge ; W. J. Bruty, registrar ; 
H. J. Jenour, high bailiff. This court stands on the site of the 
old silk printing factory carried on by the Littler family.* In a 
line with this court are the Government " BANK HOUSES," 
occupied by persons engaged in the Royal Powder Mills ; and in 
front of which Mr. Hales, fifty years ago, carried on his work as 
" Fellmonger and Wooldealer." These premises are now occu- 
pied by Mr. J. Carr, miller. A SILK FACTORY, sixty years ago, 
stood in the centre of Highbridge Street, on the site of Mr. 
Marshall's house, near " Cox's PASSAGE." 

SUN STREET was originally called " East Street" and is the 
main way to Nazing, Epping, Loughton, Woodford, Chingford 
and London. At the top of the street near the Market Place is 
" The old corner shop," in front of which are two wood carvings 
of grotesque characters representatives of Bacchus, the god of 
wine. In this street once lived and were known to the writer : 
Messrs. Pain, Want, Sadd and Death. The " Sun Inn" in the 
centre of this street, flourished in 1633. Lower down is the 
POLICE STATION, erected. in 1874. A lofty flour mill, erected in 
1883-4, stands opposite " B land's Yard" or " Chetwood's Yard" 
The earliest known document relating to Sun Street is in the 
author's possession, and dates 25 Hen. VI., 1447. In this MS. 

* In the house next to the County Court a great number of soldiers (Royal 
Artillery) from Woolwich, were billited during the Chartist riots in 1848. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 55 

the street is called Eststret. Another of the same date relates to 
the same parties, t'.e., the Abbot of Waltham, William Orgor and 
Alice his wife ; John Love, butcher ; Thomas Lok, plumber, and 
others. In a document dated 1516 is mentioned Trykkeryslane or 
Cryketteslane Estrete. Later on this lane is called Crekette-\a.nQ 
and in 1578 Creeks-lane. It may refer to " CROOKMILE," leading 
to Holyfield and Nazing. At the east end of Sun-street is an old 
house recently restored adjoii.ing Mr. H. Lee, the brewer's house, 
which tradition says was once occupied by John Foxe, the 
martyrologist. In 1871 a Gothic chimney-piece was discovered 
consisting of Reigate stone, carved with various floral devices 
and coloured with vermilion, green and gold. Near the spring 
of the arch on the left shield were characters I.V., and on the 
surface of the arch above the initial letters F. and F.S. 

SEWARDSTONE STREET.* This street runs south from the 
Market-place and ends at " Frank Harvey's field." It is certain 
that the Government have now (1887) purchased Quinton Hill 
Farm (to which they anticipate removing the Gun-cotton works 
from High Bridge Street). Sewardstone Street will be extended 
to the brook near the present farm ; and a road will be made 
from Enfield Lock to meet the said street. At the lower end of 
Sewardstone-street was an ancient Ford, now arched over near the 
public pump. This street formerly reached to the farm at "DYER'S 
HILL," on the way to Sewardstone. In the middle ages persons 
held property in this part of the town named Fross and Foot. 
In 1326 this street was called Eldwortlistrate, in which was a 
place called Frosshenlane (Frosslane) also Fotyslane (Foots Lane). 
Probably " Quaker Lane." Before the street received its present 
title it was known as Eld ford Street (or Old Ford Street), then 
Sheepcot Street (1333), and in 1633 South Street, and lastly 
Sewardstone Street. The houses in Woollard Street were built on 
Woollards Garden. The right hand through path leading to the 
TOWN MEAD near the pump by Frank Harvey's Field is of 
recent date. QUAKER LANE in Sewardstone Street derived its 
present title from a Quaker's meeting, house on the left, which 
was pulled down in 1844, and on the site of which stands the 



* Samuel Howell was master of an Academy held in the large red brick 
house in Sewardstone Street early in the present century. In i816 he 
published " Village Rambles and other poems." 



56 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Boys' School Room.* George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, 
came to Waltham Abbey in 1654 and here he held services. He 
says " I went to Waltham Abbey and had a meeting there ; the 
people were very rude, gathered about the house and broke the 
windows.'' It appears that he went out with his Bible in his 
hand and appeased the people. The BOARD SCHOOLS are in this 
lane as also the Wesleyan Chapel. Woollard Street and Green- 
field Street are situated at the end of Sewardstone-street. 

SILVER STREET, in early documents, is called School Street (or 
Skolestrate, 1342) and Carbuncle Dunghill, and which leads from 
the Market Place to FOUNTAIN PLACE, formerly called the 
" Bumbey," a place of refuse. The " Black ditch," then open, ran 
on to Town Mead. In 1427 there were several fords in the town 
which were afterwards bridged over ; there was a street called 
Clowsebrige Street (or Clowesbruggestrete), a bridge by a close of 
land. In 1633 Catebriggdownhill was in South Street. Silver 
Street was at one time called Kilhog's Lane from the property 
there held by Nathaniel Kilhog. The Bassano family, celebrated 
for their musical talents, had property in School Street. In 1708 
a place called Goddards was situated in the same street. 

ROMELAND (situate north-west of the Church) is synonymous 
with " Romescot " or " Peter's Pence," which shows the name to 
be of early date. This open space has been used for centuries 
as a cattle and corn market and for the holding of fairs one on 
May 1 4th and the other on September 24th and 25th. The 
latter is called the "Statty" (i.e., Statute Fair), which used to 
last seven days, and was principally for the hiring of servants. 
In August, 1877, an artesian well was finished by Mr. Green, of 
Plaistow.f The following is a table of the different strata passed 
through in sinking this well : -Surface deposit, 5ft. ; river sand, 
mud, small stones, and fresh water shells, pft. ; rounded flint 
stones ("Lee Ballast"), 7ft.; London, or blue clay, 32ft; clay 
sand, full of water, 8ft. ; London clay, i6ft. ; grey iron stone, 
3ft. ; chalk, rubble, sand, and flints, xoft. ; various coloured 

* The premises on the right hand side of the top of Quaker Lane, now 
occupied by the Church Sunday School, were occupied as Silk Mills many 
years ago 

t The East London Water Works Company have sunk a well near 
Canward. On February i6th, 1886, the ratepayers met and strongly pro- 
tested against it. The Company, however, carried out their plans, to the 
great annoyance and injury of the townsfolk. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 57 

sands, 6ft; Thanet sand, grey and green, 41 ft. ; hard chalk, 
28ft. gin. ; layer of flints, from which the water supply is derived 
total depth, i65ft. gin. A granite cross was erected over this 
well. In the summer of 1533 a private conference was held at 
the house of Mr. Cressy, in the Romeland near the Abbey, to 
debate the subject of the divorce of King Henry VI II. from 
Queen Katherine of Arragon. Cranmer, says Fuller, retired 
hither (in the time of a plague at Cambridge) to teach his pupils 
[the young Cressy's]. Thus did Waltham give Rome the 
first deadly blow in England." Cranmer, who was related to 
the Cressy family,* had the care of two of Mr. Cressy's sons 
at Cambridge. Singular to say that a place called Romeland 
was connected with the Abbot of Waltham's London house. 
This house was a massive stone building situated in the parish 
of St. Mary-at-Hill, London, between that church and the 
said Romeland (an open space at the wharf of Billingsgate). 
Several ancient charters of the Abbey show that its possession 
of the property was as early as Henry II. One of the docu- 
ments mention " the stone house which Walter first Abbot of 
Waltham built there, f The early churchwardens' accounts of 
St. Mary-at-Hill speak of "the Abbots Inn" as existing in the 
year 1500, 1502 and 1503. In 1501 the south aisle of the 
church of St. Mary-at-Hill is recorded to have been erected 
on the site of the Abbot's kitchen. In 25 Hen. VIII. the 
"Abbot's Inn" was demised by the Abbey to Roger Chaloner. 

THE CORNMILL. This cornmill was given to the Abbots 
of Waltham, as before stated, by Maud, the wife of King Henry 
I., A.D. 1108, in exchange for the site of Holy Trinity, Aldgate. 
This mill was then valued at thirty shillings. The purport of 
the ancient deed runs thus : " I Henry King of England, to 
Richard bishop of London, and Hugh de Roch, &c., and to 
all his lieges throughout all England, greeting. Know ye that 
I have granted to Queen Maud my wife that she place canons 
regular in the church of the Holy Trinity in London. Know 
ye also that this same church is free and discharged from 
subjection to the church of Waltham and for which surrender 
Waltham receives the mill. Maud also restored Northland 

*See Add. MSS. 5524, fol. 184, also Harl. MSS., 1504, fol. 53b. 
t Walter de Gaunt was Abbot of Waltham from 1177 to I2OI. 
t De Invcntione S. C. Waltham, Cott. MSS. Tib c. ix. 



58 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

(Abbey Fields) which Bp. Walcher had occupied; and estab- 
lished two fairs in Waltham.* In 1790 Mr. Halfhide rented 
the cornmill and which is now used by Mr. J. Carr. The 
premises adjoining the cornmill were for many years known as 
" the Pin Factory," and early in the present century Mr. Francis, 
of Gracechurch-street, and father of the late Vicar, Rev. James 
Francis, was the proprietor. In the year 1792 the Waltham 
Abbey Pin Makers flourished, and they celebrated the birthday 
of George III. in a manner peculiar to that day. A writer in the 
Times gives a description of the occasion, viz.: "Waltham 
Abbey. On Monday last, a gentleman who employs some 
hundred hands in the pin manufactory at this town, to show his 
loyalty, illuminated his house and ordered a holiday to be given 
to all his hands, with a handsome sum to drink his Majesty's 
health and confusion to all levellers ; and a cart load of fuel to 
burn Tom Paine's effigy. In consequence of which the whole 
town followed the example, and assembled in the Market Place 
at six o'clock in the evening with a figure dressed in a suit of 
mourning, a French natural cockade in his hat, and in his hand 
'Rights of Man.' They paraded every street in the town, 
preceded by two men on horseback with drawn swords in their 
hand, and a third on horseback rode near to the culprit, who at 
stated places read his ' last dying speech and confession.' When 
he arrived at the place of execution he was raised upon a gibbet 
twenty feet high, and, to the general satisfaction of the inhabi- 
tants, burnt to ashes. The magistrate, clergyman, and all the 
principal inhabitants attended the execution, and during the 
process, joined by a band of music, ' God save the King ' was 
sung." Small shoe nails were then made with the letters " T.P." 
upon them, to signify that those who wore them intended to 
stamp Tom Paine under their feet. Of pin making at the above 
period Charles Dibdin wrote in his humorous style thus : 
"The ladies, Heaven bless them all ! 

As sure as I've a nose on, 
In former times had only thorns 

And skewers to stick their clothes on. , 

No damsel then was worth a pin, 

Whate'er it might have cost her, 
Till gentle Johnny Tilsby 

Invented pins in Gloucester." 

* Adelicia, second wife of Hen. I., restored or dedicated the tithes to the 
canons of Waltham, and addressed a quaint letter to the parishioners. 
StttUt. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 59 

THE ABBEY GATES are situated north of the church, and 
consist of two ancient pointed arches, a larger and a smaller 
one. On each spring of the larger is a shield, surmounted by an 
angel bearing the arms of Henry III., or Edward III., which are 
now nearly obliterated. Many years ago the room over this 
gateway was in use. This was one of the entrances to the 
Abbot's house, the south wall of which is still standing. The 
bricks are remarkably large, some of them measuring fifteen 
inches by three and a half. The stone-pointed doorway (now 
bricked up) led to the south tower, which is hollow and has 
loopholes. There were originally two octagonal stone towers, 
but the foundation of one has long since been demolished. The 
bridge leading to the gate is of brick, with three arches. The 
original bridge was of stone, with one broad span, similar in 
form, according to the bondstone, to the old " Stoney Bridge." 

SUBTERRANEOUS PASSAGE. Not far distant from these gates 
there is a subterraneous passage which tradition states leads to 
Cheshunt Nunnery. A short time ago workmen were engaged 
on sewage operations in the Abbey Gardens, a few yards north of 
Mr. G. King's house. About three feet below the surface of the 
ground the workmen came upon a very hard stony substance, 
which appeared to be the massive foundation, probably of a 
chapel or northern wing of the ancient monastery. Near this 
foundation was discovered a very small coin, which on examination 
turned out to be Roman, temp. Constantine. On the reverse is a 
wolf suckling two twins, Romulus and Remus. The impression 
of this coin is very similar to the silver coin of Ethilberght II. 
(A.D. 725 760). It presents the king's head to the left /the 
inscription is almost obliterated. Attached to this foundation is 
the wall of the mysterious passage, which it was found necessary 
to break into once more, the hole being made in the arch 
sufficiently large to admit of entrance. Messrs. W. J. Bates, 
Stacy Bates, F. King, and the author, carrying candles, etc., 
thoroughly investigated these underground passages for the 
purpose of testing an old tradition that the principal passage led 
to a subterranean building at some remote distance from the 
Abbey, which contained images, objects of sculpture, etc., 
forming also a connection between the Abbey of Waltham and 
the Nunnery of Cheshunt. The monks of the former house, 
according to this tradition, are accused of having sought the 
company of the gentle occupants of the latter house by means 



60 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

of this subterranean passage. It is evident, however, that the 
monks sought no such hidden road by which to pay their visits 
to the Nunnery ; but no doubt, according to the rumour current 
in Dr. Fuller's time, there must have been some ground for this 
scandal, The subjoined story has found a place in the ''Church 
History." "One Sir Henry Colt, of Nether Hall in Essex, much 
in favour of King Henry VIII. for ' his merry conceits,' came to 
Waltham late at night, being informed by spies that the monks 
were on a visit at Cheshunt Nunnery. In order to intercept 
them on their return, he pitched a buck stall (which was used to 
take deer in the forest) in the narrowest place in the marsh, 
where he knew the monks must pass, and placed some of his 
confederates to watch it. The monks, as was expected, ran all 
into the net, where they were secured till the next morning. 
When Sir Henry Colt brought the King to show him his game, 
the merry monarch is said to have burst into a loud fit of laughter 
and to have declared that 'although he had often seen sweeter, 
he had never seen fatter venison.' " Later historians are not 
certain that there was a Sir Henry Colt existing at this period. 
The Colt family were residents of Waltham at an early period, 
and many of the members lie interred within the precincts of the 
Abbey. Of course, as was expected, the search for such a 
building and medium of intercommunication was altogether 
fruitless. On entering the opening we found a clear running 
stream from four to six inches deep. The tunnel has perpen 
dicular sides, measuring in places from two to six feet in width 
the angles being sharp and narrow. The height is from three to 
seven feet, consisting chiefly of brick and stone. Turning in a 
north-eastward direction we passed under the " cress shed," 
where, at the back, there is a small outlet ; then on to the 
" bowling green," where is another outlet, sealed. This "green" 
formerly belonged to the Earl of Carlisle, who had it ornamented 
with a " leaden fountain," near to which the remains of Harold's 
Tomb were discovered some time in the early part of the 
seventeenth century. Turning out of the main course to the 
right, the passage, which is higher than the other, was dry, and on 
reaching the extremity found that it was blocked up ; a stone 
there recorded the names of three previous travellers. ("W. 
Cohen, G. Cleverly, T. Dunn, April 14, 1865.") A short distance 
onward to the left is another dry passage, leading apparently 
westward to the Abbey gates. On quitting this part we found 



OR HOLY CROSS. 6l 

the water divided into two courses, running almost in a parallel 
direction ; this the author explored alone. About the centre of 
this branch the arch heightened considerably, forming separate 
compartments, chiefly of brick. Here many portions of the arch, 
built apparently at different times, are of stone, well squared, and 
interspersed with large flat red bricks almost square. Passing on 
a little distance westward we crossed a hollow place. It is very 
probable that a similar passage, yet undiscovered, runs beneath 
towards the cornmill stream. Before we arrived at the sluice-gate 
near Mr. Thomas Chapman's stackyard, we found both the arch 
and the floor of the passage to be of solid stone for a long 
distance. The stream appeared to come from the " Mile Ditch " 
mainly ; but here was another passage bearing more southward, 
the arch of which was lower than the rest. The water close to 
the back of the church became gradually deeper, till it emptied 
itself into the cornmill stream. The stone used in these arches 
appears to be principally fragments from the Abbey. Contiguous 
to this passage stood the stately mansion occupied by Sir James 
Hay and Lord Edward Denny, as well as other domestic and 
conventual buildings associated with the ancient Abbey Church. 
The above nobleman had a very large canal in the garden, stored 
"with great plenty of all kinds of fish," and probably these 
passages were originally made for the purpose of carrying off all 
the surplus water. There is no presumptive evidence whatever left 
to substantiate the tradition respecting the underground route 
from Waltham to Cheshunt, the channel being so extremely 
low that a person can only just manage to crawl on " all fours " 
through it ; and, moreover, as such a passage would have to pass 
under the bed of several streams, it would be impossible to 
prevent such an irregularly built arch from speedily filling with 
water. This channel was previously tested by Mr. James Death, 
of Cheshunt. The late Mr. E. Littler also explored these 
passages. These letters appear on the wall of the main passage 
"J- LV' and "J. Upton, 1859." No relics of any great 
antiquity have ever yet been discovered in these passages. Many 
years ago a small but curiously-made lamp was found and also 
an old metal tankard. 

Some few years ago, while the workmen were making drains 
for the sewage across the Market Place they came across the 
basement of two massive stone and flint walls, running parallel 
towards the south-east end of the Churchyard. It might be at 



62 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

once seen by the materials that it was contemporary with the old 
monastery ; and according to the cruciform style of the original 
structure, these walls came in direct conjunction with the eastern 
transept, and formed a subterranean passage from the Abbey into 
the centre of the town southward to Sewardstone-street, or what 
was ancienly called Shepescotestrete. Each of these newly-dis- 
covered walls (one foot below the surface) measured in depth 
four feet from the top to the first narrow set off, and twenty-two 
inches to the second or broader set off, from which to the extreme 
base they measured exactly six feet. The first of these projections 
was about six inches thick ; the second about sixteen inches. 
The walls are about four feet wide at the top, but increase in 
substance and strength towards the bottom. As the earth was 
opened they appeared to lie in an angular position. The distance 
from each angle was precisely eleven feet six inches. The inner 
surface was quite flat and faced three feet from the bottom with 
plain red tiles, having a lump on the reverse side of each to help 
secure it when placed in the mortar against the wall. These tiles 
were not exactly of the ordinary kind, and measured eight inches 
by ten, though not one whole one could be seen among them. 
The earth between these walls to the depth of about ten feet 
consisted of ashes, tiles, bones, etc.; and although the workmen 
dug to the depth of thirteen feet six, yet no kind of flooring or 
pavement could be discovered. At the bottom of this made-up 
earth, ten feet below the surface, a small vase was dug up and 
thrown out. This vase when found was perfectly empty, It is 
of common earthenware of a light brown colour, and was 
originally glazed outside, the upper part of it being of a greenish 
hue. Its shape is somewhat globular, with two slight projections 
at the base of the neck, and a small hole through each by which 
it was doubtless supported. It measures twelve inches round 
the centre and two inches in diameter at base. The neck is two 
inches long, by one and a quarter broad across the mouth ; the 
height is five inches. Bottles of this kind were used by the 
ancient shepherds, and especially by the pilgrims who trudged 
their way 

" To Wynsore, to Waltam, 
To Ely, to Caultam, 
Bare footed and bare legged apace," 

STONEY, OR HAROLD'S BRIDGE. This bridge is situated a 
short distance from the Abbey Gateway, in the Abbey Fields 



OR HOLY CROSS. 63 

(Northlands), and spans the Cornmill Stream, which is of con- 
temporary date with the Church. Its arch is eighteen feet wide 
and contains now only three ribs. These ribs are broad and 
chamfered, the joggles being bound together with lead. The 
parapet and face of the bridge are quite gone, and in a few years 
the whole of this relic of the past will probably disappear. In 
the summer season the brown grass shows the ancient roadways 
from this bridge leading to the Abbey Farm, where once stood 
the ancient Tithe Barn. There are still remaining a few 
fragments of stonework in the outhouses north of the Abbey 
House. 

THE WHIPPING POST, 1598. This instrument of torture, 
which stands opposite the Church (west) is not now exhibited 
in terrorem but in memoriam of the old-fashioned mode of 
punishment in this town. This post or stocks stand five feet 
nine inches high, made of oak neatly carved with iron clasps for 
hands and feet, the seat for the culprit was beside an oak pillar 
of the old Market House, which was destroyed in 1852. The 
old pillory, newly erected by the side of the ancient whipping 
post, is not to be used as originally intended, for the punishment 
of petty offenders, who were not only subject to have their heads, 
arms, and legs fixed, while their goods and chattels were burnt 
before their eyes, but to have their ears cut off and noses slit. 
Lady offenders, i.e., "scolds," were more tenderly dealt with. They 
were placed on the high step or stand of the pillory, bound hand 
and foot, and with a brank (or gag,. parughe) over their jaws. Only 
part of the pillory now exists, and which for many years w.as 
preserved in the upper room of the Old Market House. The 
pillory consists of an upright oak post fourteen feet high, with its 
fixed lower crossbar measuring five feet six inches, and hollowed 
out for the heads and hands of two individuals. The platform or 
stand for the unfortunate offenders is now gone. The Old White 
Horse Inn, Sun-street, and the row of five houses opposite the 
Harp Inn in the Market Square were destroyed two in May, 
1864, and the other three in 1865. These houses were purchased 
by the parish with the interest of money received from the sale 
of the property in Edmonsey to the Government. 

In the OLD MARKET HOUSE were preserved for many years 
the fire-hooks attached to long poles which were used to pull 



64 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

thatch off the roofs of houses when on fire, also portions of the 
old tulip tree. 

THE BAKER'S ENTRY. In 1846 the Baker's Entry was 
destroyed. This ancient building stood near the Milltail Stream, 
S.W. of the Church, on the way to PARADISE Row and the 
GREEN-YARD.* The upper storey of this house projected over a 
broad public footpath, which was arcaded on the side next to the 
road and a few feet from the river, with wide open pointed arches 
of oak arranged in three pairs, standing on a breast-high wall ; 
the pairs were divided by larger piers with corbels supporting 
three high projecting gables ; the southernmost gable with its pair 
of arches, returned at a slight angle from the face line towards 
the building. Within the house there was a great deal of wood- 
carving, and when the place was pulled down there was dis- 
covered under the plaster a small oak-frame window of good 
work ; and the oaken lintel of a pointed arch doorway with 
Jin fpomino + CCcmfttu? carved in relief within the 
spandrels, the letters diminishing in length towards the centre, f 
The Bakery was built in character with the rest of the house, 
having carved wood-work around, and on the wall were the 
following lines painted : 

" Remember man that thou art made of dust ; 
And in this life thou hast not long to trust ; 
Then lead thy life while Health to thee is given, 
That being dead, thy Soul may go to Heaven." 

The ancient oven was used until the place was destroyed. 
Originally the upper rooms rose to the roof; they were afterwards 
ceiled throughout. When the ceiling was broken through there 
was found on the walls a portion of a painting representing 
a naval engagement, also an ancient wheel for drawing up 
flour from below, which determines the place to have been a 
Bakery, no doubt belonging to the Abbey. A small tile was 
also found on which was a seal of Flemish order, of the i4th 
century. This Bakery was near Bethel Chapel, in Church 
Street. 

* The old Workhouse and Garden were situated up the "Backway." This 
house was first used for the poor of the parish in 1734. It has since been 
destroyed. 

t This old lintel appears, at the present day, above the doorway attached 
to Paradise Chapel Manse. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 65 

PARADISE Row is south of the Bakers' Entry. The principal 
thing of note there is the Baptist Chapel, erected in 1836, on 
the site of the original chapel, built in 1729, for John Arthur, 
its first pastor. 

South-east of the chapel is FOUNTAIN SQUARE (or PLACE). 
In December, 1870, a pump was inserted in the centre of 
this square, where the old fountain so long flowed, and near 
to which is another chapel called " Ebenezer," and of which 
the author is the pastor. The chapel was built in 1868 
and enlarged in 1879. Contiguous to this Chapel is MEAD 
LANE, anciently called " BLACK BOY ALLEY," from the sign 
of the " Black Boy " beerhouse in the lane. This lane leads 
to the sewage works in Town Mead. In Paradise Row was 
once a passage* leading to the GREEN YARD, through which 
was a right of way to Enfield Lock, but which has long 
since been cut off. At the entrance of this yard was THE 
OLD CAGE, well-known , in the days of the Charlies and Bow 
Street Runners. This ancient order of watchmen was insti- 
tuted about the middle of the thirteenth century, and carried 
on its functions, growing yearly more feeble and inefficient, 
until, in 1829. The "Charlies," as they were termed, found 
themselves superseded by the police, organised by Sir Robert 
Peel. The only qualifications necessary for the post of those 
midnight guardians would appear to have been extreme old age 
and general incapacity. They suffered many things at the hands 
of the young " bucks " of the town. A watchman found 
dozing in his box in the intervals of going his round to utter 
his monotonous cry, was apt to be overturned, box and. all, 
and left to kick and struggle helplessly until assistance arrived. 
Or he would be kindly offeied a dram to keep him awake, 
and this dram being drugged, quickly sank him into deeper 
sleep than before, in which state " Charley " and his box, 
being transferred to a truck, were forthwith trundled into 
another quarter of the town, and he left to awake at leisure. 

GREEN YARD. In the house of Mr. Thompson, there 
is a splendid specimen of ancient carved work in that 
style called " Francis First," executed in the early part of the 
sixteenth century. There are upwards of one hundred panels 

* The body of a person having been brought for interment through this 
passage in flood time, determined it to be a free right of way from the Green 
Yard to Paradise Row. 



66 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

no two of which are alike. They consist of grotesque animals 
supporting coats of arms, and in the centre heads of busts 
ine very variety of costume, which are well worthy of notice. 
In the reign of Henry VIII. and Queen Elizabeth this style 
of carved wainscoting was much in vogue in the mansions of 
the wealthy of our land. Sir Anthony Denny's Mansion, at 
the Abbey, from which this curious piece of antiquity came, 
was one of them. Similar ornamental work may be found in 
a house on the left hand side of the " Ordnance Arms " yard, 
in High Bridge Street. This house, many years ago, was used 
for the sale of beer. From certain documents we find an 
old outhouse called " THE CAGE," to be situated in the " Green 
Dragon " Gateway, Church Street, Waltham Abbey, approxi- 
mating the rear of the "Three Tuns Inn," and adjoining the 
premises of Mr. J. Upton, bootmaker, Market Place. This 
cage belongs to the Lord of the Manor, and was no doubt 
used by him in days long past as a petty lock up for tres- 
passers on his domains. 



THE ABBEY CHURCH. 




ANY persons who visit the Abbey Church, are moved 
with feelings of disappointment, when they first glance at 
the exterior of the building ; but they entertain a better 
opinion of its antiquity and architectural grandeur, the closer 
their examinations are. That the existing Church of Waltham 
contains fragments of Harold's foundation is a fact beyond doubt. 
The nave is unquestionably his. The north side of the nave 
and the " herring-bone " work angularly laid in the outer wall of 
the south east transept indicate great antiquity. According to 
Freeman the Church was not originally intended for parochial 
use ; there bein^ no mention made in the charter respecting any 
congregation ever being present as in the general services of to- 
day. Congregational worship was then altogether secondary and 
subordinate, almost accidental. At the dissolution part of the 



OR HOLY CROSS. 6/ 

Church which belonged to the Abbey was pulled down, but the 
parochial part remained untouched, and the central tower was 
allowed to remain till 1552. 

THE ABBEY CHURCH BELLS. There were bells in the original 
tower long before the Reformation. This tower stood in the 
centre of what was then a cross-shaped building ; and just above 
the " Rose " window. At the east end of the exterior of the 
Church are the remains of the spring of one of the main arches 
upon which rested the ancient tower. This tower was struck by 
lightning in the year 1444 and much damaged.* The old tower 
fell in 1552. Strype says "February gth, 1552, between the 
hours of seven and eight of the clock in the evening the great 
steeple of Waltham Abbey, in Essex, fell down to the ground 
and all the great bells ; and the choir and much of that stately 
church demolished with it."t The bells from the fallen steeple 
were placed in the churchyard between two yew trees during the 
time the present steeple was in course of erection, which was 
finished in 1556, or as some writers affirm, in 1558, and which 
stands 86 feet high from the ground to the parapet. The whole 
cost of the erection of this tower in 1558 was ^169 iys. 8d., and 
in 1798 the tower was restored at a cost of nearly ^2,000, one- 
half of which was raised by a general rate of is. in the . An 
original tablet, about a foot square and bearing date 1558, 
appears over the western doorway, but the inscription is now 
obliterated. The tower contains a peal of eight bells, which were 
cast at Hertford, by John Brian, in 1806, and whose name, with 
the date of casting, appears in relief on each bell. In 1656 a 
treble bell was purchased by the voluntary contributions of the 
" maids and bachelors " of the parish of Waltham, and which 
amounted to ,13 i2s. 8d. On the 27th February of the same 
year (1656) a rate was made in order to purchase a "great bell," 
and by June i4th, 1656, the churchwardens had collected for 
that purpose ^36 43. In 1735 there were six bells in the tower, 
and which chimed every four hours at four, eight, and twelve. 
These chimes were given by the Earl of Carlisle, and cost 

* Ingulph's Chronicles, p. 402. 

f E. A. Freeman thinks that the Norman Church was originally designed 
to have three towers, but that the two western ones were never finished. 
This he considers to be apparent from the appearance of the present 
building. 



68 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 



ios. 6d. In 1735 the great bell rang, from Michaelmas to 
Lady-day, at four o'clock in the morning to call the apprentices 
up to their work, and again in the evening at eight: for them to 
leave work. There are several boards in the belfry containing 
bell news. The first peal on the present set was rung on Sunday, 
July 2oth, 1806. The boards are arranged thus : 

No. I. BOARD. Waltham Abbey, Sunday, July 2oth, 1806, the 
Society of Cumberland Youths rang in this steeple a complete 
peal of Treble Bob, 8 in, consisting of 5,056 changes, in 3 
hours and 16 minutes, containing 15 courses, with the 6th 12 
times wrong and 12 times right, being the first peal on those bells 
performed by the following persons : Geo. Cross, i st ; Joh. 
Hints, 2nd ; James Nash, 3rd ; Malachi Channon, 4th ; Tho. 
Freeth, 5th ; Jas. Stichbury, 6th ; Will. Shipway, yth ; James 
Marlton, 8th. Composed and called by Mr. G. Cross. John 
Pain, John Smith, and Rich. Banks, churchwardens. 

No. II. BOARD. Waltham Abbey Youths, Monday, June i5th, 
1819, rang in this steeple Mr. Shipway's 5th part peal of Bob 
Major, etc. 

No. III. BOARD. Waltham Abbey Youths, Monday, September 
^jth, 1819, rang in this steeple a true and complete peal of 
Grandsire Triples, etc. 

No. IV. BOARD. -Tuesday, 23rd day of October, 1860, 
members of the Cumberland Society rang a true pe:il of Triples 
on Steadman's principle, etc. 

No. V. BOARD. On Saturday, October 29th, 1864, eight 
members of the Ancient Society of College Youths rang in this 
steeple a complete peal of Kent Treble Bob Major, etc. 

No. VI. BOARD. January 7th, 1865, eight men of the above 
society rang upon these bells Mr. John Holt's one-part peal of 
Grandsire Triples, etc. 

No. VII. BOARD. Ancient Society of College Youths. On 
Tuesday, October igth, 1875, was rung in this steeple, Mr Holt's 
ten part peal of Grandsire Triples, etc. 

No. VIII. BOARD. Waltham Abbey Society of Change 
Ringers. November loth, 1877, eight of the above Society rang 
Mr. Thomas Day's 6th part peal of Grandsire Triples, etc. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 6(> 



No. IX. BOARD. August lyth, 1878, eight of the above 
Society rang Mr. E. Taylor's 6th part peal of Grandsire Triples, 
e.c. 

No. X. BOARD. -Walthain Abbey Society of Change Ringers. 
On Monday, February 3rd, 1879, eight of the above Society 
rang Brooks's variation of Mr Thurstan's peal of Stedman's 
Triples in three hours. 

BENEFACTIONS TO THE PARISH OF WALTHAM HOLY CROSS, 
A.D. 1830. (From the boards in the porch of the Abbey Church 
corrected by original documents.) The ecclesiastical benefice of 
this Church is a perpetual curacy, being a donative in the gift of 
Trustees under the will of the Earl of Norwich, who gave a 
Messuage (for the Habitation} ten loads of firewood (for 
fuelling) and a rent charge of ^100 a year payable out of the 
Manor or Farm of Claveringbury "for the Perpetual Supportation 
and Maintenance of such Minister and Preacher as should 
officiate the cure, celebrate Divine Service, administer the 
Sacraments, and preach the Word of God sincerely within the 
Parish Church of Waltham Holy Cross."* 

PAROCHIAL FEES. The duties or fees payable in respect of 
the soil and building of this Church and the soil of the Church- 
yard are payable to the Churchwardens in trust for the parish. 

CHURCH ESTATES. The estates particularized below are 
vested in trustees " for repairing and maintaining the Church " 
and (conformably to ancient usuage) the rents and profits are 
received by the Churchwardens and applied accordingly, and an 
account thereof is laid annually before the parishioners in vestry 
assembled. 

A.I). 1579. Margary Gidney of London widow, gave 203 a 
year (payable at Christmas) to poor inhabitants of the parish or 
of the Hamlet of Sewardstone, and also gave 205 a year (payable 
at Whitsuntide) for repairing the highways principally decayed in 
Sewardstone. Charged on premises at Sewardstone, in the 
occupation of Mr. Jn. Josh. Buttress, the property of R. C. 
Bazett, Esq. 

* In 1868 the church rate was abolished, and the offertory after each 
church service was commenced on the nth October, 1868. The first day's 
collection realised 7 135 2^d. 



70 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

A.D. 1585. Robert Rampston of Chingford Essex gentleman 
gave 4os a year payable in November to the poor of this 
parish. Charged on lands at Uunnmow, the property of Lord 
Vist- Maynard. 

A.D. 1587. Robert Browne formerly of this parish, one of 
the Servants of Queen Elizabeth, gave 305 a year (payable at 
Lady Day) to the poor people of the town of Waltham to be laid 
out in bread. Charged on a messuage, etc., now the Cock Inn, 
in this town, the property of Messrs. Christie and Cathrow. 

A.D. 1597. -Robert Catrow formerly of this parish gave to 
the poor 2os. a year for ever to be laid out in bread. Charged 
on three houses in High Bridge Street, the property of the 
trustees of Mrs. Soane and Mr. H. Mason. 

A.D. 1597. Robert Dane gave los a year (payable at Lady 
Day) to the poor of this parish to be laid out in bread. Charged 
on a house in Sewardstone Street, belonging to the trustees of the 
AVesleyan Chapel. 

A.D. 1616. Henry Wollaston of St Martin Orgars London 
draper, gave 525. a year (payable at Lady Day) to the poor of this 
parish, i2d. to be laid out every Sunday in bread. Charged on 
lands called Fishers, alias Salmons, situate at Holyfield, in the 
occupation of Mr. Green, the property of the trustees of Fuller's 
Charity (in London). 

A.D. 1626. Green purveyor to King James the First gave 
four alms houses in West Street for the residence of four widows. 
Also the rents and profits of the barn and orchard at the back of 
the alms houses towards their maintenance. This barn and 
orchard are let to Mr, Wm. Clark at 20 pr annum, payable 
quarterly. 

A.D. 1691. George Waylett Junr of London fishmonger 
gave 405. a year for ever (payable at Lady Day) to the poor of 
this parish to be disposed of half-yearly by the Minister and 
Churchwardens among the most necessitous and poorest persons 
as their discretion shall direct. Charged on lands at Yardley, in 
Hertfordshire, in the occupation of Josh Young, the property of 
Robert Pryor, Esq., of Baldock. 

A.D. 1807. Robert Mason formerly of this parish gave ^800 
Stock in the then 5 Pr Cent Navy Annuities by means whereof 



OR HOLY CROSS. 71 

the above four alms houses were re-built and four additional 
rooms for four more widows added thereto. These four widows 
receive a weekly payment, also from the next bequest of Mr. M. 
Woollard. 

A.D. 1708. Robert Grubb formerly of Holyfield, gave 403 a 
year for ever (payable at Lady Day) to the poor of this parish, to 
be laid out in bread to be given in the Church. Charged on 
lands in Holyfield in the occupation of Mr Dyson, the property 
of Newell Connop, Esq. 

A.D. 1708. John Edmonson Esqre * formerly of this parish 
gave to the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor the rents 
etc. of a granary and garden opposite the Cock Inn in this town 
for the purpose of teaching four poor children to read. This 
property is now in the occupation of Samuel Kennedy, Widow 
Oakley, and the Execrs. of Mr. George Fawbert, at rents 
amounting to ^18 per ann,um. 

A.D. 1814. John Half hide Esq r late of this parish gave 
200 Stock in the then Navy 5 Pr Cent Annuities, the dividends 
to be applied as follows, viz., one moiety for the benefit of the 
Sunday School at Waltham Abbey and one moiety to be dis- 
tributed among the poor widows receiving pensions from this 
parish on the igth day of January in every year. This Stock 
stands in the name of the Churchwardens and Vestry Clerk. 

A.D. 1825. -Miss Jane Dobson late of Mary Street St Pancras 
Midd x gave 500 Stock in the South Sea Annuities for the 
benefit of the poor of this parish who actually reside at Waltham 
Abbey the dividends whereof are directed to be paid and dis* 
tributed by the Clergyman and Churchwardens on or about the 
zgth October yearly. This Stock stands in the name of the Rev. 
Morgan Whalley, perpetual curate of this parish. 

A.D. 1826. Mowbray Woollard late of this town, gardener, 
gave the sum of ,1350 and directed the annual interest thereof 
to be applied as follows, namely 2s 6d weekly to each of the 
four widows occupying the four upper rooms which were added 
to Green's Alms Houses and is. apiece weekly to five poor men 
and five poor women inhabitants of the Workhouse for providing 

* Arabella Jones, of this parish, gave messuages and lands bearing date 
March, 1756. This charity is not given on the boards in the Church porch. 
It is called in the Charity Commissoners' reports " The Charity of Jones and 
Edmonson." 



72 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

themselves with any little comfort not allowed in the Workhouse. 
This legacy is invested in the New 4 Pr Cent. Annuities in the 
names of the surviving trustees named in Mr. M. Woollard's 
will. 

A.D. 1839. Mary Woollard late of this town, widow of 
Mowbray Woollard gave ^800 new three-and-a-half Pr Cent. 
Annuties to four Trustees and directed that the annual interest 
thereof should be applied as follows viz. : 20 pr annum to be 
expended in bread and distributed amongst such poor inhabitants 
of this parish (being settled parishioners) as such trustees shall 
think deserving. The residue of the said interest (after paying 
contingencies) to be distributed annually in money clothing or 
otherwise among such poor and deserving inhabitants of this 
town (being settled parishioners) as such trustees shall think fit. 
This Stock is invested in the names of the four Trustees 
named in the will of the said Mary Woollard. 

Certain lands lying at Copthall Green called Sherris and other 
lands at Woolmonsey Bridge with two tenements in Elford Street 
[Sewardstone Street] all let formerly at ^29 IDS. od. a year now 
at 30 pounds vested in trustees for the sole repair of the Church. 
Margery Gidney of London widow 4th May 1579 gave to the 
poor of this parish 20 shillings a year for ever payable at 
Christmas and 20 shillings for repairing ye highways in the 
Hamlet of Sewardstone payable at Whitsuntide both out of a 
house and land situate in the said hamlet. Robert Rampston of 
Chinyford gent by his will anno 1585 gave to the poor of this 
parish 40 shillings a year for ever payable in November out of 
lands of his lying at Dunmow in this county. Robert Brown 
formerly of this parish and servant to Queen Elizabeth of happy 
memory by his will anno 1587 gave to the poor 30 shillings a year 
for ever payahle out of the Cock Inn in this town. Robert 
Catroic formerly of this parish by his will 23 April 1597 gave to 
the poor 20 shillings a year for ever to be laid out in bread 
payable out of three houses in West Street in this town. Robert 
Dane gave 10 shillings a year for ever to the poor of this parish 
to be laid out in bread payable out of a house in Elford Street. 
Henry Wollaston gent of St Martin Oryars, London draper by 
his will in November 1616 gave to the poor of this parish 
2 1 25. od. a year for ever to be laid out in bread i2d. every 
Sunday payable out of his lands called Fishers, alias Salmons, 



OR HOLY CROSS. 73 

lying at Holy field Green, purveyor to King James 

the first gave anno 1626 four almshouses for four widows with 
an orchard and barn adjoining, situate in West Street [High 
Bridge Street] let at four pounds a year and payable to the said 
four widows. Geonje Waijli'tt junr citizen and fishmonger of 
London by his will the 23rd of May 1691 gave 405. a year for 
ever to the poor of this parish payable out of several lands and 
tenements situate near Yardl-cy in Hfiifoi-ihliire which he 
purchased of John Ad/ana. Rolert Grab of Holi/fidd yeoman 
by his will in May 1708 gave 40 shillings a year for ever to the 
poor to be laid out in bread. Thomas Winxpeare, William 
Goar, jun r 'i William Piglonv, jait''-, Churchwardens, 1744. 

THE "LEVERTON" BENEFACTIONS, A.D. 1819. Thomas 
Leverton Esq. of Bedford Square, London, in his lifetime 
presented the organ to this parish and erected the same at his 
sole expense. 

A.D. 1823. The said Thomas Leverton by his will gave 
^,'6,000 stock in the three per cent, consolidated annuities upon 
trust to apply the dividends after the decease of his widow as 
follows, viz. : ;8o per annum for educating and clothing twenty 
boys and twenty girls ; ^10 per annum for books and stationery 
to the schools ; ^30 per annum to the master for teaching read- 
ing writing and arithmetic ; 20 per annum to the mistress for 
teaching reading and needlework ; ^"10 per annum (viz. ^5 to 
each) to two boys or girls for apprentice fees ; ^5 per annum 
(viz. ^i to each) to five children as a reward for good behaviour 
in their first servitude ; ^12 per annum (viz. 1 to each) for a 
cloak and gown for six poor women and for a coat for six poor 
men ; ^5 per annum to be expended in bread every Christmas 
Day and given to the poor; ^3 per annum for keeping his 
monuments in repair; ^5 per annum for contingencies ^180 
per annum. 

A.D. 1824 and 1827. Mrs. Rebecca Leverton widow of 
Thomas Leverton Esq. in her life time of her own free bounty com- 
menced the establishment of these schools upon the plan 
intended by her deceased husband (but with a limited number) 
and fifteen poor boys and ten poor girls are now educated and 
clothed at her sole charge at the School House called the 
" Leverton School." 



74 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

A.D. 1824. The executors of Mr. George Fawbert, formerly 
of this parish under a bequest of the residue of his estate to them 
to distribute in such charities as they might think proper, 
" applied a part thereof in the purchase of a messuage etc. at the 
corner of High Bridge Street opposite to the West entrance of the 
church which they pulled down and erected on the scite thereof 
a School House for the children to be educated by means of the 
Leverton Donations and the same is now called the ' Leverton 
School ' ! By order of the Vestry, 1830. * 

The rents, according to the last account of the churchwardens, 
are as follows, viz.: Mr Joseph Harding for three closes of 

* THE LEVEKTON CHARITY.- The following is an extract from the will 
of the late Thomas Leverton, Esq. The will is dated 2lst February, 1823, 
and in it are the following words : " I do hereby give and bequeath to the 
Reverend William Whalley, the incumbent of the Parish Church of 
Walt ham Abbey, Holy Cross, Essex, and to the Reverend Thomas Pickthall, 
his curate, and to William Sotheby, William Banbury, Edward Burgess and 
Robert Chalmers, Esquires, Thomas Augustus Jessopp, Joseph Jessopp and 
Henry Jessopp, Esquires, and also the occupier of my freehold house at 
Sewardstone for the time being, and their successors, trustees for the time 
being, to be appointed as hereafter mentioned, the sum of six thousand 
three per cent, consolidated bank annuities, to be vested for ever upon the 
trust, to lay out and pay the interest dividends thereof from time to time in 
the following manner : First, I direct that there shall be twenty boys and 
twenty girls elected from the poor of the said parish, to be educated and 
clothed at two pounds per annum each child, which is six shillings each beyond 
what is expended on the charity children of St. Giles's-in-the-Fields ; that 
there shall be allowed for books and stationery in the schools the sum of ten 
pounds per annum ; that the master shall be allowed for teaching reading, 
writing, and common arithmetic thirty pounds per annum ; that the mistress 
shall teach reading, plain needle and useful house work, and have twenty 
pounds per annum ; that there shall be apprentice fees given to two boys or 
girls in each year of five pounds each ; that there shall be given to five of the 
children one pound each who shall have behaved well in their first servitude ; 
these two last sums need not be paid for six or seven years after forming the 
schools, and may, if the trustees think fit, accumulate, and the interest arising 
therefrom add something to the cloathing or benefit of the schools. I direct 
that some able housekeeper of the parish, the curate (in preference) if he 
chooses, shall undertake the teaching of the boys in his own house, or such 
other place as the trustees may approve, and that a competent female house- 
keeper in the parish shall, in her own house or such other place as the trustees 
may approve, instruct the giris ; ten of the elder of these are to be taught 
writing in succession. The said master or mistress are not to take any other 
scholar or scholars. The children are to be dressed in one uniform and 
colour, say dark green, and are always to appear at church and school neat 
and clean, or to be expelled, and they are to attend Divine service with their 



OR HOLY CROSS. 75 

meadow land situate at Copthall Green containing na. or. up. 
pays ^33 2s. ; Mr. Thos- Ricketts for a close of meadow land 
situate at Paternoster Hill contg 6a. 2r. 24p. pays ^"25 ; Mr. 
Joseph Luck for a close of meadow land adjoining Brick Hill 
Comn Field cont 2a. 3r. 20p. pays 10 los. ; Mr. John Martin 
for a piece of arable land in Brick Hill Com" Field contg 
2a. 2r. 32p. pays ^5 53. 23a. ir. yp. Mr. Daniel Paul for a 
dwelling house situate in Sewardstone Street in this town, ^9 95.; 
Mr John Watts for a dwelling house situate do. do., ^"8 8s ; the 
total amount of the present annual rents being ,91 143. By 
order of Vestry, lohn Pain, lohn Gray, Willm Kent Thomas, 
Churchwardens. * 

master and mistress whenever it is performed in the parish church. I also 
direct that the trustees shall expend every Christmas twelve pounds in a cloak 
and g nvn, to he given to six poor women, and a coat and underdress, to six 
poor men, of the same colour as the children of one pound each. I also 
desire that five pounds may be expended in bread every Christmas Day and 
given to the poor, and I desire that three pounds per annum may be 
expended, or reserved, to keep my monument in the church or churchyard in 
neat and good order, and the surplus of five pounds per annum, which will 
remain after answering the purposes aforesaid, to be kept by the trustees for 
contingencies; the master and mistress to be chosen and re-elected by the 
trustees every year ; and then I will and direct that in the case of the number 
of trustees shall by death or removal be reduced to six, then those six shall 
elect other persons to fill the place of those removed, and shall transfer the 
stock into their names with their own, or into so many of their names as the 
rules of the bank will admit. I desire that an annual meeting of the trustees 
shall be held in the vestry-room of the said parish to audit the accounts of 
whoever may be appointed treasurer, at which meeting I will and direct that 
so much of my will as relates to the parish of Waltham Abbey shall be read 
over public kly that the extent of the donations may be knoi.vn" 

* CHARITY COMMISSIONERS SALE OF LAND AT WALTHAM ABBEY. 
In the matter of the charity called William Barman's Trust, for the benefit of 
poor ministers and for other charitable purposes, in direction of the Board of 
Charity Commissioners for England and Wales : Notice is hereby given, that 
the following property of the above-mentioned charity, viz., several pieces of 
arable and pasture land, containing together 43 acres or thereabouts, situated 
in the tithings of Sewardstone and Upshire, in the parish of Waltham Abbey, 
now leased to Mr. Peter Mills for a term of 21 years from Michaelmas, 1873, 
is proposed to be sold by the trustees thereof, with the sanction of the said 
Board, for the sum of 3,000 sterling, to the said Mr. Mills, he paying the 
expenses of and incidental to the sale, unless some sufficient objection to the 
sale, whether having reference to the sufficiency of the price or to any other 
reasons, shall be made known to the said Commissioners within 21 days from 
the first publication of this notice. Dated 151)1 day of June, 1874. 



7 6 

THE LEGEND OF THE HOLY CROSS. 



SHE legend of the Holy Cross states that several of the 
little band of husbandmen (sixty-six in number) which 
formed the nucleus of what now constitutes the populous 
parish of Waltham Holy Cross had been healed of various bodily 
diseases by the wonder-working cross, (?) the subject of the war 
song on the field of Senlac when Harold lost his life.* This 
cross gave the title of " Holy Cross " to the parish, and not the 
" Eleanor Cross." Relative to this miraculous crucifix, which, as 
the legend goes, had been found at Lutegarsbury, a place owned 
by Tovi, Leland says : " I redde in the boke of the antiquities 
of Glessenbyri that this town was caullid in the Saxon' tyme 
Logaresburch,"f now known as Montacute, in Somersetshire. 
With regard to ascertaining the date of the discovery of the cross 
there is some little difficulty. The writer of the De Inventione 
Sanctce Crucis considers it to have taken place before the death 
of Cnut, in 1041-2. However, there may have been an elapse of 
time between the discovery and the translation, or between 
the translation and the decoration of the cross by G/itha. 
She " presented a splendid golden and jewelled crown, 
besides the circlet which she wore in common with all noble 
women, which was fixed round the thigh of the image, while her 
bracelets and other jewels were fashioned into a subpedaneum, 
into which was inserted a wondrous stone, which was to emit rays 
during the night, and thus afford light to travellers." Tovi, her 
husband, enriched the church with various gifts of gold and 
silver. The cross was adorned with the figure of our Saviour 
upon it, which, after it was transferred to Waltham, gave a name 
to the place. The legend of the cross + was written in the 
twelfth century, and is preserved among the Waltham MSS. It 
was first Englished by Lambarde, a trustworthy writer of the 
sixteenth century, who gives it thus : " It might have sufficed to 

* Harold did not journey from his Park at Waltham to Hastings, as- 
tradition states, but from the church here. See Bayoux Tapestry. 

t Vide Itinerary, vol. ii., p. 52. 

% William Burges, Esq., architect, published the " Legend of Waltham 
Abbey " in 1860, and Bishop Stubbs gave a transcript of it, with introduction 
and notes, in 1861. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 77 

derive the Foundation of Waltham in Essex from Kinge Harold, 
-as Polyd. (followinge Mat of Westminster) and others have 
before done. But for as much as not only thabbay, but the 
towne also toke bothe their Beginninge and Increase by a holy 
Crosse that was muche renowned theare, the hole Discourse of 
the findinge whereof I have penned by a Canon of Waltham sone 
.after the Tyme of the Conquest, I feared I should do Waltham 
wronge, and defraude the Reader, if I should not begin at the 
Roate." 

THE LEGEND. In the Tyme that Kinge Canut reigned in 
Ingland, theare lyved at a Place called Comonly Lutegaresbyry, 
in French Mountague,* a simple man by occupation a Carpenterf 
and by Office Sexton of his parishej to whom on a Night 
.appeared a Vision of Christe Crucified Commaundinge him that 
.as sone as Day brake he should goe to the Parishe Priest, and will 
him, accompanied by his parishioners in solemne Procession, to 
go up to the Toppe of the Hyll adjoyninge, and to digge, wheare 
(if they would beforehand make theimselves by Confession, 
Fastinge, and Praier, worthy of suche a Revelacion) they should 
finde a Crosse, the very Signe of Christes Passion. This Plaine 
Man, Supposinge it a fantastical Dreame, toke at first no great 
Head therof, save that he imparted it with his Wife, who also 
thoughte it but an Illusion. Wherfore the Image appeared 
.againe, and so griped him by the Hande that the Dynt of the 
Nayles remayned in his Hand to be sene the Daye followinge. 
Beinge thus pricked fonvarde on he goeth to the Priest 
and discloseth the hole matter : He arrayeth his Parishe, 
displayeth his Banners, putteth on Copes and Surplas, 
.and setteth the Carpenter foremost, as his Captaine, 
they digge awhile || and anone they find a great Marble, ^[ havinge 
in it of black Flynt**the Image of the Crucifixe so artificially 

* The top of the peaked hill from which the place in later times derived 
the name of Montacute. 

t W. Burges in his account of the legend states that the man was a 
" smith." 

% He had committed to his care " the water, fire, and lighting of the 
church." 

" Signing litanies." || To the depth of forty cubits. 

IT It had a great fissure through the middle of it. 

** In the south buttress of the tower of Waltham Church will be seen a 
flint cross inserted temp Philip and Mary. 



78 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

wrought, as if God himselfe (sayth myne Author) had framed it. 
Under the right Anne of this Crucifixe thear was a small Image 
of the same Forme, a litle Belle * also, and a blacke Booke t 
conteyninge the Text of the four Evangelists. All this they 
signified to Tovi le Prude then Lorde of the Soyle, Standard 
Bearer to the Kinge and his Chief Councelor ; who came to the 
place in great Hast, and by thadvice of his Gents, J lefte the 
smalle cross in the Churche theare determyninge to bestow the 
greater in suche Place as God should appointe. Forthwithe 
therefore he caused to be yoked 12 red Oxen and so many white 
Kyne, and layeth the Stone in a Wayne, || myning (if God so 
wille) to cary it to Canterbyrye ; but the Cattle could not by any 
Force be compelled to draw thytherwarde. When he saw that, 
he chaunged his Mynde and bad theim dryve toward his House 
at Readinge whearin he had great Delighte ; but still the Wayne 
stode immoveable, notwithstandinge that the Oxen did their best. 
At the Lengthe he remembred a smalle House that he had 
begone to buyld at Waltham for his Disporte, and comaunded 
theim to make thytherward. Which Words he had no soner 
spoken, but the Wayne of itselfe moved. Now in the way many 
weare healed of many Infirmities ; amongste the which threscore 
sixe Parsons ^[ vowed their labour towarde the Conveiance of 
this Crosse and weare the first Founders of Waltham Towne 
wheare was nothinge before but only a simple House for this 
Tovi to repose himself at when he came thyther to hunte, not- 
withstandinge that he had thereby divers Landes, as Enfield, 
Edelmetun, Cetrehitnt, Myms, and the hole Baronie that Geffrey 
of Maundville, the first of that Name had. Now when the 
Crosse was broughte thyther, Tovi commaunded it to be set up, 
and whiles one by Chaunce Perced it with a Nayle,** the Blood 
issued out of the Flinte in great Abundance. VVherat Tovi 
beinge greatly amazed, fel downe and worshipped it, promiseth 
before it to manumitte ft his Bondmen, to bestow possession on 

* Under the left arm a bell was found, not unlike those seen round the 
necks of cattle. A small bell of this kind was discovered in a small vase in. 
a Gallo- Roman cemetery not long since. See Cent. Mag. Dec. 1859. 

f This book may have been the Saxon Gospels. 

J " Church dignitaries both episcopal and abbatical." 

Cows. || A waggon. 

II Persons. 
** For the purpose of fastening on the jewelled ornaments given by TovL 

ft To make free : manumitUre. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 79 

such as should serve it." * The MSS. which contain this legend 
will be found in the Harleian 3776, and Jul. D. VI. Cottonian 
Library, British Museum. The Crucifix t eventually became the 
war-cry of the English; on the field of Senlac ; Harold's war-cry 
was " Holy Rood." The Holy Rood of Waltham became an 
object of popular worship and pilgrimage. In a " Booke 
intituled the fantasie of Idolatrie," occurs about fifty verses of six 
lines each on idolatrous pilgrimage and Waltham is named as a 
place of resort for pilgrims who walked 

" Bare foted and bare legged apace." 

KING EDWARD THE CONFESSOR'S GIFT TO HAROLD. The 
original endowment of Waltham appears somewhat insignificant 
when compared with the Confessor's rich foundation at W T est- 
minster.: Yet, had this monarch's life been prolonged, he would 
have doubtless carried out his good intentions respecting 
Waltham, and have bestowed even greater gifts upon the Abbey 
than he had already done. Mr Poole in his history of 
Ecclesiastical Architecture supposes that King Edward the Con- 
fessor granted his lands at Waltham to Harold on " condition of 
his building a monastery on the spot." This Mr Freeman justly 
disputes, and considers " the foundation of the College of 
Waltham to have been the spontaneous act of the Earl's own 
piety and munificence." The charter of Edw r ard the Confessor 
states that the King " found the church of the Vill to have been 
endowed from old time ; and after the foundation of the 
monastery, he caused it to be dedicated according to the King 
and his wife Editha, and his father and mother and all 

* With reference to the Legend of the Cross one is reminded of the words 
of Cotgrave on " Superstition," that it is "excess of scruple or ceremony in 
matters of religion ; idle worship, vain reverence, a superfluous, needless, or 
ill-governed devotion," See Holland's " Pliny," b. xxvi. c. 4. 

t " In 1192 the cross was covered with silver, but the ornaments on the figure 
itself were left untouched, probably in consequence of what had happened a 
few years before, when, the crucifix being under repair, Robert, the goldsmith 
of St. Albans, took off the circle round the thigh, and all those present were 
struck blind for some considerable time !" 

J Earl Harold's College at Waltham stands in distinct opposition almost 
in distinct rivalry to King Edward's Abbey at Westminster. Vide " Norman 
Conquest," vol. ii. p. 442. 

The restoration of the Saxon line was chiefly owing to Godwine, whose 
daughter the Confessor married. The chastity of Editha, and the cruelty of 
her father, gave rise to the proverb, " Sicut spina rosam, genuit Godwinus 



So HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

relations, and enriched the same with many relics of saints, 
apostles, martyrs, confessors and virgins, and not only with lands 
whose names are afterwards recited, but also with gospel books, 
vestments, and divers kind of ornaments ; and, moreover, he 
found there an assembly of brethren living according to the 
canonical rule of the fathers, whose office it was by day and by 
night to sing to the praise of God and his saints."* In Kemble's 
" Codex Diplom. ^Evi Saxonici " (Tom. IV. p. 203) will be found 
a grant of Edward the Confessor respecting land in Waltham in 
Saxon characters.. 

The lordship of Waltham stands prominent among Tovi's great 
possessions, which, in course of time, came into the hands of his 
son ^thelstan,t but the excellent qualifications of the father, as is 
frequently the case, were not inherited by the son : " ^Cthelstan 
degenerated from his father's virtues, and lost a great part of his 
wealth, including Waltham." But whatever he lost the Crown by 
some means gained, as we find by Edward's gift to Harold, the 
great temporal lord of Waltham, and ecclesiastical benefactor. 
The great convent seal, preserved in the British Museum, contains 
on the reverse two heads looking at each other, crowned with this 
circumscription : HOC CARTE FEDUS CUM TOVI FIRMAT HAROLD. 
This is no doubt a figure of the two great contemporary earls, 

Editham." " King Edward was absolutely father-in-law-ridden," says Fuller. 
" This Godwin, like those sands in Kent which bear his name, never spared 
what he could spoil, but swallowed all which came within his compass to 
devour. 

* Among other rich gifts Harold bestowed on his new college of Waltham 
were seven little caskets or boxes (scrinia) for precious things three of gold 
and four of silver gilded, enriched with gems and full of relics ; four great 
thuribles (censers) of gold and silver ; six great candlesticks, and four of 
silver ; three large vessels or pitchers of Greek workmanship, silver and 
richly gilded ; four crosses of gold and silver, studded with gems ; another 
cross of silver, weighing fifty marks ; five suits of the priests, ornamented 
with gold and precious gems ; five other vestments, ornamented with gold and 
gems, one extremely rich and weighty ; two copes, covered with gold and 
gems ; five chalices, two of gold and three of silver ; four altars, with relics, 
one of gold and three of silver gilded ; a silver horn, and various other 
articles. The relics were even more valuable and numerous, and, according 
to the monkish legends, miracles were wrought by them. (See Harl. MSS. 
3776.) 

f He was a son of Tovi by former marriage (Stubbs). In my History of 
Waltham, with MSS. notes by Sir H. Ellis, it is stated that " Elicha the wife 
Tovy was likewise a benefactress there." (Winters.) 



OR HOLY CROSS. 8 1 

Tovi and Harold. On the obverse is, HOC .... GILL ECCLESIE 
. SANCTE . CRVCIS DE WALTHAM. It appears that Tovi was on 
one occasion sent to attend a fciryeinot at Hertford, held by 
ISishop yEthelstan and Earl Ranig, the account of which, though 
not illustrating the life or character of Tovi, gives us one of the 
most glowing pictures of old English jurisprudence. Tovi or 
Tofig's,. surname was needed to distinguish him from his two 
namesakes, Tovi Hwita and Tovi Recla, who signed documents 
in 1024." 

Tovi the thane is said to have been inseparably connected 
with the memory of the old Danish king Hardicanute. A 
circumstance in conjunction with this monarch is worthy of a 
niche here. On the seventh day of the Ides of June (Sth), 
1042, the marriage of the Danish Thegn Tovi, or Tofig the 
Proud, with Gytha,f the daughter of Osgod Clapa the outlaw, J 
took place (probably at Lambeth). Gytha, or Githa, was 
Tovi's second wife. At this time he was an elderly man, and 
seems not to have long survived his marriage, so that he very 
probably erected his little college at Waltham as early as 1042. 
In 1 06 1 he was sheriff of Somersetshire. Mr. Freeman thinks 
that the Tofig who signs under Edward, in 1054, and was 
sheriff of Somersetshire in 1061, must, if Waltham narrative be 
correct, be a different man. He was a great landowner in 
several counties in England, as appears from Domesday, and 
nearly all the charters of King Cnut, from 1018 to 1035, 
bear his name. 



THE BURIAL OF HAROLD. 




place of sepulture of the last of the Saxon Kings 
Harold, is a subject much controverted in the present 
day, and there are many who appear to be entirely 
opposed to the most authentic version of the story. The 
writer has lived many years on the very verge of where history 

* Hist. Norman Conquest, vol. i. p. 769. 

t The De Invent, calls her " Glith, daughter of Osegodi Scalp," but she 
is called more properly " Githa, daughter of Osgod Clapa." See Florence 
of Worcester, and De Invent. (Stubbs.) 

J Outlaw in 1046 and died in 1053. 

Both Ethelstan the son, and Esegar the grandson of Tovi were at his 
death useful men in public affairs. 



82 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

and tradition point as the burial-place of the last of the Saxon 
kings, and he has long laboured to confirm, from documentary 
and other sources, the truth of what he firmly maintains that 
Harold was buried at Waltham. However, some persons have 
entirely rejected the authority of Malmesbury, Wendover, 
Matthew of Westminster, Wace, Higden, and a host of other 
later authors, for the fabulous story which was current in the 
twelfth century, i.e., that Harold escaped from the field of 
Senlac, "pierced with many wounds, and with the loss of 
his left eye ; and that he ended his days piously and virtuously as 
anchorite at Chester."* 

William of Malmesbury, says Mr. Freeman, "does not 
write in the interest of Waltham or of England. He is a 
thoroughly independent witness ; so, I may add, are Wace 
and his brother minstrels.f The most probable solution seems to 
be that Harold was first, by William's order, buried under 
a cairn, on the shore of Sussex, and was afterwards more 
solemnly interred in the minster at Waltham." Osegod and 
Ailric,! two of the canons of Waltham watched the battle, 
at Hastings, and searched for the body of Harold, but 
their efforts were without effect. " The find " was in reserve 
for Eadgyth Swanneshals (Edith-with-the-swan's-neck), Harold's 
wife, who readily distinguished the mutilated corpse among the 
loathsome heaps of the unburied, from certain marks upon 
it, well known to her. This body, as being that of Harold's, 
was brought to Waltham, and there entombed at the east 
end of the choir, with great honour and solemnity, many 
Norman nobles assisting in the requiem. 

Although little dependence as a rule can be placed on 
the unlimited licence which all poets exercise as regard style 
and colour of character, yet from the more sober and less 

* Giraldus Cambiensis. (This Mr Freeman calls "a wretched fable.") 
tin 1160 Wace having gleaned sufficient from the Bayeux Tapestry 

finished his masterly chronicle of the Norman Conquest. This is an 

invaluable record regarding the history of the times and the burial of Harold. 

He appears to have gathered much information respecting the Conquest from 

old men, who are said to have seen the comet of 1066. 

" I have seen and conversed with old men in my time, 

Who beheld the said star ; men in their prime." 
+ Ailric was a childmaister or schoolmaster of the abbey, appointed by 

Harold. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 83 

sentimental accounts already given on the burial of England's 
great king, there is really good ground for the belief that his 
remains were interred within the precincts of the church of 
Waltham, " which he let himself rear." It is possible that 
during the several alterations which took place in the Abbey 
Church from the Norman conquest to the accession of King 
Henry the Second, the body may have been removed from its 
original position. The writer in the " De Inventione," specifies 
that the tomb of Harold was near the high altar, and " at the 
translation of whose body for the third time, according as the 
state of the building of the church was such as to admit it, or 
the devotion of the brethren showing reverence to the body 
demanded it, I can just remember to have been present 
myself."* 

" This Kyng Herolde at Waltham, which he found 
Of foure score chanons, full fayer was buryed 
At [the] hye aulter, and as a kyng was crownde, 
All yf he were intrusor notifyed, 
And in batayl slayne and victoryed 
Of gentylnessse and Conquerour had so, 
All yf he were afore his mortal fo." 

Historians of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries have 
come to the conclusion on the statement made by Dr. Fuller 
that Harold "was buried where now (1655) the Earl of Carlisle'st 
leaden fountain in his garden, then probably the end of the choir, 
or rather some eastern chapel beyond it ; his tomb of plain but 
rich grey marble, with what seemeth a cross-floree (but much 
descanted on with art) upon the same, supported with pillarets, 
one pedestal whereof I have in my house."! There is still pre- 
served in the north aisle of the church a coffin-shaped stone of 
very early date ; on the centre is a cross in relief, nearly the full 
length and width of slab. This stone measures six feet nine 
inches in length, thirteen inches wide at the feet, and much wider 
at the head ; it is not early enough for Harold, although some 
might suppose it to have been the one described by Fuller. The 
stone which Fuller says was in "my house," and purporting to 
to be a portion of Harold's tomb, was lately in the possession of Mr. 

* " De Inventione Sanctae Crucis," p. 31 (Stubbs). 

t James Hay, who attended James I. from Scotland on his accession to the 
throne. 

J "History of Waltham" (Fuller), p. 259. 



84 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

\V. R. Clark, of Waltham Abbey.* Some persons have thought 
that the fragment of ironstone or Purbeck marble in question is 
not from Harold's tomb, but simply a part of the Earl's fountain; 
no doubt it formed an ornamental part of the fountain, but Fuller 
knew its history too well to suppose that it was carved on purpose 
for his worthy patron's garden fountain. Mr. Farmer, nearly one 
hundred years later, says, this fragment "I have now (1735) in 
my house." It is a " curious face or bust of grey marble which 
by tradition always was, and is to this day, esteemed to be part 
of King Harold's tomb. This old townsman (author of "History 
of Waltham Abbey, etc.), says respecting Harold, " It is without 
dispute that he was buried in the garden under a leaden fountain, 
where now there is a bowling-green, which formerly belonged to 
the Earl of Carlisle.f 

Both history and tradition determine the sacred burial place 
as being about one hundred and twenty feet from the east end of 
the present church, the place of sepulture of ecclesiastics and 
men of high repute in the Middle Ages. If in a direct line from 
the great centre aisle of the church it would suggest the proba- 
bility of the tomb being near the grave of Mr. Jessop or that 
of Col. S. C. Edenborough, J.P. All that part of the churchyard 
on which stood the ancient choir of Harold's church, and now 
called " the new ground," was evidently used as a garden by the 
Earl of Carlisle and Sir Edward Denny, temp. James I. and 
Charles I. 

THE DISCOVERY OF EARLY MONUMENTAL REMAINS IN THE 
ABBEY. According to the account given by Thomas Smith (an 
old inhabitant of Waltham, who died i6th June, 1604), a stone 
coffin of considerable antiquity was discovered near the founda- 
tions of the Abbey Church late in the sixteenth century. Fuller 
gives the account as follows : " The ensuing relation written by 
the pen of Master Thomas Smith, of Sewardstone, in the parish 
of Waltham Abbey, a discreet person not long since deceased : 
* It so fell out that I served Sir Edward Denny (towards the latter 
end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory), who 
lived in the abbey of Waltham Cross, in the county of Essex, 
which at that time lay in ruinous heaps ; and then Sir Edward 
began slowly now and then to make even and re-edify some of 

* This fragment is now in the Rohing Room of the Abbey (1887). 
t " History of Waltham " (Farmer, 1735, 8vo). 



OR HOLY CROSS. 85 

that chaos. In doing whereof Tomkins, his gardener, came to 
discover (among other things) a fair marble stone, the cover of 
a tomb hewed out in hard stone. This cover with some help he 
removed from off the tomb, which having done, there appeared 
to the view of the gardener and Master Baker,* minister of the 
town (who died long since), and to myself, and Master Henry 
Knaggf (Sir Edward's bailiff) the anatomy of a man lying in 
the tomb abovesaid, only the bones remaining, bone to his 
bone, not one bone dislocated. In observation whereof we 
wondered to see the bones stiil remaining in such due order, and 
no dust or other filth besides them to be seen in the tomb.' " 

Farmer considers this coffin to have been that of Harold's, but 
Gough has done his best to overturn all that has been written 
respecting the remains of the great Saxon king being discovered 
at Waltham. A coffin with a cross rather betone was found, 
1787, in the north wall of the choir, with a leaden coffin 
within it.+ 

The same writer, speaking of the fragment of stone carving, 
remarks that " from the particulars of the cross flueri one might 
refer the coffin to an abbot." 

In 1786 a coffin of Purbeck marble was discovered in the 
foundation of the north pillars of the choir. As soon as the 
lead was opened the corpse, which before was perfectly whole, 
fell to pieces. The lid of the stone coffin was six inches thick, 
carved with a cross botone. The distance at which this coffin 
lay from the present east wall of the church (the north pillar of 
the centre tower) is about 260 feet, so that allowing the tower to 
have been thirty feet square, the length of the choir will have 
measured 230 feet. 

For a century or more after the dissolution of the monastery 
this ancient piece of stone, said to be King Harold's tomb, 
served as an ornament in the abbey gardens belonging to the 
Denny family. Dr. Thomas Fuller possessed it in 1655, and 
possibly he may have left it in the parsonage-house when he 
removed from the town. Dr. Uvedale, master of the grammar 
school at Enfield (in 1670), saw it at "Waltham Mill" (Corn 
mill) adjoining the Abbey. John Farmer possessed it in 1735, 

* Curate of Waltham. Died April 24, 1604. 

t Buried 2lst April, 1646. 

1 vjv,.. b '..'^ " Fvr. :.c.I .Monuments," vol. ii., part i. p. 105. 



86 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

it was then fixed in the wall of his house on the " Bank," in 
Highbridge Street* In 1768 it found its way to the great hall 
of the old Abbey House. In 1780 Gough tells us that he 
received it by favour of Sir William Wake, baronet. The frag- 
ment, however, more than half a century since found its way 
back to Waltham Abbey, and was in the possession of Mr. 
W. R. Clark for upwards of forty years. It has the appearance 
of dark ironstone, extremely hard, and has suffered from very 
rough usage at some early period. 

Mr. Gough, the antiquary, had another interesting relic belong- 
ing to this Abbey, namely, the monumental brass from the tomb 
of one of the Waltham abbots, but what became of it afterwards 
is not known. 

Within the communion rails is the tomb of an abbot of some 
antiquity. It was adorned with a fine monumental brass, which 
has long been missing ; probably that possessed by the antiquary 
Gough is the identical one. Round the verge of this incised 
slab is an inscription in Lombardic characters, but so worn and 
disfigured that no one can decipher its meaning. Another stone 
adjoining it, and partly hid by the rails, bears the following 
inscription : " Hie Haroldi in Coenobio Carnis Resurrectionem. 
Expectat Jacobus Raphael Gallus Demum Scotus, demum 
Anglus, Denique nihil. Anno setat, 70, Obit Mar. 30 Anno 
1686." "Here lyeth Mr. Swynefield." The epitaph has been 
Englished thus " Here in Harold's tomb, James Raphael ; a 
Frenchman, claimed both by Scotland and England, but now 
nothing, awaits the resurrection of body. Died March 30, 1686, 
in the 7oth year of his age."t 

There are but few representations of Harold besides those on 
the Bayeux tapestry and his coins. A portrait of the monarch 
may be seen in an illuminated MS. Prayer Book, written in 
England about the eleventh century. It is given in Mount- 
faucon's " Antiquities," and Ogbourn's Hisotry of Essex. Harold 
is sitting on his throne, holding in his right hand a military 
banner, and in his left a sceptre surmounted by a dove. On 
each side of the throne is a stand, on which lies a book open, 

* Years ago the Houses in Highbridge Street called the " Bank," stood 
much higher than the road, and a ditch ran along in front of them, 
t The parish register records the burial of James Raphael, April ist, 1686. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 87 

and near each stand or lectern an angel or saint, with his hand 
elevated, is bestowing the benediction. Dr. Fuller states that a 
" picture of King Harold in glass was lately to be seen in the 
north window of the church, till ten years since some barbarous 
hand beat it down, under the notion of superstition. However, 
there is still a place called Harold's Park in our parish (of 
Waltham) by him so denominated." It appears that in 1642 the 
churchwardens' account-book suffered much by " the soldiers ;" a 
note to the effect is written on the margin. Several leaves are 
torn out. Probably about this time Harold's picture was 
destroyed.* 

The manuscript volume containing the life of Harold is 
preserved in the Harleian collection of manuscripts, British 
Museum, and of which (as far as it relates to the burial of 
Harold) Bishop Stubbs says " is a curious but entirely untrust- 
worthy legend, written apparently to prove that the great King 
Harold was not buried at Waltham." The volume also contains 
De Imentione S. C., etc. Mr. Hardy affirms that Bishop Stubbs 
has gathered all that can be gleaned about the author of the 
above MS.f 



THE CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH, A.D. 1060. 



[HE consecration of the church occurred on May 3rd, 1060, 
although some have thought it to be two years later ; but 
Bishop Stubbs has fixed that date beyond doubt, it being 
the feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross.} The new church 
had by this time reached such a state of completion as to be fit for 
divine service. The chief prelate present was Kinsige, Archbishop 

* Harl. MSS. 3776. This MSS. has recently been published by Walter de 
Gray Birch, Esq. See Select Passages in the Life of Harold by W. Winters, 
1876. 

t Chron. Gt. Brit", and Ireland, Vol. II., p. 413. 

+ This festival was formerly kept in England on May 3rd, commemorative 
of the supposed finding of the Cross on that day, by the Empress Helena, the 
mother of Constantine the Great, between A.D. 305 and 326. 



HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

of York, whose name is handed down to us as that of the 
consecrator. He had been chaplain to Edward the Confessor, 
and seems to have been looked on as the principal ecclesiastic in 
England (as Stigand was generally under a cloud). There were 
present also most of the bishops and earls of the land, with King 
Edward and his Queen, the sister of Harold. We are informed 
that " the day was celebrated with great rejoicings : among the 
festivities great tubs of [Canary or Spanish] wine and mead were 
tapped in the lanes and streets, and all might drink who would."* 
Such indulgences were customary in those days, as we find when 
William, Bishop of Hereford, dedicated the Chapel of St. Thomas 
at Waltham, he granted forty days' indulgence to all the true 
disciples of the Pope in Waltham Abbey (temp. Hen. II.) King 
Edward the Confessor rested at Waltham until after the octave, 
when he left for Winchester, to keep Pentecost the following 
Sunday. 

The proem of the Royal Charter states that King Harold 
had granted a certain piece of land, called of old by the in- 
habitants, Waltham, to one of his earls named Harold, who 
had constructed, to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ and 
of the Holy Cross, a Monastery ; granting to it first the land 
called Northlande,t with which he formed the Church of the 
ville to have been endowed from old time'; and after the 
foundation of the monastery he caused it to be dedicated 
according to the rule of the holy church of God, to the 
memory of the King and his wife Editha, and his father and 
mother, and all relations, and enriched the same with many 

* A similar thing was done in London at the birth of Edward III. 

t As to Northland, says the Translator of Domesday Survey, it appears 
originally to have consisted of three hides, divided into twelve portions, one 
for each Canon. We are told in the Register of the Bishop of Durham's 
land that half a hide is still in the possession of the Holy Cross. The remaining 
two and a half hides appear to have been taken from them by Walcher, the 
previous Bishop, when he took possession of Harold's property in. Waltham, 
and they are no doubt included in the lands registered as belonging to the 
present Bishop ; for we find that Maud, first wife of Henry I., restored them 
to the Canons between 1108 and ni8. (Domesday Surv. Trans. 1864, 410. : 
page xxxi. : Ci. Marsh.) Simon of Durham states that the firmness of 
Walcher not only did not permit any damage to occur in regard to the 
possessions of the Church, but, .further, he augmented them by obtaining 
from the King that valuable property called .Waltham Sanctse Crucis, " along 
with its noble church, celebrated for its body of Canons." 



OR HOLY CROSS. 89 

relics of saints, apostles, martyrs, confessors, and virgins, and 
not only with the lands, whose names are afterwards recited, 
but also with gospel books, vestments, and divers kinds of 
ornaments. And, moreover, he formed there an assembly of 
brethren, living according to the canonical rules of the fathers, 
whose office it was, by day and by night, to sing the praises 
of God and his saints. These are the names of the lands 
belonging to the aforesaid monastery : Passefelda, Walde, Up- 
in luster, Walkfare, Tippedene, Alwartune, Wodeforda, Lcunbet/iithe, 
Nesingan, Brikenditne, Melno, Alrichescia, Wnneleia, Nethlesivelle, 
Htcc/ie, Lukintone, and Westwaltham ; all of which the king 
grants to the Church of the Holy Cross and the brethren there, 
with sac and soc and other customs. (For an interpretation 
of these places, see a subsequent part of this work.) 

These are the land boundaries to Passefelde : That is, first from the old hatch 
at Freotherne felde to Presta hlype ; to the brook at Staundune ; to 
Scealdelbrda, and from Scealdeforda to Coleboge Well, from the Well 
again to the old hatch, and so again to Freothene field. 

These are the land boundaries to Welde : First from Dellennorth to the mouth, 
east to Hafegeaete, east to the Wolf Pit ; from the Pit south to the Purk, 
from the Purk south to Freobearne's leap, and so to Manne's land and 
thence again to Dellen. 

These are the land boundaries to Upingstre : First at Tigelhyrste south to 
boundary ditch ; from the ditch west to Ingceburne, and from the 
bourne north to Beccengare ; and from Beccengare north along the 
road-weald to Stangare ; from Stangare north into Manne's land again to 
Tigelhyrste. 

These are the land boundaries to Walhfare : First from the Ash to the Old 
Leap ; from the Leap to the Old Wood hatch ; from the hatch to the 
old road ; and from the road to Sandaecere ; and from the acre to 
Beadewr.n River ; from the river to Winebrook ; from the brook north 
again to the Ash. 

These nre the land boundaries to Tippedene : First to Tippaburne ; from the 
bourne up to the heath ; from the heath to Thetden's boundary opposite 
J-'.tfa's hatch, and so to the river ; along the river then again to Tippe- 
burne. 

These are the land boundaries to yElwartone : First at Werdhsecce ; from 
Werdhsecce to Eacroft ; from Eacroft to Beolle Pool ; frqm the Pool to 
Leofsige's meadow ; from Leofsige's meadow to Omermad ; from 
Omermacl to .Etheric's leap ; from the leap to the Wulf leap ; from 
Wulf leap to Thesfalde ; from Thesfalde to Stanway hatch; from 
Stanway hatch to Saters byrig. 



90 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

These are the land boundaries to Wudeforde : First to Angric's bourne to 
Alderman's hatch ; to the King's hatch from the King's hatch again to 
Angric's bourne. 

These are the land boundaries to Lambehythe : First at Brixges stane and so 
on through the grove to the boundary dyke, and so to the Bulke tree ; 
and from the Bulke tree to Hyse ; and from Hyse to yEIsyge's hatch - r 
and so east to the road ; and so along the road again to Brixes stan. 

These are the land boundaries to Nassingan : that is from Cerlen hatch, 
along the mark to Scelden boundary ; and from Scelden boundary to the 
brook ; and from the brook to Butterwyelle ; and from Butterwyelle to 
Thuroldes boundary ; and from Thuroldes boundary again along the 
mark to Cerlen hatch ; and the meadow thereto belonging lies out by 
the Lea. 

A.D. 1062. Fifteenth indiction, seventh epact, first concurrent. Subscribed 
by Edward the King, Eadgytha the Queen ; Stigand, Archbishop of 
Canterbury ; Ealdred, Archbishop of York ; /Elfwold, the Bishop ; 
Hereman, the Bishop ; Leofric, the Bishop ; William, the Bishop ; 
Ailmar, the Bishop ; Leofwin, the Bishop ; Wefwin, the Bishop ; 
/Elwin, the Bishop ; .Eiric, the Bishop ; Walter, the Bishop ; 
Gyso, the Bishop ; .Egelnoth, the Abbot ; ^Elwin, the Abbot ; 
Wlfric, the Abbot; Leofric, the Abbot; Leofstan, the Abbot; ^Elwig, 
the Abbot ; Hondric, the Abbot ; ^gelsin, the Abbot ; Leofstan, the 
Abbot ; Eadmund, the Abbot ; Sichtric, the Abbot ; Harold, the Earl ; 
^Elfgar, the Earl ; Tostin, the Earl ; Leofwin, the Earl ; Syrth, the Earl; 
Esgar, the " Procurator " of the Royal Palace ; Rodbert, the King's 
Kinsman ; Ralph, one of the King's Courtiers ; Bundin, " regis pal 
atimus ; " Hesbern, the King's Kinsman ; Regenbald, the King's 
Chancellor ; Peter, the King's Chaplain ; Baldwin, the King's Chaplain ; 
Brintric, the Prince ; ^llfstan, the Prince ; Wigod, the King's Butler ; 
Herding, the Queen's Butler ; Adzur, the King's Sewer ; Yfing, the 
King's Sewer ; Godwin, the Queen's Sewer ; Doddo, the Prince ; 
.(Elfgar, the Prince ; Brixin, the Prince ; ^Egelnoth, the Prince ; Esbern, 
the Prince ; Edwig, the Prince ; Eadric, the Prince ; JEgelmund, the 
Prince; Siward, the Prince ; Alwold, the Prince ; ^Elpling, the Prince; 
Swidar. Vide Cartw Antiquee Roll, M. No. I. 

Thus it is evident, as Mr. Freeman says, "that Waltham 
was a church, in its own age and country, of unparalleled 
magnificence. It is rather what we should naturally look for 
under the circumstances. Its founder was the first man in the 
kingdom, and his private wealth was enormous. Waltham must 
therefore have made a deep impression on the national mind. 
Its local worship became the worship of the English people." 



ARCHITECTURAL CHANGES IN THE ABBEY 
CHURCH. 



'tTp^HE architectural changes in the church since the days of the 
l^lh last Anglo-Saxon monarch have been many. Mr Freeman 
observes that " barbarous mutilations, and hardly less 
barbarous additions, have entirely destroyed its character as seen 
from without. And even within, both mediaeval alterations of the 
strangest kind, and the accumulated enormities of more recent 
days, have gone far to ruin the general effect of the original build- 
ing. Still a large portion of the original interior remains 
untouched ; an interior deserving attentive study as one of the 
noblest specimens of northern Romanesque ;* and invested with 
a yet higher interest if we may regard it as called into being by 
the taste and bounty of the last of our native kings." Hence the 
ancient charter is correct : " Ego Haroldus Comes operando 
consolido"\ The early author of " Vita Haroldi" mentions in 
one place of the church being completed prior to the date of 
consecration (1059-60) ; and in another part, of works going on 
apparently in the choir as late as 1125 or 1126. The great 
question of the day is whether any portion of the church is of the 
pre-Norman period, or whether it does not belong to the time of 
Henry I. or Stephen. The church of Harold's foundation was 
undoubtedly of much importance, having a leaded roof, and 
decorations to the capitals of the columns of gilt brass-work, and 
no doubt work of considerable importance was going on in the 
reign of Henry I. or Stephen, which rendered necessary the 
removal of the body of Harold. Mr. Surges, late architect, 
thought that the repairs or rebuilding in Henry the First's time, 
and the removal of the body of Harold, were perfectly consistent 
with the fact of the present building that is, the ancient nave 
being of Harold's time.J 

* The style of architecture called " Romansque " is a debased kind of 
work in imitation of Roman architecture. It prevailed in Europe from the 
destruction of the Roman Empire until the Gothic order was introduced. 

t The church of Waltham is built, as a great church of the year 1060 
would be built, in the English variety of the Norman style, which was 
introduced by Edward the Confessor, and which was still in use in the days 
of William of Malmesbury." (Gent.'s Magazine, vol. viii. p. 65.) 

J The Builder, vol. xviii. 71. 



92 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

There is every reason to suppose that Harold would build in 
the very best style of which he had accessible patterns, and that 
strenuous in all things, he would make an end of what he began. 
Whatever part was finished was splendidly adorned, in a fashion 
that reminds one more of Eastern than of Western art, as if 
Harold might have wandered to Constantinople in his earlier 
days. Brazen plates of gilt were spread over the walls ; the 
capitals and bases of the pillars were curiously carved, and the 
elaborate ornaments of the altar, reliques, vestments, books and 
furniture of the sanctuary, are described in terms of regret and 
indignation proportioned to their intrinsic value.* 

T. Wright, an able antiquary, is inclined to recognise the 
work of Harold in the present existing building on the ground of 
a plate in the Cottonian MSS.,f which shows the two rows of 
columns in the nave, of which the shafts are ornamented in the 
same style as those still remaining in the Abbey Church of 
Waltham. The MS. referred to is of Anglo-Saxon date, written 
(circa 1050) \ probably when the work of the first foundation was 
in progress. Mr Wright states : " We have then in the MS. 
under consideration, a series of architectural drawings which are 
pure Saxon, and of the date of which there can be no doubt. 
They present a number of characteristics which are sufficient to 
distinguish a peculiar style, which probably was the general style 
of Anglo-Saxon buildings. It is certain that the old artists pro- 
duced nothing on parchment which was not modelled on what 
really existed before their eyes. It remains for further examina- 
tion to show how far we ought to refer every example of this style 
to the same age. The dates of early buildings appear to have 
been often fixed too arbitrarily. I would merely cite, as an 
instance, the church of Waltham. This is considered as early 
Norman, and ascribed to the date of about 1 1 20, because Henry 
I. and his two wives are recorded as special benefactors to the 
monastery. In the two most authentic accounts of the early 
history of Waltham, both written late in the reign of Henry II., 
the ' Vita Haroldi ' and the tract ' De Inventione Sanctce Cnicis 
Walthamensis ' (the latter of which brings the history up to the 

* De Invent. (Stubbs), xv. See Vita Haroldi, MSS. Harl. 3776. 

f Cott. MSS. Tit D. xvi. fol. 336. (This MSS the author has examined.) 

t Wyatt on Illuminated MSS. p. n. 

Mainly in the gift of the Cornmill and Northfields to th-> Canons. 



OK HOLY CROSS. 93 

time at which it was written), we have a particular and curious 
account of Harold's Church, which was very spacious and 
massive, and which agrees perfectly with what now remains ; and 
these same documents give us every reason to believe that no 
remarkable alterations had been made in the building up to the 
time at which these histories were written, that is, up to the 
period of transition. This is very easily accounted for, because 
the acknowledged character of Harold's building would preserve 
it from dilapidation, and the jealousy with which it was looked 
upon by the Normans (as we are informed in the documents) 
caused it to be treated with neglect. It may be observed also 
that Harold's Church was most probably built by architects 
brought over from Normandy, and would therefore have a 
decidedly Norman character. I will merely add that a copy of 
' Prndentius ' in the British Museum, written apparently about the 
middle of the eleventh century (or very soon after, MS. Cotton. 
Titus D. XVI.), contains one or two rows of columns, of which 
the shafts are ornamented in precisely the same style as those 
which still remain in "Waltham Abbey."* In the original MS. the 
illustration is coloured pale green, blue and red. 

A controversy relative to the correct date of the consecration of 
Harold's Church has been ably fought in the pages of the 
Gentletnarfs Magazine, through the long period of eight months 
or more during the progress of the restoration of the Abbey 
Church (1859-60), and the whole affair seems clearly to have 
terminated in favour of Mr. E. A. Freeman, Bishop Stubbs, Mr. 
W. Burges and others, who maintain that much of the present 
church is of King Harold's work. 

Lanfranc, a contemporary with Harold, built a church at Canter- 
bury, consisting of a nave, transepts and an apsidalt chancel 
similar to Waltham, and which was afterwards taken down and 
substituted by a long choir. Thus it is presumed that 
Harold's church ended with an apse directly eastward of the 
present church, and which was probably taken down early in 
the 1 2th century, and a long choir with aisles, chapels and 

* The Arch. Journal, vol. i. page 35. 

t Apse, is the semi-circular or octagonal part of the east end of the choir 
of the church which reached far eastward on the New Ground, where the 
body of Harold was buried. For this part of the original church see Mr. 
Burges' plan with an imaginary idea in thin lines of the new choir. 



94 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

transepts added or enlarged. Mr. Freeman says, speaking 
of the documentary evidence alone relating to the age of the 
church, " in a somewhat minute account of the fortunes of the 
foundation, we find not a word implying, hardly a word allowing 
the possibility that the church raised by Harold was other 
than the church which the writers had before their eyes. They 
detail the wrongs inflicted on the society of the two Norman 
Kings ; no one can attribute the rebuilding to their times. 
One author writes under the patronage of the Queen of 
Henry I. ; she was herself a benefactress to the College, but 
not a word do we find of her rebuilding, enlarging, or com- 
pleting the work of Harold. The other writer extols Henry 
II. almost to a level with Harold himself; he praises his 
reforms, he mentions his addition of domestic buildings ; but 
nothing is said as to the fabric of the church. The biographer 
of Harold, in describing Harold's church does not directly say 
that it was standing in 1 205 ; but the reason clearly is, that 
he takes it so certainly for granted that he does not think it 
necessary to make any direct assertion about it. In the 
face of all this it would require some very strong architectural 
evidence indeed to establish the fact of a rebuilding at any 
date between 1066 and 1205. Such evidence, I confess, I do 
not find. I see at Waltham an early Norman church, which 
one would doubtless at first sight place after the Conquest, 
but which I see no improbability, backed as we are by 
such strong historical arguments, in placing a few years before. 
Certainly most of the early Norman buildings which remain 
are much less ornamented than this of Waltham ; but the 
ornament at Waltham, though of a very effective kind, is still 
simple and almost rude ; everywhere, except a few details in 
the transepts, it is quite of the early Norman school ; there is 
something totally different from the elaboration of ornament, 
the almost elegance of detail, which might be expected in a 
building bearing the date of 1177. Taking architectural 
evidence alone, it is, I certainly think, a lesser difficulty to 
attribute it to Harold than to attribute it to Henry II."* 
Portions of the nave of Durham Cathedral, built by Bishop de 
Carilepho, area 1093, are similar to the nave of Waltham 
Church ; also Lindisfarn Church is in assimilation to parts of 

* Essex Archaeological Trans., Vol. ii., 20. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 95 

Waltham Church, of which former place Scott sang in his 
Marmion : 

' ' In Saxon strength that Abbey frown'd, 

With massive arches broad and round, 

That rose alternate row and row, 

On ponderous columns, short and low, 

Built ere the art was known." 

The ruins of Lindisfarn are of great antiquity ; the arches are 
strictly Saxon, and the pillars which support them are short and 
strong. One of these pillars, showing the zig-zag grooves, 
correspond exactly with those of Harold's work in his church at 
Waltham. Pillars with wreathed and indented mouldings were 
much, in vogue in Saxon times. These mouldings in Harold's 
church were, it is thought, ornamented with " fillets of brass ;" 
and the writer in the De lyventione mentions the pillars and 
arches being adorned with plates of gilt brass. No traces, 
however, of brass now remains, nor even the nails by which the 
plates were supposed to be fastened, which may have been taken 
out and the holes filled up. The ornaments and mouldings of 
the arches have some very peculiar attractions about them, which 
may excite the attention of the curious.* In the uppermost 
arches the indented moulding forms the extreme edge of the 
arch, and is turned underneath on the inside or under part of the 
arch. In the nethermost great arches also there is a return of 
indented workmanship, and the indentations of the outermost 
mouldings are much slighter and in less relief than those of the 
innermost. Some of the early windows in the Abbey Church 
were originally unglazed, glass at that period being very scarce in 
this country. These windows have much internal splay, but 
externally their glazing is set almost flush with the wall face. 
There appears to have been no provision made originally for 
fixing panels of glass. A shutter was no doubt designed to close 
upon the rebate. " None of the Norman windows show any 
preparation for glass, the splay jamb going right up to the 
external chamber. In all probability wooden frames were made 
to fit in tightly, and secured by interior hold-fasts ; of course one 
edge of these wooden frames would have to be chamfered to fit 
into the sloping jambs, and upon the inside surface would be 
fixed the necessary iron-work for the glass, as at Salisbury, 

* Some portions of the mouldings of the piers were probably worked out 
with the axe. 



96 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Canterbury and other places."* Traces of distemper painting 
have been found in the church, as well as in the lady chapel, at 
various times, and especially in 1847. Mr. E. Littler discovered 
in the chevron moulding of the Norman windows and of the arch 
of the south entrance traces of colour. He observed also a 
portion of coloured masonry on the soffit of this arch, on the 
splay of the south window, and on the inner face or the south 
wall ; as also some bold writing in old English characters, 
surrounded by coloured lines.f This appeared after the white- 
wash and plaster had been stripped off. In Henry the Second's 
day the church was enlarged and the order re-modelled. Several 
conventual buildings were erected at this period, and the only 
one remaining is the vaulted building in Mr. King's garden, 
north-east of the church, called the "Potato cellar" which has 
evidently formed the ground floor of some important apartment. 
The date would be referable either to the end of the reign of 
Henry II. or to the beginning of that of his son, Richard I.J 
The simple intersecting of the ribs which support the groining of 
the vault agree in character with the arched ceiling in the east 
end of Canterbury Cathedral, built by William of Sens, in 
IJ 75- No architectural changes appear to have taken place 
in the Abbey Church during the reigns of Richard I. and 
John, although the latter king frequently visited Waltham. The 
very elegant pointed arch at the western front of the church, 
now forming the entrance from the tower to the interior of 
the building, appears to date back to the latter part of the reign 
of the third Henry, or the early part of that of Edward the 
First. Much, however, of the detail of the sculpture work of 
this beautiful inner porch has been mutilated by ruthless 
hands in the erection of the great western tower. On the 
authority of Matthew Paris, "The church of the canons of 
Waltham was solemnly dedicated in 1242." This statement 
has been the subject of considerable discussion, and the 
validity of it is held as questionable by many archaeologists. 
Mr. Burges considers that the long Norman choir was con- 
sequently not destined to last long, and that the dedication 

* Gents' Mag., Vol. viii., 3rd Series, p. 77. 
f Archaeological Trans., Essex, Vol. ii., 42. 
% W. Surges' Tract, p. 5. 

Will de Ver (or Vere) and Walter de Gaunt were actively engaged in 
making alterations in the church, 23rd Hen. ii., Madox Hist. Ex. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 97 

mentioned by Paris was simply the result of the erection of 
some important part of the church, not the nave, for, says 
the late architect, "We know that it remains nearly in the 
same state as it was left in the nth or 1 2th century; it must 
therefore have been the choir which had been reconstructed 
or so altered that a new consecration had become necessary." 
The entire building was rendered dangerous by the cutting away 
of the aisle arch in the reign of Edward I. (not Edward II., 
as stated by Mr. Burges), which necessitated a strong-framed 
strutt to be erected and which still remains as a memorial of 
a perverted taste. These architectural alterations are expressed 
in a notarial instrument (in Latin) which is preserved in the 
Public Record Office, under date September 6th, 1286. This 
instrument relates to certain repairs authorised to be made in 
the church, with instructions from the dean of the Abbey as to 
how the parishioners should help in carrying out the work. 
On Sunday, the 8th September, 1286, the' feast of the Nativity 
of the Virgin, this document was read publicly in Latin by 
the dean of the church, and interpreted in English by one of 
the clergy present. The dean then exhorted the parishioners 
to set about the work speedily. This exhortation was repeated 
on the 22nd of September; and on the 2gth of the same 
month, the dean executed his formal and official answer to 
the precept of the abbot certifying what he had done, 
and what he expected the parishioners would do in 
answer to the request. The abbot at this period was 
Reginald de Maidenhith, who received the temporalities of the 
church Jan. 29th, 1273-4, and resigned them A.D. 1288. This 
notarial instrument fixes the precise date of the great alterations 
that were made in the building in the thirteenth century, when 
it was found that in consequence of the bad foundations and 
other causes, the vaulting of the aisles had pushed out the aisle 
walls and had become very dangerous. The new architect, 
therefore, took down the vaulting and threw the aisle and 
triforium into one height ; he next tried to remodel the great 
arcade by throwing the nave arch and the triforium arch into 
one ; however, this was found to be a most dangerous proceed- 
ing, so it was given up after the westernmost bays had thus been 
treated. Then a west front was added, and a very beautiful 
composition it was, so far as can l.e judged by what remains. 
The tracery of the windows is also very peculiar, and has an 



98 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

undulating look. When the present tower was built in the reign 
of Philip and Mary, the great western window was destroyed 
and the tower built upon the cill ; so there is no means of 
judging as to whit it was like. During the restoration in 
1859-60, the top of the old western doors came to light; they 
were of the same date as the rest of the work, and have been 
reproduced in the new doors. It was impossible to re-use them 
as they had become warped. It must be confessed that, in 1286, 
the parishioners of Waltham Abbey managed to secure the 
services of an excellent architect, although he did great injury 
to the building in removing much of the older portions 
of the masonry. It is not improbable that the architect was 
the same as erected the "Eleanor Cross" and the Lady Chapel. 
A portion of the ancient oak wood screen still exists in the 
north aisle, and date;, probably to the i4th century. Another 
work of the i4th century is a large flowing decorated window 
in the north aisle. Stone being scarce at this period the 
architect stripped the whole of the interior and portions of the 
exterior of all the ashlar he could possibly extract. He also 
destroyed the filling in of the triforium, and not satisfied with that 
actually removed the slabs of stone which formed the string at 
lower part, making good the places with plaster ornament in 
the Norman style. The bays at the west end had lurched 
towards the west, probably in consequence of want of care 
in the foundations, or perhaps from the incomplete state 
of the western end. The whole edifice would have fallen to 
the ground long ere this had it not been supported by the 
western tower. A small three-light window is the only trace of 
perpendicular work in the building as it remains at present. 
At the Reformation the east end, as reverting to the crown, 
and is now held by the lord of the manor, was destroyed, but 
the nave belonging to the parishioners was preserved intact. 
Several alterations and repairs were made in the church at the 
Reformation, as also in the reigns of the Charles', when the 
second pillar from the east to the south side was refaced. 
A coin of Charles II. was discovered at the restoration of the 
church in the foundation near the said pillar. This was the 
time doubtless when the church became very dilapidated and 
when a petition was presented by the townsfolk to King Charles 
II., August yth, 1668, for permission to make a brief for a public 
collection to help restore the church. This petition was granted, 



OR HOLY CROSS. 99 

and in acknowledgment, the thanks of the parish in vestry were 
sent to the King, February i5th, 1669. On March 2ist, 1669, 
,100 were borrowed and expended "towards procuring the 
duplicates, printing the briefs, &c." This sum was repaid with 
interest, January 3rd, 1672, and in the year 1674, 46 45. lod. 
were laid out in repairs of the Church. In 1679 the " School 
House" (Lady Chapel) was repaired at a cost of ^64 135. 5-Jd. 
The before named royal brief only realised ^17 53. od. The 
remainder was obtained from the funds belonging to the parish 
and from voluntary contributions. Other repairs were made in the 
Church, in 1673, when on the 23rd of November of that year, a 
general rate of 2d. in the was made for payment of the said 
repairs. And by another order, dated 22nd July, 1680, reciting 
that the Church was out of repair and would cost about ^100 to 
defray the expenses. For this purpose it was thought advis- 
able to borrow the ^100 then recently given by Bishop Hall 
for the benefit of the poor. A ceiling was then made to the 
church, according to Farmer, who states that the church 
" formerly seemed by the manner of building, with a high roof, 
more like a barn than the House of God.* But (continues 
the historian) it is now a vast addition and ornament to the 
church, and a great advantage both to the preacher and the 
congregation in hearing the Word of God." The greatest 
possible barbarities were made by way of architectural changes 
in the last century. In 1778 the "upper hall" of the tower 
was taken down, and, as a writer in the Gentleman's Magazine 
says, " a paltry substitute of four stone walls with oblong holes 
set up by way of a belfry." This writer also vehemently 
exclaims against the inhabitants of Waltham for allowing the 
church to be mangled by unskilful builders. This tower was 
restored, as it now appears, by a rate of is. in the , and 
completed in 1798, and an inscription to that effect placed 
over the west doorway. A writer of the period thought that 



* On June 20, 1663, a letter from Canterbury was written by W. Kingsley 
to Secty. Bennet respecting the Nonconformists of Waltham Abbey, viz. :. 
There are daily great conventicles in Waltham Parish. On Whit Tuesday, 300 
persons met at Hobday's house in Waltham ; others heard preaching in an 
orchard, and on leaving, they had with them 50 or 60 good horses, several 
portmanteaus and some bundles supposed to be arms.(?) The liberty taken by 
fanatics (?) frighten the country. Vide State Papers, Domestic Charles III. 
See also Neal, Hist. Puritans and Bess' Hist, of the Quakers. 



100 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

the Churchwardens needed not to have placed a memorial stone 
on the church of the event, the parish would long remember 
the expense without any stone reminder of it. In 1807 the 
roof was lowered and a plaster ceiling put underneath it.* 
This old ceiling remained about forty or fifty years. Some 
repairs were made in the Abbey in 1818, when Mr. W. 
Wolesholme, of the New Inn, Sun Street, erected the wooden 
cross, &c., on the top of the tower. A comparatively modern, 
ugly, slated porch stood on the south side of the church, and 
which was destroyed in 1873. Near this porch, and close to 
the entrance into the Crypt, are the remains of some beautiful 
diaper work. A few fragments of similar masonry appear in the 
wall of the inner porch under the belfry, all of which were hidden 
until late years by plaster and whitewash. The robing room, built 
by Mr. John Bentley in 1874, for 340, is on the north side 
of the Church. This room is called a "vestry," but it is 
invariably found to be too small to hold public meetings in. 
Most of the old prints of the Abbey Church show a small house 
at the east end of the church, probably an old Chantry in 
which were sung, before the Reformation, masses for the dead. 
This Chantry was dissolved by Statute ist, Edward VI., 1547, 
and was entirely demolished about sixty years ago. The Church 
now consists of the nave of the original " Romansque " building, 
and side aisles, north and south. The aisles are of the height of 
the two lower stages, corresponding with those in Oxford 
Cathedral. The three tiers of semi-circular arches, with zigzag 
mouldings, are supported by massive cylindrical pillars ; two of 
them are ornamented with zigzag indentings. The two chancel 
pillars have a deep spiral groove running round them, and 
must have looked very grand if filled with brass.f The pillar 
opposite the south doorway, in the south aisle, retains the 
marks of the chain to which was fastened Cranmer's "Great 
Bible," also the "Paraphrase of Erasmus," by the seventh 
injunction of good King Edward the Sixth ; together with 
Bishop Jewel's " Apology of the Church of England," and John 

* Several portions of the windows in the north aisle were at this period 
destroyed ! 

t On the pillar near the chancel (north aisle) are various initials of persons, 
names and dates, viz.: E.H. 1651 ; E.H. 1661 ; G.B. 1661; S.D. 1702, &c. 



OR HOLY CROSS. IOI 

Foxe's " Book of Martyrs," edited by his son, Samuel Foxe, of 
Warlies, in this parish.* 

The nave of the Church is about 120 feet in length, its 
width from the centre of the pillars is about 30 feet, the entire 
width is 54 feet, and the height is nearly 60 feet. The church 
will now seat about 800 persons. For a great number of years 
the inside where the seats now stand was filled up with high 
oak pews, and a massive gallery extended along the south 
aisle of the nave, while two others were fixed at the west end, 
one of which supported the organ. These galleries had seriously 
injured the pillars near them. This western gallery was built 
by Mr. Burrell, of Norwich, especially for the old organ. The 
floor of the church was reduced in 1859-60 to its original level, 
and one of the south western pillars, which had at some period 
or other sunk four inches, and had been cut away for the 
reception of the pulpit, has been substantially restored. The 
floor, which for centuries had b^een open to receive the dead, 
may have probably affected the stability of the pillar in question. 
The graves, or rather vaults, have been filled up with concrete 
and paved with stone. The subject of the " Rose " window 
is taken up by the new ceiling, and though a magnificent 
work of art, it can hardly be said to be in strict keeping with 
the sacred nature of the building. The ornamental outlines, 
which were painted by Messrs. Harland and Fisher, were filled 
up by Edward Poynter, Esq., with a series of paintings exhibiting 
the labours of the year and the twelve signs of the Zodiac, after 
the style of Peterborough Cathedral. The oak seats were con- 
structed and fitted up by Mr. Burrell, of Norwich. Prior to 
the gas being introduced into the church the building was 
lighted up by candles. A large brass chandelier was suspended 
from the ceiling in the middle of the church, which held thirty- 
six candles, and which fifty years ago was lit up every Good 
Friday evening, as also on other very special occasions. The 
cost of the restoration of the Church in 1859-60 was discharged 
by voluntary contributions, aided by a donation from the War 
Department,! and a grant from the Society for Building and 

* Besides the' books above named there were preserved, in the Abbey, 
several " Gospels in the Saxon tongue," and other early works in manuscript. 

t The War Office contribute $o annually to the clergy of Waltham for 
their labour in connection with the spiritual good of the men employed in 
the Gunpowder Factory. 



102 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Repairing Churches. The chancel belonging to the Lord ot 
the Manor was restored at his expense.* The entire sum 
expended in the restoration amounted to about ,5,000. The 
re-opening services of the Abbey Church took place on the 3rd 
of May, 1860, being the Sooth anniversary of its foundation. 
Besides the early communion there were three services, morning, 
afternoon, and evening. At the first two the musical portions 
of the service were rendered by members of the St. Paul's, 
Westminster Abbey, Temple, Church and Chapel Royal choir, under 
the direction of Mr. Cummings, the re-constructed organ being 
re-used for the first time. The preachers of the day were the 
Rev. H. Brown, Norrisian Professor of Divinity at Cambridge 
and Canon of Exeter ; the Rev. Dr. Jelf, principal of King's 
College and Canon of Oxford ; and the Rev. J. M. Hussey, of 
Brixton. Collections during the day amounted to about ^90. 
A few minor alterations and repairs have taken place since the 
restoration of the Church, such as the filling in of the east end 
with an illuminated reredos, a new lectern, an enlargement of 
the organ, and the restoration of the Lady Chapel ; also a screen 
in the same chapel, and a stained glass window in the tower to 
the memory of the late Vicar, the Rev. J. Francis, M.A. 

THE REREDOS. Prominent among the most recent gifts to 
the Church is the reredos, a costly work of art, but which 
showy imagery, like the " Rose " window above it, is entirely 
out of character with the general massiveness of the building, 
and though beautiful in itself, it adds but little to the stately 
grandeur of the noble edifice, which 

. . " For loveliness 
Needs not the foreign aid of ornament. 
But is, when unadorned, adorned the most." 

The reredos contains five subjects (i.) The annunciation of 
the Virgin ; (ii.) the angels appearing to the shepherds and pro- 
claiming "Peace on earth; goodwill to men;" (iii.) .the nativity 
of Christ ; (iv.) the homage of the Wise Men of the East ; and 
(v.) the flight into Egypt. These figures are beautifully 
sculptured in bold relief and ornamented with gilt and various 

* The old communion cloth of the Church was purchased of Mr. 
Chinnery, a banker, of Gilwell House, Sewardstone, for upwards of 40, 
He purchased it especially with the view of entertaining the father of the 
present Duke of Cambridge. 



OR HOLY CROSS. IOJ 

colours. Beneath is the following inscription : " In humble 
faith this Reredos is erected to the loving memory of Samuel 
Bolton Edenborough, who died October 23rd, 1873, by his wife 
Margaret."* Below the inscription the wall is faced with highly 
polished Devonshire marble down to the floor, which is covered 
with ornamental tiles. The handsome new communion table 
of carved walnut-wood is also the gift of Mrs. Edenborough. 

THE PULPIT AND LECTERN. The pulpit is not the least 
part of the furniture of the Church worthy of consideration 

" The pulpit therefore (and I name it filled 
With solemn awe, that bids me well beware 
With what intent I touch that holy thing), 
The pulpit." 

In addition to the reredos, Mrs. Edenborough gave the newly 
erected marble pulpit, which is very massive in appearance. 
Its form is hexagonal, and the body is composed of Dove 
marble. In each division, after the High Church order, is inlaid a 
St. Andrew's Cross, made alternately of Irish and Roman marble, 
the latter material having been obtained from an old quarry 
discovered at Rome. The new pulpit is further adorned witn 
two brass sconces and a small brass lectern. The LARGE" BRASS 
LECTERN is the gift, through the late Vicar, of an unknown 
contributor, as a "thank-offering," and bears the following 
inscription "A THANK OFFERING FOR THE ABBEY CHURCH, 
WALTHAM HOLY CROSS, 8 AUGUST, 1872." Its value is estimated 
at ;ioo. The Church was closed for some weeks during the 
progress of the work, and was re-opened October ist, 1876. 
In the Lady Chapel is an ancient pulpit which once stood in 
the Church, and in which many of the old divines of the past 
have preached. 

" THE FRANCIS MEMORIAL." The carved oak screen in 
south-east end of the Church, between the Lady Chapel and the 
Church, was raised by public subscription as a Memorial to the 
late Vicar, the Rev. James Francis, M.A. The committee at 
first decided to have a window inserted in the west front of the 
Lady Chapel, but a screen was afterwards decided upon as being 
most appropriate. This screen is the work of Mr. J. Forsyth, 
of Finchley-road, Hampstead, and consists of five divisions, the 

* Mrs Margaret Edenborough is interred near the remains of her husband 
in the north-east corner of the Churchyard. 



104 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

openings of which are joined by double tracery arches, and 
spandrils, with crockets and other carved enrichments. These 
arches have for their abutments buttresses with intricate pene- 
trating work, which are perhaps the most interesting section of 
the screen. They are distinguished by great subtlety of 
treatment, parts disappeaiing and re-appearing in the most 
puzzling manner. The cornice is also richly carved, and is 
crowned with an equally richly carved cresting. Over the 
central arch there are the figures of two angels with outspread 
wings supporting a carved cross. The pedestals on which they 
stand are also richly carved. These figures bear a resemblance 
to the arms of Waltham Holy Cross. At the basement of the 
woodwork the following inscription is engraved in old English 
letters, and extends from left to right of the screen: "To the 
glory of God and in memory of James Francis, for thirty-eight 
years Vicar of this parish. He died March 3rd, 1885." The 
design of this screen was made by Mr. J. Reeve, architect, of 
30, St. James' Street, Bedford Row ; the sculpture work was 
executed by Mr. Forsyth, as already referred to, and the erection 
of the screen was superintended by Mr. James Meadows. This 
ornamjent cost between five and six hundred pounds, and was 
unveiled before a large audience of persons on Lord's day 
evening, November 28th, 1886, by Dr. Claughton, Bishop of St. 
Albans, who preached two sermons in celebration of the event. 

THE ORGAN. The original organ, the gift of Thomas 
Leverton, Esq., of Bedford-square, London, in 1819, stood many 
years in the west gallery. On the front of this organ a small 
brass plate gave its history in brief " FLIGHT AND ROBSON, 

ORGAN BUILDERS TO H.R. HIGHNESS PRINCE REGENT. 

ENLARGED AND RE-CONSTRUCTED BY J. W. WALKER, 1860." 
This old instrument was removed in 1879, when the present 
splendid organ was entirely re-constructed by Messrs. Walker 
and Son, of Francis-street, Tottenham Court-road, and placed at 
the east end of the north aisle of the church at a cost of 700. 
This organ contains three manuals and great swell, with a 
separate pedal organ prepared for three stops ; one stop the 
open diapason of wood being at present inserted ; also draw 
stops. The pipes of the other stops only are required. The 
great organ is prepared for eight stops, seven of which are given. 
The only stop remaining to complete this portion of the organ 



OR HOLY CROSS. 105 

is the posaune (or reed stop). The swell organ, which is really 
very fine, contains thirteen stops, and only twelve pipes of the 
double trumpet are wanted to complete this portion of the 
instrument. "The choir organ is prepared for six stops, two of 
which the clarionet and flute are fhserted. The couplers are 
five in number, and the composition pedals six. Joseph Chalk, 
Esq., is the organist, which office he has sustained since 
1859-60. 

ANCIENT MUSIC USED IN THE ABBEY CHURCH. 

One of the most curious and interesting manuscripts that 
once adorned the library of the ancient Monastery of Waltham 
is now in the Lansdown Collection, 763, and bears the following 
title in rubric: " Huirt libnim botrhihtm 3|Tusk;tm (Surbonis, 
seripslt bcmtwus $olj;innts SSIirlDc, rjuoniram mntpti Htanasterii 
;mtt;t (Cntcis ire 3$ta(tlj:mt |J mentor." Annexed to this is the 
usual anathema which may be met with in most early MSS. 
belonging to religious houses. It is written by a later hand in 
black ink, and imports no less than a curse on any who should 
steal or injure the book : " Quern quidem lib rum, aut hunc 
tit ulum. qui malitiose abstulerit aut dekverit, anathema sit? 
Notwithstanding the admonition here given, the book appears to 
have fallen into rough hands, probably after the dissolution, of 
the Monastery. The volume is beautifully written on vellum, 
and contains 131 folios, including an original letter from Dr. 
John Wall is respecting a Greek MS. found at Buda; also a 
letter from Humphrey Wanley ; a note from Mr. West to Mr. 
Raper, 'with reply ; and a letter from Daines Barrington. All 
on musical subjects. 

On the first folio of this MS. volume we find the name of 
the author or transcriber John Wylde, Precentor of Waltham 
Holy Cross. His name occurs also on folio 51 b., and his 
initials, J. W., after the words Explicitint Regultz Magistri 
Johannls Torkesey de 6 Speciebus natarurn, folio 94 b. 

The contents of the volume appear on the fly sheet, /*.<?., I. 
Musica Guidonis Monachi. II. De Origine et Effectu Musicae. 
HI. Speculum Cantatium sive Psalterium. IV. Metrologus 
Liber. V. Regulae-Magistri Johan Torksey. VI. Tractatus 
Magistri Johannes de Muris de distantia et Mensura vocum. 



106 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

VII. Regular Magistri Thomae Walsingham. VIII. Lionel 
Power of the Cordis of Musicke. IX. Treatise of Musical 
Proportions, and of their Naturis and Denominations. First in 
English and then in Latyne. A fragment of this MS. is said to 
be in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The date of the volume 
is unknown, but from a Palceographical point of view we should 
suggest that it was written either late in the i4th, or early in the 
1 5th century. The MS. Quatnor Prindpalia Musices, Add. MSS, 
8866, is written in a similar hand, and a note at the commence- 
ment states that " this treatise upon music called Quatnor 
Prindpalia is attributed by some to Thomas or John of 
Tewkesbury, and by others to John Hambois of the name of 
Tewkesbury. No musical author occurs, and the name is only 
to be seen on the outside of the leaf of the Oxford MS., to the 
minor friars of which place in the year 1388 John de 
Tewkesbury presented a copy of this book." This MS., 
however, . appears to have been written circa 1351, and is cited 
by John Wylde as an authority in support of his arguments, 
which proves his book to have been written after that date. 
John Wylde was no doubt an excellent practical musician of 
the time, as indeed his office of Precentor of so large a choir 
as that of Waltham required he should be. His name is now 
unknown in the musical world, except as the author of this 
curious MS., which few writers appear to have consulted, except 
Sir John Hawkins and Dr. Burney. The first of these 
celebrated writers conjecture that John Wylde flourished about 
the year A.D. 1400, at which time the Church of Waltham was 
probably in a very prosperous condition. A Precentor or 
Chanter like YVylde had the chief care of the choir service, and 
not only presided over the choristers and organists, but 
provided books for them, paid them their salaries, and repaired 
the organs. He had also the custody of the seal of the Abbey, 
and kept the Liber Diurnalis, or chapter book, and provided 
parchment and ink for the writers, and colours for the limners of 
books for the library. William Harleston was the Abbot of 
Waltham in Wylde's time ; he had been associated with the 
Church for many years, as appears from an early deed* dated 
1387. The Chronicles of Johannus de Trokelowef informs us 
that this Abbot died of a most pestilential fever and was buried 

* Deeds and Charters, Augmentation Office, K. 42. Pub. Rec. Off. 
f Chronica Monasterri S. Albani (Riley) p. 334. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 107 

near the foundations of the choir of the Abbey Church. His 
coffin is said to have been disturbed in 1786. It is not known 
whether Wylde was a married man or not ; possibly he was, and 
unlike his successor, Tallis, he may have had a family to 
perpetuate his name, as we find several entries of the same in the 
Parish Registers of Waltham Holy Cross. The name is also 
mentioned in a private MS. in the writer's possession, relating to 
the proceedings of the Lord Court Baron of Waltham, temp. 
Elizabeth, i.e., A.D. 1586 A verdict was passed from Edw. 
Smyth & Eliz. his wyfe to the use of Gilbert Wylde and Joane 
his wyfe, of a cottage in the Corne Markett, and a garden neere 
to Catebrigg donghill in Scole streete. 

May 28, 8 James I. Joane Willd widow was found to be 
sesed to her & her heires gf a Cot: lyinge in the Corne 
Mkett late Thos. Tumor's. And that Agnes Somner, the 
wyfe of Jo: Somner, Glover was the dawt & heire of Joane & 
adm: tent. ' 

The old Parish Registers record the name in several places. 

Wylde informs us that he composed the first part of the MS. 
abroad, and the latter in England. In the reign of Henry VIII. 
this book fell into the hands of the celebrated musician, Thomas 
Tallis, whose autograph is fairly written on the last sheet. From 
him it is supposed to have paseed into the possession of Thomas 
Morley, gentleman of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel, who made use 
of it in writing his " Introduction to Music." It afterwards 
became respectively the property of Mr. Powle, Speaker of the 
House of Commons and Master of the Rolls, temp, William III. ; 
Lord Chancellor Somers ; and Sir Joseph Jekyll. At the sale of 
the latter gentleman's Library, it was purchased by a country 
organist, whose name is now unknown ; this musician presented 
it to Mr. West, the antiquary. Dr. Pepusch is said to have taken 
a transcript of the book. Mr West, it appears, possessed one or 
two of the Waltham MSS. " Mr. West to Mr. Raper, Mr. 
West presents his compliments to Mr. Raper, and sends him the 
old MS. musick, he mentioned yesterday. The book is very old, 
and belonged to Tallys the celebrated master of musick to Henry 
Vlllths Chappel. Mr. West will be very glad to have Mr. 
Raper's Judgment of it, and to know where the Greek MS. is 
mentioned by Dr. Wallis in the letter herewith Inclosed. 
Covent Garden, Dec. 4, 1767." 



108 HISTORV OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

After the decease of Mr. West, the doctor states that he was a 
considerable time ignorant to whom this curious and valuable 
M.S. belonged : but at length found that it had fallen into the 
hands of the Earl of Shelburne. Dr. Burney had it in his 
possession some time, and published long extracts from it. It is 
not generally known that Thomas Tallis was organist of Waltham 
Church temp. Henry VIII., probably before he became organist 
of the Chapel Royal. A short time since the writer discovered 
the name of " Thomas Talys " on the list of Waltham pensioners 
preserved in the Public Record Office, dated Anno 31 Henry 
VIII. This celebrated musician received xxs for wages (which 
was more than the other gifted men connected with the Abbey 
received except the priest), with a " reward " of equal amount. 
John Boston, the old Waltham organist, received at the same 
time iiis for wages and iii s for reward. This occurred at the 
dissolution of the Abbey. Tallis appears to have been employed 
at Waltham up to that time, and that is how he became 
possessed of Wylde's Manuscript Music. William Lyllye was 
" chaunter " at the same time with Thomas Tallis, and received 
v xiiis iiii., pension. Many of the chanters served as priests, 
and this accounts for Lyllye's pension being larger than that of 
the organist. The chanter received for reward at the same 
time iii-* Robert Fuller was then Abbot of Waltham, the 
value of his pension amounted to 200 per annum. When 
Tallis was at Waltham there were no less than three organs 
belonging to the church. " A greate large payre of Organs 
above, one in the northe Quyre and a lesser payre beneth," these 
were no doubt played at intervals by Tallis, and the " lytell payre 
of organes " which stood in the Lady Chapel,! and valued at the 
dissolution of the Abbey " at xxs " were played by John Boston. 
In 1546 he received "twenty pence for mending the organs." 
John Boston was a Waltham man, and died sometime before 
1564. As we find his wife died a " wedow," and was buried 
Jan. 30th 1564. Several entries occur in the Parish Registers of 
Waltham, of this family. 

The history of Thomas Tallis is little known, except what may 

* In the " Liber Niger Dominus Regis," temp. Edw. IV., the " Chaplene 
and Clerkes of the Chappelle " were required to be " Shewinge in descant, 
clear voyced, well relished and pronouncynge, eloquent in readinge and 
suffytyente in organes playing." 

t See History Lady Chapel (W. Winters), 1875. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1 09 

be gathered from his own works.* He was one of the greatest 
musicians of whom England can be proud ; born early in the 
sixteenth century and received his musical training in St. Paul's 
School, under Thomas Mulliner, John Redford's predecessor. 
Tallis devoted himself chiefly to Church music, and studied with 
Heywood, Newman, Blitheman, Shelbye and Allwood. It is not 
known whether Waltham was the first place in which he laboured 
in his profession ; however, he appears to have served in this 
church in 1540. A few years after he composed and published, 
in Archbishop Parker's Psalter, eight tunes annexed to " the 
whole Psalter translated into English Metre." 

He served as organist in the Chapel Royal under King Henry 
VIII., Edward VI., Queen Mary, and Elizabeth, and died 
November 23rd, 1585. His remains were buried in Greenwich 
Parish Church. Strype, in his continuation of Stow's Surrey, 
published in 1720, states that he found a brass plate in the 
chancel before the rails, with .the annexed inscription thereon 
engraved. The old church was pulled down soon after 1720 and 
rebuilt, when the memorial brass was lost, but the inscription is 
preserved : 

" Enterred here doth ly a worthy wyght, 

Who for long tyme in musick bore the bell : 
His name to shew, was Thomas Tallys hyght, 
In honest vertuous lyff he dyd excell. 

He serv'd long tyme in chappel with grete prayse, 

Fower sovereygnes reygnes (a thing not often scene), 

I mean kyng Henry and prynce Edward's dayes 
Quene Mary, and Elizabeth our quene. 

He maryed was, though children he had none, 

And lyv'd in love ful thre and thirty yeres 
Wyth loyal spowse, whos name yclypt was Jone 

Who here entomb'd him company now bears. 

As he dyd lyve, so also did he dy, 

In myld and quyet sort, O happy man ! 
To God ful oft for mercy did he cry, 

Wherefore he lyves, let deth do what he can." 



* In Mr. Arber's " Transcript of the Stationers' Register " (Vol. L, 
p. 144), occurs the interesting note " Master Birde and Master Tallis of the 
Maiesties Chappell." 



110 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

We are told that in this old church there were inscriptions to 
the memory of Richard Bower, and Clement Adams, gentlemen 
of the Chapel Royal* The autograph of Thomas Tallys, is on 
the last leaf of Wylde's MS., appended to which is the name re- 
written in large Roman shaped characters with the following 

note 

" xxi gilt bookes in qto and octavo. 

x bookes in folio, 
iii fayre sets gilt bookes." 

On folio 124 occurs, in a later hand, "Liber Sanctae Crucis 
de Waltham. 

This valuable manuscript of John Wylde's is entitled 
" MONACORDUM " (fol. 3), and divided into two parts ; the first 
is called " Musica Mannlis" which extends to fol. 18, and the 
second " Tonak" begins at fol. 19. ; (fol. 27 is a double sheet). 
The preface or " prologus '' commences ' Quia juxta 
sapientissimum Salomonem dura est, lit inferius emulatio." Wylde 
observes that the Gamut is adapted to the hands of boys, as they 
can carry the scale about with them, and adds that the left hand 
is to be rather used than the right, because nearest the heart. 
No mention is made of secular music, but the whole volume is 
devoted to sacred song. 

Sir John Hawkins, who has inserted nearly the whole of the 
latter part of this MS. in Vol. II. of " History of Music." says 
"Of the manuscript of Waltham Holy Cross it is to be remarked, 
that it appears to be a collection of Wylde's making, and that 
there is reason to believe that the first treatise, consisting of two 
parts, the one on Manual and the other on Tonale Music, was 
composed by Wylde himself. In the latter of these we meet 
with the term Double Cantus, and an example thereof in the 
margin, by which is to be understood a cantus of two parts. 

" Wylde's tract comprehends the precepts of practical music, 
and may be considered as a compendium of that kind of 
knowledge which was necessary to qualify an ecclesiastic in that 
very essential part of his function, the performance of choral 
service. 

"The Cotton manuscript and that of Waltham Holy Cross, 
which seems to contain all of music that can be supposed to 

* Tallis' " Order of Daily Service," edited with historical introduction by 
E. F. Rimbault, LL.D., F.S.A. 



OR HOLY CROSS. Ill 

have been known at the time of writing them, make but a very 
inconsiderable part of those which appear to have been written 
between the time of Guido and the invention of printing ; and 
innumerable are those who, in the printed accounts of ancient 
English writers in particular, are said to have written on various 
branches of the science. That the greater number of these 
authors were monks is not to be wondered at, for not only their 
profession obliged them to the practice of music, but their 
sequestered manner of life gave them leisure and opportunities of 
studying it to a greater advantage." 

The choristers of the ancient church of Waltham in the middle 
age appear to have been quite equal to those of other Abbeys in 
musical proficiency, notwithstanding what the writer under the 
name of St. Bernard has said. x In Wylde's time, and up to the 
brighter days of the Reformation, the " chaplenes and clerks " 
serving in the church greatly assisted in the service of song ; as 
we have before observed, they were required to be " shewinge 
in descant, clear voyced, well relished and pronouncynge, and 
suffytente in organes playing " The instrument used by Wylde, 
and later musicians in the church of Waltham, was probably a 
kind of portable organ called the Regal, or Regale ; Hopkins 
says that " musical writers have not explained the nature of the 
Regal, which was evidently to give out and sustain the melody 
of the plain-song." Mr. Carter describes the Regal as " having 
one row of pipes giving the treble notes, and the same number 
of keys." The early monastic organs or regals were very small. 
{See Lucinius's Musurgia, sen Praxis Musicas, 1536). An 
instrument " with broad keys " was used very early in the 
continental churches, a description of which will be found in 
the " Theorica Musica," published in Milan in 1492. The Regal 
was used in Germany till a very recent period. 

It might be observed here that early in the seventeenth 
century the parishioners of Waltham Abbey sold to the church- 
wardens of Cheshunt an old organ which would only play five 
tunes. And it appears that from that time to the commencement 
of the present century the Church of Waltham had no organ 
of any sort. The service of song was performed by a number 
of very able singers, who occasionally introduced into the 
orchestra a full band of wind instruments, such as the hautboy 



112 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

or oboe, bassoon, trombone, clarionet, flute, etc., which, doubtless, 
the ear of the present generation would fail to appreciate. 

Many years ago, while the organ-loft was in the course of 
erection in the Abbey Church of Waltham, a self-taught musician 
of the town played a small spinet, an instrument of the 
pianoforte kind, which succeeded the virginals, and from which 
it seems to have differed very little. It consisted of a case, 
sounding-board, keys, jacks, and a bridge. This feeble 
instument in a short time gave way to make room for the 
organ presented by Mr. Leverton. This organ was used on all 
occasions for upwards of forty years, with very little cost to the 
parish. For a number of years a lady, known generally by the 
name of " Polly Thompson," played the old organ. Since then 
the post has been filled by persons of great musical skill. 
W. Cummings, Esq., was for some time the gifted organist of 
Waltham Church ; also Messrs. Gibbons and Banks. This 
last named organist was succeeded by Joseph Chalk, Esq. 

THE FONT of the Abbey Church has been entirely changed 
in shape and character, by successive modern alterations. 
Originally it was a square bowl* with arcaded sides, the panels 
sunk about half-an-inch, and a sharp moulding round the 
lower edge. It was supported on a central pillar one foot four 
inches in diameter, and four angle 'columns 3^ inches in 
diameter. Years ago the angles of the bowl were cut away 
so as to make it octagonal, and the smaller supporting columns 
were removed, and the whole font was coated with paint. 
During the restoration of the church (1859-60), the bowl was 
further reduced by the removal of the mutilated arcades, still 
leaving the shape octagonal. It is now considered a fine font of 
Purbeck marble, but all trace of its original character is gone.f 

THE STAINED WINDOWS, IN THE CHURCH. Before the 
restoration of the Church the clerestory windows of the chancel 
were blocked up. They have, however, been opened and repaired, 
and glazed with tinted glass in various patterns. When the plaster 
was removed from the north aisle, the four large modern windows 
were found to have taken the place of a beautiful, two-light, early 

* A " Pardon bowl " is spoken of in Cranmer's works as being in 
Waltham Abbey Church (temp.} Hen. VIII. 
t Essex Arch. Trans. Vol. ii., 44. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 113 

decorated window, two Norman windows, and a very large flowing 
decorated window. 

The " Rose " window at the east end is a part of the restora- 
tion, and is in the Flemish style of the i3th century. As 
regards the style of window suitable for this church, most 
persons agree that it should have been in imitation of Normaa 
or early English. This window is estimated to have cost about 
^"1,000. The stained glass is of the best kind, supplied by 
Messrs. Powell, of Whitefriars, and the cartoons were designed 
by E. B. Jones, Esq. The decorations are said to illustrate 
the divine nature of our Lord; thus, in the centre is a figure 
of our Saviour, and around are the seven days of creation. 
The three lancet windows below exhibit the ancestors of Christ 
and the prophets. The aisle "windows represent the instruments 
by which our Lord was pleased to work out His will upon 
earth. Under the east window is the annexed inscription In 
memory of Elizabeth, sister of the Incumbent of this Parish, 
died April, 1859. Another inscription appears under the last 
window in the north aisle In memory of Lousia, youngest 
daughter of the late William B anbury, Esq., of this Parish, 
died at Bournemouth, Nov. 7th, 1867. In the chancel end of 
the north aisle is a stained glass window to the memory of Mr. 
Charles Carr of this town, butcher, who died August 2o///, 1852. 
This window was inserted by Messrs. Bell & Co., of London, 
and the cost defrayed by Mr. James Carr, miller, and one 
of the Churchwardens during the restoration of the Church. 
The adjoining window in the north aisle is a three-light stained 
glass to the memory of Mrs. Rosabel Saunders, late of Honey 
Lands, who died August, 1867. The subject chosen is the 
three principal incidents in the life of the proto-martyr Stephen. 
A window (south aisle) in memory of William Kent Thomas, 
late of Sewardstone shows us the four Apostles. t Two Norman 
windows (south aisle) were the gift of the Rev. J. Francis, M.A. 
These show the four Evangelists. In the same aisle is another 
to the memory of Richard Francis, Esq., born fune 23, 1820, 
and died July 19, 1855. In the south-western window are 
heraldic bearings ; also initials within circles M.S.-M.N., Obit, 
Oct. VII., MDCCCLIznd underneath is MDCCCLII. The 
newly discovered two-light decorated window has been filled 
up with stained glass, the gift of the late Colonel Edenborough, 



114 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

representing several good women of the Old Testament. A 
memorial window was proposed some time ago to perpetuate 
the memory of Joseph Hall, D.D., twenty-two years curate of 
the Abbey Church, and afterwards bishop of Exeter and 
Norwich. This proposition has not yet been carried out. The 
memory of Dr. Thomas Fuller, curate of Waltham for several 
years after Bishop Hall, is deserving of consideration. Two 
memorial windows have been added to the Abbey Church, in 
the west end of the building. The window is stated to 
be " In loving memory of the Rev. James Francis, for 38 
years Vicar of this parish." The window over the small west 
door represents the works of the Apostles, and is inscribed 
" To the glory of God and the memory of Sir Philip Francis, 
who died 9th August, 1876 ; and Colonel Alfred Francis, who 
died 27th March, 1876, brothers of the Vicar of this parish." 
THE HISTORY OF A WINDOW. There is a very interesting 
piece of history extant in connection with an early stained 
glass window which adorned the church prior to the dis- 
solution of the Abbey in 1540. The window is now in 
St. Margaret's, Westminster. The characters represent the 
crucifixion. A copy was taken in 1768 by Basire, for the 
London Antiquarian Society.* The letter press at the foot 
of the plate expresses the following : " The great east win- 
dow of the parish church of St. Margaret, in Westminster, 
was made by order of the Magistrates of Dort in Holland, 
and by them intended as a present to K. Hen. VII. for 
his chapel at Westminster, but he dying before the window 
was finished, it was set up in the church of Waltham Abbey, 
and there remained till the dissolution, when it was removed 
to New Hall, in Essex, part of the estate of Gen 1 Monk ; 
and was there by his vigilance preserved from injury during 
the Civil Wars. Some years since, John Olmius, Esq., the 
then possessor of New Hall, sold this window to Mr. Conyers, 
of Copt Hall, in Essex, from whom the inhabitants of Saint 
Margaret, Westminster, purchased it in the year 1758, for the 
sum of 100 guineas. 

The figures kneeling at the bottom of the two side panels 
represent Henry the VII th - and his Queen, and were taken 
from original pictures sent to Dort for that purpose. Over 

* Vide Vetusta Monumenta. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 115 

the King is the figure of St. George, and above him a white 
rose within a red one ; over the figure of the Queen stands 
that of St. Catherine of Alexandria ; and in a panel over her 
head appears a pomegranate. " Vert in a Field or the Arms 
of the Kingdom of Granada." Another version of the window 
is, that it was removed by the last Abbot, Robert Fuller, to 
a private chapel at New Hall, an ancient seat belonging to 
the Earls of Ormond, of Wiltshire. The duke of Buckingham 
afterwards bought it, and to guard against imputations from 
his party, caused it to be buried under ground during the 
civil wars, and it was afterwards replaced in the chapel of 
New Hall by General Monk. After that when the chapel 
was demolished the window lay for some time cased up in 
boxes, till Mr. Conyers purchased it for his chapel at Copt 
Hall near Epping, and paid Mr. Price, a great artist, a large 
sum of money for repairing it. There it remained till his son 
John, building a new house at some distance from the old 
seat, sold it to the committee appointed for the repairing and 
beautifying of St. Margaret, Westminster, in 1758, for 400 
guineas (Vide "Ornaments of Churches," 1761.) On the re- 
opening of St. Margaret's Church after the window had been 
inserted, a fine anthem was composed for the occasion by Dr. 
Dwyer. Soon afterwards the window got into Chancery, a bill 
being filed by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, to 
restrain the parish authorities of St. Margaret's from exhibiting 
that which the capitular body declared to be "a superstitious 
image or picture." But after seven years' litigation the bill was 
dismissed, in memory of which Mr. Churchwarden Pierson 
presented, as a gift for ever to the parish, a silver gilt cup 
weighing nearly one hundred ounces, which remains to this 
day the loving cup produced with great ceremony at the 
parochial entertainments. 

TOMBS IN THE ABBEY CHURCH.* 

Some of the greatest noblemen of this country have found 
a resting place within the sacred precincts of the Abbey Church. 
The body of Harold, the founder of the building, was interred 
in an eastern choir which was destroyed in the Pre-Reformation 

* For a fuller description of the tombs, see " Our Parish Registers," by 
W. Winters. 



Il6 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

times. Hugh Nevil, Lord Justice of England, was buried in the 
Church, in 1222, in a splendid sarcophagus, and in 1245 the 
body of his son John Nevil was buried near his remains ; also 
the favourite of Hen. III., Robert Passelew, archdeacon of 
Lewis, was buried in the Abbey, June 6, 1252. No monumental 
remains of the above noblemen exist at the present day. It is 
possible the tombs suffered much damage during the Common- 
wealth, as there were no less than forty-six old tombs in the 
Church at the dissolution of the Abbey, temp Hen. VIII., many 
of which covered the remains of Abbots, Earls, Knights and 
other notable personages. Bishop Hall once said that the 
church was the place for the living and not for the dead. The 
tombs are arranged thus : 

WEST END OF THE CHURCH. John Halfhide, died i4th 
Oct. 1814, aged 82. Also Mrs. Jane Halfhide, his wife, died 
1 3th May, 1827, aged 76. Edward Halfhide died 4th Sept., 
1764, aged 72. Also Ann Halfhide, his wife, died 3rd Jan., 
1784, aged 80. Elizabeth Powell, died 2gth August, 1750, 
aged 55. George Fawbert, died 22nd April, 1821, aged 68. 
Also Sarah Fawbert, his wife, died 19 April, 1828. Mrs. Mary 
Denton, wife of Mr. Robert Denton, died 4th June, 1795, a ged 
44 years. Also Mr. Robert Denton, died July 18, 1811, aged 
73 years; Mors Janna Vitce. Susan, wife of John Chase, Esq., 
only daughter of the above, who died at St. Heliers, Jersey, 
Nov. 6, 1841. Epson Middleton, Esq., dep. 17 June, 1825, 
aged 59. Edward Hillersdon, Esq., died 4 Jan., 1784, aged 67. 
Louisa Sophia Charlotte Harcourt, 3rd daughter of Henry 
Harcourt, Esq., of Pendley co. Herts, by whom he had issue 
three sons and three daughters. Also Louisa Sophia Charlotte 
Hillersdon, relict of the above Edw. Hillersdon, dep. 26 May, 
1798, aged 80. Also Sophia Hillersdon, daughter of the 
above Edward and Lousia Hillersdon, dep. Nov. 6, 1801, 
aged 57. Fredrick Jessopp, who died at the island of St. 
Vincent, 9 June, 1820, in the 2oth year of his age. 

By Strangers honoured, 
And by Strangers mourned. 

John Utterton, Esquire of Cobbin House, in the Parish of 
Waltham Abbey, dep. 22nd May, 1797, aged 52. Also Mary 
Utterton, his second daughter, dep. 4th May, 1822, aged 54; 
and Lt. Col. John Utterton, of Heath Lodge, Croyden, Surrey, 



OR HOLY CROSS. 117 

eldest son of the above John Utterton, Esq., died March, 
1843, aged 67. Elizabeth Harrison, wife of William Harrison, 
Esq., of Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, and of Cheshunt, 
Hertfordshire. His eldest daughter dep. 25 July, 1827, aged 62. 
Also Ann Saunders, wife of Thomas Saunders, dep. 21 May, 
1811, aged 68. 

SOUTH AISLE. On the floor of the south aisle is a slab 
bearing the following initials: E. H., 1791. L. S. G. H., 1795. 
Mr. John Birks, dep. June ist, 1765, aged 48. (South West 
Corner) Armorials' Richard Naylor, M.D. dep. 23 June, 1683, 
aged 63. Ann Pordage, daughter of Benjamin Pordage, and 
Elizabeth, his wife, dep. 20 Oct., 1682. Lionel Goodrick 
Pordage, son of Benjamin Pordage* and Elizabeth, his wife, 
dep. August 30, 1684. Elizabeth Pordage, wife of Benjamin 
Pordage, departed this life Novemb. ye 9, 1687, in her 43rd year, 
left Behind her Rachel Elizabeth and Edward Pordage of 
which she died.f Francis Wollaston, the onely son of William 
Wollaston of Shenton in ye County of Leicester, Esq., and 
Elizabeth his wife ye onely daughter of Francis Cave of Ingorsbie 
in the said county of Leicester, & the Lady Viliers of Brooksbie 
in ye said county of Leicester. Hee was born on ye 3rd July, 
1668, and dep. ye 28th Nov., 1684. He died aged 17, Nov. 28, 
1684. There is an ornamental slab to the memory of Francis 
Wollaston over the porch door, in the tower of the Abbey. 
The Arms of Charles II., dated 1662, were fixed on the porch 
wall. The Wollastons and Foxes of Waltham were related. 
Alexander Ruddall and Elizabeth his wife. 

The 29th April Anno Domini 1683, ^Etat suce 90 Oblitibus 
ero. [The above stone is broken and turned the wrong way.] 

Near the Font is a black and white marble slab. Mrs. 
Sophia Wood (wife of Mr. John Wood) dep. 26 June, 1841, 
aged 66. Also Mr. William Clark, brother of the above Mrs. 
Wood, died 2oth Jan., 1847, aged 66. Mr. John Wood 

* Benj. Pordage made an application to the Lords of the Treasury 
for the property of three men who were hanged at York, for counterfeiting 
the King's coin. 

t This family was related to Samuel Pordage, the barrister and dramatist, 
whom the poets, Oldham and Dryden, severely satirised ; the former as 
" the wretched bard," and the latter as "lame Mephibosheth, the wizard's 
son." 



110 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

died Sept. 10, 1854, and was interred in the Churchyard at 
the east end of the church. Likewise Mrs. Salley Page, 
sister of the above Mrs. Wood, and Mr. Clark, died i6th 
March, 1856, aged 83. There are a few brasses which have 
escaped the hands of the spoiler. On the south wall is a 
mural brass of the Stacey family, headed by two lines in 
Latin. The son is kneeling behind his father, and on the 
table are two books. {Legend} Edward Stacey of Waltham Holy 
Crosse countie of Essex, gent, of ye age of Ixxii yeares 
died ye lyth Marche 1555, leaving one sonne, Francis Stacey. 
Katherine, his only wife of the age of threescore and eyghtene 
dyed xxiiiith daye of Febrvary Anno 1565. 

Near the above is another brass in black letter. To the 
memory of the Colte family. 

" f)ere mtbet Inctlj ^urircb near la lljis pillar tljc bobges of fcljomas 
Colte (Ssqitgre aub ^agbalene Ins SSllgfe foba bab issljue betfotetie 
%m oi somtes & itii baitgljters (Slbrcb Ijomas beteaseb ibe xx've 
bag of $uue an<j. mcctccli* anb ilje sajjb ^pagtoUn Wifyo foas ibe 
Causer of iljis monument, beeeasseb tlje last bane of globembr. an*- 
mecctem foljose bobes aub soules gob scnb jojifull resurreeiioit. S^^is 
faas mabe ]i76/'* 

Small brass Xlobtrt 3R.;tmpston, of CInngforb, in tbe touixtn of Cssc 
gtnt. , beunscb. $ t tons t:trtfull in bis |ufc-tnme lo rrlubc tbe ^loort soe 
at bis tube bjr Ijis last Ctstitnunt be gnbt vii gertlij for tbcr to tbc :poort of 
bnis 'P is brs aub ;jjriisous, iub^trtof to tbc |)ooit of tbis ^lisbts of Mlaltbnin 
^oljr Cross be bath gibcu gcrcln for tbtr *ls. cTo be pnib in tbj |ttoiutb of 
|]tobcmbcr. $e bcjiartcb tb^is glortall life JE tbirb ban of August m.mtc.Ivvv fibe. 

THE CHANCEL END. Flat Stone. Master Walter Grenfall 
Chinnery son of William and Margt. Chinnery ol Gillwell 
House, Sewardstone. He died 19 Nov. 1802 aged 10 years 
7 months. Near the Denny tomb is the effigy of Lady 
Greville, of Harold's Park. At one time this effigy was in a 
recumbent posture, under a canopy supported with two marble 
pillars, over which were the Denny arms and the annexed 
inscription Heere lyeth buried the Body of Elizabeth Ladie 
Grevill Daughter of the Lord John Graye Brother to Henry 

* Above this inscription appears the family group, in a devotional attitude 
before two reading desks with books opened. The males on one side and the 
females on the other are surmounted by three shields bearing the arms of the 
family. A curious tale is told by Dr. Fuller of Sir Thomas Colte catching a 
Waltham monk in a " buckstall." 



OR HOLY CROSS. 119 

Lord Graye Duke of Suffolk, Sonnes of Thomas Lord Graye 
of Grooby, Marques of Dorset, &c. 

Another old tomb is also gone. To the memory of Ion 
and lone Cressy. James Cressy, Esq., of Waltham Abbey, 
was living in 1574. He was the son of William Cressy, who 
by marriage was related to Archbishop Cranmer. 

In the south-east corner of the church is the effigy of 
Lord Edward and Lady Margaret Denny, beneath a canopy 
of veined marble, and surmounted by armorial bearings of 
the family. These effigies are life size. Lord Denny is 
dressed in armour, and rests in a recumbent posture, leaning 
on his left arm. His lady is placed in the same attitude, 
in a black dress, with a ruff and veil. Under them are the 
effigies of their six sons and v four daughters, kneeling. Above 
the effigies is a lengthy inscription.* Several members of the 
Denny family have visited this tomb, and proposed to 
restore it. 

NEAR COMMUNION RAIL. Mrs. Susan Holmes, the wife of 
Mr. Thomas Holmes, who dep. 10 March 173! in her 43rd 
year. Mr. Thomas Holmes who dep. 12 Jan. 1739- in his 
63rd year. Thomas Leverton, Esq.,f dep. 23 Sept. 1824. 
His wife died August 4th, 1833, aged 76. John Walton 
Esq. second son of William Walton of Surrey Esq. by 
Philippa Bourchier 4th daughter and Co-heiress of John 
Bourchier M.D. formerly of this county. He married Hester 
Jacobsen eldest daughter of the two daughters and Co- 
heiresses of Sir Jacob Jacobsen of Walthamstow. He died 
on the i gth July 1757 yKtatis 58. 

* Farmer states, that underneath one Pillar of the said Monument on 
a black marble pedestal is the following: 

Learn curious Reader how you pass, 
Your once Sir Edward Denny was 

A courtier of the Chamber 

A soldier of the Field : 
Whose Tongue could never flatter, 
Whose Heart could never yealde. 

There is no trace of the above lines on the Denny tomb at the present 
day. 

t Thomas Leverton was the founder of the Leverton School. This 
school is kept up by the interest of 6,000, left by the founder. 



120 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Ann Walton second daughter of William and Philippa both 
late of Balam in the parish of Streatham and County of 
Surrey. She died unmarried 29 May 1772 in her 66th 
year.* William Sworder Walford eldest son of W. Walford 
of High Beech dep. n Sept. 1823, aged 25. 

The Travers' tomb (with Heraldic bearings) has been very 
roughly used. James Travers, buried August 5, 1707. Near it 
is the tomb of the Thomas family, late of Sewardstone. 
Carolettoe suae mserentes posuerunt Gulielmus et Eleanor 
Thomas, Parentes Nata die vii Septemb A.D. 1816. Obiit 
die xvi Aprilis A.D. 1820. Eleanorae optimse Conjugi Gulielmus 
Kent Thomas msereus posuit Obiit die xix Aprilis A.D. 1826, 
arm os nata xlii. John Skirrow of Leppits Hill in this parish 
and of Gilstead in the parish of Buigley co. York, dep. 
ii Jan. A.D. 1794 aged 59. Also William Skirrow youngest 
son of the above, dep. 21 Jan. A.D. 1801 aged 7. Also 
Elizabeth, wife of the above John Skirrow Esq., dep. 27 Feb. 
1832 aged 77. Also of Bridget Skirrow youngest daughter of 
John and Elizabeth Skirrow, dep. 31 July A.D. 1838 aged 49. 
The following is on a Brass in the chancel. Henry Austin, 
servant to the Right Honourable lames Earle of Carlile, and 
gentleman of his Horse, who departed this life the 6 of 
November Anno Dom: 1638. James Smith gent of Honey 
Lane in this parish Dyed August ye 18 1725 aged 58. Also 
Mrs Lucretia Smith wife of the above said James Smith who 
died June ye 27 1726 aged 41. Mrs. Mary Smith died 3 Oct. 
1731, aged 27. Near the Denny Tomb is a stone slab partly 
hid by the floor boards. Coll. Peter Floyer son of ye late 
Sir Peter Floyer Knt. and Alderman of the City of London 
Obt. 17 Jan. 1724. Also Mrs Mary Floyer wife of Capt. 
Charles Floyer Ob. 3 Jan. 1725, and Capt. Charles Floyer son 
of Sir Peter Floyer, Obt. 23 March 1732. Also William 
Woolley married Leitia sister of Coll. and Capt. Floyer died 
August, 1762 aged 70. 

Flat Stone with armorials (east end) Mr. Henry Arcourt 
dep. 1704, and Hannah his wife dep. 1735, and their nephew 
James Arcourt dep. 1769. The old iron rails which formerly 
enclosed the communion table were " finely gilt," and brought 
from Copt Hall. They once surrounded a royal bed on which 

* John Walton, Esq., was pioprietor of the Powder Mills in this town. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 121 

some of the Kings of England have reposed. Near the 
communion rails at the end of north aisle is a stone which 
at an early period contained the brass effigy of an abbot. 
There is also a massive Purbeck marble slab within the 
communion rails. The inscription round the verge of this 
incised stone in Lombardic metal characters has long been 
destroyed, but the matrix of the letters still remains. Another 
stone adjoining it, and partly hid by the rails, bears the following 
inscription : Hie Haroldi ; in Ccenobio Carnis Resstirrectionem. 
Expectat Jacobus Raphael, Gallus, Demuiii Scotus, demum 
Anglus, Denique nihil. Anno (etat, 70 Obit Mar. 30 Anno 
1686. "Here lyeth Mr. Swynefield." The epitaph has been 
Englished thus : Here in Harold's tomb James Raphael, a 
Frenchman, claimed both by Scotland and England, but now 
nothing, awaits the resurrection of the body. Died March 30 
1686 in the yoth year of his age. The register records the 
burial of James Raphael April ist, 1686. Flat Stone Francis 
Atkyns gentleman servant to ye Right Honourable Edward 
Earl of Norwich, and after his decease to the Lady Mary 
Countess of Norwich, and after her decease to the Right 
Honourable James Earl of Carlile. Buried July, 6, 1640. 

THE NORTH AISLE. In the north east corner of the 
church is an early black marble body stone on the centre of 
which is a floriated cross in relievo. A marble urn surmounting 
a pillar. To Caroline Chinnery, died in the twenty-first year 
of her age on the 3rd April, 1812. CAROLINE is inscribed on 
the centre of the urn and on the base of the pillar is written 
Walter Grenfell Chinnery lies interred in the same tomb. (See 
south aisle). Black marble tablet James Austin of High 
Beech in this county Esq. formerly of Kingston in the Island 
of Jamaica and late of London merchant dep. 4th June 
1803 aged 50. Miss Mary Austin died 16 July, 1827, aged 50, 
.also Ann daug. of the above died 28 April 1828 in her 46th 
year. Brass plate (near the robing-room). In the faith of our 
Lord Jesus Christ in which S. Stephen lived and fell asleep. 
This window is inscribed to the memory of Rosabel the 
devoted and beloved wife of H. W. Demain Saunders, i6th 
August 1867. The finest tomb in the church is one of black 
and white marble, near the vestry-room door (north side), to 
the memory of Robert Smith, a naval officer. The tomb is 



122 HISTORY OF VVALTHAM ABBEY 

adorned with angels and coats of arms at the four corners r 
and on the front is represented a ship under full sail with her 
name on her side, INDUSTRIA, surrounded with carved mathe- 
matical naval instruments, fire arms, and cutlasses, under one 
of which is inscribed the word " Socordia." The black marble 
slab above bears a lengthy inscription in Latin. On this tomb 
stands the marble bust of Henry Wollaston justice of the peace 
temp Charles II. Tablet. Thomas Leverton Esquire of Bedford 
Square London many years architect and surveyor to His Majesty's 
land revenue and other public offices, and in the commission 
of the peace for the city of Westminster and for the counties 
of Middlesex, Surrey, and Kent. A benefactor to this parish 
the donor of its organ and the founder of its Charity Schools. 
He departed this life on the 23 day of September 1824 aged 
8 1 years. Also of Rebecca his wife, Obt. the 4th day of 
August 1833 /Et. 76.* Francis John Birthwick Cole wife of 
* It is probable that the Jones and Edmonson charity dated 1756 for 
educating six poor boys led to the foundation of the Leverton School. 
John Cole of the Inner Temple, London, Gent, dep n August 
1822 aged 35; and was interred in a vault under the vestry 
of this Church. 

Black and white marble tablet in memory of the Thomas 
family of Sewardstone (Latin inscription). Underneath is a 
brass plate Annie Thomas youngest daughter of William 
Kent and Eleanor Thomas of Sewardstone died June 5th 1851 
aged 28. The window to the west of the plate is to the 
memory of her father. Sarah wife of Robert Wellham Citizen 
and grocer of London and daughter of Charles & Elizabeth 
Warner of this town died Nov. y e 17 1722 aged 29. Sarah 
daughter of Robert & Sarah Welham died March y e 23 17 if 
aged 8 months. A beautifully ornamented stone on the lower 
part is the profile of two heads. James Spilman Esq. F.R.S. 
many years one of the directors of the Bank of England and 
a commissioner of Greenwich Hospital. He died Nov r - i st 
1763 in the 83 year of his age. And also of Hester his wife- 
one of the sisters & co-heiresses of Sir Wm. Willys of Fen 
Ditton Co. Cambs, Bart. She departed August 23 rd 1761 aged 
72. This monument was erected by their only child Julia 
wife of George Richard Carter of Chilton co Bucks & Warlies 
in this County Esq. Near the north door, north aisle Tho. 
Jones Gent, Obiit 7 die D[ec.] A.D. MDCCLIII. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 123 

THE CRYPT. In the Crypt under the Lady Chapel are 
several stones with only the surname upon them, viz., 
CLARKE, BELLAS, COLE and also a large upright slab. A part 
of the Crypt, south west, was presented by the parish to 
Richard Morgan Esq of Warlies Park as the burial place for 
him and his family. The usual fees for burying in the charnel 
house were one third less than in the church. Mr. Thomas 
Pickthall, curate of Waltham, had a family vault in the crypt, 
but his remains were interred in Broxbourne Churchyard. 
James Webb born in this town and a citizen of London died 
28th April 1794 aged 78. Also Elizabeth Dingle grand- 
daughter of the above James Webb died aoth Jan. 1812 aged 
26. Also John Orlton father of Elizabeth Dingle and son-in- 
law of the above James Webb died 24 Feb. 1818 aged 78. 
Also Mrs. Sarah Orlton widow of John Orlton and daughter 
of the above James Webb died 19 July 1827 in her 79th 
year. Also James John Orlton son of the above died 7 May 
1837 aged 58 years. James Andrews departed April y e 20 
1709 aged 60. William Clarke died 26 March 1815 aged 39 
years. Also Martha daughter of the above who died 19 Oct. 
1 8 10 aged 6 years. In memory of Mrs Jane Richfield 
who died 3rd Dec. 1775 aged 54. Also Mr. John Richfield 
who died 15 April 1778 aged 63. Also Miss Temperance 
Richfield youngest daughter of the above who died 3 Oct. 
1780 aged 25. This stone and the Orlton Tablet formerly 
stood in the little south vestry and was removed to the Crypt 
when the vestry was demolished in 1875. In the Crypt are 
the remains of Mrs. Sophia Wood who dep. June 26 1841, 
and her brother Mr. William Clark who died 20 Jan. 1847 
aged 66 years. There are other tombs mentioned by Farmer. 
Ann Warton daughter of Sir George Warton Bart, died Sep 2 
1708.* Ann wife of Edward Parker dep 1780. Edward Parker 
Esq born 1736, died 1780. f 



* The Parish Registers, give Mrs. Theophilis Wharton daug. to Sir Poly- 
carpus Wharton, Baronet, Bur. 13 May 1706. Also Mr. Pilchard Wharton son 
to Sir Polycarpus Wharton, Bart., Bur. IO June 1709. Also Susan Wharton, 
Bur. 8 Jan 1719-20 

t Richard Brinsley Sheridan, resided for some time with Mr. Parker, of 
Waltham Abbey. See English Illustrated Mag. (April) 1887. 



124 

INVENTORY OF CHURCH GOODS, A.D. 1540. 



f "NVENTORY of Church Goods belonging to Waltham 
Abbey, taken at the dissolution of the Abbey by Sir 
Richard Riche,Chancellor of the Augmentation, and other 
Commissioners, March 24, 31 Henry VIII.* The original Inven- 
tory of the Abbey goods is preserved in the Public Record Office. 
Several portions of this inventory with other Waltham inventories 
were published some years ago by the Rev. M. E. C. Walcott, 
all of which in detail are here given from original MSS., as also 
those noted by Dr. Fuller and John Farmer. The value of the 
following inventory is considerable, as it shows the number 
of sacred and domestic buildings and their furniture connected 
with the Abbey, Temp. Henry VIII., nearly all of which 
buildings have long since been demolished: 

Thinner Parlor.\ Item the hangings of the same of olde 
grene saye, v 8 - Item a table borde w th ii trestelles and ii formes 
jjs. jjjjd. item an olde carpett of verdure xvi d - J Item a turned 
cheyer & a joyned stole, viii d - Item a plane cubborde, viii d - 
Item a portall of wainescott. 

* In one copy of MS. is mentioned THE CRETE HALL first, with iij grete 
table hordes, with iij formes the same filed about with wainescott and a 
portall of the same and ij old cubbords. THE ABBOTS UTTER PARLOR 
Item table bordes with peir of trestells. Item iij formes a ioyned stole and 
old cubbord, and the same parlor filled with wanescott. Item ij old gentish 
(Kentish) carpetts are in the wyndowe & the other on the cubbord, valued 
at vs. viiid. THE STONE PARLOR, wainscotted, with a portal of the same. 

t The Inner Parlour. 

% Vsrdaur, a hanging on the wall. Add. MSS. 24, 529, fol. 215. 

%* The Rev. M. E. C. Walcott says " The Inventory beginning at this 
end speaks of the Lady Chapel [which was built 1188] and the choir built 
c 1242 [Matt. Par. iii. 286], and then of the church [that is the nave], and 
my Lady Roos Chapel, which no doubt was the chapel of decorated date 
still existing. [W. Burges Report, 6.] The Roos family lived at Chingford, 
and I find two Chantries at Waltham, one of the Charnel in which the 
priest helped in serving the cure, and the other Our Lady's, with a fraternity 
called Our Lady's Brotherhood. [Certif. of Chantr. xix., 45, xxx. 61.] 
[See view of the Minster in Gents. Mag. with its southern chapel horribly 
mutilated, 1798]. I also met with an order for the repair of the Minster- 
nave as the parish church of Waltham, dated 6th Sept. 1286, in viridario 



OR HOLY CROSS. 125 

The Crete Semer Chamber. Item ii table hordes w th ii peir 
of trestells and iiii short formes. Itm an old carpet of turkey- 
worke. Itm an olde carpet of verdure. Itm ii flaundres cheyers 
& iiii. turned cheyers.* Itm vii olde white cosshions ii olde 
cussh. of vdure. and vi w* armes and myters. Itm one 
Aundyron & iii olde carpetts in the wyndow w* a longe white 
olde cusshion. Itm a cubbord w* an old gentish [Kentish] 
carpet. 

The Abbotts Chamber. Itm a fethurbed a bolster a pelowe A 
peire of blanketts a peir of shets and a Covering off verdure. 
Item a folding counter a plaine new cofer ii trusfing cofers vi 
cosshyones and a trussing beddestede.f 

The Abbotts Inner Chamber. Item a materes a fetherbedde 
a bolster a coving of Imagerie & a new coser. 

The Warderobe. Item xii cosshyons of verdure. Item iii other 
olde cosshyons. Item iii grete chests bovnde w* yron. Itm a 
peir of aundyrons. A fire pike and a peir of tonges. 

The Kings Chamber. Item hangings of grene sayej 
w* borders of painted cloth xxxiii 3 - iiii cl - Itm. a trussing 
bedstede w th Silor and testor of white bustyan olde embrondered 
with fflowres w* corteuins of grene and red saye ii fetherbedds 
ii bolsters ii pelowers a peir of fustyans & a courlet of the said 
bustyan iii //. Itm a litle square table a cubbord ii olde turkey 
carpetts ii gentish carpetts a flaunderes cheyers iii olde white 
cosshios and ii ioyned fformes, xx s - 

prope inferiorem aulam qucs camera abbatis appelatur. [Land. Reven. Papers 
1277.] The various chambers of the Abbot's Lodge and the Monastic 
buildings are mentioned in the inventory. It is satisfactory to find how com- 
pletely in many particulars it corresponds to the official notices of receipt of 
the plundered treasures. A guard we find was set to keep watch over the 
sacrilegious plunder until it was removed. A few vestments were reserved 
to the church use, and given to the neighbouring parishes. Organs were 
neither large or very common before the Reformation, but we find here ' a 
greate large payer above one the northe of the quyre, and a lesser payer 
beneth in the choir, and a lytell payre in the Lady Chapel.' Two 'Gospels 
in the Saxon tongue' which would be now prized as invaluable, are 
mentioned ; and among rarer articles of furniture, a folding table, the 
materials of lether gold, and crystal glasses." 

* Richly carved like Flanders chests. 
t A folding bedstead used in travelling. 

t Green silk. Royalty frequently slept in the Abbey in a chamber especially 
prepared. 



126 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

The Abbotts Chapel 1. Item a table on the aulter* peinted 
xxi d - Itm an old carpet, ii. other olde cosshyons iiii s - Itm 
olde hanging of thaultes with a diaper cloth and a litle dexte,f 
ii 8 - viiii d - 

The Crete Chamber called the Winter Chamber. Item olde 
hangings of blew and white throde, iii 8 - iiii d - Itm a trussing 
bedstede with a tester of like threde and corteins of grene 
buckeram vii s - Itm a mattres a fethurbed a bolster ii blankets 
an old couyng viiii s - Itm aundyron a cheyer a cosshion & ii 
formes xii d - 



next Chamber. Item the hangings of red and yolowe 
buckeram a trussing bedestede w* testor of the same buckeram 
and corteins of blew buckeram, xvi 8 - viii d - Itm a matres a 
fetherbedde a bolster a peir off blanketts & a countrpoint of 
olde Imagerye, xiii 8 - iiii d - Itm a trundell bedstede a fethur- 
bedde a bolster and an old coulet, vi 8 - viii d - Itm a cubborde an 
olde carpet a turned cheyer, xii d - 

The Queues Chamber. Item hangings of olde woven Aris, 
xxvi 8 - viii d - Item a trussing bedstede w* an olde testor and 
corteins of threde colored, x s - Itm a matres a fetherbed a 
bolster a peire of fustyans a peir of shets an olde coulet of 
tapestrie and a pelowe, xxvi 8 - viii d - Item a cubbord with a gentish 
carpet a korven stole a turned cheyer, iiii 8 - Itm a trundell| bed- 
stede a fethurbedde a bolster a peir of shets and a coverlet, iiii 8 - 

The Master^ of the Childernes Chamber. Item olde hang- 
ings of peinted cloth a matres a fethebedde a peire of blanketts 
a bolster a peir of shets and an other olde matres, xiii 8 - iiii d - 

Pratts Chamber [to Pratte\ Item a matres a flockebed an 
olde coverlett with a bolster. 

The Bakers Chamber. Item a matres an olde coulett a course 
peire of shets and a bolster, given to the said Pratt and Baker. 

The Buttrye. P. Abbe, Item v diape table clothes old woren. 
xxx 8 - Itm i double and vi sengle towells of diapr xx s - P. Abbe, 
Item a Dosem of Diap r napkyns. Itm a cubbord cloth and a 
coupane of diapr xvi d - Itm vi Plaine clothes for thabbotts table, 
xvi s - viii d - P. Abbe, Itm viii coser table clothes for side bords 

* Altar t Desk, a lectern i.e., Litany-desk. 

J A truckle, rolled back under a standing bed. Schoolmaster. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 127 

x s - Itm xii towells and vii cubbods clothes plaine xxiii 3 - iiii d - 
Itm v Dosem & vii plaine napkins, xi s - P. Abbe, Itm viii necke 
bandes. Item xii candlestickss of brasse x s - P. Abbe, Itm vi 
Candlesticks of pewter. Itm iiii Pewter pettell potts, iii 3 - iiii d - 
Itm v saltes off tynne, ii s - For the Abbott, Item ii chafinge 
dishes of brasse, iiii' 1 - 

The Kechyn \KitcliinI\ ii P. Abbe, Item iiii grete brasse potts 
and iiii other lesser potts of brasse xiiii 3 - Itm one posnet pott, 
xii d - P. Abbe, Itm one chafron with eares. P. Abbe, Itm an 
other chafre wth a stele. Item a grete panne w th ii eares, ii s - 
Itm vii other pannes with eares, ix s - Itm a grete and a litle 
kettell xvi d - Itm ii Skomers and ii Ladells, xii d - i P. Abbe, 
Itm ii litle brasse morters w* iii pestells xx d - Itm one Collender 
& i frying pane iiii d - Itm ii gredyrones, xii d - ii P. Abbe Itm 
x spitts grete and small, xvi s - Itm iii peir of rackes, viii 3 - Itm 
iiii kachyn knyves ii peir of pothoks one fire shouell & vi yron 
wedges, iiii 8 - Itm a grete pot standing in a furneys in the grete 
kechyn, xiii 8 - iiii d - Itm an Iron pyle, ii d - Itm a grete brasse pott 
broken iiii 8 - 

The Sculler i/. P. Abbe, Itm iiii Dosem di of good platers & 
viii olde xxxvi 8 - viii d > no. ii platts lackyng. Itm ix chargers and 
ii Slats, x s - Itm iiii Dosem potyngers xvi 8 - Itm iiii Dosem 
& v sawcers, viii 8 - Item a kettyll of brasse in a furneys. Itm a 
cestron of leade w th ii cockes. 

The Bakehouse. Item ii kneding troughes w th a brake and ii 
molding bords. Itm a panne w* a leade to heat water in. 

The Brewhouse. Item ii grete ffatters w th leads on them A 
masshing fatte & xxviii Kymnells xxxiii 3 - iiii d - Itm a grete furneys 
of Coper and an other lesser furneys likewise of coper, 
xiii; vi s viii d - 

The Graner there \Garner\. Item vii quarters of malt a 
iiii 8 - the quarter, Sum xxviii 8 - Item a horsemyll. Itm an horse 
for the same myll, v 3 - Itm ii Dragge neats for fysshing. 

The Smythes fforges' Item ii Andevyles the one the stele 
woren out and other trashe for a Smyth, xxx 8 - 

The Graunge\ in the garner there. ffirst by estimacon x 
quarters off whete at vi s - the quarter, lx s - 

* The house in the Market Place belonging to the parish is called " The 
Forge." 

t Probably the Abbey Farm. 



128 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

The Otebarne'\Qa.\. BarnJ. -Item in ots thresshed by estimacon:. 
.v quarters at ii s - viii d - the quarter, xiii 8 - iiii d Item in the mowe 
on thresshed by estimacon xv quarters at ii 8 - viii d - the quarter, xl 8 - 

The hey barne [Hay Barn]. Item by estimacon xxi lodes 
besydes iiii lodes for iii Browne hey at v xiii 8 - 

The Plowhouse. Item iii peir of harrowes and a plowe vi 8 - viii d - 
Item a litle ffurneys off leade iii 8 - iiiid- Item ii peir of yron 
draughts & vii yoks iii 8 - iiii d - Item the bodies of ii Donge cartes 
and one lyme cart wt i peire of wheles, x 3 - Item ii carts \vt yron 
bounde wheles, xxvi 3 - viii d - 

The Deyhouse* Item a cawdron of brasse bounde w tj l Iron 
iiii 8 - Item iii brasse potts a kettyll trivett a barre of yron and ii 
pothangers, vi s - Item a litle cawdron in a furneys iii 8 - iiii d - 
Item a gredyron and ii spitts xii 3 - 

The Cattell. ffirst iiii xx viii shepe wt xii Lambes viii Item 
v ixs. Kyne ii xxs - Bulles ii Bullockes and v xvis - viiid yerelings cxii 3 - 
viii d - Item vii Oxen vi Itm xiii bores and sowes yonge and old 
with viii Pigges xxiiii 8 - Itm vi carte horses v Item vi malte 
horses iiii Item xii Oxon in the stall x xvi d - Sum t. xl xii 8 - 
viii d - 

Come. Theise done Remityon unsold vntyll the Channellers 
pleasure be knowen. Itm in whete in a feld called Cobbefeldt 
cxl acr at vi 8 - the acr. Itm in the same field in ots c acr at v 8 - 
the acr. After open measure, made by the Tenants and the 
Kyngs Officers there was in whete iiii xx - i acr at vi 3 - the acre 
xxiiii* vi 3 - Itm after measured the oots whiche doth amount 
to iii acres Ixiii at iiii the acre xii xii 8 - Sum Totall of 
the goods sold to Mr. DenyJ besydes the Come in the felds 
c x s. v id. Whereof Receyued by the Receyuer of geffry gates 
xl - And so re. lx x 3 - vi d - Itm of the corne xxxvi xviii 8 - 
Sum Due by Mr. Deny besydes that that ys payed before iiii 1 *- 
xvii viii 8 - vi d - Sum Totall of the ornaments, goods, & 
chatalls before mentyoned w* the corne in the fld. ccij xvi s - x d - 

Whereof by Mr. North for iii Copes vestments deacons & 
Subdeacons xl d - franc Browne for hey cxiii 8 - Mr. Deny cxxxii 
iii 8 - x d - Receyued by the Receyuorlv 

* A place for cooking. 

t Cobbing Mead. 

J Probably Sir Anthony Denny, the King's Chamberlain. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 129 

Pensyons $ rewards appoynted to the late Abbot of Waltham fy to 
his Co brethere the xxiiii day of marche A" xxxi H. viii by the 
Com\)nissione\rs. It. to Robert ffuller Clerk late Abbott there 
for term of hys life [in land and possessions to the yearly 
value] thereof as doth appere cc. It. to Thos Warren prior 
ibm xx pensyon, iii reward ; It. Robert Wodleff, ix pensyon, 
iii reward ; It. to Ric Rede, vi xiii s - viii d - pensyon, iii reward ; 
It. Willm lyllye* Chaunter ibm vi viii 3 - iiii d ' pensyon, iii 
reward ; It. Tho hawkyns, ix pensyon, iii reward j It. to George 
solye, vi xiii 8 - iiii d - pensyon, iii reward ; It. to Ed. Sanders, 
Subprior, vi xiii 8 iiii d - pensyon, iii reward ; It. to Robert Pkerf 
Sexton ibm, vi xiii 8 - iiii d - pensyon, iii reward ; It. to Edward 
Story, viii pensyon, iii reward ; It. to Hege YongeJ vi xiii 8 - iiii d - 
pensyon, iii reward ; It. to Humfry Martyn, vi xiii 8 - iiii d - pensyon, 
iii reward ; It. to Miles Garrard, vi xiii 8 - iiii d - pensyon, iii 
reward ; It. p John Norreys, vi xiii 8 - iiii d - pensyon, iii re_ward ; 
It. to John Sanders, v pensyon, iii reward ; It. to John 
Holmested, v pensyon, iii reward; It. to Robert Hall v 
pensyon, iii reward ; It. to Edmund ffreke,T[ v pensyon, iii 
reward. [Signed] Richard Ryche, Wyllyam petre|| Sum cccxxvi 
Nicholas Gate, John ap Rice, Thomas Myldemaye, ffrances 
Jobson [auditors]. 

* A friend of Thomas Tallis, the Organist. 

t Robert Parker. % Hugh \ oung. Justice of Peace. 

If Edmund Freke, a scholar of high repute ; made Bishop of Norwich in 
1584, and died Bishop of Worcester in 1590. 

|| Sir William Petre was principal Secretary of State for many years. He 
died in 1571 and was buried at Ingatestone. 

It was thought at one time to make a Bishopric of Waltham Abbey. 
The scheme of the intended Bishopric here comprised a Bishop, a 
president xxiijfi vjs. viijd. ^B for the corps of his promotion ix* and 
xvjd. by day ] Book 24 Augm. Off. fol. 7. 58. by prebendaryes every 
of them by the yere xx& [the corps "] and viij 3 - by day,] a reder 
of divinite xx- iv peti canons to sing. [B to keep the quire] 
in the quire every of them viijs. i. [B. there are 6, one to be 
Sexton, a Gospeller vj , a Pisteler c- ] [B. like the peti canons they were 
to have i.] vj layemen to sing and serve in the quere, every of theei 
vj xiijs- iiijil. viij Choresters every of them v marks; a Mr.ster of (he 
children x^- iiij Students of divinite, ij at Oxenford and to\v;e at Cam- 
brydge, every of them xl*- ; xx Scholars every of them v 



13 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Washes and Rewards. Itm. Edward Stacy,* xiii 8 - iiii d - ; 
xiii 8 - iiii d - John Henghaie, xiii 8 - iiii d - ; xiii 3 iiii d - It Cristofer 
Cressey.t xiii 8 - iiii d - ; xiii 8 iiii d - Thomas TalysJ, xx 8 - ; 
xx 8 - John Buck, x 8 - ; x 8 - Itm. Henry Smyth, x 8 - ; x 8 - 
John Herde, vi 8 - viii d ; vi s - viii d - Willm Corbyn, vi 8 - viii d ; 
vi 8 - viii d - Rogr Gyttones, x 8 - ; x 8 - Richard Wallenger, viii 8 - 
iiii d - ; viii s - iiii d - John Corbey, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - Richard 
Marten, vi 8 viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - James Pratte, viii 8 - iiii d - ; viii 8 - iiii d - 
John Mombrey, viii 8 - iiii d -; viii 8 - iiii d - Anthony Pynnock, x & - ; x 8 - 
Humfrey Barrett, xiii 8 - iiii d -; xiii 8 - iiii d - John Palmer, vi 8 - viii d -; 
vi 8 -, viii d - John Childe, vi s - viii d - ; vi s - viii d - John Forman, 
viii 8 - iiii 4 ; viii 8 - iiii d - Aleyn Heyne, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d John 
Peycock, v 8 - ; v 8 - Raff Matres, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - Thomas 
Blakenam, vi s viii d ; vi s - viii d - Mathew Pek, vi 8 - viii d ; vi 8 - viii 11 - 
the wyff lauunder, xiii 8 - iiii'- ; xiii 8 - iiii d - Robt Buck, x 8 - ; x 8 - 
John Grey, v 8 - ; v 8 John Bennet, v 8 - x d - ; v s - x d - Robt 
Curteyss, v s - x d -; v 8 - x d - Richard Pratte, vi 8 - viii d -; vi 8 - viii d - 
George Spruce, v s ; v 8 - Willm Robts, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii 4 - 
John Nevelock, x 8 - ; x 8 - John West, x 8 - ; x 8 Richard Werbeck 
v 8 - ; v 8 - Lawerence Mune, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - David Hedley, 
xiii 8 - iiii d -; xiii 8 - iiii d - Raff Smyth, vi 8 - viii d -; vi 8 - viii d - Lawrance 
Mody, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - Willm Morice, v 8 - ; v 8 - Richard 
Curteys, v s - x d - \ v s - x d - Willm Stacy, v s - ; v 8 - Robt Brooke, 
v 8 - ; v 8 - John Bosten,|| iii 8 - ; iii 8 - Richard Wyldborne, x s - ; x 8 - 
Xpofer Godfrey, v s ; v 8 - Isaac Benyngton, x 8 - ; x~- John 
Barbor, x s - ; x 8 - John Jawdry, v s - ; v 8 - Thomas Bennett, vi 8 - 
viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - v children in the church, xx 8 - ; xx s - Willm Shelley 
x 8 - ; x 8 - Willm Parrett, x 8 - ; x 8 - Richard Rawlynes, viii 8 - iiii d - ; 
viii 8 - iiii d - John Syredd, ix s - iiii" 1 - ; ix 8 - iiii d - xpofer Brymyngton "iii 8 - 
iii d - ; viii 8 - iiii a x Thomas Muffett, vi 8 - viii d - ; vi 8 - viii d - Richard Herte, 
v 8 - ; v 8 - John Bedwell, v 8 - ; v 8 - Willm Byrke, v s - ; v 8 - John West- 
wood, v- 8 ; v s - John Tybbs, iii 8 - ; iii 8 - Hugh Busshe, iii 8 - iiii d -; 
iii 8 - iiii d - Robt Cley, iiii 8 - viii d -; iiii 8 - viii d - Richard Bossewell, 
iiii 8 - iiii d -; iiii 8 - iiii d - Willm Soresby, v 8 - iii d - ; v 8 - iii d - The 
wyff of the Bayly of the Graunge, v 8 - ; v 8 - Elizabeth Plume, 

* Edward Stacy, gent., see Tablet in South Aisle of the church, 
t The Cressys resided in the Homeland, and were buried in the church. 
Thomas Tallis, celebrated Musician and Organist in the Abbey Church. 
Bobert Curteyss, [Curtis] ancestor of the Pilgrim Fathers of that name. 
| John Boston, organist. 



OR HOLY CROSS 131 



ii 8 - vi d - ; ii s - vi d - Henry Chideley, v 8 - ; v 8 - The nurse of the 
howsse takyng no wages in Reward, x s - Sum liii e xvi 8 - ii d - 

INVENTORY OF MINISTER'S ACCOUNTS OF WALTHAM taken 
in the 3ist and 32nd of King Henry the Eighth, 1540-1 

[Exchequer Office Pub. Rec. Office]* 
Terri &: possession imp Monaster de Waltham ptm. 
Maner sive Somum de Waltham cu Membris. Compus Johms 
hyghine [Heigham] Ballun et Collects & ffirmitrum ibm $ 
tempus pdcm. 

Arrerayia. Null qr prumus Compus impius Compits ad 
usum dui Regis (no arrears) Sum null. 

Reddies Assis libor et Custum tenen in Waltham. Scd rd. 
Compm de xxxviii^ vii 8 \^- ob de Redd Assis tam libor qui 
Customiorum tenents in Waltham pdca pvt *$ diuers septiler 
Rentalia mde de pticulis ffacts sub hunc compu exam & prat 
pleums liguet & apparet Soluend ad ffest Aunnciaconis velete 
Marie virginis et St Michis Archi equaliter ^ annum. 
Sum xxxviii^" vii 8 - v d - ob. 

Ffirma. Terrar admuss divers psons ad Volunt Domini in 
Waltham. De xxiiii^" v ix d - de firmat dins terri ibm dumss 
dinsis psonis ad volunt dm vt Pr Rentlea Pdia sumliter sup hunc 
compm examinat & pbat Soluend ad fiesta pdia equaliter "$ 
ann. Sum xxiiii li. v s - ix d - 

Ffirma Terra in Waltham dunnfs dndf pson. Indentur ty 
ternino. De xxx^ xix 8 - defirma divers terr dumff duis psons "$ 
Indentur V termino Annor vt Pr Rentlia pdia ^ Annm Soluend 
.ad ffest pdia equal Pann. de vi^ de ffirma dms terr ibm dumff 
Edwards Stacye f termino Annor ^ Annum Soluend ad 
terminas pdios de \\, de ffiim de le Sheppecottefelds de Scrutehills 
ibm dimss dco comput av anno Ann Soluend ad pdca equalit 
1* ann. Sum xlii^" xix 8 - 

Ffirma V * pratonna in Holy f eld et Waltham. De Ixvi 8 - iii d - 
de ffirma x ma y pratorum ibm dumff dms psons de anno in Anr 
soluend ad ffesta pdia equaliter $ ann pvt Pr Rentlia pdia 
.Sum lxvi s - iii d - 

Reddus Assis liborum qui Custum tenin Hahjfield memb dm de 

Walthme. De vii^ vi s - od. de Redd Assis tm liborum qui 

Custum Tenens ibm V ann Soluend ad ffesta pdca Aunciacoins 

* From land in the four Wardships in the Parish. 



132 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

vte marie virguns & sc Michs Archi equaliter *$ ann prt Pr 
Rentlia pdca sumlit sup hunc Compm. examiatr. Sum 
vii; vi s - o d - 

Ffirma Ter in hallifeld. De xiii 8 - iiii d - de ffirma certs terr in 
tennia ad termuos pdcos equaliter "$ ann. Sum xiii 8 iiii d - 

Reddus Assis tarn liborum qui Oustumunonr Teneno in Uppeshire 
hamlett de Waltham. De xv, xvii s - vi d - de Redd Assis tarn 
liborum qm Custum Tenen ibm ann., Soluend ad pdia ffesta 
Annunciaconis bte marie virgnus et Sc Michs Archi equaliter ^ 
ann., Pvt. ^ Rentlia pdca Sum xv xvii 3 - vi d - 

Ffirma Terra ad voluntatem dm in Vppeshire. De xxi 8 - de 
ffirma cert terr ibm dumff dms psons ad Voluntatem dm ^ ann., 
Soluend ad eosdem terminos vt ^ Rentlia Pdca. Sum xxi 8 - 

Reddus Assis Custum Tenemum Sydwardstoun Hamlett de 
Waltham. De xxxiiii 3 - i d - ob ov de Red Assis Custum Tenem 
ibm ^- Ann. Soluend ad ffest pdca equal *$ Ann pvt ^ Rentlia 
pdca. Sum xxxiiii 3 - i d - 

Ffirma Terra in Sydwardstoun ad volunt. De xxvii 8 - iiii d - 
de ffirma cert terr ibm, &c. 

Domim. De vi. xiii s iiii d - de ffirma cert terr ibm dumss 
Jacobo Sutton, &c. 

Redd Mobilin in Sidwardsto. De iiii 3 - ii' 1 - de Redd mobili 
xxv gallmarum recept de Tenen ibm &c. 

Firrma Mali ffulloms in Waltham. De xl s - de firma moli 
ffollonis* ibn dumss ^ Indentur Robert Cresseyt ^ termino 
Annor Soluend ad ffesta Aunciacoins ble marie virgine sc 
Michis Archi equal ^ Ann. 

A LIST OF PIECES OF GOLD PLATE, &c., which accrued to 
King Henry VIII,, "as well by the surrender as Visitations of 
Religious Houses and Cathedrals. The original signed by the 
King's owne hand. By John Williams Maister and Treasurer of 
the King's Jewells." (Glastonbury Monastery) 1539. Hereafter 
ensuithe, as well all suche Somes of Money as have ben 
delyvered unto the King's majestic by the saide John Williams 
master of our saide soveraigne Lorde juells as also dyverse 
and sondry percells of plate newe made and bowght by the 
saide John Williams, sythens the saide first daye of Octobere 
Anno xxx. That is to say Furst delivered unto his majestic 

*A I'lilling filill for scoureing cloth, t Of the Homeland. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 133 

the furste day of November. An. supra, by thande of Anthony 
Deny one of the Gentlemen of the King's privey Chamber, 
the some of three thowsand fyve hundrethe fifty three pounds 
sterlinge iii m - v c - liii fi Item, delyvered more unto his majestic 
the same dale, and yere by the ands of Frauncys Jopson, of 
suchestuffe as came frome the late dissolved howse of YValu.ame, 
a pair of gilte Cruetts, weinge one and twentie unces. xxi oz. 
Item, delyvered more unto his maiestie the same daie, of 
Waltham stuffe, a Bason and an Ewer, parcell gilte* weinge 
four score and one unc. uu i oz. Item, delyvered more 
unto his maiestie the same daie of the same stuffe a Cuppe of 
Serpentyne, garnished with silver and gilte, weinge with the 
Serpentyne, seven and thirtie unces. Sum. xxxvii oz. Item 
delyvered more unto his maiestie the same daie, of the same 
stuffe, a Sconnse with an handle of silver, weinge fyfteyne unces. 
Sum. xv oz. f 

DETTS PAYDE AT THE DISSOLUCION OF THE SAID HOWSE [OF 
WALTHAM]. Payde to Sir Thomas HawkeynesJ as apperyth 
by a byll of pcells, Ixxii 8 - ii d - Signed wt th Chauncellor hand. 
Itm more payed by the Channcellors Commandment Willm 
Dune, xiii 8 - iiii d - Itm more payed xp ofer Colte for his 
wages and Rewards, viii 8 - Itm more lykewyse payed to Richard 
Kyrby by the Chauncellor's Commandement, viii 8 - vi d - 

The Charges of the Comissioners at the tyme of Dissolution 
the xxv th Daye of Marche An xxxi. (Hen. VIII.) 

To the Clerkes for ther paynes, xlv 8 - viii d - Item to the 
twoo p r cevaunts attendyng. of the Chauncellor at Walthame, 
vii 8 - vi d - Itm payed to Mr. Gates, svant for Watchynge in 
the churche,|| v 8 - Itm to Doctor Peter, xl s - Item to Price, 
xl s - Itm to Solocitor, xl s - Itm to Auditor, iiii Item to 
Receyor iiii Item to horsekepers for their charges in towne, 
v 8 - iiii d - Coste for the carrage of the plate. Itm to a Carter 
for carrying of the Kyng's plate and Juells from Walthame to 

* Parcel gilt means gilt inside only, or partially gilt. 

t Dugdale's Monasticon, Vol. I. pp. 63-7. 

J Thomas Hawkins, one of the Officers of the church, ejected at the 
dissolution. 

The Colte family were buried in the church, see tablet in the south 
aisle. 

|| Guarding the plundered ornaments. 



134 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

London, iii s - Itm to ii men for weytynge upon the same place 
from Walthame to London, vi 8 - viii d - Itm for vi ells of Canvas 
to stuffe the Coopes and vestments resquyd fr the Kyngee, 
ii s - Itm for iiii boundells of Ropes to stuffe the Chests w*- plate 
at vii d - the bundle, ii s - iiii d - Itm for the carage of the plate 
to the Courte and home agayne to the the Juell howsse 
xx d - Sum 



This bill made the xxvii day of Aprill An 32 Hen xxxii 
wittensseth that I Nycolas Brystowe have receyved of ffracnis 
Jobson the Kyngs Rec rs of ... with the ... of 
harteford* the pcells following Itm. ii Coppes of Redde 
coursse tissue with v woonndes.f Itm. A coppe of couse Redde 
tissue with vesture deacons & subdeacons sorted with ther 
Albes. Itm vi coppes of blew tissue with vestments deacon & 
subdeacon sorted with ther albes. Itm a vestment of olde 
turkey sylke the oferers of goold garnished} with purle & 
counterfeit stone. Rec all pcells aforesaid by the Kyngs 
Commandement and to his graces only use. Menst Aplis 
An Regeni xxxii d - "$ me Nich Bristowe. 

THE LATE MONESTRY OF WALTHAM. This Indenture made 
the xviii th day of Marche in the yere of the Reigne of our 
souaigne Lorde Kyng henry the viii th Witnesseth that I Sir 
John Williams Knight master and Treasorer of our said souaigne 
Lords Juells have Received and hadd the day and yere above 
said of ffrancis Jobson Gentleman one of the Kings particular 
Recevors of his Courte of Augumentation and for the 
Dyssoluying of the late monestery of Waltham in the Countie 
of Essex. Alle such pcells of plate as cam to the use of our 
said Souaigne lord by the Dyssoluyng of the said late 
monestery of Waltham aforesaid. The particulars whereof 
herafter ensuyth. /// Witnese whereof the pties above said 
to thise Indentures have setto there names and scales. The 
day and yere above written. 

Church Plate Delyuered to the said Sir John Williams these 
pcells of plate defaced and broken, ffurst a Crosyer wt iii pecs 

* Hertford, see Inventory of Parish Churches in Hertfordshire by /. E. 
Cussans. 

t Wounds of Christ. 

J Oferers or Orfrays, two bands about eight inches in breadth, reaching 



OR HOLY CROSS. 135 

of a staff of syluer & gylte [xxiiij oz:] Item iiii tables [of 
Or Lady]* plated wt sylver and gylte eny one of them wt ii 
folding leves [qr pacell pentjf It. v Gospeller^ wt sylur & 
gylte. It. one Crosse plated sylur & gylte. It. one Arme 
plated wt syluer &: gylte. It. a Crosse of Wodde plated wt 
syluer & gylte and a staffe broken plated wt syluer for the 
same. It. a myghter [mitre] wt ii labells garnished wt syluer 
& gylte smalle plees. It. a pyxe of sylur gylte. It. iii Chalices 
with there patents gylte. It. iii. chalices of sylur white wt there 
patents. It. a holywater stock wt a sprynkyll white. It. iii 
Sensors of sylur pcell gylte. It. A Shypp for franckensens 
pcell gylte. It. A nother shypp for franckensens pcell gylte. 
It. ii smalle candillstycks of syluer pcell gylte wt small 
buryalls.|| It ii Cruetts gylte. It. ii smalle Cruetts of 
Syluer whyte one lacking a cover. It. A paxe of syluer white. 
It. a smalle Bason for the Altar. It. a SconsIT of syluer white. 
It. a monstrance of syluer gylte. It. ii Crystall glasses typped 
w* Syluer.** 

House/wide Plate. Item a stonding Cuppe wt a cover wt a 
pounde garnett enamyled in the top of the cover 1* oz. It. a 
standing Cuppe wt a cover and a Dolphin enamyled in the toppe 
of the cover. It. a Goblett wt a cover haueing in the toppe of the 
cover the Image of Saint John. It. one smalle salte wt a Cover 
hauyng on the same a Roose in the toppe. It a Spyce plate wt 
oute a cover. It. a nutt of Buryall garnysshed w l syluer gylte. 
Item a Sarpentyne Cuppe ffassheon w l a cover of a masor 
garnysshed w 1 sylver. Item a stonding masor wt a cover 

* The chapel formerly called " Our Lady's," because there was founded 
in it a Chantry of that name, and under it is a very fair arched charnel 
house to which belonged a gild." Morant's Essex, vol. i, 45. 

t " An other foldynge Table [A dyptych for an altar] with ij leves plated with 
sylver gilt with Reliques An other Table with foldynge leves plated with 
sylver gilt hayng therein the crucifix. An other Table with ij foldynge leves 
the myddle pece plated with sylver havynge therin iij Crossys and the leves 
plated with sylver gilte sett with counterfett stones. 

% Gospels, probably Saxon. 

Pax a small plate on which was represe nted our Lord's Passion. It was 
kissed by the priest and congregation. 

|| Beryls, precious stones. 

11 A sconce fastened to the wall. 

** For relics. 



J 3 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

garnyshed wt sylur gylte. It, v masors garnysshed wt syluer 
gylte. Item one Bason wt an Ewar of syluer enamyled in 
the myddes of the bason and in the toppe of the cour wt 
Crosses pcell gilte. It. ii Goblets wt one cover haueyng in 
the top of the cover a lyon graued. One geven to the Abbott. 
It. a Salte of syluer wt a cover graven wt flowres. It. [vi. geven 
to the Abbott.] iii potts of syluer whyte. It. xxv Spones 
of sylur whyte. Whiche parcells of plate above written and 
.mencioned so defaced and broken waiyng in maner and 
fournne folowing, that is to say: In plate Gylte cccclxxix oz. 
In plate pcell Gylte ccli oz. In Whyte ccccxxxix. oz. By me 
John Williams. 

LAND IN ST. PANCRAS BELONGING TO THE ABBEY OF 
WALTHAM, 27 HEN. VIII. This Indenture made by Robert, 
Abbott of Waltham holy crosse on the oon ptye and John 
Palmer of Kentyschtown on the other ptye Wytnessth the said 
Abbot & convent by their hole assent &c., demysed granted and 
to ferme, all that their lands & tents medowys, wodes, ifec., in 
the pyshe of Seynt Pancras-in-the-ffyelds togeder lying on the 
south syde of Caenwode & Gyllys Haute comonly now callyd 
Millefeyld or Canewode feylds and also otherwise callyd. Mylle- 
ffeyld, huntffeyld, <&c., lately in tennor of oon Nicholas Grey. 
The said John Palmer his assigns, &c., to have and to hold 
the said premises for the term of forty and oon years, paying 
yerely the some of fiyve pounds sterlyng at too usual times in the 
yere, &c. In wytnes whereof eyther of the seid ptes to these 
psents indenturs enterchaungeably have put the Scales geven in 
the Chapyter howse of the seid Abbott & Convent the day & yere 
as aforseid. \Vide Conventual Leases.] 

THE VESTERY STUFF. iii copes ffurste a pryst deacon and 
sub-deacon of blewe satten of bridges with albes to the same 
xxx 8 - ii copes of white satten of bridges xiij 8 - iiii d - a cope of olde 
white damaske, with a vestment pryst, deacon and sub-deacon to 
the same, with albes geven to the parrysshe of Walthame xiij 8 - 
iiii d - Itm. ii copes and vestment deacon and sub-deacon, with 
albes to the same of redde old Turkey silke xx s - a cope of olde 
redd satten of bridges, with vestment deacon and sub-deacon 
lakkinge albes, vj s viij d - iiij copes of old braunched saye [silk] 
black, with vestment deacon and sub-deacon, with albes xv s - geven 
to the pysshe of Walthame. Itm. a vestment deacon and sub- 



OR HOLY CROSS. 137 

deacon, with albes of old dovnyxe v 8 - geven to the pore churches 
ther abouts, a vestment deacon and sub-deacon, with albes of old 
dornixe v s - a pryst deacon and sub-deacon of whyte colyn 
[Cologne] bawdekyn with albes v 8 - a vestment deacon and sub- 
deacon of grene and blewe torne sylke with albes to the same v 8 - 
a vestment deacon and sub-deacon of olde red damaske, with 
albes, vs. prieste, deacon and sub-deacon of whyte bustyan, with 
albes iij 8 - iiij d - a syngle vestment of whit and blewe sylke xx d - an 
old cope of ymagery, with flowres xiiij 8 - iiij d - a cusshen of crym- 
sen velvett, with the leteres of C and R, x s - I?es pro Rege. iij 
copes of redd purple tyssue, with v wondes* a cope of coursef 
redde tyssue, with vestment deacon and sub-deacon of the same- 
sorte,J with albes, vj coopes of blewe tissue, with a vestment 
deacon and sub-deacon of the same sorte, with vj albes lackinge 
iii. . . . Mr. North iii coopes, vestment, deacon and sub- 
deacon of redde bawdekyn, with flewers and albes to the same 
x s - DAT' Louton [Loughton] se Chygewell ii coopes of redde 
sylke, very olde wherof one with faukouns and another with 
swannes, with a vestment deacon and sub-deacon, with albis to 
to the same lxvj s - viij d - an old coope of lether gold iiij d - Brox- 
jjonrne and Wormley iiij coopes of olde yellow sylke vestment 
deacon and sub-deacon, with albes to the same iiij,. v coopes, 
a vestment, deacon and sub-deacon, of white damask with albes 
1 s - iij coopes of greene damaske, with albes xxvj 8 - viij d - 
iiij coopes of redd bawdekyn xl s Nasytig. A tunicle of white 
bawdekyn, with coper gold.|| Itm. ij coopes of grene sylke, 
wroughte with byrdes and floures xiij 3 ij coopes of redd counter- 
feit sylver x s - Wormeley** iij coopes of lether gold, ij greneand 

* The heart and pierced hands and feet of our Saviour. 

t "Course," in the 'receipt" a vestment of cowers silk. MS. Inv. Augm. 
Off 309, 40. 

J Sortly or agreeably. 

$ Probably wall hangings made of thin pliant leather, a tapestry, painted 
l>y hand. 

|| Gold of the colour of burnished copper. 

** The Abl ot of Waltham Lord of the Manor of Wormley was annually 
-wont to send (to the cross erected at Wormley West End) some of his canons, 
who on the 3rd of May and I4th September, walked in solemn procession 
with the parishioners singing a Htany. This place retains the name of Holy 
Cross. This seems to be a kind of processioning to keep the lands that 
join to the kingdom of Mercia distinct from the lands of the Abbey of St. 
.Albans which were in that kingdom, and contiguous to Wormley. See 
. Salmon's Hist. Herts, p. 14, 



138 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

one blewe, with vestment deacon and sub-deacon, with albes to 
the same xx 8 - ij tunicles of greene silke with albes to the same 
iij 8 v coopes of blewe velvet, wherof one with aungels of gold 
and crosses and the vj th with aungells in cloudes, with vest- 
ment deacon and sub-deacon, and albes to the same xiiij^". 
Broxbourne. iij coopes with vestment deacon and sub-deacon, 
and albes of white bustain xiij 8 iiij d - a coope vestment deacon 
and sub-deacon with albes to the same of redd silk wrought with 
byrdes x 8 

GEVEN TO THE CHAPPELL IN WALTHAME. A vestment 
deacon and sub-deacon of grene and white bawdekyn with albes 
vjs. viij d - [at S. John's altar] a syngle vestment of olde redd 
velvett iiij 8 - on other single vestment of white bustain xxj tl - Pro 
rege, a redd velvet coope, a white coope of sylke a coope of blewe 
bawdekyn and a vestment sett with perle, given to Mr. Pope By 
Mr. North. Summa Ornamentorum c xxv^ cum x li superplus 
Edward North, a Gospeler plated with sylver having upon the 
same a Crucifixe and Marye and John, gilte (nil), a crosse, plated 
with sylver gilte with a large long bone in the same, a Gospler, plated 
with sylver gilte havinge in the myddes the Ymage of Cryste with 
the iiij Evangelysts nl. an other Gospler plated with sylver gylte 
havinge the crufixe, Mary and John in the myddes, and ij Teth* 
a GOSPELER OF THE SAXON TONGUE, having thone syde plated 
with sylver parcell gilte, with ye ymage of Cryst nl, an other 
GOSPLER OF THE SAXON TONGE, with the Crusifixe and Mary 
and John having a naked man holding up his hands of sylver 
gilte, nl.an Armf with relyques garnysshed with counterfeit stone, 
plated with sylver gilte, nl. a crosse of wood plated with sylver 
gylt garnysshed with counterfeit stone, and a staff, broken, plated 
with sylver for the same, nl. J 

OUR LADY CHAPPELL. A Table of ymagery of the xij, 
apostells x 8 a lytell payre of organes xx 8 - 

* Teth, probably of Mary and John (?). In the Inv. of Sarum is an ampul 
of chrystal containing a tooth of St. Anne." 

t " Reserved for the King." 

J The Rev. M. E. C. Walcott says, "Another receipt is appended for 
vestments for the king's use, marked with this addition, a vestment of olde 
Turkey Sylke, the orferes of goold garnesshed with parls and counterfeit 
stone." These may have been beads or artificial pearls. 

A pair of organs simply means an organ having more pipes than one. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 139- 

IN THE QUYRE. A greate large payre of Organes above, one 
the northe of the Quyre, a lesser payre beneth. ij smalle candel- 
styks of tynne xxij d iii smale lamps of brasse. 

IN THE CHURCH. xlvj Gravestones and Tombes in sundry 
places of the churche 

IN MY LADY ROES CHAPPELL.* Geven iii syngle vest- 
ments, with ij albes, very olde vi s - viij d - The Abbot received a 
stondynge cuppe with a cover, with a crowne ymperial in the 
toppe of the cover, twoo Saltes, with one cover of a sort, with a 
rose graven in the top of the cover, ij Nutts, with one cover 
garnysshed with sylver gylte. ix Masors, garnysshed with sylver 
gylte. Parcell gylte, ij basons of sylver, with ij ewers enamelyd 
in the myddes of the basones in the toppe of the covers with 
crosses, white ix potts of sylver xxvi spones of sylver, x 
spones of sylver with knoppis gilte. Nomina [vi.] Juratontm aa 
vere et indeferenter appreciandum omnia singula mobilia dicti uitper 
nwnaxterium electorum et jura torn in. Signed Johnes Cocks gent., 
Robertus Cressy, Johnes West, Rolandus Raunson, Willm Roche, 
Willm Woodleffe. 

CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS OF THE ABBEY, A.D., 1540-2. 
The progress of destruction (according to Dr. T. Fuller) with 
which the Abbey was visited after the dissolution, was great, 
Part of the church, with the offices, &c., were demolished for the 
sake of the materials, the nave only being reserved to the inhabi- 
tants to serve as a parish church. 

Dr. Thomas Fuller writes Item, know, then, there were six 
ordinary obits which the churchwardens did annually discharge, 
namely, for Thomas Smith, and Joan his wife, on the i6th of 
January; for Thomas Friend, Joan and Joan his wives, on the 
i6th February; for Robert Freest, and Joan his wife, on the loth 
April; for Thomas Towers, and Catherine his wife, the 26th April; 
for John Breges and Agnes his wife, the 3ist May; for Thomas 
Turner, and Christian his wite the 2oth Dec. The charge of aa 
obit was 2S. 2d., and if any be curious to have the peculiars 
thereof it was thus expended, viz., To the parish priest, 4d; to- 
Our Lady's priest 3d.; to the charnel priest 3d.; to the clerks 4d. ; 
to the children (choristers) 3d.; to the sexton 2d. ; to the bell- 
man 2d. ; for two tapers 2d. ; for oblation 3d. To defray the 
expenses of these obits, Thomas Smith bequeathed a tenement 

* See my history of Our Lady Chapel, restored 1875. 



140 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

in the corn market, and others gave lands in Upshire, called 
Paternoster Hills; others ground elsewhere, besides a stock of 
1 8 cows which the wardens let out yearly to farm for i8s. 

ANNO 1542. Imprimis. For watching the sepulchre, a groat. 
Item, paid to the ringers at the coming of the King's grace, six- 
pence. "Yet Waltham bells told no tales every time King 
Henry came hither, having a small house in the Romeland to 
which he is said oft privately to retire for pleasure." Item, paid 
unto two men of law for their counsel about the church leases, 
6s. 8d. Item, paid the attorney for his fee, 2od. Item, paid for 
ringing at the prince's coming id. 

ANNO. 1543. Imprimis Received of the executors of Sir 
Robert Fuller given by the said Sir Robert to the church, 10. 
Abbot Fuller bequeathed to the church a chalice, silver and gilt, 
which they afterwards sold for 7.* 

ANNO. 1544. Received of Adam Tanner the overplus of the 
money which was gathered for the purchase of the bells, 2 45. 
i id. Hem. Received of Richard Tanner, for eight stoles, 33. 
These very rags of popery sold for 4^d. each. Item. Paid for 
mending the handbell 2d. This was the "saint's bell," carried by 
the sexton at the "circumgestation" of the sacrament, the visita- 
tion of the sick, &c. Item. Paid to Philip Wright,f carpenter, 
for making a frame in the belfry, i8s. 4d. 

ANNO. 1546. Item, for clasps to hold up the banners in the 
body of the church, 8d. Item. Paid to John Boston^ for mending 
the organs 2od. 

THE ABBEY FLOUR MILLS. The two flour mills near the 
Abbey were let by the Abbot of Waltham temp. Henry VIII. to 
James Blount, miller, for 26 135. 4d. per annum, to be paid 
quarterly ( Vide Conventional Leases Aug. Off. Essex, No. 209, 
Pub. Rec. Off.) ||. 

* Vide Churchwarden's Accounts, Anno 1556. 

t The author possesses the original list of subscribers towards buying the 
bells; and in which occurs the name of Philip Wright (See "Our Parish 
Registers," p. 136.) 

| John Boston, organist, a pensioner at the dissolution of the Abbey. 

|| This Indent, made xxviii. day of Septembre the twenty yere of the Reign 
of Kyng henry the viii. bytweene Robert Abbot of Waltham holy crosse on 
the one pt, and Jamys Blount of Waltham afsd myller, on the other ptye, 
Wytnesseth that the afsd Abbott and Convent have dymysed lettyn and 



OR HOLY CROSS 141 

This Cedull wytnessyth that hereafter ensuying bene specyfyed 
certene Implements and necessaryeas beyng w th yn the saide mylle 
that is to say: 

a ffyrst a payer of mylstons for the whete myll a Byn and a 
hoper. 

a Item. A payer of mylstons for the malte myll a Byn and a 
hoper. Item, oon drage hoke vv tyngs. 

a Item, ij Bushel basketts ij tryndells vii tryndells heds viii sett 
of Coggs vi Trindells savye vii oz - fetherbords iiii Plancks oon fane 
oon cable vi hopys of yron for the tryndell heds, oon grett hamer, 
oon Crowe of yron, oon small Crowe of yron, oon hadds, oon 
shave, ii chesells xii myll bylls, oon Pecke, oon half pecke And 
oon sherynge hoke. 

KING EDWARD THE SIXTH, A.D., 1547 1553. Extracts 
from Certificate of Colleges and Chantries, taken by the Com- 

betakyn to ferme unto the afsd Jamys Blount, there two Water millis in 
Waltham afsd, under one Ruffe stondyngeand beynge next unto foresayd Abbey, 
durying the terme of sex and ten yeers, to have and to hold the afsd two mills 
w*' 1 all, &c., from the feast of seynt michell the archnngell next comyng unto 
yeldyng and payinge therefor yerely unto the afsd Abbot & Convent &c.. 
twenty-sex pounds threttyn shillings and four pens at four term^s in the yer. 
That the sayd James Blounte his executors at there proper cost shall there 
cutt and cleanse all the Weds in Ryus whereby the water may have his full 
course to the afsd mylls. Also the afsd Jamys Blount couenutylhe (covenanteth) 
unto the afsd Abbott that when the sayd Abbott shall send unto the afsd mylls 
any manor of corne As whete or malte to be grounde there, that then the sayd 
Jamys Blount shall not make no delay for the gryndyngy of the same corne, 
and on that the afsd Jamys Blount shall suffer the afsd Abbott to enter ynto 
the afsd mylls or ynto any grounde to the sayd mylls. And there to jat at 
there liberty wth a castynge nett ynto all the waters there bynge And all suche 
ffyshe as they shall take at any time to have yt to thire owne use Also the 
afsd Abbott couentith for him and his successors to susteyne and kepe all the 
Repacons of the afsd two mylls and to fiynde all man of milestons and 
Cogke tymber to the same mylls with the caryage of the same And so to be 
contynewed at the proper cost and charge of the afsd Abbott durying the 
afsd time. And also the afsd Abbott and his successors grauntyth to the afsd 
Jamys Blount to have 'yerely owt of the forest xii loods of fewell callyd 
ffyerwood so that the afsd Jamys Blount shall paye the charge for the fpllynge 
and caryage of the wood durynge this psent terme. And where the afsd 
Jamys Blount & Thomas Waren of Waltham, bocher by these wryting obli- 
gatorye and either of them be bounde under the afsd Abbot in the sum of 

forty pounds slerlynge, &c., in witness. 

Robert Cressy rented a fulling mill in Waltham of Lady Joan Denny 

7 Ed VI per annum xl s - Vide Particulars for Grants, Augmentation Office. 



142 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

missioners temp Ed. VI. A.D. 1547-53. Reditt vuns Shoppe sine 
Stall in le butcherye in tennis Thome fletcher p. Anum. v 3 - 

Eddford St. Redit vuns Tenti voc in Eldfforde Stret in Tenu 
Thome blackman p. Anum iiii 8 - iiii d - Honey Lane. -Reddit 
vuns Croft terr cont p estimac 1 1 Acre terr vacen in honey lane 
in tenn Johis West p Ann. v s - High Street. Reddit vums Tenti 
jacent in high strete in teun Radulphi Smith p. Ann. xii d - Reddit 
vums horrei in pormar iacent in Eldforde Stret in tenn Willm 
Sponer p Anm. vi s - viii d - Freshing Lane Reddit n pec prati cont p 
estimac i Acr et iac in freshing lane in tenur Willm Aylewarde 
p Ann. vi s - viii d - Elford fields. Reddit vuns Croft terr cont 
*$ estimacon ii Acras et di iac in Elffoi'de ffddes in tenur Anne 
bright vidue f Ann. v s Avey lane. -Reddit vums Croft terr 
cont p Estimac 1 1 1 Acr iac in Alvve lane in tenur Johis Pecoke 
f Ann vi 3 Holyfield. Reddit vums di Acr prati iac in lioly- 
jfdd meade in tenur Johis Cavill ^ Ann. xviii d - Edmundsey. 
Reditt 1 1 Acr prati iac in Edmudsaije in tenur. . . . Curteis 
vidue ^ Ann. vi s - Shermans Mead. Reddit vuins Acr prati 
iac in Sherman? s-meade in tenur Johis Peacock ^jp- Ann. iii s - iiii d - 

Guilds sine ffraternitas we to Charnell in Waltham see cnic. 
Pad\[>ool. Reddit vunis di acre prati iacent in Padypoole in 
tenur Mich Stocke *$ Ann. xviii d - Town Mead. Reddit vuns 
di Acr prati iac in Tunne meade in tenura Willim Aylewarde <$ 
Ann. xx' 1 Rflijdon. Reddit vums di Acr prati iac in Roydon in 
tenur Ann viii d - Town mead. Reddit vums Acr prati iacen in 
Tune meaie in tenur William Aylewarde ^ Ann. iii s Fowlletj. 
Reddit iii Rodap prati iacut in ffowlley in tenur Martyn ^ Ann. 
xx d Reddit resolut duo Racri put Manerio suo de Waltham 
See Crucis ^ Ann. iiii s viii d - ob. Cobmead. Ptaclers del to one 
of the sumptors of the Kyngs howssehold in one coll. Reddit 
vums Tenti cu di Acr prati iac in Cob meade in tenur Thome 
Walleys reddend in dep Ann. xx s - Higlibridge Street. Reddit 
vums Cottag jac in West Strete in tenur Robti Postays redd inde 
"$ Ann ii s - Cobmead. Reddit di Acr prati iac in Cobmeade in 
tenur. p Ann. xvi d - Elderstreet. Reddit vums tenti iac in 
Elderstrete in tenur Willim hill p Ann. v s - Reddit tenti iac i in 
fforo ibm in tenur Jenkynson Showmaker p Ann. viii 8 - 

FRATERNITAS. Voc o r ladyes brotherhoode in Waltham. See 
Crucis Pticlers del to William* Mr. Deny Sumter in one collec- 
tion. Reddit di Acr prati iac in bunttyngsaij in tenur p Ann xx d - 



OR HOLY CROSS. 143 

Reddit di acr prati iac in Roipnny in tenur William Stephin 
reddend inde p Ann. xxi d - Reddit vums orti iac in highe stteate 
cont vuam acr et di p. estura in tenur Alic Turner p. Ann. vi s - 
viii' 1 - Reddit vums Tenti iac in Ellford Strete in tenur Ale 
Birde p. Ann v s Reddit vums Shopp in fforo ibm in tenur Thome 
Dudley p. Ann. iii s - Reddit iiii Acr ter iac in communibus Campis 
ibm in tenur John Peacocke p Ann. iii s - iiii d Reddit umus Tenti 
iac Apud Shepcotstreate tenur Rici Mrter p Ann iii 8 - iiii d - Marsh 
.gate. Reddit vums Tenti iac Apud mshe gate in tenur Johis 
Hacrells p Ann. xii d Langrege liolyfield. Reddit cert ter iac 
in Nasing voc langrege in tenur Johis Porteis reddend inde p Ann 
.\x\vi s viii (1 - Rccps, Reddit resolut duo Regis prt mano suo de 
Waltham p Ann v s - iiii d - 

ANNO 1549. Imprimis. Sold the silver plate which was on 
the desk in the charnel weighing five ounces, for 253. This desk 
was inlaid with silver. Item. Sold a rod of iron, which the curtain 
run upon before the rood, pd. Item. Sold so much wax as 
amounted to 205. " More light and fewer candles." Item. Paid 
for half of the book called Parup/uise^ 53.* Item. Spent in the 
visitation at Cliehnaford, amongst the wardens and other honest 
men, 145. 4d. Nicholas Ridley, then newly Bishop of London. 

ANNO 1550. Imprimis. Received for a knell of a servant, to 
the lady Mary her Grace lod.f Item. Lost 405. by reason of the 
fall of money by proclamation. Item. Received for 271 ounces 
of plate, sold at several times for the best advantage ^67 145. gd. 
In this church there appears to have been two chantries 
and six obits. In the Certificate of Colleges and Chantries, 
i Ed. VI. Augmentation Office is the following account: 
Lands and tents put in ffeoffm* by diverse and sundrie p'sons to 
the maintenance of a prieste callide o r Lady prieste in \Valtham 
Hoi if CV0AW, the seide pryest to saye dyvine s'vice in the pishe 

* On the 6th May, 33 Henry VIII., a new impression of the Bible was 
finished and the king commanded that all curates and parishioners should 

;set up in every parish church a Bible of the greater volume, that the people 
uii^ht read therein before All Hallowtide, under penalty of forfeiting 405. a 
month after that time. Bishop Bonner immediately issued an exhortation 
that the people were not to gather multitudes together by reading the Word 

- aloud. One of these Bibles was then chained to one of the south pillars of 
ihe church. 

t Princess Mary, afterwards Queen Mary, frequently visited Copt Hall, 
jjrobab'y during the time Sir Thomas Heaneage was resident there. 



144 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

church of Walth'm aforesaid. The said chantry is now vacant 
& w th out anye incumbent. The seid town of Walth'm is a 
great tovvne, having in it to the number of ... housling; 
people. The yerely valewe of the same doythe amount to the 
sum of iiii; xiiii 8 - Rent resolute v s - iiii d - The value of the 
plate, juels, p'cell &c., viz., One chalice of silver gilte, poysant 
ix oz. at per oz. . . . v vestments, viii clothes, one corparas 
xxvii 8 - ii gilte candlesticks w'th other implements p'ysed together 
at ... And so remayneth cleare to the king's ma ties use 
iiii; xii s - Lands and tents put in ffeoffment by diverse and 
sundrie p'sons to the maintenance of a priest callide the charnell 
p'st in Waltham Holy Crosse; the seide priest to say dyvine 
s'vice in the church of Waltham aforesaide, & to helpe s've the 
cure their. The saide chantry is now vacant & w th owt enye 
incumbent, and haythe been this . . . yere and more. The 
yerely valewe of the same doth amount to the sum of Iviii 8 - 
Rent resolute iiii 8 - viii d - The valewe of the plate, juells, &c., 
viz., one chalice of silver p'cell gilte poisant ix oz at per oz. 
Vestments &: fyve altar clothes, price vi s - iii d And so remay- 
neth cleare to the King's ma ties use liii 8 - iii d - (See list temp. 
2 Ed. VI., Feb. yth.) 

QUEEN MARY, A.D., 1553-58. Imprimis. For a cross with 
a foot, copper and gilt, 25 s - Item. For a cross-staff, copper 
and gilt, 9 s - 4 d - Item. For a pax, copper and gilt, 5 s - Item. 
For a pair of censers, copper and gilt, 9 s - 8 d - Item. For a 
stock of brass for the holy water, y s - Item. For a chrismatory 
of pewter, 3*- 4 d - Item. For a yard of silver sarcenet for a 
cloth for the sacrement, y s 8 d - Item,. For a pix of pewter, 2 s - 
Item. For Mary and John, that stand in the rood loft, 26 s - 3 d - 
Item. For washing eleven aubes and as many head clothes, 6 d - 
Item. For watching the sepulchre, 8 d - Item. For a proces- 
sioner and a manual, 2o d Item. For a corporas-cloth, i2 d - 
Item. To the apparitor for the bishop's [Bonner] book of articles 
at the visitation, 6 d - 

ANNO. 1556. Extracts from 32 A Book of Corrodies and 
Anilities to divers Religious Houses, temp. Philip and Marie. 
Formerly preserved in the stone Tower U'estniinster, and now 
deposited in Room c 10, of the Public Record Office. Annuit. 
Edwardi Stacie >> ann liii s iiii d - Hugoine Yonge V ann vi xiii 3 - 
iiii d - Georgu Solye t* ann vi xiii s - iiii' 1 - Edwardi Storye "i? ann 



OR HOLY CROSS. 145 

viii Johnes Saunders & ann . . c s - Milions Gerarde ^ ann 
\i & xiii 8 - iiii d - Johnes Norrys $ ann vi viii 8 - iiii d - Thorns 
Hawkins $ ann ix Thorns Warren ^ ann xx 

The above list corresponds with the pensions assigned to the 
officers of the Abbey on March 24, 1540. 

Imprimis. For coles to undermine a piece of the steeple 
which stood after the first fall, 2 s - 

QUEEN ELIZABETH, A.D. 1558-1603. Imprimis. For the 
taking down of the rood-loft, 33. 2d. Item. Received for a 
suite of vestments being of blew velvet, and another suite of 
damask and an altar cloth, ^4. Item. For three corporasses, 
whereof two white silk and one blew velvet, 2 135. 4d. Item. 
For two suits of vestments and an altar cloth, ^3. 

ANNO, 1562. Item. For a cloth of buckeram for the com- 
munion table, and the making, 43. Item. For lattices for the 
church-windows, 153. Item. Paid for a bay nagge, given to 
Mr. Henry Denny for the Abbey wall, 3 173. Item. To 
labourers which did undermine the said wall, 453. gd. 

ANNO, 1563. Imprimis. For an old house in the old market 
place, ^13 6s. 8d. This tenement let at ps.per annum. "The 
Parish sold it and another house in West Street. Such bargains 
made a famine for posterity." Item. For the old timber in the 
vestiary of St. George's chappel, 153. " In vain," says Fuller, "have 
I inquired for the situation hereof long since demolished." Item. 
Received of Mr. Denny, for one cope of cloth of gold, ^3 6s. 8d. 
Item. For two altar-cloaths of velvet and silk, 2. Item. 
Received of Mr. Tamworth* twenty loads of timber ready hewed 
which he gave to the parish. Item. For taking down the stairs 
in the Abbey, 73. 8d. Item. For taking down the lead from the 
charnel-house and covering the steeple, i8s. f Item. For the 
archdeacon's man coming for a record of all the inhabitants of 
the parish, 4d. 

* In the "State Papers, foreign," appears under date March 2, 1561 
a letter from Marco Antonio Erizzo to John Thornworth. He was 
justice of the peace in 1532. (See the Author's History of the Royal 
Gunpowder Works.) 

t Fragments of old masonry were taken from the Abbey Tower in Sept., 
1887, to make way for the new clock the gift of John Parnell, Esq. The 
ancient stone work consisted of portions of the elegant western arch, the 
clerestory, and the lost zigzag column. Some of the surface stones had 
distemper paintings upon them. 



146 



LADY CHAPEL AND CRYPT.* 




Chapel is situated south of the Abbey Church, similar 
to most chapels of the kind dedicated to the Virgin, 
and is perhaps one of the richest specimens of me- 
diaeval architecture to be found in this county, although, 
of course not so rich in its historical associations as the 
Abbey itself. In 1875 the Lady Chapel was restored at the 
expense of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., of Warlies Park, 
in this Parish. The date of the foundation of this Chapel still 
remains a mystery; its style, however, resembles the work of 
the middle of the i4th century. Matthew Paris suggests that 
it was built when Henry III. "re-dedicated" the church. It may 
have been erected then, but the church was never "re-dedicated" 
by the Third Henry. The late Mr. W. Burgess, architect, adopted 
the year 1316 as the probable date of the foundation of the 
Lady Chapel; he also considered it to be even older than that. 
Before the Reformation there were several Chapels existing in 
connection with the Abbey Church of Waltham. There was the 
Chapel of St. Thomas the Martyr's (possibly the one now existing 
in the Abbey Garden) founded, 1188; St. Sepulchre's Chapel, 
erected in 1347; the Abbot's Chapel, existing in 1547 (now un- 
known), and St. George's Chapel of which nothing could be found 
in 1655. 

THE CRYPT, OR CHARNEL HOUSE. Beneath Our Lady 
Chapel is a Crypt or Charnel House, "the fairest," says Fuller, 
"that I ever saw," and which was originally approached (as 
now) by a small doorway at the west end. The Crypt consists 
of two bays of quadripartite vaulting. The windows looking 
south are small and ungla/ed. The crypt at one time was 

" O'er covered quite with dead men's rattling bones, 
With reeky shanks and yellow chapless skulls." 

To this Crypt was anciently a Guild endowed with houses and 
lands. In early days the Lady Chapel was used as a Chantry 
in which priests sang masses for the repose of departed souls. 
The crypt is still beautiful to one who has an eye for architectural 

* See History of The Lady Chapel, by W. Winters. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 147 

design. Built of chalk, the roof is still almost perfect. Here 
once stood an altar, but in the days of Charles II. it was turned 
into a prison for Quakers, several of whcm had their goods 
taken away by the Justice of the Peace, and deposited in the 
Lady Chapel for not attending church. This Crypt now is 
little better than a coal-hole or cellar. The floor has been 
raised some ten feet by rubbish. The arches are hidden by 
hideous brick graves. The well once used by the monks is now 
utilised by a common pump. Where service was once held a 
heating stove for the Abbey now stands. All that was once 
beautiful is now obscured, made dirty, and put to base use. To 
improve this ancient Crypt it needs nothing but the pulling down 
of a few brick walls and the removal of some insanitary rubbish 
to make its proportions evident. Mr. Ayrton once called St. 
Stephen's crypt a vault. But, says a writer, "Waltham Crypt 
is a vault for the dead, a cellar for coal, a cupboard for a pump, 
and a mere furnace-room. Perhaps some Quaker, like him who 
gave the new Bishop of Newcastle a palace a few years ago, will 
restore it as a memorial to the Quaker martyrs who, according to 
local tradition, were tortured therein." In old prints of the Abbey 
is seen a small building east of the Lady Chapel. This 
belonged to the Lord of the Manor, and was demolished sixty 
years ago. The Lady Chapel had very costly furniture, as is 
seen in my history of it. It had also a "lytell payer of 
organes" (an organ having more pipes than one). John Boston 
was organist in 1540, as was also the renowned old musician 
Thomas Tallis. 

In 1563 the lead from the roof of the Lady Chapel was 
appropriated to the covering of the new steeple ! The chapel has 
been repaired at various times. At the restoration of the chapel 
in 1874-5, fragments of polychromatic work were discovered on 
the interior of the east wall, showing heads of angels, mitred 
abbots, spires of churches, and Hades. It was considered^ by 
some archaeologists that these distemper paintings represented the 
"Last Judgment," and that the building was originally called, 
"The Chapel of the Resurrection" At the south-east corner of 
the chapel there is a piscina or benatura. The original ceiling 
was no doubt flat and painted; and the lower part of the east 
end was occupied by an altar, above which the old Norman 
lights were seen to advantage when the plaster was removed. 



148 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

These windows were used for lighting the south transept of the 
church before the chapel was erected. On the north wall por- 
tions of zigzag mouldings are now visible, and an arch opposite 
the chancel of the church, is filled up by the Francis Memorial 
Screen. Probably access was formerly gained into the church 
from the chapel by stairs, as the floor of the chapel was much 
higher than that of the church. In the corner of the chapel 
is an ancient pulpit which once belonged to the church. The 
architecture of the exterior west and south of the chapel 
exhibits great skill and taste. There are well shaped panellings 
of beautifully cut flints introduced between irregular courses 
of stone and large red bricks. The masonry of the south 
buttresses is excellent indeed, as the neatly cut bosses and foliage 
show. On the east buttress appears to have been a stoup. It 
is not certain whether the niches in the buttresses were ever 
filled with effigies. The south front and windows have been 
carefully restored and made to appear as they did in the i4th 
century, as also the west end six-light square-headed window. 

For many years the Lady Chapel was used as a vestry and a 
school-room. The parochial schoolmasters were John Matthews, 
died in 1609-10; Samuel Aire, died 1619; Thomas Wright died 
in 1656, John Ayres ended his career in 1712. Arthur Herne 
was schoolmaster early in the present century, and was followed 
by Mrs. Merrit, Miss Post, Miss Bulbeck, and finally Miss 
Morgan. A large Board was affixed to the outside of the Lady 
Chapel some years since, on which was written, "THE PAROCHIAL 
SCHOOLS." There appears to have been a Sunday School in the 
town as early as 1811. The Parish Register records the burial of 
Mary Noon, a Sunday School girl, aged 8, buried 2gth May, 1811. 
The Lady Chapel closed as a Schoolroom and Vestry in 1874. 



DEANS, CANONS AND ABBOTS OF HAROLD'S 
CHURCH, FROM 1060 TO 1540. 



JHE Church of Waltham, according to Tovi, or "Tofig 
the Proud," and Harold's foundation, consisted of a dean 
and twelve secular canons; Newcourt and Fuller say only 



OR HOLY CROSS. 149 

eleven; but documentary evidence goes to prove that Tovi, 
standard-bearer to King Canute, chiefly known as the beginner 
of the foundation of Waltham, first established two priests, and 
to these Harold added ten others, and appointed a dean over 
them. It is singular to find that neither Newcourt, Stevens, 
Brown Willis, or the authors of the "Monasticon," mention any- 
thing of the dean and canons of Waltham, from the foundation 
to the year 1144, which reaches over a period of eighty-four 
years. And nearly all local historians are silent also on this 
important point. The first canons were called, as before stated, 
secular. The difference between secular priests, or canons, and 
a monastery of monks, consisted in the fact that the inmates of 
the former " were ordinary clergymen, bound by no particular 
vows, but living together on common estates, serving a common 
church, and under common local statutes. Those of the latter 
were bound by vows of obedience, poverty and chastity, but 
were not necessarily in holy orders. 

"The multiplication of secular colleges was one of the most 
likely means of raising up a clergy whose knowledge of mankind, 
general learning, and thorough sympathy with Englishmen, might 
improve the character and help to save the souls of the people." 
(Stiibbit). It is to b2 feared that instead of the clergy of that 
period improving the moral character of the people they did 
much to corrupt it by their unholy way of living, which was the 
principal cause of their bein^ ousted in the reign of the second 
Henry. When Harold increased the number of canons from 
two to twelve, he then put them in possession of his estates. 
Portions of these lands were assigned to the canons, in order to 
supply them with food and clothing, those of which the rents 
were applied to the latter purpose being distinguished by the 
name oi shroud land or scrudland -i.e., land allotted to certain com- 
munities for the purpose of supplying them with clothing; hence 
called dot king-land. To the dean were allotted four estates, 
namely, Walde, 1 Alrichsea, 3 Passefield, 3 and Westwaltham. 4 * To 
each canon a prebend was granted, from which his stall was 
named. These were probably Nettleswell, 1 Alwaretona 2 , Wode- 

* l Southwealde ; 2 Arlsey, in Bedfordshire; 8 Paslow, in High Ongar ; 
4 Westwaltham, in Berkshi re. Tovi had property in the last-named place: 
see Domesday Survey-Book. 

1 Netteswell, near Hariow ; 2 In the hundred of Ongar; 3 \Voodfjrl 



150 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

forda, 3 Upminster, 4 Luketune, 5 Tippenden, 6 Brichendon, 7 
Walcfare, 8 Melnho, 9 Wormeleia, 10 Lambehithe, 11 and Nesing- 
ham. 13 Each one of the canons had also a portion of North- 
land. Besides this, each canon had the sum of forty shillings a 
year from the tithes and offerings of the parish and an allowance 
of another 403. a year for dress from the shroudlands in Nazing, 
Walcfare, and Loughton. According to the founder, the canons 
of Waltham received extremely liberal rations of food out of 
the above estates, and which were held subject to a "feorm 
fait am" of a certain number ot weeks each. The dean had 
to provide for nineteen weeks out of his estates of Pasfield, Walda, 
and Alrichsea. The prebendary of Nettleswell, seven weeks and 
two days; Loughton, a week and one day; Upminster, two weeks 
and two days; Alwartune, four weeks and two days; Woodford, 
Brickendon and Tippenden, two weeks each. The daily supply 
of meat and drink to the canons was very liberal; each one had 
two loaves of very white bread, and one of coarser quality -the 
three being ample for six persons; six bowls of ale or beer, 
sufficient for ten men to drink at one time, and six dishes of 
meat of different kinds each day. In addition to this allowance, 
oa festivals of the first class they were served with pittances of 
game or poultry, which were esteemed as delicacies. To each 
canon on the feast of the first dignity was given three pittances ; 
if of the second dignity, he was allowed two pittances; and if of the 
third dignity, one. At the first-class festivals, such as at Christ- 
mas Day and day of Pentecost, and those of the Holy Cross, 
each one had wine and meat allowed. The remaining proceeds 
of the prebends were appropriated to the personal uses of the 
canons, according to their discretion. A pittance from Michael- 
mas Day to Ash Wednesday consisted of twelve blackbirds, or 
two agausece, or two partridges, or one pheasant; during the rest 
of the year it consisted of one goose or chicken. The main 
object, it seems, in giving the deans and canons this abundant 
allowance of provisions was to provide for strangers, and for the 
poor and needy, the latter receiving each day what was sent away 
from the Abbey table. It was not unfrequently that the king and 
his courtiers visited the Abbey of Waltham, and so it was neces- 
sary for the canons to keep a good larder. The dean's portion 

4 Upminster, in hundred of Chapford ; 5 Loughton ; 6 Supposed to he Epping; 
"In Hertfordshire; 8 Walchfare, co. Essex; 9 Melnho, Beds; 10 Wormley, 
Herts; "Lambeth; 13 Nazing, Essex. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 151 

being larger than that of the canons, enabled him to deal out 
more liberally to those persons who depended upon his charity. 
In early time?, when from the want of means of conveyance the 
produce of the land was necessarily consumed on the land itself, 
hospitality of this kind was universally practised. Even in the 
houses of private gentlemen there was the almoner as servant, 
whose office it was to collect and distribute to the poor at his 
master's gate what remained of the provision served at the table; 
and it was customary for the almoner to lay the first loaf in the 
alms-dish, as an offering to God.* 

DEANS OF WALTHAM. The first Dean of Waltham was 
Wulwfin; he was appointed to this office by Harold, A.D. 1060. 
For a notice of him see Domesday Survey, under "Berchscire" 
(Berkshire), vol. i. fol. 58. Paschal was the second dean, accord- 
ing to the catalogue of the Durham MSS. (Surtees Soc.), i.e., 
"6 Id. Jan. Paschalls Dacanm et Radulfus Canonicus, S. Crutis 
de Waltham." Walter was third dean, living circa 1108; he is 
mentioned in the same obituary record. Ernulfus, fourth dean, 
circa 1144. Roger Wendover mentions the mission of Ernulph, 
bishop of Lisieux, in 1164. Possibly this is the same man. He 
is said to have come over to England to make peace between the 
King and the Archbishop, but was unable to ensure complete 
success. Henri/ of Blois, fifth dean in 1144, was nephew of 
William Rufus, and brother to King Stephen. This year was a 
notable one in the annals of Waltham. King Stephen banished 
the Earl of Gloucester, and many others of his enemies. 
Geoffrey de Mandeville died; Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, reduced 
Normandy, f The canons' houses or conventual buildings in 
Waltham were destroy ed, or partly so, by fire, in an attack made 
upon the town by Geoffrey de Mandeville and Humphrey de 
Barrington. The sixth dean was Richard, a native of Waltham, 
probably the same as is mentioned in the Great Roll of the 
Exchequer as Canon 31 Hen. I. Wido was seventh dean. ' He 
is called Guido Rufus, and was an opponent of St. Thomas a 
Becket, who, in 1168, threatened to excommunicate him. Wido 
held the deanery of Waltham for ten years 1167 to 1177 and 
resigned when the Augustine Canons were instituted by King 
Henry II. 

* See Beattie's Castles and Abbeys ; also De Invent. S. C. (Stubbs 
t Matt, of Westminster, vol. ii. 



15 2 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

CANONS OF WALTHAM. Adelard, or Athelard of Liittich,* 
was the first canon. Harold appointed him to office when he 
founded the minster of Waltham. He was a very learned man, 
and filled the office of chancellor, or lecturer, besides that of 
canon, and was also "childmaister" of the college. Harold 
brought him from Liittich, or Liege, to be the head of the 
educational department of Waltham. His son Peter succeeded 
him in the office of schoolmaster. Osgod Cnoppe and Ailric 
Ckildemiister (schoolmaster) were canons of Waltham when 
Harold paid his last visit to his much-loved minster, before the 
great battle of Hastings took place, and these two canons followed 
him to the field of Senlac, and assisted Eadgyth in finding the 
body of the King after the battle. We are not certain how long 
they held office in Waltham after the death of their royal master 
in 1066. Aldwin and Geoffrey were canons of Harold's founda 
tion circ. 1108 1118. Geoffrey was chaplain to Queen Matilda, 
temp. Hen. I. 

Alicred and Richard appear on the list of Canons in 1130. 
Richard was afterwards Dean of Waltham. Master Peter, son 
of Athelard, was canon of Waltham from 1130 to 1136. The 
biographer of Harold was brought up under his tuition in the 
school of Waltham. In 1136 Brian Bainard was canon: his 
name occurs in the "Monasticon" under Walden Abbey. 
Radulphus is also mentioned as canon at the same time (see 
Durham Obituary). Robert ftliiis Walter was canon circ. 1144, 
and Adam son of Braningi the presbyter. These were followed 
by Robertus and Walter, canons; they both appear in the Durham 
registers: Cal. Aug. Watering Canonicus de Waltham. 6 Cal. 
Nov. Robertus Canonicus de Waltham. Thomas de Ware was 
canon and kitchener of Waltham in 1213, Vide Riley's Mem 
London, p. 105. 

The privilege of being exempt from all episcopal jurisdiction 
was granted to the ist Abbot "Wido, or Guido, by Pope Lucius 
III. who was the first pope elected by cardinals, A.D. 1181 1185. 
The Abbot of Waltham was afterwards indulged in the use of the 
pontificals by Pope Celestine III., A.D. 1191. In the November 
of 1197, the Archbishop of Canterbury visited the Abbey and 

* Harl. MSS. 3776, fol. 57. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 153 

Convent of Waltham, and expressed his confidence in the 
abbot's mode of government.* 

ABBOTS OF WALTHAM FROM A.D. 1177 TO 1540. The Abbey 
of Waltham being a royal foundation was not subject to episcopal 
jurisdiction,! but only to the "Sse of Rome and the King." The 
Superior of the Abbey was one of the twenty-eight mitred Abbots 
in England, and ranked the twentieth. Four of these mitred 
Abbots were called "Abbots general, or Abbots sovereign," and 
sat as lords in Parliament, they were also termed "Abbots exempt,' 
of whom the Abbot of Waltham was one, the others being those 
of Bury, St. Albans and Evesham. 

Waltham Abbey was ruled from its foundation by Harold, A.D., 
1060 until 1540, reaching over a period of 480 years, by several 
deans, canons and abbots, together with many other officers of a 
minor class. 

Walter de Gaunt was appointed the first abbot of Waltham in 
1177 ; and died in 1201. Ralph, a prebendary of Chichester was 
made prior or canon of Waltham, temp. Henry II. 1177.+ 

Abbot Richard succeeded Gaunt in 1201. His rule lasted 
about thirteen years. 

Nicholas de Westminster was abbot of Waltham A.D. 1214. 

Walter, in 1217, occurs as abbot in the Waltham Register 
(Tib. c. ix.) 

Richard was abbot from 1219 to 1229, and died 1248. 

In 1237 A occurs abbot. || He is not mentioned either 

by Willis, Steven or Newcourt. 

Simon de Scham (or Soham) abbot in 1248. During his 
government a serious litigation about the marsh rights occurred 
between him and the townsmen of Waltham ^[ Simon de Seham 
died in 1263, and was succeeded in office by 

Adam de Witz (or Wiz) who governed from August 20, 1263 
to 1269.** 

* Chronicle Ric. I. (Stubbs). 

t The Abbey remained free from such jurisdiction until 1854. 
I Collier's Eccles. Hist. II. 333; also Harl. MSS. 391, fol. 121. Vide 
Bull of Pope Alex, to Prior Ralph of Waltham. 

Harl MSS. 1520 Cott. MSS Tib. c. ix. fol. 141. 

|| Bp. Kenneth MSS. 

^ Harl. MSS. 3776 (Henricus ex Emwelle) 

** Harl. MSS. 7520. 



154 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Richard de liar ewes (or Heryrts}, ruled in the Abbey from 1269 
to 1273. 

Reginald de Maidenhith received the temporalities Jan. 29, 
2 Ed. I. 1273. In his time the church was restored (A.D. 1286). 

Huf/h occurs abbot in 1288. 
Robert de Elintone was abbot in 1290. He died in 1301. 

John de Babburyham received the assent to his election March 
3oth, 30 Ed. I., but his temporalities were not restored to him 
till Feb. 6th, 1303. He died in 1307. In the same year (1307) 

Richard de Hertford became abbot and died at Canterbury in 
Nov. 1344. 

John occurs as abbot, A.D. 1334. He also died at Canterbury 
probably in 1345. 

Richard, abbot died in 1345, the same year that he was 
elected ; and was followed in office by 

Thomas de Walmersley, who held the temporalities from 1345 
to 1371. 

Nicholas Morris became abbot on Sept. 6th, 1371. He 
was a man of high repute, and died Nov. 17, 1389. 

William dc Harlelon appears 10 Rich. II. 1387, "celler die 
Abbis de Waltham." He was probably the same man as died 
abbot in 1400. 

William Harleston, abbot 1397 or 1399. Probably the same 
person as is mentioned by Dugdale and the Harl. MSS. 7520, 
under the term William, who died i Hen. IV. William 
Harleston died of a pestilential fever, circ. 1400, and was 
buried in the Abbey Church. 

John Coupe, chaplain at the Abbey in the same year. (1387.)* 
William Reel was elected abbot Dec. 29, 1390.^ 

Michael was abbot in 1397, and died early in the same 
year. 

Walter, abbot in 1408, governed till 1420. Dugdale affirms 

that William was abbot, May 26th, 7 Hen. V. This may have 
been 

William de Hertford (or ffestfonf) to whom the temporalities 

* Ancient Deeds and Charters Pub. Kec. Off. K. 42, 46. 
t W. Neal was rector of Little Ilford in 1364, resigned 1370. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 155 

were restored October 12, 1420. Historians are not decided as 
to whether this William is the identical one who ruled in 1439 
and 1444.* 

John Eld\ was chaplain at the Abbey, 6 Hen. VI. 

John Lucas occurs abbot in 1460; he held office till his 
death in 1475. A brass recording the death of his father and 
mother is preserved in Lofts Wendon Church, Essex. 

Thomas Edwards was admitted abbot on the death of John 
Lucas, August 5, 1475, an d was deposed in 1488 for dilapidations. 

Gervase Rose received the temporalities May 20, 1488, and 
governed till 1497 or 1498. The office appears to have been left 
open for three years. 

Alan Rede was made abbot, Nov. i2th, 1500, and died 1507. 

John Sharnbroke received the temporalities June 23, 1507. 

John Mayln occurs abbot in 1526, but resigned his office some- 
time in the same year. 

Robert Fuller, the last abbot to whom the temporalities were 
restored Sept. 4, 1526. He was afterwards elected prior of St. 
Bartholomew's, Sm ithfield, and held the priorate in commendam 
with his Abbey, and which he surrendered to the king, March 
2 3 r d, 31 Hen. VIII. This abbot wrote a chartulary of the 
Abbey J and died late in the same year in which he was ousted. 



MINISTERS OF THE ABBEY CHURCH FROM 1540 
TO 1887.H 



WERY little is now known as to the precise method of con- 
ducting divine service in the Abbey Church immediately 
after the dissolution. When service was held (which 
was then a rare occurrence) "serving priests" officiated. Dr. 

* William, abbot, according to the Begister of London and Canterbury, 
A.D., 1439. 

t Ancient Deeds and Charters, Pub. Rec. Off. 

% Had. MSS. 3739. 

The gross income of the Abbey, 26 Hen. VIII., amounted to 1079 
I2s. id. The clear revenue 900 43 3d. DugdaU, 

H Annals of the clergy of Wallham, by W. Winters, F.R. Hist. So;. 



156 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Fuller observes that "the church at Waltham passed from 1547 
to 1558 under "four changes in religion, papist and protestant; 
papist and protestant." It is difficult to determine who were the 
ministers of the Abbey Church from the time of the last abbot, 
in 1540, to the beginning of Elizabeth's reign. No doubt the 
living was vacant for a long while. In 1542 certain charges were 
paid to the "parish priest," to "Our Lady priest," to the "charnel 
priest," to "two clerkes," and to the "choristers" of the Abbey. 
The first parish priest or curate of the Abbey on record, is given 
by Newcourt as 

Robert Rawe. The date of his installation is given under 1561. 

John Daniel was minister in 1563 (licensed 3oth July, 1580), 
and died Sept. 18, 1581. 

Philip White, minister, is mentioned under date August 7, 
1577- 

James Day (or Beys') was curate in 1583 (licensed July 19, of 
that year.) 

John Webb, A.B., succeeded to the living 23 Feb. 1584. 

Thomas Smythe. He is not mentioned by Newcourt, but the 
register states under date, December 12, 1585, Thomas Smythe, 
the son of Thomas Smythe, minister of God's worde and 
preacher was baptised. 

Edward Baker, A.M., was incumbent of Waltham in 1592. 
On the 1 3th February of the same year he appears as Vicar of 
Nazing, which living he resigned for that of Waltham. He was 
buried April 2ist, 1604. 

George Tipping, minister, married Mary Glascoke of Waltham, 
Dec. 14, 1608. It is not known whether he was curate of 
Waltham or not. 

Joseph Hall, D.D., was presented to Waltham in 1612. His 
name occurs in the Register as early as March 12, 1608-9. He 
was afterwards successively bishop of Exeter and Norwich. His 
son George was bishop of Chester. Joseph Hall was at W r altham 
22 years, and it was here that he wrote most of his great works. 
The baptism of nearly all his family occurs in the register. 

Robert Dlinco, curate, probably under Dr. Hall. He died i6th 
Feb., 1611-12 . 

Robert Greenough, M.A. was licensed as minister of Waltham 
(under Dr. Hall) April 15, 1614. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 157 

William Pettie, A.B. was licensed October 16, 1619. 

William Carter is the next on Newcourt's list, and was married 
at Waltham to Susan Powell, July 6, 1623. 

Richard Walmsley was curate of Waltham for many years. 
His name occurs in the register as early as Sept. 3oth, 1627. He 
was buried at Waltham, June 3rd, 1654.* 

John Gibbon (or Guibbon)t incumbent in 1629. His son 
John Gnibon,B.D., minister of St. Ann's, Blackfriars, was born at 
Waltham Oct. 18, 1629, and buried in 1663. 

Nathaniel Hatley, curate of Waltham for nearly forty-six 
years, 1633-1679. 

William Price, B.D., first appears in the register as minister 
of Waltham, March 29th, 1644-5.! 

Thomas Fuller, D.D. In 1648-9, Dr. Fuller was presented to 
the living of Waltham by James Hay, Earl of Carlisle, who 
resided at the Abbey House. He held the living nearly ten years. 

Thomas Reeve, D.D., was curate here (probably) as early as 
1660. The Register mentions him in 1662. Dr. Reeve was an 
author of some repute in his day. During his curacy Dr. Edward 
Felling, a great author and who held property in Waltham, buried 
several of his family in Waltham. (S. T. P. 1660, A. M. 1661.) 

John Oliver, M.A., " chaplain at ye Abbey," under the 
patronage of the Earl of Kennoul, who was buried March 28, 
1676-7. John Oliver was buried at Waltham, March 2nd, 1670-1. 

Lionel Goodrick succeeded to the living of Waltham, June 1 7, 
1672. He died June, 1693. 

William Mason was curate in 1677 and which office he held 
many years. (Of Wadham College, Oxon., B.A., March 2, 1679. 

Joseph Merrill, A.M., officiated in April, 1668. (Par. Reg). 

John Duin (or JDewin) officiated in 1690. 

Joseph Darby was curate, April 1688, minister in Sept. 1693, 

* On May 30, 1629, was buried Francis Hill, son of Mr. Percival Hill, 
rector of Si. Catherine, Coleman Street, London. J. ar. Reg, 

T One of the assembly of Divines at Westminster. 

{ Price was one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. He was the 
author of some tracts and sermons. 

J Dr. Fuller wrote most of his works at Waltham. David Leech (or Leigh) 
vicar of Nazing, buried his wife at Waltham, Jan ist, 1657-8. 



158 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

and officiated until his death in Sept. 1715. (A.B., 1680, A.M., 
1684, of Emmanuel Coll., Cam.) 

Francis Phillips curate in 1715. 

\Anthon\j\ Lapthorne possessed the living, Feb. 1716, after a 
severe contest. Morant says the contest was between John 
Capon, B.LL. (not Cooper) and Mr. Lapthorne, probably Anthony 
Lapthorne of Pembroke, Coll, Oxen., B.A., Oct. 17, 1699, and 
M.A. April 13, 1703.* 

Thomas Broadway followed Lapthorne as curate. His name 
first occurs August 23rd, i72i.t Of St. John's Coll., Cam. A.B. 
1716, A.M. 1730. 

Robert Swytifen, B.A., curate from 1729 to March, 1732-3. 
He was much esteemed in the parish and died March, 1732-3. 
Christopher Sclater, M.A., rector of Chingford, officiated in 
Oct. 1725; and in Sept. 1733, Mr. Chapman, of Cheshunt, 
officiated. 

Robert fowler, B.A., curate of Waltham for upwards of twenty 
years, from June 24, 1734, to Sept. 28, 1754. He was afterwards 
rector of Gt. Parndon. Of Trin. Coll., Cam. A.B. 1733.^ 

John Lindsey succeeded Fowler as curate, which office he 
sustained for upwards of twenty-five years, 1754 to 1779. During 
his curacy several ministers officiated, viz., George Far ran, 
July 24, 1760; F. Salt, June 29, 176!, (probably vicar of 
Nazing). W. Ramsden, Oct. 1767; Matthew Thomas (curate of 
Cheshunt) Dec. 6, 1769, August 27, 1770; G. Smyth, Jan. 24, 
1771 ; Bartholomew Booth, Dec. 30, 1772 ; T. P. Slater, Feb. 3, 
1773; N. Lancaster, LL.D., May n, 1775; Henearje Dirlng, 
D.D., August 4, 1778. 

Samuel Vickers succeeded John Lindsey as curate of Waltham, 
August ist, 1779. Of St. John's, Ox. B.D. 1768. 

*A note in the Parish Register under date Feb. 1716, is as follows: No 
Register kept during ye contest between Cooper [CaponJ and Lapthorne. The 
contest ended and ye Rev. Mr. Lapthorne to possession of ye Church at ye 
latter end of February, 1716. Buried the Rev. Mr. Ferdinand Naptin, March 
lo, 1716-7. Tar. Reg. 

fThe Rev. Mr. Isaac Dalton, of St. Botolph Without, Aldgate, London, 
buried (in Waltham) Sept. 26, 1722, of Trinity Coll., Cam. A.B. 1677. 

J Buried Benjamin Waywel, a clergyman, yt had lost his understanding, 
belonging to St. Catherines, London. April 30, 1736. Par. Reg. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 159 

John Bcutfloiver (or Boulflower) followed Vickers, Oct. 3, 
1779. Of St. John's, Cam. S.T.P. 1787. 

Isaac Colnett, B.A., was curate from March 24, 1786, until his 
death, which occurred March 2, 1801. Duiing his term of office 
the following ministers officiated, viz., Thomas Griffin (curate of 
Cheshunt) between Feb. 3, 1780, and Oct. 25, 1784; fames 
Sloper (curate of Cheshunt) May 3rd, and June 7th, 1780; John 
Festing, August 15, 1784; John Sharrar, B.A., from 1785 to 
1788, John Procter, June 5, 1786; William Towne, Nov. 5 and 
28th, 1788 ; James Montgomery, August 25, 1800, and August i, 
1 80 1 ; R. Hughes, Sep. 27, 1801. 

John Mullins succeeded Colnett as minister of the Abbey, 
Oct. 25, 1 80 1, and continued until Sept. 2, 1806. William 
Archibald Armstrong (curate of Cheshunt) officiated occasionally 
from 1805 to 1811 ; also Richard Smyth, LL.B., July 8, 1804; 
Reginald Bligh, June 2, 1805; also Stephen Thackwell June i, 
1806; Charles Lucas E<J ridge, S.T.P., Oct. ist, 1806. 

Thomas Pickthall followed Mullins, Oct. 6, 1806. He was 
highly respected in the Parish, and resigned for Broxbourne ; he 
was buried in Broxbourne churchyard. William Cockburn, 
S.T.P., officiated Nov. 28, 1809; William Baft, July 28, 1811 ; 
Ilenrij Dixon, August n, 1811. 

William Morgan Whalley was admitted as curate after 
Pickthall and held the curacy of Waltham till his death, which 
occurred in 1846.* 

Wiltshire Staunton Austin, "late of Demera" in 1826, served 
in Abbey as lecturer. 

John Lewis Capper, M.A., became curate in 1827 until 1846. 
Joseph Clark officiated a few times after Mr. Capper's resignation. 

James Francis, M.A., succeeded Capper in 1846, and sustained 
his office longer than any other minister since the days of Charles 
the Second. Mr. Francis was Vicar of the Parish and Rural 
Dean, and died March 3rd, 1885, aged 68. During Mr. Francis' 
ministry the following curates have officiated : Pugh, F. W. 
Mann, J. Harman, R. C. M. Rouse, Hart, C. W. Bond 
F. G. Bat ho, A. Workman, F. A. Clark, L. N. Knox, E. 
Parkinson. Francis Burdett Johnston, M.A. (curate in 1873) 
present vicar. 

* Mr. Whalley was a non-resident for years. 



l6o HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

F. B. Johnston, M.A., was curate in charge of the Abbey 
Church from the time of the death of the late vicar, J. Francis, 
M.A., in February, 1885, until he was appointed vicar of the 
Parish of Waltham Holy Cross, in November, 1885. The living, 
formerly in the hands of trustees, is now under the control of the 
bishop of St. Albans (Dr. Claughton). J. Francis, M.A., the 
late vicar, became vicar, in 1868, consequent on the "District 
Church Amendment Act." J. B. Stamp, and A. Morgan curates, 
1887. 



THE CHURCHYARD. 



is not easy to state how long the Abbey Churchyard has 
been in existence as a burial ground ; probably, as in many 
places, only since the dissolution of the monasteries temp. 
Hen. VIII. Most likely its appropriation for sepulture hegan 
with the Abbey itself, as the population of the town in Anglo- 
Norman times was considerable. Singular to say, no stone 
coffins of remote antiquity have been unearthed in any of the 
older portions of the churchyard. Fragments of coffins have 
been dug from the north-east end of the present church, which, 
of course, was once covered by the original eastern choir, and 
which still holds the sacred ashes of the honoured founder of 
the Abbey Harold, although as yet hidden from the keen eye 
of the archaeologist. 

EARLY CEMETERIES IN WALTHAM ABBEY. There are two 
ancient documents, written in Latin, in the Public Record Office, 
both dated from Waltham, the latest being 2oth July, 7 Hen. 
VI., 1429, which treats of a burial place, or cemetery, at Piner's 
Green, near High Beech. This may have been for the out-of- 
town poor during the middle ages, when the aristocracy were 
interred in the church or churchyard. The poor were generally 
buried without coffins. 

The deed above-named refers to Robert Waltham, son and 
heir of Walter Waltham, of Waltham Holy Cross, who received 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1 6 1 

for the term of his life in fee simple three tenements, one of 
which was situated between the house of John Brooks on the 
east, and a garden looking towards " Pynest" on the West, and on 
the north between the king's highway and the (Cimitermni) ceme- 
tery and the tenement called the (Gheker), probably an inn on 
the side of the high road. The parchment is endorsed by very 
early Waltham names "Per Robert Waltham and John Glad win." 
An earlier document than the above, contains an account of the 
cemetery near Wolmefford, in this parish. This land became 
church property and known as Wolmerford, situated a short dis- 
tance from the town and is mentioned by Farmer, p. 164. The 
deed in which this cemetery is mentioned is a contract between 
John Foot and Sarah Hay, of Waltham, and bears date 7 Edward 
II. 1314. Walter Maydehethe is one of the witnesses, probably 
a relative of Reginald de Maidenithe, abbot of Waltham from 
1277 to 1288. This is a special item in the history of this parish 
which has never before appeared in print, and it is interesting 
inasmuch as it shows that the early parishioners were provided 
(probably by the abbots) with a quiet resting place near to where 
they had resided. Thus it is evident that each of the hamlets of 
this parish had a cemetery, whilst the church and the churchyard 
were used for interments of the dead of the town. 

LICHGATE. At the south-east entrance to the Churchyard, 
dividing the "Harp Inn" from the author's own house, is the 
Lichgate, perhaps the oldest existing relic of domestic architecture 
connected with the Abbey. The folding gates themselves are of 
no great antiquity. The archway, or Lich gateway, was erected as 
a covering place for funerals. The coffins and mourners waited 
under it until the clergyman came to conduct the cortege, to the 
Church The path leading to the Church was called the Lichway, 
and which determined the path to be a public thoroughfare as in 
other places, because the dead had been carried that way. Lich 
is from the Saxon lit;, a corpse, hence L>'c/ifield, the field of martyred 
Christians. The Lichgate being placed S.E., of the Churchyard 
shows it to be very ancient. There may have been one at the 
western entrance of the yard, but no remains of it are left. 
The Lichgate was evidently the principal way into the Churchyard 
before the Reformation, when the tower stood east instead of 
west, and when the Abbey was cruciform in shape. The entrance 
then into the body of the Church was by the south transept, 
which ran parallel with the east end of the Lady Chapel. The 



1 62 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

large ELM TREE in the centre of the churchyard is one of the 
noblest of its kind. This elm tree measures twenty-two feet 
round the base and twenty feet round the centre of the trunk, 
the height from the ground to the head being twelve feet. The 
main limbs were lopped off, some years ago to prevent danger in 
the probability of their being broken by storms. Judging from 
the size of the tree, it cannot be less than six hundred years old. 

A TULIP TREE of great rarity grew in the garden annexed to the 
Churchyard and bloomed in the months of June and July. This 
tree stood for more than 300 years, and several unsuccessful 
attempts were made to propagate from it. 

A large COTTON TREE grew in the centre at the east end of the 
Churchyard until within the last twenty years. It bloomed in 
Midsummer and bore a kind of downy substance like cotton. 

The LIME TREES forming the avenue in the Churchyard were 
planted by Thomas Wilkinson (a foreman in the Government 
works in this town) early in the winter of 1843. These trees were 
the gift of Mr. Joyning, nurseryman, of Waltham Cross, to the 
then Churchwarden's of Waltham Abbey, namely, Mr. W. R. 
Clark, Mr. W. Kent Thomas, and Mr. John Griffith, who accepted 
them and gave permission for them to be planted. They were 
given as a freewill offering for the good of the public and out of 
respect to the parish consequent upon there being no offertory 
box in the Church. Other smaller trees appear here and there 
among the graves, and which, I am happy to find are slow of 
growth. When the author last (1868) took a list of the sepulchral 
monuments in the Churchyard there were no less than 384 grave- 
stones and wooden rails, and the earliest now existing is a head- 
stone which stands near the Lady Chapel to the memory of John 
Streeter, who died 8th February, 1717-18. In 1870 the Church- 
yard path was paved and iron railings erected to preserve the 
graves at a total cost of ^272 IDS. Mr. John Bentley was the 
contractor. 

When the ground for the foundations of the houses south-east 
of the Churchyard and near the Harp Inn was dug out in 1867, 
nearly the whole bulk of earth was found to be composed of 
human remains; many of the uncoffined skeletons were quite 
perfect. No doubt this ground in early times was connected 
with the Churchyard, and may have been used for the interment 
of the poor in the time of the plague. It also shows that it 
was open to the highway fronting the Market-place, and may 



OR HOLY CROSS. 163 

have been the main entrance to the Abbey Mansions occupied 
by Lord Edward Denny and the Earl of Carlisle. Three of 
the human skeletons there discovered were lying with their heads 
north-west, in an angular position, with a square pointed stake 
through each head. And seven feet below the surface on the 
same spot was found a dagger blade s6ven inches long and slightly 
curved. Probably the persons thus buried were murderers, who 
were buried with their murderous weapon in a transverse manner 
in a place where three or four roads met. 

In days gone by, from the frequent burials in the Churchyard, 
a large quantity of human skull, leg bones, &c., were thrown up. 
They were stored with broken tombstones and rails, in what was 
then called the "Bonehouse," namely, the Crypt beneath the 
Lady Chapel. "Old Browney," as he was called, was the grave- 
digger for many years; and the late Mr. William Carr, the 
renowned Bellringer, was the " Amen " clerk and sexton. 

TOMBS IN THE CHURCHYARD. At the present day there are 
not many large monuments in the Churchyard. Various are the 
emblems of mortality engraved upon some of the older stones, 
such as hour glasses, angels with trumpets, deaths head, and 
crossbones, gravediggers' tools, armorial bearings, and other 
grotesque characteristics of departed worth. There are but few 
quaint and interesting epitaphs, most of them being in the old 
stereotyped prosaic style. 

In this " God's-acre " are laid to rest the remains of many local 
personages of note in their day, namely the families of Woollard, 
Thompson, Colnett, Barwick, Burgoyne, Johnson, Preston, 
Banbury, Parnell, Jessopp, Buck, Littler, Drayson, Acres, Carter, 
Pain, Halfhide, Leverton, Mason, Chetwood, Wiggs, Hunnings, 
Wheatley, Mitchell, Havelock, Edenborough, Woodbridge, 
Wright, Auther, Bates, Braddock, Dyer, Allen, Law, Hele, 
Ashcombe, Clark, Chapman, Usborne, Jones, Hilton, Peak, 
Crean, Parre, Want, Bridges, Ridpath, Pace, Streeter, Death, 
Gardener, Harvey, Darby, Pigbone, Mills, Jagger, Archer, Carr, 
Turnham, Evennett, Brett, Smith, Ricketts, &c. For a com- 
plete list of the tombs see "Our Parish Register" by 
W. Winters. 

The Churchyard was closed against interments in 1856, except 
in family vaults by special permission. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Edenborough was the last interred there. She died December 
30, 1883, and her remains were buried with those of her 



164 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

husband in the north-east corner of the Churchyard, January 4th, 
1884. Several family vaults have been re-opened since 1856. 

" Body-snatching " from Waltham Abbey Churchyard frequently 
occurred in early days. About fifty years ago the body of George 
Cook, Veterinary Surgeon of this town, was stolen by Thomas 
Brace and others from the Churchyard soon after its interment. 
The body was first taken to a house in Silver Street, and there 
deposited in a cupboard, and afterwards removed in a sack to 
Frank Harvey's field and thrown into a ditch. A cart was found 
waiting for it near the gate in Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, 
where the Cemetery house now stands, to convey it to London. 

A row of old houses standing near the Church and forming the 
western boundary of the Churchyard, were demolished in 1824. 
The present brick wall near the road was erected in 1829. In 
early days portions of the Churchyard were let as small garden 
plots.* See " Our Parish Registers." 

TRUST FOR ENLARGING THE CHURCHYARD.f 
This Indenture, made the 2ist day of January, in the 54th 
year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George III., in the year 
1814, between Sir William Wake, of Courteen Hall, in the 
county of Northampton, Bart., and Dame Janny, his wife, of the 
first part; Charles Wake, Esquire, a Captain in the Northampton- 
shire Militia, eldest son and heir apparent of the said Sir W. 
Wake, of the second part ; the Reverend William Whalley, 
of Upper Slaughter, near Stow-on-the-Woulds, in the county 
of Gloucester, clerk, minister or curate of the Church, or 
perpetual curacy of the parish of Waltham Holy Cross, co Essex, 
of the third part ; and Spencer Newman, of the parish of 
Waltham Holy Cross, Corn Chandler, John Mumford of the 
same parish, Farmer, and William Clapshew of the same 
parish, Farmer, the present Churchwardens of said parish of 
Waltham Holy Cross, of the fourth part. Whereas by Indenture 
of Lease bearing date the 12 day of April in the 32 of Henry 
VIII., and made between his said Majesty of the one part, 
and Anthony Denny Esquire of the other part. His said Majesty 
did deliver, grant, and to farm let to the said Anthony Denny, 
Esq., All that Grange called Waltham Grange, in Waltham, to 

* These houses were last occupied by Messrs. Smart, Moul d, Chellis, 
Woodcock, and Wood bridge. 

t Copied from Close Rolls of Chancery, 54 Gao. III., pt. 2, No. 9, Public 
Record Office. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1 6$ 

the late dissolved Monastery of Waltham Holy Cross, co. Essex, 
then belonging and appertaining, together with all houses, 
buildings, barns, &c., with divers lands and heredits, in the 
said Indenture particularly described. All and singular which 
premises lay and were in Waltham Holy Cross aforesaid, and 
then lately belonged to the said Monastery, and were commonly 
called the Demesne Lands of the said late Monastery, and 
also the Rectory of Waltham Holy Cross with its rights and 
appurts., together with all Tythes of Corn, Grain, and Hay 
to the said Rectory belonging. To hold the same unto the 
said Anthony Denny and his assigns from the feast of St. 
Michall last past, to the end of the term of 21 years next 
following under the yearly rent payable in the proportion and 
manner' therein mentioned. And whereas His said Majesty 
King Henry VIII., by his letters patent bearing date 28th 
September, in the 36 year of his reign, did deliver unto the 
said Anthony Denny the reversion of the said Grange, Rectory, 
Lands, Tythes, &c., to hold the same, his assigns, from the end 
of the said term of 21 years to the end of the term of 35 years 
thence next following. And whereas His Majesty King Edward 
the Sixth, by his letters patent, &c., bearing date 28th day of 
June, in the first year of his reign, after taking notice of the 
said Indenture of demise or lease. He the said King did give 
and grant to the said Anthony Denny (then Sir Anthony 
Denny Knight) the reversion and reversions of the aforesaid 
Grange, Rectory, Lands, Tythes, &c., so as aforesaid demised. 
And also Scite, Compass, Close, Circuit, and precints of the 
late Monastery of Waltham, together with all houses, &c., therein 
described ; and in as ample manner and form as the last late 
abbot of the said monastery of Waltham, or any of his prede- 
cessors in right of his said late monastery at any time before 
the dissolution of the said late monastery had held or enjoyed 
the same. To have hold and enjoy the same premises unto and 
to the use of the said Anthony Denny, his heirs, and assigns 
for ever, to be holden of the same king in chief, by the service 
of the fortieth part of a knight's fee, and rendering annually 
to the same king, his heirs, for the aforesaid Grange of Waltham 
and other premises thereunto belonging. Seven pounds thirteen 
shillings and eleven-pence farthing, and for the said Rectory of 
Waltham and other premises to the same belonging, one pound 
five shillings and sixpence. And whereas by divers acts and 



1 66 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

deeds or otherwise, the said grange called Waltham Grange, the 
scite of the said dissolved Monastery, and the greater part of 
the several lands, tythes, and heredits. mentioned and described 
in the said Indenture of demise or lease, and in the said letters 
patent respectively, became afterwards vested in the said Sir 
William Wake, for his life with immediate remainder. To the 
said Charles Wake in tail male with divers remainders over. 
And they the said Sir William Wake and Charles Wake were 
respectively seized of such estates therein at or immediately 
before the execution of the Indenture. And whereas under 
and by virtue of certain Indentures bearing date Nov. 24th, 
1812, the release being of ten parts, and made between John 
Mumford, first part ; Richard Hall Clarke, John Bishop, Samuel 
Ware and Thomas Bowden, therein described as acting devises 
in trust, named in the will of Ellis Were, Esquire, deceased, 
of the second part ; the said Sir William Wake, and Dame 
Janny, his wife, of the third part; and the said Charles Wake 
(therein described as the only child of the said Sir W. Wake 
by Dame Mary Wake his first wife deceased) of the fourth 
part ; Dame Mary Wake, widow, (therein described as the mother 
of the said Sir W. Wake) of the fifth part ; Isaac Samuel 
Clamtree, of the sixth part ; Robert Bicknell, of the seventh 
part; William Palmer and Edmund Mumford, of the eighth 
part; the right Hon. Charles, Lord Barham, and Samuel 
Gambier, Esquire, of the ninth part ; and John Wood, of the 
tenth part ; and of a common recovery suffered in pursuance 
thereof in Hilary term last, and a declaration of the uses of 
the said recovery in the said Indenture of release contained 
the Manor or Lordship of Waltham, otherwise Waltham Holy 
Cross with the rights, members, and appurts. thereof, the Scite of 
the capital Messuage and late dissolved Monastery of Waltham 
Holy Cross, with the court-yard, gardens, &c., thereunto 
belonging (of which premises the piece or parcel of land 
hereinafter described and appointed and bargained and sold 
or expressed or intended so to be, were and are part and 
parcel) were granted, released, and settled by the said Sir W. 
Wake and Dame Janny, his wife, and Charles Wake to such 
uses and for such trusts, intents and purposes, under and 
subject to such powers, &c., as the said Sir William Wake 
and Dame, his wife, and Charles Wake, should by any deed 
or instrument in writing, with or without power of revocation, 



OR HOLY CROSS. 167 

to be by them sealed and delivered in the presence of two 
or more credible witnesses, from time to time jointly direct 
or appoint, and in default of such direction or appointment 
should extend. To the use, intent and purpose that the said 
Janny Wake, in case she should survive the said Sir William 
Wake, and her assigns might receive thereout during her life 
one annuity or yearly rent-charge of eight hundred pounds, 
payable in a manner therein mentioned, with the usual power 
of entry and distress, and of the rents and profits of the said 
premises for securing payment of the said annuity, &c. To such 
use, upon trust, under and subject to such power, &c., as the 
said Sir William Wake and Charles Wake should by any deed 
in writing, with or without power of revocation, &c., and new 
appointment, to be by them sealed and delivered in the presence 
of, and attested by two or more credible witnesses from time 
to time, &c. 

And whereas the Church Yard of and belonging to the Parish 
Church of Waltham Holy Cross is very inconveniently small and 
confined for the present number of inhabitants of the said parish, 
and the said Inhabitants have applied to the said Sir William 
Wake and Charles Wake, and requested them to give and convey 
the piece or parcel of land, &c., adjoining to the said Church 
Yard, to the use for the purpose and in manner hereinafter 
mentioned, and which they have voluntarily consented and agreed 
to do. Now this indenture that for effectuating the purpose 
aforesaid They the said Sir William Wake and Dame Janny his 
wife and Charles Wake pursuant to and by force and virtue, &c., 
have jointly directed by this present deed and that all the said 
piece or parcel of land, &c., shall be to the use of the said 
Spencer Newman, John Mumford and William Clapshew their 
heirs and assigns for ever upon the trust. And this Indenture 
witnesseth that for the consideration aforesaid and for further 
assuring the said heredits unto and to the said Spencer Newman, 
John Mumford and William Clapshew upon the trust for the 
intents and purpose aforesaid. And also in consideration of the 
sum of ten shillings of lawful money of Great Britain, to each 
of them the said Sir William Wake and Charles Wake have 
granted bargained and sold all that piece or parcel of land now 
part of certain lands commonly called the Abbey Gardens, 
situate in the Parish of Waltham Holy Cross, being part of 
or near the scite of the said late dissolved monastery of the 



1 68 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

yards and gardens belonging thereto and now for several years 
last past in the occupation of Mowbray Woollard as tenant 
thereof to the said Sir William Wake. As the said piece 
or parcel of land lies immediately adjoining to the East end 
of the Parish Church of Waltham Holy Cross toward the 
west, and to the present churchyard toward the south from 
which it is divided now only by a brick wall, and the same 
piece or parcel of land contains by estimation thirty-two 
perches be it more or less, &c. Upon this special trust and 
confidence the said Spencer Newman, John Mumford, and 
William Clapshaw their heirs and assigns do and shall within 
six calendar months next ensuing the date of these presents 
at their own costs as churchwardens, cause the present wall 
which divides the same piece of land from the present Church- 
yard to be pulled down and in lieu thereof cause a sub- 
stantial brick wall of equal height and thickness with the present 
wall to divide the fence from the said piece of land, which wall is 
at all times hereafter to be maintained and kept and repaired at 
tlie cost of the inhabitants of the said parish of Waltham Holy 
Cross. And upon this further special trust the said church- 
wardens, their heirs and assigns do and shall cause the said piece 
of land to be regularly consecrated as a burying ground, &c. In 
witness whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto 
set their hands and seals* the day and year first above written : 
William (L. s.) Wake, Jenny (L. s.) Wake, Charles (L. s.) Wake, 
William (L. s.) Wake, S. (L. s.) Newman, John (L. s.) Mumford, 
"William (L. s.) Clapshew. Sealed and delivered in the presence 
of R. W. Wake, Rector of Courteenhall, Edward Appleton, 
Bailiff to Sir William Wake, Courteenhall. Signed, sealed and 
delivered in the presence of Edwin Corfield, of No. 7, Lincolns 
Inn Fields, Land Surveyor/W. Tanner, Clerk to William Bullock, 
Esq.,^of Shelly in Essex. Signed, sealed and delivered by the 
within-named Spencer Newman, John Mumford, and William 
Clapshew in the presence of us Jos h Jessopp, Jun., Atty -at-Law, 
Waltham Abbey, Essex ; Henry Evans, Clerk to Mr. F. A. Jessop 
of the same place. 

* SEALS. There is a large seal of the Abbey of Waltham Holy Cross 
" witha secretum at the hack. To a letter of procuration by Isabella, Prioress 
of Haliwell, dated 1392." The seal is in red wax, viz., The holy well, and over 
it John the Baptist's head in a dish. " In C. 24 are a number of fine deeds 
of the I3th and I4th centuries, many with fine seals, and many being grants 
to and by the Abbey of the Holy Cross of Waltham." 



169 

THE CEMETERY* 



fS situated a short distance S.E. of the town and is slightly 
elevated on the north of Cobbin Brook. The consecration 
of the Cemetery for Waltham Holy Cross, by the Bishop 
of Rochester, occurred on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1856. A Burial 
Board was then founded, consisting of the Rev. J. Francis 
(chairman), Spencer Murch, John Speed Davis, Richard Bates, 
Thomas Chapman, John Ashcombe, William Roberts Clark, 
Peter Mills, Charles Pryor, and William Richardson. At the 
same period James Brown was the first appointed Lodge-keeper, 
at a salary of 26 per annum. Mr. William Carter, formerly 
proprietor of the Waltham Abbey and London Stage-Coach, was 
the first person interred in the Cemetery. John Thompson was 
Lodge-keeper for some time, and now Mr. Todd (1887) fills the 
office. 

The Cemetery consists of an almost square plot of land, three 
acres in extent, which was purchased of Sir Charles Wake about 
the year 1855, for the enormous sum of ^150 per acre; and 
after allowing land for paths, chapels, lodge, fences, etc., the 
burial space remaining was 2&. ir. np., or 101,081 square feet, 
being sufficient for 3,907 graves (see original plan in the 
Cemetery Board Room). The cost for conveyance of the said 
three acres of land was 100, and an additional ^100 for 
law expenses, beside 25 to the tenant, Mr. Coxshall, as com- 
pensation money, making a total of ^675. The cost of 
drainage, etc., amounted to ,605 IDS. ; the erection of the two 
mortuary chapels, ^"1,010, and the fencing and lodge, ^"1,301 
i os. 6d. This was a heavy speculation for the parish, considering 
the Board had to work on borrowed capital, which money, how- 
ever, has long since been fully paid. The number of persons 
buried in the Cemetery up to Nov. 28th, 1884, was 2,568. The 
rate of mortality in Waltham Abbey is small compared with some 
parishes of equal number of inhabitants, which spe,aks well for its 
healthfulness. In 1884 there were about 168 memorial stones and 
boards in the Cemetery; this number does not include enclosed 
family graves which have no inscriptions. The number has greatly 

See " Our Parish Registers," by W. Winters. 



170 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

increased since then. The Cemetery has recently been enlarged 
westward, at the moderate cost of ^420. The dedication of this 
new portion of the Cemetery took place on June ist, 1885, by 
the Right Rev. Thomas Legh Claughton, D.D., bishop of St. 
Albans. A procession was formed in the following order: 
Messrs. W. Gardener, P. Mills, and T. Chapman, Junr., church- 
wardens; the Bishop; F. B. Johnston, E Parkinson, and J. H. 
Stamp, curates of Waltham Abbey; W. Jackson, Baptist minister; 
Messrs. W. R. Clark (chairman), J. Ashcombe, J. Richards, T. 
Chapman, W. Oram, members of the Burial Board; H. Gough, 
clerk; and Sir T. F. Buxton and the Misses Buxton, and a 
number of ladies and gentlemen. On arriving at the new ground 
the procession slowly wended its way around the paths, the Bishop 
and those present reciting in alternate verses the Psalms xlix. and 
Ixxxviii. The Bishop then delivered an address, in the course of 
which he pointed out the difference between dedication and con- 
secration, the former dispensing with some of the legal formalities 
which were required in the latter. 



LOCAL AUTHORS. 




earliest known local author is the ejected canon of 
the Abbey, the biographer of Harold, who completed 
his work circa 1205.* His name is not handed down 
to us, but he was a pupil in the school of Waltham, under 
Peter, son of Athelard, who was master from 1130 to 1136, 
Of course there were many monks whose work it was to 
compose and to transcribe the service books of the Church, as 
also certain documents of a historical and biographical character. 

Roger de Waltham, a native of this town, born in the latter 
half of the i3th century, was a splendid scholar and a man 
of high repute in his day. He was appointed Keeper of 
Edward the Second's Wardrobe, and was one of the Canons of 

* (Vitoe Haroldi). We learn from the writings of this author, that he was 
born about the year 1119, and that he commenced his education in 1124; 
continued in the College at Waltham fifty-three years, and was expelled in 
1177, when King Henry the Second ousted all the Secular Canons and 
instituted Regular Canons in their place. He died at an advanced age. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1^1 

St. Paul's. Fulke Basset, Bishop of London, was his most 
intimate friend. Roger of Waltham was the author of a great 
many learned works, two of which are frequently mentioned as 
being the most popular of all that he wrote, viz., Compendium 
Morale, and Imagines Oratorum. 

Hugh de Waltham was Clerk of the City of London in 1312 
and in which office he continued many years.* 

William of Waltham (1314) and William of Che shunt are 
mentioned in the City of London documents.f 

Nicholas Morris, Abbot of Waltham, a schoolman of the 
middle ages, and probably a native of this parish, with fourteen 
other commissioners, was appointed to examine the miscarriages 
of Richard II. 

John of Waltham, a native of this town, born early in the 
1 4th century, was Bishop of Salisbury, Master of the Rolls, 
Keeper of the Privy Seals and Treasurer of England. He was 
a great favourite of Richard II. who sorely mourned his death 
which took place in 1395. His remains were interred, by 
permission of the King, in the royal chapel in Westminster 
Abbey, where a memorial brass with an effigy of this prelate 
in full canonicals is still preserved, though much defaced. He 
was rector of Great Berkhampstead circa 1369. In the 
Arundal MSS, 155, is a beautifully illuminated psalter, which 
was once possessed by John of Waltham, when monk of Christ 
Church, Canterbury, and who obtained it as a gift from W. 
Hadley, sub prior. 

John Wylde, precentor of Waltham circa 1400, was the author 
of a work on MusicJ which was used in the Abbey. 

Thomas Tallis, a celebrated musician, resided in Waltham 
temp Henry VIII., and was precentor of the Abbey with John 
Boston and William Lilley. Tallis was buried at Greenwich 
Church, where a memorial brass once recorded his death, but 
which has long been destroyed. A verse of his epitaph shows 
his profession : 

" Enterred here doth ly a worthy wyght, 

Who for long time in musick bore the bell ; 
His name to shew was Thomas Tallys hyght, 
In honest vertuous lyff he dyd excel." 

* Riley's Memorials of London, p 105. 

t Ibid no. J Lansd Coll. MSS, 763. 



112 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

JRobert Fuller, the last Abbot of Waltham, wrote a chartulary 
of the Abbey.* This work is most beautifully written, and 
contains an account of the possessions of the Abbey at the 
dissolution. 

Edmund Freke, one of the last priors of the Abbey, was the 
author of several religious works. 

John Foxe, wrote a part or the whole of his Book of Martyrs 
in this town, I and his son Samuel, who resided at Warlies, 
Waltham Abbey, republished his works in three massive 
volumes. (See Warlies and its surroundings by W. Winters, 
F. R. Hist. Soc.) 

The Bassano Family, of Waltham, were celebrated musicians 
to Hen. VIII., Ed. VI., Elizabeth, James I., and the Charles's. 
This family had large possessions in the parish. 

Joseph Hall, D.D., born at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, July i, 1574, 
and educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, was curate of 
Waltham Abbey for twenty-two years, where he wrote most of 
his works and where nearly all his children were born. He 
became successively Bishop of Exeter and Norwich. He 
frequently preached before King James at Theobalds. 

William Price, B.D., curate of Waltham (1644-49) published 
several sermons and pamphlets. 

Thomas Puller, D.D., a celebrated historian and divine, was 
instituted to the living of Waltham by the Earl of Carlisle. 
Many of his works are dated from Waltham. % He resigned 
Waltham Abbey for Cranford, where he died, Aug. 15, 1661. 

Edward Palmer, Greek Professor at Cambridge, afterwards 
resided at Sewardstone, and was a close friend of Dr. Fuller. 

Charles Sackville, Lord Buckhurst, the poet, possessed the 
mansion of Copt Hall. (See Warlies and its surroundings.) 

Thomas Reev?, D.D., author of several published Sermons 
and Theological Works, was curate of W T altham from 1660 to 
1671-2. 

* Harl. MSS, 3739, also Eccles. Works of the Middle Ages, 
t See Life of John Foxe, by W. Winters, F. R. Hist. Soc. 
I Annals of the Clergy of Waltham, 
Johnson's Lives of the Poets. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 173 

James Harrington, born at Waltham Abbey about the year 
1664, was a learned barrister and author of many excellent 
works. The preface to the Athena Oxon was written by him. 
He was buried at Oxford in 1693. 

Edward Felling, D.D., a great author, held large possessions 
in Waltham Abbey. He was rector of Petworth in Sussex, in 
1683. Most of his family were buried in Waltham. 

John Farmer, born in Waltham, studied Law, and was the 
author of the history of Waltham Abbey, and the history of 
Abbies from 977 to the reign of Elizabeth, published in one 
vol., 1735. He was buried in the Churchyard, Oct. 3rd, 1750. 

John Auther, the first Baptist minister of Waltham Abbey 
(1729) was the author of a printed Funeral Sermon, delivered 
on the death of John Wright of this town, Nov. 15, 1730. 

Henry Bridges, a native of Waltham, was an ingenious 
carpenter, and inventor of a musical clock which took him 
nine years to complete. His tomb stands near the south 
entrance to the church. He died June 27, 1754, aged 57. 

John Adams, a writer and translator, was a resident of Waltham 
in 1772. A work originally compiled by Don George Juan and 
Don Antonio de Ulloa, captains of the Spanish Navy, entitled 
"A Voyage to South America," was translated from the 
original Spanish, with notes, by John Adams, Esq-., of Waltham 
Abbey. John Stockdale published a fourth edition of this work 
in 1806, dedicated to Sir H. Popham. The work, which is 
illustrated, displays considerable literary ability and sound taste. 

William Sottuby, who held the manor of Sewardstone early 
in the present century, wrote his " Orestes " in the Manor 
House. He was a splendid linguist, and entered the field 
against Alex. Pope by translating the " Iliad " of Homer into 
English verse. 

James Upton, of this town (1776), published a volume of 
letters on Evangelical Truth. He became pastor of a Church in 
Blackfriars, and died much respected, September 22, 1834. 

R. Coleman, Clerk at Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waliham 
Abbey, 1790-5, wrote a treatise on the Manufacture of Gun- 
powder (See Phil. Mag. Vol. ix.) 

William Newman, D.D., of Bow, formerly a member of the 



174 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

Baptist Church, Paradise Row, was the author of several publica- 
tions. Born at Enfield, May 10, 1773; died Dec. 22, 1835. 

Samuel Howell, "Master of the Academy, Waltham Abbey," 
resided in the large red brick house in Sewardstone Street, now 
occupied by Dr. Henderson. He wrote a small volume of poems 
entitled " Village Rambles," &c., in which he styles himself the 
"Author of Trifles," &c. These poems were printed for the author 
in 1816. The subject matter of the first poem is drawn from 
Chingford and its vicinity. 

Tom Hood, the Comic Poet, though not a native of Waltham 
Abbey, was a frequent visitor at the house of his friend James 
Wright, Esq.,* of Powder Mill Lane, Highbridge Street. It has 
been stated that Tom Hood recited his "Song of the Shirt" in 
Waltham with great effect. The late Mr. H. Wright, son of the 
above, informed me that when he and his brother James (now of 
Mooresburg, Tennesse) were at school at Cheshunt, a celebrated 
walker by the name of "Skipper" was walking fifty miles a day for 
twenty-one days, and these two Master Wrights were anxious to 
see him perform the last mile, but to do this they had to make a 
hole in the playground wall to get out of, which circumstance 
Hood took advantage of and wrote a poem on "Getting a hole 
holiday;" and on another occasion when Hood was staying at 
Mr. Wright's, the young Wrights blew up the copper with gun- 
powder (in order to make it draw) and Hood wrote a piece on 
"Skying the Copper," and another on "Lawk! how the blacks 
are falling." Hood presented a copy of his "Comic Annual" 
to Mr. Wright, and on the fly leaf he sketched a pawnbroker's 
sign, the thres balls, and underlined it with the words "To my 
Uncle." Mr. Hood wrote a description of Epping Hunt, in 
1827, as before stated. Another of Hood's acquaintances in 
Waltham appears to have been the late Mr. F. Joyce, percus sion 
cap manufacturer, Farm Hill, of whom he writes in connection 
with Mr. Hall, a gunpowder merchant, thus 

"Percussion cap I dare not snap, 

I may not mention Hall, 
Or raise my voice for Mr. Joyce, 
His wadding to recall. "f 

And when the great explosion of the 'Powder Mills occurred on 

* Government Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey many years. 
t Hood's Works (Moxon Ed.) Vol. II., 252. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1 75 

April 1 3th, 1843, Hood wrote, not in the most serious manner, 
i.e., "Talking of Engineering, it is strange that Brunei never 
calculated on one great use of the Thames Tunnel, namely to 
give Cockneys at Easter a hole holiday, some day I predict the 
tunnel will become a water pipe, and I'm a prophet, I foretold, in 
last month's (June, 1843) Magazine that the comet would blow 
up the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills, July i8th, 1843." 

Lord Alfred Tennyson composed his poems, entitled " Talking 
Oak " and " Locksley Hall," when a resident at Beech Hill 
House, "Waltham Abbey. 

John Clare, a poet and the son of Thomas Campbell the poet, 
were inmates (1837-40) of Dr. Allen's Lunatic Asylum at Fair 
Mead House. 

Thomas Sturgeon compiled several hymns for Paradise Sunday 
School. He went to Fernandi Po, as a missionary with Dr. 
Prince in 1842. 

James Carr, of this parish, wrote during the early half of the 
present century several parochial pamphlets and broad sheets ot 
local interest. A dialogue on the preaching of Wiltshire Staun- 
ton Austin, "late of Demerara, now lecturer at the Parish Church 
Waltham Abbey, 1826," was probably written by the same hand, 
as the initials " J. C." are appended to the preface. 

Charles Coote, late of New Bond Street, London, a gentleman 
well known in the musical world for many years, was a native of 
Waltham Abbey, having been born in Sewardstone Street, in 
1808, in the house now occupied by Dr. Henderson. 

John Braddock, a resident of Waltham Abbey, compiled a 
"Memoir on Gunpowder," 8vo. 1832. 

James Hargreaves, pastor at the Baptist Chapel, Paradise Row, 
Waltham Abbey, for 16 years, was the author of a work on the 
"Divine Decrees," and several religious pamphlets. He died 
September i6th, 1845, aged 77 years. 

R. A. Austin published a work in 1653 entitled "A treatise on 
Fruit Trees." This work was reprinted by a resident of Waltham 
Abbey, in 1847, under the title of "The Spiritual Orchard." 

Major Baddeley, JR. A., of Waltham Abbey, compiled a small 
work on Gunpowder, 8vo., 1857. 

Edmund Littler, a native of this town and a clever draughtsman, 
wrote several papers on archaeological subjects in 1859-60. 



W. Burges, Architect, published a report on the state of the 
Abbey Church, before its restoration, 1859 60. 

John Maynard, many years a resident of this town, was the 
author of the History of Epping Forest, 1860; and the History 
of Waltham Abbay, 1865. He was a good musician and school- 
master, and died July 2oth, 1871, aged 69. His remains were 
interred in Theydon Bois Churchyard. 

Jesse Upton (living), born in this town author of a poem 
entitled "Echoes from the Walls of our Ancient Abbey," 1865, 
two pamphlets on the Book of the Revelation, &c. 

Captain F. M. Smith R.A., of Waltham .Abbey, wrote an 
able work on " The Manufacture and Proof of Gunpowder as 
carried on at Waltham Abbey, 8vo. 1870. Born at Penfont, 
Dumfriesshire, 1834; died 1873, and interred in Waltham Abbey 
Cemetery. 

Major-General Sir Charles Warren, K.C.M.G., R.E., was for 
some years Superintendent of the Royal Engineers' department, 
Waltham Abbey. This occurred after his return to this country 
from the Holy Land in 1871. Sir Charles Warren, Her 
Majesty's Chief Commissioner to Bechuanaland, was born 
in 1840, and received his education first at Cheltenham 
College, and afterwards at Sandhurst and the Royal Military 
Academy, Woolwich. He obtained his first commission on 
December 27th, 1857, being appointed to the Royal Engi- 
neers. In 1867, when only twenty-seven years of age, he was 
entrusted with the command of the exploring party sent out 
by the Committee of the Palestine Exploration Fund, and 
greatly distinguished himself by the skill with which he con- 
ducted the excavations. He discovered the foundations of 
the Great Temple of Jerusalem, and completed the surveys 
of Philistia and the Jordan Valley. Sir Charles Warren is 
now superintendent of the police force in the place of Colonel 
Henderson. 

William Alfred Gibls (living), of Gillwell House, Sewardstone, 
in this parish, inventor of a hay-drying machine, is the author of 
several volumes of poems of a very high order, published about 
1870-6, viz., "The Story of a Life," "Battle of the Standard," 
"Harold Erie," "Kling, Klang, Klong," "Lost and Won," 
" Church Porch," " World, Press and Poets," " Aslon Grange," &c. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1 77 

John Holloway (" Defender of Lucknow") a novel writer, was 
clerk in the government works in this town several years, and 
which position he vacated about the year 1876. 

/. B. Baynard, pastor of Paradise Row Chapel (1867-72) was 
the author of a three-volume novel, the heroes in which were 
thought to be mainly those who had been officers in his Church. 
He afterwards went over to the Established Church. 

Major Wardell, R.A., published a small work on the 
manufacture of Gunpowder, during his term of office at 
Waltham Abbey, 1878, 8vo. 

William Jackson, pastor of the Baptist Church, Paradise Row, 
wrote a small history of his Church, from 1729 to 1880. 

Robert Tabraham, M.A., a native of Waltham Abbey, 
gradually rose in scholarship until he became head master of 
Leamington Grammar School. At Trinity College, Dublin, he 
was Senior Moderator ; University Gold Medallist in Law, 
History, &c., and Bishop Stearne exhibitioner for uniform 
excellence in previous examinations. After his degree, he was 
for four years assistant master at Worcester Cathedral School, 
and next for seven years assistant master of Malvern College. 
These honours, however, he did not long enjoy, for whilst in 
the prime of life his mental faculties gave way, and he became 
an inmate of an asylum, where he died. Before this serious 
calamity occurred he had contemplated publishing a learned 
work which he had compiled on Comparative Philology. 
Whenever he visited Waltham Abbey he generally preached in 
the Abbey Church, and was considered an eloquent preacher. 

Col. G. B. Brackenbury, R.A., a literary gentleman, and 
Superintendent of the Royal Gunpowder Works in Waltham 
Abbey, from 1880 to 1885. 

William Winters, a native of Walkern, co. Herts, from which 
place he removed to Waltham Abbey, at the age of four years ; 
became a Reader of the British Museum, 1869; Member of 
the Essex Archosological Society, 1871 ; Fellow of the Royal 
Historical Society, 1874; Member of the Anastatic Drawing 
Society, 1876; author of the History of Waltham Abbey; Boy 
Life ; Life of Harold ; Pilgrim Fathers ; Annals of the Clergy ; 
Ecclesiastical Works of the Middle Ages ; Life of John Foxe ; 
Memoirs of A. M. Toplady; Who was the Author of the 



178 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

Pilgrim's Progress ; Musical Talents of the Wesley Family ; 
Is the Soul Immortal; Our Parish Registers ; Hymns and Poems; 
History of the Lady Chapel ; Handbooks of Waltham Abbey, 
Cheshunt, and Barnet ; History of the Royal Gunpowder Works, 
Waltham Abbey; History of Warlies and its Surroundings, 
&c., &c. ; also a contributor to the New England Hist, and 
Gen. Register; Royal Hist. Soc. Trans.; Notes and Queries; 
Editor of several Christian Monthly Publications, &c. ; also 
Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Waltham Abbey.* 




DISSENTING CHAPELS IN WALTHAM ABBEY. 

ONCONFORMITY had taken deep root-hold in Waltham 

Abbey, long prior to the existence of 

PARADISE Row CHAPEL. How the locality surround- 
ing this Chapel obtained the beautiful name of "Paradise Row" 
is difficult to tell unless by the Abbots of Waltham holding it, 
in the middle ages, as a kind of Elysium. It may have originated 
from the erection of the Chapel there, which the founders in 1729 
called "Paradise Chapel," and which in after years proved to 
many a Paradise in the highest sense, namely a place, or garden 
of pleasure. The cottage property called "Paradise Row" 
belongs to Paradise Chapel. 

In the middle of the i7th century the Quakers were strong in 
this town, many of whom met with much opposition, suffering 
themselves for conscience sake to be imprisoned in some instances 
in the Crypt or Vestry of the Abbey Church, and their property 
taken by the harsh justices of the peace. In the journal of George 
Fox (the founder of the Quakers) under date 1654, he says, "I 
went to Waltham Abbey, and had a meeting there; the people 
were very rude, gathered about the house and broke the windows." 
It appears that he went out with his Bible in his hand and quieted 
them. Shortly afterwards a Quakers' Meeting House was erected 
in Quaker Lane, in which Fox frequently preached. This old 
house or Chapel was in later times used as the British School-room, 
and was demolished in 1844, when the "the Old Boys' School- 

* F. Johnson, of Sewardstone, and the late Colonel Palmer, have written 
much on the history and rights of Epping Forest. The late Mr. W. T. 
Wakefield, of this town, originated The Waltham Abbey & Cheshunt IVeehy 
Telegraph, May 3Oth, 1863. Bishop Stubbs, and E. A. Freeman have written 
largely on the early history of Waltham Abbey. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 179 

room" was erected on the spot. Many of the old Quakers 
appear to have been buried in the meeting ground in Quaker 
Lane, but no register of them has come down to us. 

The first Baptist Chapel in Waltham Abbey was erected in 
1729, nearly on the site of the present Paradise Chapel. "The 
cost of erecting this Chapel," says Farmer, "was ^"400, and 
which sum was raised by voluntary contributions." It appears, 
however, on good authority, that ^200 of this money was 
borrowed at interest of Mrs. Elizabeth Shakerley, and repaid in 
1740. The Chapel was opened on May 4, 1729; and on the 
1 6th of the October following Joltn Aufher was ordained pastor 
by Messrs. Wallen, Arnold, Richardson, Rees, Rudd and Wilson, 
and which office he sustained until his death, July n, 1762, aged 
74. His remains were buried in the Churchyard. John Davis 
became pastor June 17, 1764, and was publicly ordained to that 
office by Dr. John Gill and Samuel Burford, August 15, 1764. 
Mr. Davis died June u, 1795, aged 64 years. W. Brackett, 
formerly of Sudbury, became pastor May 29, 1797, and died 
March 1802, in the 4oth year of his age. George Evelie.yh was 
ordained pastor December i6th, 1813, and died in office, March 
4th, 1820. On February nth, 1824, C. T. Keen was settled as 
pastor, but owing to certain peculiar religious views held by him 
the two deacons and nine of the members left and foimed a Strict 
and Particular Baptist Church, the present representatives of 
which now meet in "Ebenezer Chapel," Fountain Square, Waltham 
Abbey. On February 3rd, 1842, twelve more of the members 
of Paradise Row Church withdrew on account of the change that 
had taken place in the order of the church, in allowing unbaptised 
persons to sit down at the Lord's table. These twelve persons 
also united with the above Strict and Particular Baptist Church. 

On May 2nd, 1824, the Paradise Sunday School was founded, 
Mr. Pugh, Superintendent; Teachers, Mr Davis, Mr. Carter, Jun., 
Mr. W. Maynard, and Miss Dudley; Scholars, 25. Signed, 
C. T. Keen. One of the first scholars is now (1887) living, 
Mrs. Joshua Pegrum. Mr. Keen resigned his pastorate^ after 
eighteen months' service. James Har greaves was the next^pastor. 
He was publicly recognised, May 4th, 1829 (just a century from 
the time the Chapel was first opened) and held office until his 
death, which took place September i6th, 1845, in the 77th year 



180 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

of his age. During his pastorate the present Paradise Chapel 
was erected (1836), as also the "Old Boy's School" (British) 
Quaker Lane. He was succeeded by D. J. East, who was 
publicly recognised May 2oth, 1846, and who held office until 
November 3rd, 1851, at which time he left Waltham Abbey for 
Jamaica. Spencer March, of Sudbury, son of Dr. Murch, accepted 
the office of pastor, on June 6th, 1852, without any public recogni- 
tion or ordination service, as he did not care for such ceremonies. 
In 1866 Mr. Murch resigned his pastorate on account of failing 
health and removed to Bath. After some time he partially 
recovered and settled quietly down at Goldings Hill, Loughton. 
In the June of 1867, J. B. Baynard of Bristol College, became 
pastor. He held office for a few years without any apparent 
success, and eventually resigned and entered the Church of 
England. Early in 1873, Mr. Williamson, from Mr. Spurgeon's 
College, was recognised as pastor by Dr. Culross and others in 
the June of the same year. After three years labour Mr. 
Williamson resigned through ill-health, and removed to Sidney, 
Australia, where he regained strength and became a successful 
pastor. The present (1887) pastor, Mr. W. Jackson, on leaving 
his church at Willingham was publicly recognised as pastor of 
Paradise Row Chapel, in the Autumn of 1876. Within the 
last hundred years several persons connected with this church 
have entered the work of the ministry and have laboured in 
various parts of the world. James Upton preached his first 
sermon (from i Cor. xv. 9, 10), in Paradise Row Chapel, February, 
2oth, 1785, and was for many years pastor of Green Walk, 
Blackfriars Bridge. Dr. W. Newman preached his first sermon in 
this Chapel, January i3th, 1793, from 2 Cor. ix. 15, and became 
pastor of a Church at Bow. In the summer of 1806 Samuel Bligh 
preached before this church for the first time and was called to 
the pastorate at Potters Bar. John Henderson preached his trial 
sermon here, on September 4, 1837, from 2 Cor. v. i, and after- 
wards became a missionary in conjunction with W. Knibb- 
Thomas Sturgeon was a very energetic worker in Paradise Sunday 
School. In 1841, having preached before the Church he was 
sent as a missionary to Fernandi Po. His farewell address was 
delivered on December 3ist, 1841, in this chapel, from Psalm 
Ixxxvi. 5. John Upton and Samuel Pugh were called to the 
ministry, December 14, 1842; they were both members of this 
Church. W. Claydon, the first master of the Old British School 



OR HOLY CROSS. l8l 

(1840) was connected with this Church, and in 1841 sailed for 
Jamaica as a missionary. Thomas Stephen Baker, a member of 
Paradise Chapel, entered Bradford College, and afterward? 
became pastor of a Church at Maldon, in this county. G. H. 
Trn,)>)) went from this Church to Mr. Spurgeon's College, and 
became pastor of a Church in Norfolk, and afterwards removed to 
America. There are two branch meeting houses connected with 
Paradise Row, one at Monkhams Hill, Holyfield, and another at 
Honey Lane ; the latter MISSION HALL was erected in 1887. 

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL, SEWARDSTONE STREET, was 
founded about the year 1818.* In 1879 the old Chapel was 
considerably enlarged, and the new portion brought out to front 
Sewardstone Street. Previous to this enlargement the entrance to 
the Chapel was from Quaker Lane. This Chapel is supplied by 
various ministers. Early in the present century there was a small 
INDEPENDENT CHAPEL on the right hand side of Mead Lane 
and which was many years ago converted into two small cottages. 
A Dr. Draper of Cheshunt preached there. The next oldest Non- 
conformist Church in Waltham Abbey, is that now meeting in 

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHAPEL, FOUNTAIN SQUARE, which was 
founded on Strict and Particular Baptist Principles, similar to 
those of Paradise Row Church, when under the pastorate of 
John Davis. This Church was formed April 18, 1824, by 
eleven persons, seven males and four females, who separated 
from Paradise Row Church. John Thompson and James 
Thompson were chosen as the two first deacons. At this period 
(1824) John Thompson licensed his house in the Green Yard 
for public worship, and three sermons were preached in it every 
Lord's day for six months. At the expiration of this term, the 
house proving too small and inconvenient, an agreement was 
drawn up between John Thompson and Sarah Dyer, two of the 
members of the newly-formed Church; John Thompson then let 
to Sarah Dyer in trust for the Church a certain building near the 
" Bakers Entry" on a lease for twenty years at a rental of ^3 

* A Chapel was erected, and opened July I3th, 1824, on which occasion 
Jabez Bunting, M.A., preached in the morning from '"ol. iii. 4 (The writer 
is in possession of a copy of this sermon.) W. Martin preached in the 
afternoon, and J. Gaulter in the evening. The sum of 56 was collected 
during the day. 



182 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

per annum. This contract being accepted by the Church, the 
building was spsedily fitted up as a Chapel to accommodate 100 
persons at a cost of 110 ; towards which sum Sarah Dyer, being 
the most wealthy of any in the Church, gave ^"40, and the re- 
mainder was obtained by voluntary subscriptions. This place of 
worship existed until the year 1845, when the late Mr. \V. 
Webster, sen., erected a new Chapel on the site of the old one, 
and called it " BETHEL," and which he let to the Church at ^16 
per annum. In this place the Church and friends remained 
until 1868, when after receiving a six months' notice from the 
landlord to quit the premises, the Church removed with their 
pastor, Mr. F. Green, into their new Chapel, " Ebenezer," 
Fountain Square, on September 22nd, 1868.* Mr. S. Milner and 
Mr. J. Hazleton preached the opening sermons. Mr. Green 
resigned his pastorate in 1869; and in 1876 W. Winters became 
pastor. In 1879, Ebenezer Chapel was enlarged and a school- 
room added, at a cost of 1,200. Of this money ^900 were 
obtained by the sale of property in Enfield, belonging to the 
Church, and ^300 were borrowed at five per cent, interest to 
complete the builder's contract. This debt is now paid off. 

BETHEL BAPTIST CHAPEL, Church Street, Baker's Entry, as 
before stated, was erected (as the date on the front imports) in 
1845; and was hired of the proprietor at a yearly rental of ^16 
from the time of its erection until 1868 by the Church now meeting 
in "Ebenezer" Chapel, Fountain Square. For many years after 
the original Church left "Bethel" Chapel there was no Church 
formed therein although it was regularly used on Lord's days for 
divine service. The pulpit is supplied (1887) by various ministers. 

A PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was founded a few years ago at 
Sewardstone and which continues to worship on Lord's days in 
the Board School-room ; Pastor, Mr. Hunter. 

PLYMOUTH BRETHREN meet in a room at the top of Silver 
Street, near the Market Place. They formerly worshipped in a 
room in Quaker Lane. This room is now (1887) occupied by 

THE SALVATION ARMY, which first appeared in this town in 
the September of 1885. 

* A few cottages situated on the left hand side in Quaker Lane belong to 
" Ebenezer " Baptist Chapel. These were purchased by money realized from 
the sale of land in Enfield, in 1879. 



1*3 

OLD SCHOOLS IN WALTHAM ABBEY 1 . 



'lEVERTON SCHOOL, Masters, since the death of Mr. 
Leverton ; Messrs. J. Braham, Merryman, Hall and Ward. 
Mr. D. Jones is the present master. 

PAROCHIAL SCHOOL (existing a century ago). Arthur Herne, 
Master ; Mrs. Merret, Mistress (1800). 

NATIONAL SCHOOL, opposite the Church, Mr. Lindeman, 
Master, 1856. The Parochial Schools of Waltham Abbey, have 
since December 19, 1872, been under the superintendence of 
the School Board. 

BRITISH SCHOOL, Quaker Lane, founded for boys by George 
Fox in 1667, and re-established 1840, in the old Quaker's 
Room, Master, Charles Clayton. In 1844 a new school-room 
was erected. The masters who followed Clayton were 
Frith, Thomas Pugh, and Joseph Upton. This School was 
abolished on the institution of the Board Schools in 1872. 

WALTHAM ACADEMY, Sewardstone Street, Master, Samuel 
Howell (1816), author of a volume of poems. In after years 
Mr. Thomas Leggett became master and Martha Leggett 
mistress of a school held on the premises formerly occupied 
by Mr. Howell. This school was afterwards conducted 
respectively by Mr. Spencer Carter (an excellent portrait painter,) 
Mr. Avery, and Mr. Child. Edward Pugh kept a day school 
in the old timber built house directly opposite the large red 
brick building in Sewardstone Street, in which many respectable 
boys were trained between sixty and seventy years ago. Mr. 
Smith opened a high class school forty years ago, for young 
gentlemen in Highbridge Street, in what was then called 
' The Malting Yard." In 1840, Edward Tyler kept a day 
school in Highbridge Street, also Ann Gibbs. 

BOYS' SCHOOL. A small private school was held, fifty years 
ago, in an upper room adjoining the Wesleyan Chapel, by Mr. 
Pardoe (by trade a Brush Maker). 

YOUNG LADIES' BOARDING SCHOOL, established late in the 
last century, probably in Sun Street, Governess, Mrs. Ricketts. 



184 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

A niece of this lady, Miss M. A. Holdsworth, became governess 
in 1804, or thereabouts, and married in 1811 to Mr. Sherratt. 
The Misses Dagleys afterwards conducted the School. The 
Holdsworth family held "Broomstick Hall" estate in this parish, 
late in the last century, and became much reduced in position. 
Early in the present century Mr. Blentcairne kept a respectable 
school in Sun Street. His grandson was a military surgeon. 
Mrs. Littler kept a YOUNG LADIES' SCHOOL for some years in 
the Market Place. 

One of the most noted DAY SCHOOLS for Infants in the 
town fifty years ago, was that kept by Mrs. ("Old Dame") 
Parker, in Fountain Square, in which most of the children 
of that day received their first instructions. Miss Pegrum kept 
a respectable day school in Sewardstone Street more than fifty 
years ago. 

Sixty years ago Mr. J. "Wilkins kept an evening school at 
the bottom of Sewardstone Street, nearly opposite the "Three 
Compasses" Public-house. 

A Sunday School in connection with the Abbey Church was 
founded in 1818-19. There appears, however, to have been a 
Sunday School in the town prior to that. The Parish Register 
records the burial of Mary Noon, a Sunday School girl, aged 
8 years, 2gth May, 1811. 

In 1824 a Sunday School in connection with Paradise 
Chapel was founded, consisting of a superintendent, four 
teachers and twenty-five scholars. In after years the Wesleyans 
opened a Sunday School in the town, and one was established in 
1876 by the friends of Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Fountain Square. 



ANTIQUITIES FOUND IN WALTHAM ABBEY.* . 




ROMAN coin Vespasian, was found a short time since 
in the old River Lee. 

In 1779 a brass coin of Lidnius was found in Wai tham Abbey, 
legend: IMP. C. VAL. LICIN. LICINIVS P. F. AVGIOVI 
CONSERVATORI AVG. SMET. B. Jupiter with a lance and 

* Unquestionably the parish of Wai tham Abbey was known to the Romans 
and Britons (not perhaps under its present title) as so many of their ancient 
relics have been discovered at various times in the neighbourhood. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 185 

Victory on a globe, with an eagle and a label over his head. 
Vide Gough, Brit, in Essex. A small earthern figure of a child 
was found in the Forest by Mr. F. Bird, and was exhibited at 
the Society of Antiquaries in 1721. 

A few fragments of Romano- British Pottery were discovered a 
short time ago in the Ambresbury Banks on the borders of this 
parish. 

A large Boulder considered to be of Roman Cement, and 
human bones, were unearthed near the Cock Inn in this town, 
on opening the ground for the laying of the main water pipes 
in 1887. 

An ancient British Vase was found in Sun Street, in 1851. 
It was 4^ inches high and 3 inches in diameter. 

A water bottle of the mediaeval class was discovered in the 
Market Place, ten feet below the surface, while the men 
were opening the ground for the Sewage Works. A metal 
tankard was found in the subterranean passage many years 
ago. 

Portions of green glazed tiles, probably belonging to the 
ancient Monastery, were found at a considerable depth in the 
earth. 

Several early coins and tokens were found during the 
restoration of the Lady Chapel in 1875. 

In 1855 Mr. Meyrick exhibited a beautiful steel pommel of 
a sword, of the reign of Elizabeth, wrought in open chain 
work, richly engraved, found in Waltham Abbey. 

About the same time a brass seal, a very ancient lamp, and 
other items, were found in the town. The seal had a figure 
of St. Peter, with a key, circa i4th century. 

Many years ago a half-figure of the Virgin and child, from 
a brass signet, also a silver ring of the i5th century, were 
found in the Abbey ground. 

A very curious ornamental Flemish tile was found in the 
roof of the old Baker's Entry, marked 735, with a legend 
S'lAN SCH. AWL, an illustration of which may be seen in 
the Essex Archaeological Society's Transactions, Vol. n. 52. 

A silver coin was found in the town many years ago ; 
legend, C. CONSIDI PAETI. Also a copper coin with ROMA 
upon it, and a number of others. 

During the repairs of the Church in 1860 an axe head was 
found in the south aisle, about four inches below the surface. 



l86 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY. 

This implement was at once determined by some as being 
King Harold's battle-axe with which he did such execution at 
the Battle of Standford Bridge, and on the field of Senlac, 
where he forfeited his life. An old key and a copper coin, 
Charles II., were also found under one of the pillars of the 
Church. 

The old lintel of a pointed arch found in the Baker's Entry, 
with IN DOMINO + CONFIDO carved in relief within the span- 
drels, is now placed as a lintel in the doorway of the 
Manse, Paradise Row. 

In June, 1867, a dagger blade, seven inches long and 
slightly curved, was found seven feet below the surface near 
the Harp Inn. Also several pointed stakes and human 
skeletons. 

A number of Abbey pieces, or Jettons, have been found in 
the Abbey Garden, and Roadway near the Church. These 
were used by pilgrims, who travelled from one religious house 
to another, and were generally of brass or mixed metal. 

Trade Tokens have been frequently dug up. Those especially 
issued by John Hodges, grocer, of Waltham (1666), and 
Mihill Robinson, grocer. Each of these were worth one 
farthing. A few other coins have been found in the neigh- 
bourhood of Waltham, viz. : A quarter noble of Edward III., 
A.D. 13271377 (gold); a groat of Edward III. (silver); a 
groat of Edward IV. (silver) ; a groat of Mary (silver) ; and a 
half-penny of William III. The writer possesses several old coins 
and tokens that have been found round about the ancient Abbey 
of Waltham, but few of them are of little worth. In Boyne's 
Tokens of the i7th century, occur the following, current in 
Waltham Abbey. 

Obverse. WILLIAM DEANE. = AT = The Kings Arms. 

Reverse. AT WALTHAM ABBEY, 1668, = His Halfe Penny 
W.S.D. 

O. -loHN HODGES, = 77?^ Grocer's Anns. 

R. AT WALTHAM ABBY, I.I.H. 

O. IOHN HODGIS. OF = A Stick of Candles. 

R. AT WALTHAM ABBY, = 1666, I.I.H. 

O. MIHILL ROBINSON. = IN = The Grocer sAnns. 

R. WALTHAM ABBIE. = M.S.R. 

O, THOMAS TYLAR, His. Half. Penny (in four lines.) 

R~ OF WALTHAM ABBY, 1668 (in four lines) Heart Shaped, 



OR HOLY CROSS. 187 

O. THOMAS WARRIN, = Three Pipes in a Triangle. 
R.QF WALTHAM ABBY, 1668, = His Half Peny, T.S.W. 
Tokens were at one time as common as signboards, yet if the 
following lines be correct they were not always within reach : 

" For a namesake I gave a token 
To a beggar that did crave it ; 
More he need not me importune, 
For 'twas the utmost of my fortune." 

Early in the lyth century it was the custom for partisans of King 
Charles to carry certain tokens about with them, and if each of 
the company produced one the conversation became free. 

In 1878 a defaced bronzed coin was dug up in Mr. Paul's 
Nursery, at High Beech. On being submitted, by the Rev. 
R. Hunter, to Mr. Poole, of the British Museum, that gentleman 
placed a similar but undefaced one side by side with it, and 
proved it to be a coin of Antoninus Pius, who was Emperor of 
Rome from A.D. 138 to A.D. 161. 

In 1883 a curious iron ball incased with lead, in the shape 
of a sugar loaf, was found in a field called " Hungerdowns," 
High Beech, near "Arabin House." The missile was found 
about two feet under the surface and weighs about 7 Ibs. 

On digging near the foundation of the Church, in 1795, a 
stone vault was discovered; in it was a coffin of thick sheet lead, 
six feet long, without any inscription thereon. On the left side 
was the heart enclosed in a double leaden urn, the outer case 
six inches deep and four inches and a half in diameter ; at 
the mouth it was formed like the bowl of a goblet, when opened 
the smell was very offensive, but the heart soon evaporated 
leaving only a white lime like sediment on the lead. The teeth 
and the bones were but little decayed.* 

A few years ago was found in Coleman Street, City, London, a 
Stone Mould, of i2th Century date, used for making religious 
badgest. The legend, in Lombardic characters, was arranged 
on the margin, and ran thus : SIGNVM SANCTE CRVCIS 
DE WALTHAM. This is a most interesting relic, and is 
noticed by the Rev. Sparrow Simpson, D.D., who states that 
this was a stone mould incised with a cross, and the legend 
(as above) appears to indicate that it was intended for the 
casting of badges to be worn by persons who went on pilgrim- 

* Gents Mag., 1795. 
t Journal of Archaeology, Vols. 29, p 42 1 , and 30, p52. 



1 88 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

age to the once famous Abbey of St. Cross at Waltham in 
Essex. Every one knows that a cross with the figure of our 
Saviour upon it, which had been found at Montacute and had 
been transferred here, gave a name and sanctity to the 
place. Dugdale, in the passage just cited, tells us that a cross 
found at Montacute had a figure of our Saviour upon it, was 
in fact a crucifix, the pilgrim's sign only exhibiting a cross. 
The arms of Waltham obviously refer to the cross which was 
considered one of the chief treasures of the house. There are 
two coats of arms, viz., I Argent, on a cross engrailed Sable, five 
crosslet fitchee or; II., Azure, two angels volant or, support- 
ing a cross Calvary on three grieces argent. The stone mould 
exhibits a plain cross similar to the latter arms. 



LOCAL DIRECTORY. 

(ii 

addition to the parish Church of Waltham Holy Cross, 
there is Holy Innocents' Church, High Beech. The 
Dissenting places of worship are Baptist Chapel, Para- 
dise Row, founded 1729, rebuilt 1836, new school-room 
erected 1879; Ebenezer, Fountain (Baptist) founded 1824, new 
Chapel erected in Fountain Square 1868, enlarged 1879; Bethel, 
Church Street, built 1845 ; Wesleyan Chapel, Quaker Lane, 
founded 1818, Chapel erected 1824; enlarged in 1879; and 
Plymouth Brethren Room, Quaker Lane, in which the Salvation 
Army meet. 

Parochial Registers. The existing Registers of Christenings, 
Marriages, and Burials in this parish commenced in 1563. 
They are in an excellent state of preservation, well bound, 
and secured in an iron chest.* The Non-Parochial Registers, 
which by Act of Parliament have become national records, 
are (I.) Book of Births, 1799 to 1818; (II.) Book of Deaths, 
1770 to 1831 ; (III.) Books of Burials, r836 to 1837, at 
Paradise Row Chapel. (I.) Births and Baptisms, 1818 to 1837, 
at Wesleyan Chapel. There is a Relieving Officer and Registrar 
of Births and Deaths. 

* Copies of these Registers were taken in 1868, and are possessed by the 
Author. 



OR HOLY CROSS. 189 

Town Reading Room, opposite the Church. This room was 
opened shortly after the old Literary Institution had ceased to 
exist. 

Government Reading Room and Library. Powder Mill Lane. 

High School for Boys and Girls, Harold House, Waltham 
Lane. 

High-Class Boarding and Day School for Girls, Highbridge 
Street. 

Board Schools. Quaker Lane, Milton Street, Sewardstone, 
High Beech, and Copt Hall. 

School Board. Instituted in 1873. The first members were 
Sir T. F. Buxton, Bart. (Chairman), Josiah Norton (Vice-Chair- 
man), T. Chapman, W. R. Clark, J. Claydon, C. Hunt, P. Mills, 
and H. Gough (Clerk.) 

Royal Gunpowder and Gun Cotton Works. 

Percussion Cap Factory. Farm Hill. 

Imperial Bank. Highbridge Street (open on Tuesday 
and Friday) established 1871. 

Benefit Societies. Benefit Building Society; Oddfellows (M.U.) 
Providence Lodge ; and Ancient Abbey Lodge ; Friendly Union 
Society ; and Foresters (St. Lawrence). 

Inns in the Town of Waltham Abbey. Angel ; Cock ; Green 
Dragon ; Greyhound ; Welsh Harp ; King's Arms ; New Inn ; 
White Lion; Red Lion; Sun; Three Tuns; White Horse; 
Three Compasses ; Ordnance Arms. 

Victoria Swimming Bath. The new bathing place at 
Rumney Marsh Lock (ten minutes from Waltham Town Bridge) 
was formally opened on Saturday, i8th June, 1887. George 
Corbie, Treasurer ; W. Alps, Secretary.' 

RECENT LOCAL EVENTS. A Fountain erected in the Rome- 
land, and Pump in Greenfield Street. " Clark's Bridge " 
widened. Sewerage Works removed to south-east of Town Mead 
after a long litigation and much expense. Tar path made on 
the causeway bank (Oct. 1884) leading to Small Lea Bridge, 
which bridge requires to be widened (1887). The almost sudden 
death of the Rev. James Francis, M.A., occurred March 3rd, 
1885, succeeded as vicar by the Rev. F. B. Johnstone, M.A. 
Essex Agricultural Show held in " Capershott " Field, Seward- 
stone Road, June 4th and 5th, 1885. This was an immense 
success. The Government have purchased (1886) Quinton 
Hill Farm for the purpose of erecting Gun Cotton Works 



1 90 HISTORY OF WALTHAM ABBEY 

thereon. A plan for making a roadway from Enfield Lock to 
Waltham Abbey, is under consideration and which, if carried out, 
will be of great benefit to the town. The East London 
Waterworks Company have sunk a large well in Canward and 
are (1887) carrying water pipes through the town to London 
via Sewardstone. 

The New Memorial Church Clock. On Tuesday, October 
i8th, 1887, the new Illuminated Memorial Clock fixed in the 
Tower of the Abbey Church was finished. After a short service 
in the Church, the Rev. F. B. Johnstone, Vicar, led the way to 
the clock chamber, and behind him immediately followed the 
Rev. J H. Stamp, Mr. John Bentley (churchwarden), John 
Parnell, Esq. (the donor of this handsome gift), and many 
others. At ten minutes to twelve o'clock the Vicar, who stood 
facing the company, said: "To the glory of God, and in 
memory of John Jessopp Parnell and Mary Anne Parnell, I set 
this clock going;" and having said these words he touched the 
pendulum, and in a few minutes afterwards the clock chimed and 
struck the hour of twelve. On the wall near the clock case is 
placed a memorial tablet of Sienna marble, on which is the 
following inscription : 

THIS CLOCK 

WAS PLACED IN THE 

ABBEY CHURCH TOWER, . 

By JOHN PARNELL, J.P. 

OCT. 1 8th, 1887, 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS PARENTS, 

JOHN JESSOPP PARNELL, SOLICITOR, 

Who died Dec. 28th, 1857, aged 47 years; 

AND 

MARY ANNE E. J. PARNELL, HIS WIFE, 
Who died Oct. i8th, 1886, aged 79 years. 

The old clock just removed from its ancient position was pur- 
chased by the churchwardens of Waltham Abbey, during the 
ministry of Dr. Joseph Hall. In their accounts, under date 1626, 
occur the following curious entries : 

"Item, to Frances Arnold for mendinge the leads over the vestrie and for 
eighteene pound of lead added to the Clocke Waighte, vis- v id. Item to 
Marmaduke Howe for mendinge the clock diall xd. ' ' To Goodman Dickerson 



OR HOLY CROSS. 1 91 

for Oyle for ye Clocke id. " Item for changeing the olde clocke iiii. \*-" 
" Item, for bringinge down the clocke by John Harlows i s - vid." "Item, for 
diet and expenses of the Clockmaker's man while he was setteinge up the 
clocke vi 8 -" 

The first clock in use in the Abbey was no doubt of contem- 
porary date with the old tower. In the year 1627, the church- 
wardens of the Abbey paid the following sums: "Item, for the 
sextones wages to Jelly (Jolly) and to Goodman Dickerson for 
keeping ye clocke i iii 8 - November the ist (1629) paid to 
Kemp for mending and making cleane the cloke iii s - iiii d -" The 
old clock was substantially repaired in 1796 when the tower was 
restored. Mr. J. Clark, of Cold Hall, says that he remembers 
the old clock being repaired and the dial regilded about forty 
years ago. Fragments of ancient masonry were removed from 
the Abbey to make way for the new clock. Several of the pieces 
I noticed belong to the elegant western arch of the Edwardian 
period, including other portions taken at some early date from 
the string course of the clerestory, and from one of the 
Saxon cylindrical pillars. A small portion of the lost zig- 
zag column I observed with a heap of pieces of arch mould- 
ing, etc., on the roadside near the Church. Some of the surface 
stones had portions of distemper painting upon them. These 
fragments I recommended to be placed in some conspicuous part 
of the old Abbey walls. 

Principal Streets in the Town. Highbridge Street, Church 
Street, Sewardstone Street, Silver Street, Milton Street, Woollard 
Street, and Greenfield Street. 

Lanes and Yards in the Town. Powder Mill Lane, Barge 
Yard (Cook's), North Place, Marshall's Yard (late Cox's), Malting 
Yard, Romeland, Abbey Lane, Mill Lane, Camp's Alley, Baker's 
Entry, Backway, Greenyard, Paradise Row, Franchise Place, 
Fountain Square, Mead Lane, Quaker Lane, Chetwood's Yard 
(Sun Street.) 

Out uf Town. Crooked Mile, Holyfield, Galley Hill, Reeves 
Gate, Farm Hill, Broomstick Hall, Paternoster Hill, Warlies, 
Pick Hill, Copt Hall, Woodridden, The Butts, Honey Lane, 
Pinest Green, High Beech, Fair Mead Bottom, Mutt Street, 
Lodge Lane, Quinton Hill, Sewardstone. 




INDEX. 



Abbey Church .. 30, 66, 87, 91 

Abbey Gates 59 

Abbey Mansion 34 

Abbots, Deans, Canons ... 148,153 
Almshouses, Highbridge Street 52 
Ancient Deeds and Charters Intro. 

vi., xi. 
Antiquities... ... ... 184 

Bakers' Entry... ... ... 64 

Belfry, Boards 67, 68 

Benefactions to the Parish 69, 75 

Black Boy Alley 65 

Boundary of the Parish 42, 43, 89 

Broomstick Hall 37 

Cage, The Old 65 

Canons .. ... 148, 152 

Cemetery 1 60, 169 

Charles the First ... ... 35 

Charles the Second ... ... 36 

Churchwardens' Accounts 139 

Church Yard ... ... 1 60, 164 

Claverhambury ... ... 32 

Clock, Memorial ... ... 190 

Conventicles ... ... ... 99 

Copthall ... ... ...10,24,28 

Corn Mill ... ... 57, 140 

Cotton Tree ... ... 161 

County Court ... ... 54 

Crusades ... ... ... 23 

Crypt ... 123, 146 

Dallance Farm ... ... 12 

Deans 148, 151 

Denny Family ... ... 32 

Dissenting Chapels ... ... 178 

Domesday Survey ... 13 

Early Natives of Waltham Intro, v. 
Early Residents in Waltham Intro. 

xv. 

Eastfield, Sir W., Lord Mayor 26 
Edward the Confessor ... 2, 79 
Edward the First 22 



Edward the Second ... 24 

Edward the Fourth 26 

Edward the Sixth ... 141 

Eleanor Memorial ... ... 40 

Elizabeth, the Queen ... 145 

Engravings of the Abbey Church, 

Intro. VL. 
Fisheries ... ... ... 4.7 

Font 112 

Forest Charters 2, 3 

Francis Memorial ... 103 

Galley Hill 12 

Green Yard ... ... 64, 65 

Gillwell House 7, 8 

Guilds and Fraternities ... 142 

Gunpowder Factory ... ... 48 

Harold, The Burial ... 8l 

Harold's Park 10 

Henry the First 15 

Henry the Second ... ... 17 

Henry the Third ... 20, 22 

Henry the Fourth ... ... 26 

Henry the Sixth 26 

Henry the Eighth ... ... 27 

High Beech (Royal Oak Planted) 

4,9 
Hokes and Pynnacles ... 5, TO, 27 

Holyneld 4 

Hood, Tom ... ... 174 

Inventory of Church Goods 124, 131 
James the First ... ... 35 

John, King .. ... ... 20 

Lady Chapel 138, 146 

Legend oi the Holy Cross ... 76 
Leverton Charity ... 73 

Lichgate ... 161 

Lime Trees 161 

Local Authors ... ... .. 170 

Local Directory 188 

Local Events ... ... ... 189 

Lordships 2, 89, 150 



Index. 



Mandeville, Geoffrey de ... 16 

Market House ... ... 63 

Marsh Land and Commonage 45 

Mary the Queen ... ... 144 

Mead Lane ... ... 65 

Ministers' Accounts ... ... 131 

Ministers of the Abbey ... 155 

Monkham's Hill 5 

Music in the Abbey ... 105 

Names of Ancient Places in the 

Parish, Intro, vi. 

Noted Persons of the Neighbour- 
hood, Intro, iii. 

Notorial Instrument ... ... 97 

Obelisk, at Breach Barns ir 

Ordnance Survey ... Intro, xvi. 



Organ in the Abbey 

Paradise Row 

Paternoster Hills ... ... 

Pensions of Abbey Officers 
Petensary Estate ... 
Pilgrim Fathers 
Pulpit and Lectern 
Reredos 

Richard the First 

Richard the Second ... 
Romeland . . 



104 
65 
37 

129 

8 

36 

103 

102 

19 
26 

56 



Schools, Old 

Sequestered Lands (1643)... 
Sewardstone Manor ... 
Stephen, King 
St. Pancras, Land in ... 
Streets in the Town, 51, 54, 

191. 

Subterraneous Passage 
Tallis, Thomas ... ... j 

Title of Parish 
Tombs in the Abbey 
Tombs in the Church Yard 
Tovi le Prude ... 

Tulip Tree 

Upshire 

Vestry Goods 

Waltham under Saxon Rule 

Waltham Fair 

Wardship of Waltham 

Warlies Park 

Whipping Post 

William the Conqueror ... 

William Rufus.. 

Windows, Stained Glass ... 

Windsor, Old and New 

Woodridden 



<*f ttje 



in ttje 



of 



tlje Dumber of 
to 



WALTHAM 
PARISH. 


Inhabited 
houses. 


By how many 
occupied. 


In course of 
erection. 


Uninhabited. 


amines cnieny 
employed in 
agricul. pursuits 


!>> a 
a "- 1 
2 o 
%-$* 

III 

11* 

^ 


Families not 
comprised in 
the two classes. 


t 

r2 

'& 

a 


Females. 


Total number 
of persons. 


1801. 


















, 


. 1837 






















( 206 


















1480 


1560 


( 495 


Upshire 




















) 502 


1811. 




















2287 


Holyneld .... 




















268 


Sewardstone . . 




















583 


Upshire .... 




















547 


1821. 
Township .... 
Holyneld 
iewardstone . . 
Upshire ... 


422 

52 
120 

144 


462 
57 
123 
140 


i 


15 
4 
5 

7 


59 
54 
87 
107 


359 
2 
17 
29 


44 
1 
19 
13 


1021 
156 
423 
386 


1076 
137 
430 
353 


2097 
293 
853 
739 


1831. 
Township .... 
tlolyfield .... 
Sewardstone . . 
Upshire 


416 
62 
131 


455 
69 
133 
1 cc 


3 
2 


32 
3 
13 
13 


35 
51 
69 
110 


229 
9 
36 
21 


191 
9 

28 

OK 


1063 
171 

385 

07^ 


1139 
161 
440 
370 


2202 
332 
825 
745 


1841. 
Township .... 
Solylieid .... 
Sewardstone . . 
Upshire 


410 
66 
144 
164 




2 
2 


40 
4 
9 
12 








2113 


2064 


4177 


1851. 
Township .... 
Holynekl 
Sewardstone . . 
Upshire 


461 
69 
144 

1 fift 







4 
1 
6 

7 










2143 


2160 


4303 


1861. 
Township .... 
Holyneid 


897 


















5044 

























1871. 
Township .... 
Holyneld .... 


978 



















J5197 


Upshire 






















1881. 
Township .... 


















f 




Holyneld ... 






















Sewardstone. 
















2705 


< 2672 


5377 


Upshire .... 


















( 





In 1815 the annual value of "real property " in the parish of Waltham Holy Cross (as assessed) 
was 24,880. In 1821 the population of the parish decreased from the reduction of the number of 
labourers employed in the Royal Gunpowder Factory. The return of the population of Sewardstone 
in i821 includes a gang of 45 gipsies i The total number of acres in the parish in 18:51 was 11,870. 
[In 1841 the number of acres is said to have been reduced to "10,876."] The population of the parish 
in " 1870 " is said to have numbered " 5,700 ;" according to the census taken the year following the 
return is "5,197 " Ratable value of the parish in 1870, 29,839. Number of schools then in opera- 
tion six public and one "adventure." Number of children (1870) for whom accommodation then 
existed at the rate of 10 square per child public school, 562 (viz., no returns for two schools) ; 
" adventure " schools, 41. The parish contains, according to the last census, 11,870 acres of land ; 
ratable value, 33,897 ; population, 5,377. 



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