Early court records, state papers and newspaper reports
of events and incidents at
Goldhanger
There are
over 120 reports summarised below, and although many of the early reports are
crime and alehouse related, they represent an average of just one every four
years over a period covered. Importantly they tell us much about the way of
life in the village over the centuries. Before 1700 the reports are taken
mainly from court records, after then they are mainly newspaper reports.
The original records and articles
can be found on these sites…
go to.. 1500s 1600s 1700s
1800s 1900s
1352
That Sir John Chapleyn, parson of the church of
Goldhanger is a common forestaller of oats, malt and other victuals, and that,
on account of his wealth, no one dares to act against him, in case of great
oppression and damage of the people. (The King's Bench records, Chelmsford)
1361
Commission to John Grete of Maldon and William
Pellard of Goldangre to explore and investigate in all ports and arms of the
areas and other waters descending to the area, in the county of Essex, for
wool, hides and wool-fells shipped for foreign parts without payment of the
customs and subsidy due to the king, and for victuals and other things put in
ships to be taken to the said parts and brought within the realm, and arrest
and keep until further order such as they find certifying the king in the
chancery of all arrests made and of all they do in this behalf. (Calendar Of
Patent Rolls) [see… Smuggling ]
1500s
1543 at the time of the dissolution, Henry VIII gave away
or sold many of the estates around the village previously belonging to Beeleigh
Abbey [see… Reformation effects ]
1564 Indictment: Edward Michell of Great Birch, yeoman,
and John Wade, of Goldhanger, yeoman, for breaking into the close of Edward Horspitte
at Salcott Virley called Harkes and taking away 6 of his cows value £12, and
detaining them for 1 and a half months. Each fined 12d. (ERO
Q/SR 13/11)
1572 Hundred of Thurstable Petty Sessions held at Goldhanger before
Richard Whitlocke and John Sames, high constables. Little Totham with
Goldhanger: constables, chief pledges, present that they have kept diligent
watch for the feast of the Ascension to the feast of St. Michael last past, and
that all the inhabitants have their arms prepared, and that rogues and
vagabonds have been punished and not entertained by alehouse holders. (ERO Q/SR 41/54)
1573 Judgement given in the King's Bench, Easter Term,
the 15th year of the reign of Elizabeth. That Thomas Stapleton and John Heycock
took cattle, viz six cows to the value of £10, of the said Robert Smith from a
certain place called Faity in the land ground in Goldhanger.
1575
Man indicted for being a public nuisance:
Thomas Keys of Goldhanger, yeoman, for causing his own diabolical and perverse
mind divers false clamors and quarrels without any reasonable or just cause
against many of his neighbours, faithful subjects of the lady the Queen,
dwelling at Goldhanger, and for being a common brawler there. ERO Q/SBG 214
1575 Church Court records: John Wade
Goldhanger, barred from communion by Revd Horne (ERO)
1576
Indictment:
Thomas Keys of Goldhanger, yeoman for causing out of his own diabolical and
perverse mind divers false clamours and quarrels without any reasonable or just
cause against many of his neighbours, faithful subjects of the lady the queen,
dwelling at Goldhanger, and for being a common brawler there. (ERO Q/SR 57/39)
1576 Indictment of Henry Prior, Goldhanger
alehouse-holder, for keeping unlawful games in his house, to wit, cards; and of
Robert Mannering of the same, tailor, for being a common gamester in the said
alehouse. (ERO Q/SR 59/10) [see… Goldhanger Lost - alehouses ]
1576 Indictment: Richard Graunt of Layer Breton, husbandman, and
William Keys of Feering, carpenter, for breaking into the close of Robert Wade
of Goldhanger, husbandman, at the same, and for assaulting Agnes, wife of the
said Robert, and putting her in fear of life and limb with certain threatening
words, and for destroying the "bartlinge" of the house, and for
despoiling certain victuals and other domestic things found there, belonging to
the said Robert, worth five marks. (ERO Q/SR 58/40)
1582 That Thomas Keyes of Goldhanger keeps an alehouse
and suffered much evil rule in his house "playing at dyse an drynkynge
exsessyvely". (ERO Q/SR 80/63)
1583 Indictment: Thomas Keys of Goldhanger,
alehouse-keeper, for being a common player at unlawful games in his alehouse at
the same, and of John Marke and William Marke of Great Totham, husbandmen, for
playing at cards in the house of the said Thomas. The said John and William
each fined 6s.8d. (ERO Q/SR 85/30)
1584
There was a
robbery committed in the parish of Goldhanger not long since, and then Roger
Armstronge, being constable of the same parish, made hue and cry after the
felon who had committed the same until he came unto one Wilkinson, being then
constable of Layer de la Hay, and charged him to make the said hue and cry unto
the next constable, and he answered he needed not to make it forth without a
Justice's warrant, and wheter he did make the hue and cry or not we know not. (ERO Q/SR 89/11)
1585 We present Mr. Allyson, minister of Goldhanger,
"because he did refuse to babptyse a chyld beyng base waythin the paryshe
beyng a vagarant person". We present the collectors of Goldhanger
"because thay have not gathered the commone calloccion for the poore synse
mychelmas last past, Robert Laurance beyng one, the other we know not. (ERO Q/SR
93/21)
1587 The wife of one genery dyd
put on a smock over her clothes and went to the house of Widow Willings of
Goldhanger, who kept an alehouse, amongst divers there assembled, terming it to
be a surplice. (Essex Review, 1936)
[see… Goldhanger Lost -
alehouses ]
1587 Indictment of John Ashley of
Goldhanger husbandman at Tollesbury said: "that those mynisters were domme
mynisters and dunces that wold praye for the Quebes Majestie and that there
were some of the Councell that were trayers". (ERO T/A 418/48/64)
1589 Presentments for the Liberty
of the Bishop of London. We present Mr. John Knight, parson of Goldanger and
Little Totham, for that he refused to weare the surplisse in all his
administration of the sacraments and other prayer's since Midsummer last, and
he denyeth to be ther minister of ther parlshe and he brought one Mr. Lune into
the sayd parishe whome he affirmed to be his substitute, and he affirmed that
he was lycensed by lawfull authorltye and therupon shewing unto the
Churchwardens a paper with a seale and sayd unto them that it was his lycense,
and then he being convented before Mr.Chauncelery it was found that it was no
lycense. Insomuche that at this tyrme the churchwardens by reason that they did
suffer him to saye service stande excommunicated. (ERO 0/SR 110/57)
1589 Church Court records: John Knight, Goldhanger rector, baptism
without witnesses, many disputes in parish (ERO)
1589 Church Court records: Edward Selrowe, Goldhanger, twice debarred
by Revd Knight (ERO)
1589 Church Court records: John Tiler, Goldhanger, debarred from
communion (ERO)
1590 Recognizance: Ann Willinges,
spinster, to give evidence against Edward Sebrooke of Goldhanger, waterman,
charged with stealing 28s. from her for which he was sent to the goal. (ERO Q/SR 115/98)
1590 Order to bring Annis Sebruke of Goldhanger before the justice as
she is not of good fame. but an evil doer, barrator and perturber of the peace
as is reported fry sundry crediltable persons, and if she shall refuse to find
sureties then they are to convey her safety to the gaol at Colchester. (ERO)
1591 On St. Peter's Day two Goldhanger youths caught
playing at dice on the bier in the church. (Tribute to an Antiquary, Marc
Fitch, et al,1976) [see…History of St Peters ]
1591 Petition addressed to the
Justices: Recites that whereas the bearer John Newman of Goldhanger, 'being a verye
poore lame and important person and of good and honest conversation during all
the tyme of our knowledges' who now of late has obtained the goodwill and
friendship of William Tunstall, clerk, to erect a cottage in a parcel of ground
of the said William in Goldhanger, in the which the said John and his wife
should have their habitation during their lives, if he can get the licence of
certain of the Justices as also the goodwill of certain of the best inhabitants
of the said parish, therefore the parishioners hereafter named, at the request
of the said John, do certify that they are willing that the said cottage may be
erected as by the Justices' discretion shall be thought best and according to
the Statute. Subscribed by Thomas Beckingham, John Knighte, John Wade, John
Hevenyngham, John Tiler, Richard Garrud, William Catmer, Jasper Graunt, Roger
Cowper, John Fann, Robert Dagnett, John Keys, John Stone, John Butler. Let
licence be made by the Court. (ERO Q/SR 117/53)
1591 Church Court records:
John Coker, Goldhanger sexton, refused a knell (toll a bell) (ERO)
1591 Church Court records: Roger
Cowper, Goldhanger sexton, slandered John Coker, argumentative, drunk,
blasphemer (ERO)
1591 Church Court records:
John Knight, Goldhanger rector, two chancel graves to pave, damage to
church register (ERO)
1593 Inquisition taken at Goldhanger, before Thomas
Drywood, Coroner, upon the view of the body of Gilbert Hyndes of Brentwood
yeoman. The jurors say that the same gilbert on 25 July 35 Eliz.m at Tolleshunt
D'Arcy in a place called "Typtry", furiously assaulted Ralph Elzynge
of Little Horkesley yeoman, and with a sword worth 5s. struck him in the face.
After some time Ralph, to save his life withdrew and with his sword worth 5s.
defended himself and gave Gilbert "a thrust" 3 inches deep and 1 inch
wide of which the said Gilbert died that day. Pleads not guilty; in self
defence; pardoned. (ERO T/A 418/57/62)
1599 Memorandum reciting that
we, Peter Tuke and Christopher Chibborne, esquires, Justices, upon the
complaint of John Scott of Goldhanger, yeoman, went to the house of the said
John in Goldhanger called "Scottis" and there found John Denye and
Richard Person Forcibly keeping the same, contrary to the Stature of 8 Henry
VI, wherefore we arrested the said Denye and Person and committed them to gaol
until they should paya fins; and aftrwarde, on 10 October, we imposed a fine of
40s upon them which we have received and now send to this Sessions. (ERO Q/SR
148/125)
1600s
1600 Recognizance of John Whitlocke of Goldhanger yeoman,
to give evidence against the above said George and Henry "for the felonius
stealing of a black mare". (ERO
T/A 418/67/106)
1602 Licence granted by the Court to John knight, parson
of Goldhanger, to convert certain buildings, which he hath lately builded at
his own charges upon his free land in Goldhanger aforesaid, to a schoolhouse
and to some other habitations, at his humble request. (ERO Q/SR 157/2) [see…Pit
Cottages & Village school ]
1604 Thomas Price, John Wade, Crieck the smith, one Parcker
"the maied man", and Backen a butcher and Thomas Shovelad, all of
Goldhanger, and John Gilbard, for common drunkards and disturbers of the king's
liege people continually, and Backen, Parker and Gibard [sic] for victualling
not being licensed. (ERO Q/SR 166/146)
1604 Indictment of Thomas Frye of Goldhanger, fisherman,
for shooting at a curlew with a handgun charged with powder and shot, at the
same. Committed to goal until he pay £10; acknowledged upon examination.
(ERO Q/SR 166/71)
1605 Church Court records: John Heveningham,
Goldhanger, debarred by Revd Knight accused of slander (ERO)
1611 Presentment of John Thurgood of Goldhanger having 50
acres of land there did not find a "Cart furnished" nor any able man
on any of the six days before the feast of St. John Bapitiest appointed by the
surveyere. Fined 6d. (ERO Q/SR 193/135)
1616 Presentment by Grand Jury: Wm. Parishe of Goldhanger
victualler for keeping evil rule and disorder in his house. The country is much
annoyed by reason of the great number of rouges and wandering persons through
the whole county. and the constables of every town and parish for this year
ought to be punished, for wilful suffering of the same. There be too many
alehouses in Witham (district) by six. (ERO Q/SR 213/41)[see… Goldhanger Lost - alehouses ]
1618 John wade of Goldhanger (labourer) for keeping
disorder in his alehouse and for playing and "gamming" on the sabbath
day. (ERO Q/SR 222/16,17)
1622 Recognizances of Thomas Millers husbandman and Wm.
Parrishe, bricklayer, both of Goldhanger; to answer, being Overseers of the
Poor for suffering John Sparke a poor boy born there to wander up and down the
country begging, having been taken as vagrant and sent to them and yet will not
provide him a service of work to employ him about. (ERO Q/SR 237/62)
1623 Recognizance of Wm.Morris
of Goldhanger baker to answer for keeping a disorder alehouse without licence.
"Twice bounde for one thinge". (ERO Q/SR 243/98)
1624
Jury list
and presentment for the Hundreds of Lexden Tendring, Winstree and Thurstable.
John Wyles of Coldhanger (husbandman) for a common aleshouse haunter, a breaker
of the sabbath day and a common enticer of poor men to spend their estates in
alehouses. John Mott of the same (tailer) for a common alehouse haunter (4 of 5
years). John Lowe (of the same) for the like offence, and for keeping a boy of
15 years of age to "breake hedges, out quick heges, crop trees in the
fences", contrary to the statue. John Brigges (4 years last past) and
Rob.Scarlet (7 years),both of Goldhanger, for common alehouse haunters. The
whole township of Goldhanger for cheesing one Henry Motte a poor man to be the
constable, having no estate to live by but only his day labour. (ERO Q/SR 243/33) [see… Goldhanger Lost -
alehouses ]
1624 Indictment of Margaret Wade spinster wife of Henry
wade of Coldhanger fisherman, was a still is a common barretor, malefactor,
calumnfatrix a sower of discords among her neighbours. Witnesses: the
inhabitants of Goldhanger, Sir tho. Beckingham. (ERO Q/SR 244/8)
1624 Recognizances: John Card
and Silvanus Knight, both "lannius", and Richard Robginte yeoman, all
of Goldhanger; Card to answer for unlawfully using the trade of a butcher.
Added: "This man I bound over for that he as I understand hath not served
out his full time and likewise was taken in the twylight keeping and cooping up
of a sheep which was suspected he would have stole." (ERO Q/SR 246/59)
1625 Indictment of Henry Mott
and Mary his wife and William Ballarde, of Little Totham husbandmen unlawfully
and riotously assembled together at Goldhanger and forcibly entered the
dwelling house of Silas Knighte there and assaulted Margaret Wade spinster,
being then in the same house. Witness: Knights. (ERO Q/SR 265/13)
1628
Indictment
of Elizabeth Phillipps of Goldhanger spinster, 12 February 3 Charles I, there
stole a pair of sheets worth 4s., "a hatt" worth 2d. and 2-ibs of
cheese worth 2d., belonging to George Roberts. Confessed; whipped. Witnesses:
Rose Roberts, Alice Sparke, Mary Kirby. (ERO
T/A 418/103/4)
1628 Jeffrey Sayer of Tollesbury
for being drunk at Goldhanger and for riding on horseback into two alehouses
and for swearing 10 unlawful oaths about Midsummer last. William Norris of
Goldhanger for keeping a victualling house being unlicenced "and an excommunicat
person". Suppressed and sent to Gaol by order of the nearest justices.
(ERO Q/SR 263/21)
1629 Indictment of Richard
Cardyn of Tollesbury labourer, John Mott of Goldhanger, Edward Woodward of
`Great Tolleshunt' [Tolleshunt Major], Thomas Symond of Tollesbury, all
labourers, each kept "a common tiplinge house" without licence. (ERO
T/A 418/104/20)
1631
Presentment
by constables and surveyors of Colchanger.
1, we have no parish recusents.
2, we can say nothing.
3, we say that we have no unlicensed alehouse
keepers.
4, we say that Bob Eldred of Little Totham will not
let our alefounders weigh his bread that he bringeth to our parish to sell,
they requiring the same to weigh.
5, we have not found any drunk.
6, we have had no hue or ories this last year.
7, we have no cottages set up as we know of.
8, there wanteth a footbridge in the common market
way of Goldhanger leading to Maldon, and is to be made by Richard Knight of our
parish.
9, we have seen no rogues lately and inmates we know
none.
10, we know no swearers nor cursers.
11, we have put forth three children apprentice at
the charge of our parish.
12, we know nothing to return.
13, our watches were duly kept last year.
Lately, the said eldred hath
laid more than 30 loads of carth and bushes in the highway to coggeshall to the
great annoyance of market folk. also we do any that "Mapell gate" is
mended which was presented. signatures (or marks) of: Rob. Scarlett, Thomas
Wright, constables, tho. Kinge, Edward Hawe (ERO Q/SR 273/55)
1631 Court of Exchequer
case: Bailiffs of Maldon vs Tho.Plume
of Maldon, gentleman and alderman. Corporation claim that Thomas Plume, et al
"have plotted together” to avoid payment
of tolls on goods imported by ship and that Thomas Plume "keepeth and
maytayneth a Wharfe late made and erected at Heigh Bridge [Heybridge] and hath
in every of the five years now last past so brought to his said Wharfe... Two
hundred Chaldron of Sea Coales and fifty loades of Fullers Earth at the least
besides divers other Goods...and still doth refuse to pay unto the Water
Bayliffs the sums of money so due...And the said Wm.Syday hath also lately
erected and made and keepeth... a Wharfe at
Barrow hills in Goldhanger
at which Wharfe in every of the said five years now last past he hath landed
charged and discharged bought and sold Iron, two hundred quarters of
Wheate, two hundred quarters of Rye,
two hundred quarters of Malte, two hundred quarters of Oates, two hundred
loades of Weed and other Goods and Wares..." (ERO D/B 3/3/664/1)
1635
Recognizance of Natl. Starling victualler,
Robert Scarlett husbandman an Matthew Pasfield butcher, all of Goldhanger;
Whereas Starling is by the within named justices licensed to keep a common
alehouse of victualling house in the house where he now liveth, if he shall not
suffer any person to "sett" drinking or tippling there contrary to
law, nor dress any fleshment upon any days or times prohibited, nor shall
suffer any unlawful games to be therein used, but shall observe the true assize
of bread and bler, then the recognizance to be void. (ERO Q/SR 294/94)
1641 Indictment of John Hulbacke of Goldhanger,
husbandman, 10 January 16 Charles I, being a Sunday, and on other days, did not
go to church. Witness: William Sweno clerk. (ERO T/A 418/121/14)
1641 Inidictment of Thomas Bishopp of Coldhanger
husbandman, a beaver-hat worth 3s.4d. of Wm. Bull. Witness: Thomas Carnell.
Pleads not guilty. Acquitted. (ERO Q/SR 317/11)
1647
An agreement between inhabitants of Goldhanger
and Tolleshunt Major concerning lands in Goldhanger occupied by inhabitants of
Tolleshunt Major and rated in Tolleshunt Major, 25 acres farmed by John Palmer,
60 acres called Langewich (Longwick) occupied by John Parr and 40 acres farmed
by Richard Knight, henceforth to be rateable in Goldhanger. (ERO D/P
240/1/3) [see… Effects
of the Reformation ]
1650
Recognizance of Thomas Saffold of Goldhanger
saltboiler; to answer the inhabitants of Goldhanger. (ERO Q/SR 345/83) [see… Salt extraction in
the Blackwater ]
1651 Tho. Saffould of Goldhanger Salthoiler, for whipping
a boy for stealing when he was constable and making him a pass an sent him away
from constable to constable to the place of his habitation without any order
from a justice. (ERO Q/SR 348/36)
1652
Presentments
by Hundreds of Thurstable.
Hedgeman of a Great Totham, for keeping an
unlicensed alehouse.
Wm. Carret of Goldhanger, for digging up the highway
in Goldhanger Street. (ERO Q/SR 351/32)
1652 Recognizance of Isaac Medcalfe of Goldhanger
butcher, Fabian Fookes and William Overton, both of Little Totham husbandmen;
Medcalfe to answer for that, upon search made by the oficers of Goldhanger, he
was found in bed with Jane Kinge of Goldhanger widow. Bound over. (ERO Q/SR 353/58)
1654 Indictment of Mary Franck of Goldhanger, widow being an unmarried
woman, was carnally known there by John Tebell of Tolleshunt Beckingham being
an unmarried man. Witness: Nathan Osborne. Acknowledgeth and is committed for
three months according to the statute. (ERO Q/SR 364/13)
1658 Easter Court in Sessions: John Dyer of Goldhanger yeoman, for
laying of stable dung on the foot and market path leading to and from the
church. (ERO Q/SR 375/17)
1666 Presentments by Hundreds of Thurstable. John Waite
of Goldhanger, for not coming to his parish church for one month. (ERO Q/SR 410/25)
1666
Court Roll for July. Tho Crips of Goldhanger,
mariner, kept a common ale house without licence.
1666
Michaelmas Court Roll. John Waite of
Goldhanger for not coming to his parish church for one month.
1667 Returns for the parish of
Goldhanger:
Geo.Franke "A Copmane
dropunckrfed and A profayne swarner and A profaynier of the Sabothe Daya";
Jorge Thorenton a common
swearer and profaner of the Sabbath and "A singelle person hoe workes att
his owne hand";
William Routine a profaner
of the Sabbath and "for entertayinen" Jorge Thorentin as an inmate;
John Allworth a single
person who works with his hand;
Rob Lenitone "hoe selles
beere withoute lsenes";
Mary Starline "for
kepeine of ele orders in hure house suffringen pepelle to sete drinckine and
swarine undure three hapnes A quarte".
Tho.Curipps, Wm.Page
constables. (ERO T/A 418/167/48)
1668
Court Roll. Tho Field, husbandman, Tho Crisps
and Wm. Page. Constable all of Goldhanger:
Field to answer Roger Watford of London for breach of the peace.
1668 Indictment of Edward Robinson of Goldhanger labourer. 12 February 20 Charles II, there about 2 a.m. broke into the house of the James Bird and stole "one bushell of wheat meale" worth 3s., "one bushell of maslyn meale" worth 2s. 6d., 18 1bs. Of bacon worth 6s., three pewter dishes worth 2s. Plead not guilty. Guilty; to be hanged. (ERO T/A 418/166/13)
1670
Return
of constable for Goldhanger:
Rob.Francke absented himself from church.
Gillese Moseley sold beer without licence.
Rich Adames, Rich.Jordone, Constables (ERO T/A 418/171/88)
1670
Goldhanger
presentments:
The return of ye Constable of Goldhanger concerning
a warrant:
1 We have
no popish recusants within or Parish
2 I return
Robert Franke for not Coming to Church for ye space of a month
3 I return
Giles Mosely for keeping an unlicensed Aylehouse
Richard Jordan, Thurstable (ERO Q/SR 423/46)
1675 Presentment of Simon Garling lablourer, Mary Dowcett
spr., both of Goldhanger, et al, being able-bodied refused to work. (ERO T/A 418/179/25)
1682 Indictment of W. Browne, Jer. Bowles, both of
Barking mariners, William Strayt cooper and Samuel Brewer of Goldhanger husbandman,
7 February 34 Charles II, at Goldhanger, being together in the boat of John
England in a creek in the said England's land, assaulted Stephen Jones, who was
also in the boat and took from him 3 hogsheads of white wine worth £30,
"the growth and manufacture" of the dominions of the King of France
"forbidden to be brought" into this kingdom. (ERO T/A 418/191/84) [see… Smuggling ]
1687 Indictment of Thomas Miller of Goldhanger fisherman,
"did discharge and shoots a handgun charged with powder and
haileshott" and killed and carried away divers pigeons there. Witness:
Obadish Sharpe. (ERO Q/SR 455/87)
1689 Particular and memorandum by the Clerk of the Pipe
of the Premises: being the ancient fines and ward silver of various homages,
viz, from Henry Till [or Pill] for lands called Hullings in Goldhanger.
(Calendar of Treasury Book)
1694 Robert Brown of Asheldham farmer; to answer Robert Pratt of
Goldhanger victualler fr refusing to pay him money for wages for work performed
by him. (ERO Q/SR 480/10)
1696 General quarter sessions of the peace held at
Ingatestone: Tho. Sparrow, labourer to do what the court shall enjoy,
concerning his endeavouring to steal and convey away the daughter and heir of
John Lasby Clerk, she being a minor all of Goldhanger.
1696
Court Roll: Tho. Matthew's or Tollesbury, labour, to
do what the court shall enjoy concerning his eaves dropping in the night time
at the house of John Lasby Clerk and setting up ladders in the night time
against the said house in order to have taken Lasbys daughter being a minor out
of the window and have conveyed her away.
1697 Indictment of Thomas Warford of Coldhanger butcher
kept a 11-lb. weight lacking 2 ½ oz. (ERO Q/SR 495/62) [see…
Goldhanger Lost - shops ]
1700s
1705 Indictment of Isaac Wilkinson of Tolleshunt D'Arcy yeoman dug a
pit 5 feet deep and 20 feet long in the highway there leading from Goldhanger to
Tolleshunt D'Arcy. Witness: Thomas Gardner esq. Ignoramus. (ERO Q/SR 524/19) [see… Local highways & byways ]
1711
Recognizance
of John Matthews yeoman; to answer the overseers for neglecting to obey an
order of two justices. Touching a bastard child of Mary Lamb of which he is
charged to be the father; both of Goldhanger. (ERO Q/SR 548/42)
1736 Five deaths in the village as the resulting from a
flooded decoy pond. (Newcastle Courant) [see… Estuary Activities
- decoy ponds ]
1784 Brief: Thomas Firmin of
Goldhanger, brewer, v. John Bull, Rector of Inworth, a Justice of the Peace,
and Daniel Wenden, constable of Goldhanger; Exchequer. Trespass, assault and
imprisonment. (ERO D/DO/B24/54)
1784
On Sunday laft, James Hall was committed to
our gaol, by John Wright, jun, efq. Charged by the conftable of Goldhanger, on
the fulpicion of felony, in ftealing a black gelding, value £15, the property
of Morgan Poole, of Great Totham, in this county. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
1791 Smugglers in Goldhanger. Two cart laden with 40
casks of liquor, drawn by five horses, safety conveyed to His Majesty’s
warehouse. (The Times)
[see… Smuggling
]
1800s
1811 A six foot eel weighing 48lbs taken from the river
near Goldhanger. (London Chronicle) [see… Estuary Activities -fishing ]
1832 Theft of candlesticks from Bird-in-Hand Alehouse. (Essex Standard) [see… Goldhanger Lost - Alehouses ]
1833 Jane Cottee, “An interesting looking female” stole
two £5 notes from her master the local farmer. Sentenced to 3 months hard
labour and kelt aprt from other prisoners. (Essex Standard)
1834 The Bull Beer Shop being sold in Goldhanger (Chelmsford Chronicle) [see… Goldhanger Lost - Alehouses ]
1936 Obituary: Wm Prentice. “Owner of valuable estates at
Goldhanger and Beckingham, but had experienced a great reversal of fortune”. (East Anglian)
1837 “The Garden of Goldhanger” three miles from Maldon being sold by Mr W Bentall of Heybridge. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
1837 Order for removal from Goldhanger to Glemsford,
Suffolk, of John Argent [maltster], wife Susan, and their children Sarah aged
15, Amelia aged 12, John William aged 4, and 'Ruben' aged nearly 2 years; by
reason of illness of Susan Argent. (ERO
Q/SBb 528/53/1)
1837 A court case between Goldhanger and
Glemsford(Suffolk) regarding the
removal of pauper from Goldhanger to Glemsford. The case turned on inadequate
paperwork. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
1840 Fatal accident. Driver fell from his seat and was
run over by his wagon wheels. Deceased was removed to Goldhanger Church. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
1844 A five year old girl was burnt to death having been
set alight by a burning candle which was standing on the floor. (Essex Standard)
1844 Single man wanted in a windmill with steam attached.
Wesleyan preacher preferred. J Belsham, miller, Goldhanger. (The Watchman)
[see.. Watermill ]
1850 Mrs Leigh, wife of Goldhanger Rector Revd. Leigh,
was struck by a cow in Witham High St., and died later of her injuries. (The
Times) [see… Revd.
Gardner ]
1850 Thomas Seaborn of Goldhanger was found with 50 half
ankers of foreign spirits for which he had not paid customs duties. He was
removed to the house of correction. (Essex Standard) [see… Smuggling ]
1850 John Steadman, farmer, late of Goldhanger, insolvent
debtor on own petition, in the goal of Springfield. (London Gazette)
1851 Mr Ponder of Goldhanger has space at The Great
Exhibition for a new bee-hive made of glass and wood, with eight windows and
outside shutters. (Illustrated London News)
1855 Thomas Gurton, aged 28, a Grenadier Guardsman and
son of a Goldhanger farmer died at the siege of Sebastopol (Essex Standard)
1855 Three men were drowned in Goldhanger Creek by an
upturned punt. (Essex Standard)
1856 John Smith, labourer, “presented a picture of
poverty”, when charged with stealing a drake belonging to Mr Wakelin. He had
had no food for two days. Discharged. (Essex Standard)
1873 Joseph Hume was charges with being drunk and
quarrelsome in the Dolphin beer house, Goldhanger. Fined 5 shillings. (Essex Newsman) [see… Goldhanger Lost - alehouses ]
1874 High Tide. Mr Cresswell and other Goldhanger farmers
suffered severely, having had 50 acres of land covered by a high tide. (Essex
Standard)
1875 Three Goldhanger men were drowned when the barge
“Robert” sank off St Osyth. (Essex Standard)
1881 A death by cold and excessive drinking. An inquest
was held at Goldhanger into the death of Benjamin Wade, labourer, found dead in
a barn. (Essex Standard)
1882 The plan for a Railway between Tollesbury and Maldon
via Goldhanger has been abandoned. (Essex Newsman) [see… Plans from the past - railway
]
1887 Local newspaper reported on the celebrations for
Queen Victoria’s Jubilee for 250 residents held in Mr Frank Leigh’s barns.
(Essex Newsman)
1887 A distressing fatal gun accident at Follyfaunts Farm.
The six year son of the farmer was shoot by his friend of the same age, after a
loaded shot gun was left in a barn by a farm worker. (Essex Standard)
1900s
1907 Shocking event in Goldhanger Churchyard. A retires
Indian army major was charged with attempting suicide by shooting himself with
a pistol. (Essex Newsman)
1911 Coronation Festivities - After a service in the
Church, sports and a dinner were held in Mr Dobsons meadow. Every child was
presented with a coronation mug. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
1911 The Rector thanked those who had put out the fire at
the Rectory on the 5th November. (Parish Magazine) [see… Revd. Gardner ]
1919 Goldhanger curate requests a captured field gun to display in the
Churchyard. (The Times) [see… Building the War
Memorial ]
1919 Goldhanger aerodrome buildings for sale. (The Times) [see… Goldhanger
Flight Station ]
1922 A Goldhanger Shopkeeper and father of ten, was fined
for failing to provide adequate clothing for his children. The NSPCC inspector
said the girls cloths were mostly stitched onto the bodies and all the
children’s clothes were dirt and venomous. He was fined £2 for each child.
(Essex Chronicle)
1922 An application for repossession of an overcrowded
cottage in Church St was considered. There ha been 15 occupants in the 3
bedroomed house, there were now 11. The Chairman said overcrowding was not a
nuisance and the case was adjourned for two months. (Essex Chronicle)
1924 Fish Street resident George Johnson was one of four
men drowned of the Sussex coast when HMS Marlborough sank while being towed to
Heybridge to be broken up. (Essex Chronicle)
1934 Prosecution at Maldon Petty Sessions of Henry Hover,
William Parker, Thomas Chaney and Arthur Appleton, all of Goldhanger, for
unlawfully taking winkles from Goldhanger Creek (ERO D/B 3/3/780)
1934 Best in the World - an Essex Apple. At Goldhanger is to found one
of the highly productive Wilkins Fruit Farms, and adjoining the Parish Church
is Old Rectory Fruit Farm upon which Mr Charles Page is raising apples and
other fruits than win international honours. Mr Page has made a feature of the
D’Arcy Spice. (Essex Chronicle) [see… Charles Page ]
1935 A new telephone kiosk “with continuous service” has
been opened in Head Street. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
[see… Early postcards - The Square ]
1935
Goldhanger Fruit trees ruined by a late frost
in the 3rd week of May, even though it was “always considered that
Goldhanger was protected by the salt air”. (Chelmsford Chronicle) [see… Charles Page ]
1937 The new Village Hall was declared open “amid much
enthusiasm”. (Chelmsford Chronicle)
1938 Maldon Rural District Council are threatened a quarter of the
cottage in this attractive village with demolition. (The Times) [see… Cottages Lost ]
1938 “The is a secret band of assassins condemning old
cottages. Suddenly a charming old village like that of Goldhanger is doomed”.
(Daily Mirror)
1939 The Rectory, Goldhanger, Nr Maldon, overlooking the Blackwater River.
For Sale. Price Freehold £3,100 (The
Times)
1939
Chequers landlord Jack Spitty was prosecuted
for allowing children in to his bar. He was fined £2 (Essex Newsman) [see… The Chequers
Inn ]
1941 James Wentworth Day was summoned for stealing a dog
from the Chequers, but landlord Jack Spitty failed to appear as a witness.
(Essex Chronicle)
1944 A Goldhanger apple grower was fined £219 for offences against
the Apples and Plums Maximum Prices Order. (Chelmsford Chronicle) [see… Tithe barn & Glebe ]
1941
Fire Watchers - At a meeting in the Village
Hall 40 volunteers registered for fire watching, including 9 of the AFS Group.
(Chelmsford Chronicle)
1945
Obituary - On Active Service: On 16 Fed 1942 at sea near Sumatra, Eric
John Kempson, Lieut. R.N.V.R., second son of Mr & Mrs Eric Kempson, Corner
Cottage, Goldhanger, Essex. (The Times)
[See … World
War II memories ]
1946
Goldhanger, with a population of 360, sent 50
men and women to the services, all of whom returned to receive a gift of 17
guineas as a welcome home token. (Essex Newsman) [See … World
War II memories ]
1955 Work to restore the Goldhanger Parish Church belfry
has been completed and paid for with £q500 raised in the parish in the previous
5 years. (Maldon & Burnham Standard)
[see… Bells of St Peters ]
1967
Choir boys did their bit to rid St Peter’s
Church of Black Watch beetles by organising competitions at the Church bazaar.
Lady Jenkins, Red Cross divisional president opened the bazaar. (Maldon &
Burnham Standard)
1977
School’s out for the last time in 102 years.
The gates have shut forever on Goldhanger Primary School. Essex County Council
said the school is too small to be economic. (Chelmsford Chronicle) [See … Goldhanger
Lost - village school]
1981
Bob Leavett, bellringer at Tollesbury and
Goldhanger, donated a weather vane to the Goldhanger bell tower. The metal work
and installation was done by village blacksmith Mr George Emeny. (Maldon &
Burnham Standard) [see… Family Photos - last photo ]
examples of other ancient material
and time related information is given in…
Ancient
Documents Descriptions of Goldhanger The Reformation Timeline of historical events
return to…