Bradfield 1848 Whites Directory
BRADFIELD is a pleasant and well-built village on an acclivity on the south side of the estuary of the river Stour, and mostly on the Manningtree and Harwich road, 3 miles E. by S. of the former, and 9 miles W. by S. of Harwich. Its parish contains 995 inhabitants, and 2074 acres of land, and includes many houses on Bradfield Heath, about a mile south of the church, as well as several scattered houses on Rag Marsh, near the river, and in other directions. The chief part of the parish rises from the marshes to a considerable height, and the soil belongs to that class of fine impalpable fertile loams, equal to the best in the kingdom. Aluric Camp, held it in the Confessor’s reign, and at the Domesday Survey, it was held by Roger de Ramis and Roger Pictaviensis. It afterwards passed to the Franks, Brokesbourne, Grimston, Vere, and other families. It includes the estates called Nether Hall, Manston, Jaques Hall, &c. T. G. Kensit, is now lord of the manor, but a great part of the soil belongs to James Hardy, Esq., Rev. T. P. Nunn, Augustus George, Esq. , and several smaller owners, mostly freeholders. The Hall, a neat cemented mansion, surrounded by a moat, belongs to H. Powell, Esq. , and is occupied by Mr. Sheldrake ; and Stour Lodge is the pleasant seat of L Agassiz, Esq.
The Church (St. Lawrence,) is an ancient cruciform structure, partly in the perpendicular style, and having a tower and one bell. It was thoroughly repaired in 1841 , when the east window was enriched with painted glass, at the cost of the late incumbent. In the interior is a beautiful monument, in relief, by Chantry, of the Agassiz family. In 1253 , this church was appropriated to the priory ofSt. Bartholomew, in Smithfield, and the benefice is now a vicarage, consolidated with the rectory of Mistley. It has been augmented with £200 of Queen Anne’s Bounty, and £200 by private benefaction. The joint benefices, valued in K.B. at £16. 13s. 4d. , and in 1831 at £705, are in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. J. E. Carter, B.A., who has here a good residence, commanding a fine view of the Suffolk side of the Stour ; and 36A. of glebe.
The tithes here were commuted in 1841 , the vicarial for £186, and the rectorial for £337 per annum. The latter belong to the Rev. Gilbert Alder, of Hartsbourne Tarrant, Hampshire. Near the church is a National School, built in 1841, at the cost of £140, and on the heath is a small Wesleyan Chapel and Sunday School. The parish is entitled to send free scholars to Dedham Grammar School. A cottage, occupied by paupers, and three roods of land occupied rent-free by the parish clerk, were given by unknown donors.
POST OFFICE at William Thorn’s
Letters by foot post from Manningtree
Agassiz Lewis, Esq. Stour Lodge
Anderton William, maltster
Bloom Edward, saddler
Buttrum Eliz. National School
Byford Chas. marine store dealer
Carrington Benj . high constable
Carter Rev. John Edw., B A. rector
Constable Mrs Ann, White House
Cousins Jno. tailor and parish clerk
Everett William, horse dealer
Finer John, foreman
Goss Joseph, butcher
Kerridge Robert, wheelwright
Polley Dixey, gardener, &c
Porter Jonth. glover & breeches maker
Scott Thomas, vict. Plough
Sparrow John, market gardener
FARMERS.
Abrey Thomas H. S., Nether Hall
Balls John
Balls John, jun
Brown Rt. Birch, ( miller, ) Tower ml
English James, (and butcher)
Fearis James , Bradfield Lodge
Gentry James
Knopp William
Green Sarah, Rag Marsh
Hardy James, Jaques Hall
Nunn James Hardy
Sheldrake Edw. and miller, Hall
BAKERS.
Balls William
Cocksedge Geo.
Tweed Chas. (assistant overseer)
BEERHOUSES
Cutting Jane
Goss Thomas
Vincent George
BLACKSMITHS.
Byford Charles
Lord James
Scrivener John
Vincent George
BOOT & SHOE MAKERS.
Cant Abm. Heath
Cant Benj , Heath
Cant George
Fox Samuel
Spink John
Smith James
CARPENTERS .
Buttrum William
Tweed Abm.
GROCERS, &c.
Blogg George
Cocksedge Geo.
Kerridge Hy. ( & butcher)
Lott James
CARRIERS to Harwich & Colchester pass on Wed. and Saturday