Wenden Lofts Whites Directory in 1863

Wenden Lofts Whites Directory in 1863
WENDEN LOFTS, or Wenden Loughts, a small hilly parish, 5 miles W. of Saffron-Walden, and 3 miles from Littlebury and Audley End Railway Stations, has only 61 inhabitants, and 779 acres of land, rising boldly on the north side of a tributary stream of the river Cam, or Granta. It was held by the Le Hout family in the reign of Henry III. , and from them derived its distinguishing appelation of Loughts, or Le Houts, now corrupted to Lofts. The Rev. Robt. Wilkes is lord of the manor, and has a pleasant seat here called Lofts Hall, a fine old mansion, encompassed by a well-wooded lawn, and formerly the residence of the Meade family.
Duddenhoe Grange, on the north side of the parish, was held by Tilty Abbey in the 15th century, and afterwards by the Brandon, Paulet, Boufoy, Hatchet, and Forbes families.
The Church (St. Dunston) is a handsome structure of black flint and stone, standing near the hall. It was rebuilt about 20 years ago, by J. H.Wilkes, Esq. It has an embattled tower and four bells. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £9.10s. 10d., and in 1831 at £474, with that of Elmdon annexed to it, is in the patronage of the Rev. Robt. Wilkes, and incumbency ofthe Rev. J. Barr, of Elmdon. The tithes were commuted in 1824, chiefly for allotments of land. The poor parishioners have 13s. a-year from Martin’s Charity. (See Chrishall.)
Post from Saffron-Walden.
Howard Charles, farmer, Duddenhoe Grange
Rolfe Henry, farmer, Pond street
Rolfe James, farmer, Hope Farm
Nottage George, miller and farmer
Wilkes Rev. Robert, Lofts Hall