Tiptree Heath 1848 Whites Directory

Tiptree Heath 1848 Whites Directory
TIPTREE HEATH, which extends into many parishes in this and three adjoining Hundreds, is already briefly noticed, with its priory, fair, and races. As late as the beginning of the present century, more than 2000 acres of this heath were open and uncultivated, but its various unenclosed patches now only comprise about 500 acres . This once extensive waste is now divided among other parishes, in radiating slips, some of which are from 3 to 8 miles from their respective parish churches. The last great improvement here is TIPTREE HALL FARM, in Tollesbury parish, 4½ miles S.S.E. of Kelvedon, and 6 miles N.E. of Maldon. This farm , when purchased a few years ago by its present owner, John Joseph Mechi, Esq. , of London, was one of the worst in the county. It comprises 128 acres, and was purchased by Mr. Mechi for £3250 ; but he has since expended upwards of £7000, in draining and improving the land, and in the erection of a handsome residence, and extensive and well arranged farm-buildings, of brick, iron, and slate ; with an efficient thrashing machine, including machinery for shaking the straw, dressing the corn, cutting chaff, bruising oats, &c. As a model farm, where many experiments have been successfully carried out, it is visited by many agriculturists of this and neighbouring counties ; and their opinions, recorded in the visitors’ book, are highly complimentary to the spirit and enterprise of the owner. Near it is the farm of Tiptree House, an old Elizabethan mansion, in the occupation of Mr. W. Wakeling, and in Great Braxted parish.