Layer Breton 1848 Whites directory
LAYER BRETON, a village and parish in the vale of a rivulet, 6 miles S.S.W. of Colchester, and E. by S. of Kelvedon, has 290 inhabitants, and 965 acres of land, including 37A. of heath, and 15A. of roads , &c. The Brito, or Breton family, who came with the Conqueror, had lands here. From them the manor passed to the Waldens, and in 1677 it became the property of Sir Isaac Rebow. J. G. Rebow, Esq. , is now lord of the manor, but a great part of the parish belongs to Edward Gripper, Rev. B. Sale, C. Tiffin , and several smaller owners, mostly freeholders. The Church is a small tiled building, with some remains of a chapel connected with the chancel. In the latter is a tombstone, robbed of its effigies, in memory of the wife of Nicholas Breton, who died in 1392. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £7, and in 1831 at £332, is in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. R. W. Sutton, M.A., who has a handsome residence, and 39A. of glebe. The tithes were commuted in 1842, for £302 per annum. On the
heath is an Independent Chapel, built in 1798, with a house for the minister. Here is also a small Friends’ Meeting House. The parish school is supported chiefly by the rector.
Bundick John, parish clerk
Cole William, tea dealer
Finch Robert, beer-house
Guy John, policeman
Hutley William blacksmith
Kempen James, shopkeeper
Marchant Rev. William (Independant minister )
Rudlin John, schoolmaster
Sutton Rev. Robert Wooding, M.A.
Rectory Wheeler Mrs H. schoolmistress
FARMERS. (* are Owners. )
Abbott Mrs John, Bacon’s Farm
*Birkett George, Lodge
*Gripper Edward, Hall
Holloway Edward, vict. Hare and Hounds
Hare Smith Daniel, Bigwood
*Tiffin Charles ; house Birch
Tiffin Jonathan, cattle dealer
Wheeler William
Quilter William
Post from Kelvedon, Tuesday and Saturday; and
CARRIERS to Colchester & Maldon, Tues. Thu. & Sat.