FOBBING, a compact village of one street, on a bold acclivity overlooking the marshes and the Thames, is nearly 2 miles N. of that river, 3 miles E. of Horndon- on-the- Hill, and 7 miles S. by E. of Billericay. Its parish contains 409 inhabitants, and 2632A. 3R. 38P. of land, mostly in low marshes, extending to the Thames, and intersected and nearly encompassed by several creeks of that river, one of which, called East or Hole Haven, flows on the western end of Canvey Island, and runs four miles inland to Pitsea; and the others are Fobbing Creek, crossing the parish at the foot of the village, and Shell Haven, penetrating the marshes of this parish and Corringham. Abranch line from the London and Southend Railway extends to Thames Haven Station, to which trains run in summer to meet the large steamers. Some years ago, it was proposed to make extensive Docks here, but the project is given up.
At Domesday Survey, Phobinge belonged to Eustace, Earl of Boulogne, and it afterwards passed to the Bohun, Stafford, Buckingham,
and other families. A. Z. Cox, Esq., is lord of the manor, but the Spitty, Long, and other families have estates here. The small manor, called Hawkesbury, was held by Barking Abbey, and after the dissolution, it was granted to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s. Stow says Jack Cade’s rebellion began in the village of Fobbing, and the mob broke into a priory in the neighbourhood, and ” drank up three tuns of wine, and devoured all the victuals. “
The Church ( St. Michael) has a nave, south aisle, and chancel, with a lofty tower, which is seen at a great distance, and is clearly visible from the Kentish hills on a fine day, when the view from the village over the expansive vale of the Thames is delightful.
The tower has a good peal of five bells. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £21, and in 1831 at £564, is in the patronage of the Crown,
and incumbency of the Rev. Wm. S. Thomson, who has a neat residence, and about 30A. of glebe. The tithes were commuted in 1841 for £761. 9s. 4d. per annum. The parish school is supported by the rector. Mr. T. M. Gepp is clerk to the Commissioners of Sewers, for draining the Levels of Fobbing, and seven adjacent parishes.
Post from Horndon-on- the-Hill.
Blakeley Walter, farmer, Hill House
Boorman Chas.Spencer, miller & baker
Hewlett Mrs Eliz , victualler, Pig & Whistle
Long W. S. and H. C. farmers ; h Corringham Hall
Maling William, farmer
Palmer Mark, parish clerk
Payne Win. carpenter, &c.
Raison Henry, bricklayer, &c.
Robinson James, shoemaker
Thomson Rev. William Stephen, Rectory
Wade Samuel, coal dealer, barge owner and victualler, White Lion
Wash Hezekiah, grocer & victualler, Ship
Wright John, carpenter
Potter Thos. Jno. grocer & draper
Wrigglesworth Mrs Hannah, farmer