WICKFORD is a compact and well-built village, 5 miles E. by S. of Billericay, in a low situation, encompassed on three sides by a winding reach of the river Crouch, crossed by two bridges on the Brentwood and Rochford road, where there was formerly an ancient ford. Its parish contains 462 inhabitants, and 1787 acres of land, generally in high cultivation, and having a rich loamy soil, from one to two feet deep. At the Domesday Survey, it was held by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, Suene of Essex, and two otherpro- prietors. The manor of Wickford Hall afterwards passed to the Urry, Plantaganet, Harrys, Vaughan, Partridge, and Luther families, and now belongs to John Fane, Esq.; but a great part of the soil belongs to S. Brunwin, T. Bell, E. P. Copland, and a few smaller owners. The Church stands on rising ground, and is an ancient structure, consisting of a nave and chancel of one pace.
On an antique stone, in the chancel, are engraved the figures of three full-grown persons and eight children, but the inscription is gone. The church was given to Prittlewell Priory by Robert de Essex. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £14, and in 1831 at £401, is in the patronage of R. B. Berens, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. E. R. Berens, of Downham. The National School was built in 1861. The glebe is 48 acres, and the tithes were commuted in 1839. Here is an Independent Chapel, built in 1815, and enlarged in 1862.
POST OFFICE at Samuel Carter’s. Letters via Ingatestone.
Bartlett Richard, cattle dealer
Butcher Mark, police officer
Carter Geo. bricklayer and builder
Carter John, carpenter and builder
Champion Richard Wallis, schoolmaster and stationer
Clark George, bricklayer
Crow Eleanor, schoolmistress
Dines Reuben, victualler, Castle Inn
Dougan Rev. William (Independent)
Flack Eliza, National schoolmistress
Le Sage William Louis, surgeon
Marsh Mr William
Mead Mary Ann, straw hat maker
Purvis Rev. Richard Fortesque, curate
Reed Thos. smith and ironfounder
Richardson John, butcher
Rushbrook Elijah, veterinary surgeon
BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS.
Moyse William
Perry Henry
FARMERS.
(* Owners. )
Archer, Daniel & David James
Archer Dd. Hall
*Bell Thomas
*Brunwin Samuel, Stileman’s
Clark Isaac Jno.
*Copland Edm. P.
Stone Henry
Wendon Matthias
PLUMBERS, PAINTERS, &c.
North Mary
Robinson Charles
GROCERS, &c. (* Bakers. )
*Ball George
Carter Samuel
*Salmon John
Tanner Charles
SADDLERS.
Gigney James
Upson George
WHEELWRIGHTS.
Mead George
Reed William
CARRIERS to Romford, Wednesday & Chelmsford, Friday
Carter Robert
Murrey Moses