Bobbingworth 1863 Whites directory
BOBBINGWORTH, a pleasant retired village, surrounding a green, 5 miles N.E. by E. of Epping, and 2 miles N. by W. of Chipping Ongar, has in its parish 341 inhabitants, and 1628 acres of fertile land, rising in bold undulations on the west side of the Cripsey brook, which flows southward to the Roding. It is vulgarly called Bovinger, and in Domesday Survey, Bubbingeorda. It is in two manors, called Bobbingworth Hall and Blake Hall, the former of which has belonged to the Spigurnell, Hackney, Asheles, Vere, and other families, and was purchased by the Houblons, but now belongs, with the other manor, to Capel Cure, Esq. , of BLAKE HALL, a handsome mansion, with tasteful pleasure grounds. Blake Hall was anciently held of the Honour of Clare, by the Hastings, and afterwards of the Honour of Marescall, by the Londres and other families. In 1516, it was held by Sir Wm. Capel, as parcel of the Queen’s Honour of Clare, and it afterwards passed to the Glasscock, Bourne, Haddock, and Fitche families. The parish is mostly freehold, and the copyhold fines are at the will of the lord.
The CHURCH (St. Germain) is a low plain structure, consisting of a brick nave and chancel, with a heavy embattled tower, containing six bells. The east window is a good specimen of the decorated style. Within the communion rails are several inscriptions in brass, in memory of various members of the Bourne family, who flourished here in the 16th and 17th centuries. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £13. 6s. 8d. , and in 1831 at £395, is in the patronage of C. Cure, Esq. , and incumbency of the Rev. W. M. Oliver, M.A., who has 32A. of glebe, and a handsome residence, built in 1840, at the cost of about £2000.
To provide clothing for the aged poor of the parish, Robt. Bourne, in 1663, left a cottage and 4A. of land, now let for £10 10s. per annum. The Bell Acre forms part of the glebe, and in consideration of it the rector finds bell ropes, &c. The Parish School was built by Capel Cure, Esq., in 1855, and is supported by him.
Bennett Edward Penren, miller
Binder Matthew, shoemaker
Cowland Richard, parish clerk
Cure Capel, Esq. Blake Hall
Houchen Edward, baker & carpenter
Lingard Mrs F. schoolmistress
Oliver Rev. William Macjanlay, M.A. Rectory
FARMERS.
Boosey George and Abm. New House
Fairhead William
Appleby Gingell George
Millbank John Hinsum, Hall
Pavett George
Pearce Frederick, Bilsdens
POST from Chipping Ongar.