Great Wigborough 1863 Whites directory
WIGBOROUGH (GREAT) is a pleasant village, on an emin- ence overlooking the salt marshes and the ocean, 7 miles S.S.W. of Colchester, and 8 miles E. by S. of Kelvedon. Its parish contains 428 inhabitants and 2599 arces of land, exclusive of a portion of the saltings, which are covered by the tides at high water, and adjoin the Salcott creek. Joseph Green, Esq., is lord of the manor of Abbot’s Hall, which was held by Barking Nunnery, and afterwards by the Priory of St. Osyth, till 1540, when it was granted to Thomas, Lord Cromwell. Sir T. N. Abdy owns Abbot’s Wick farm, which is mostly in Virley parish.
Near the church is an old mansion house, called Moulsham, now occupied by a farmer.
The Church (St. Stephen,) is on a lofty hill, commanding extensive prospects. It is an ancient structure, with modern stained glass windows. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £18.17s. 6d. , and in 1831 at £591, is in the alternate patronage of T. Bewes, Esq. , and the Rev. W. Fookes ; and incumbency of the Rev. Godfrey Bird, M.A. , who has a pleasant residence. The glebe is 69A. 39P. , and the tithes have been commuted for £624 per annum. The Church Land is 9A., held of the manor of Barns Hall, and now let for £9 per annum. On Tiptree Heath, in this parish, is an Independent Chapel, belonging to a congregation formed in 1720. The Parish School was built in 1854. Post via Colchester.
Bird Rev. Godfrey, M.A. rector and rural dean, Rectory
Cause Wm. saddler & vict. King’s Head
Clarke Thomas, shopkeeper
Martin John, parish clerk
Wynolds Peter, carpentr. & wheelwright
Shipman Amelia, schoolmistress
Souter Rev. Thomas (Independent)
Strutt John, farm bailiff
FARMERS.
Abbott Wm. Hill
Alen Samuel, Hyde
Balls Jno. beerhouse
Barratt Charles,
Abbot’s Wick
Bonner William
Hutley Charles ; h Witham
Norfolk Joseph
Runnicle Samuel
Sanders Charles
Wheeler Robert, Seaborough
Wilkin Arthur
Wilton John