LAINDON HILLS, or Langdon Hills, a scattered village and parish, on a lofty eminence, 6 miles S. of Billericay, and 9 miles N. of Tilbury Fort, has 289 inhabitants, and 1775 acres of land. The hill on which this parish stands is about a mile in length and breadth, and its summit commands one of the finest prospects in England, extending over the vale of the Thames from London to the Nore. From the north, the ascent of the hill is gradual, but its other sides rise abruptly. Pleasure parties from the metropolis and other places often assemble around alargetreeon the highest point, to enjoy the extensive and delightful view, in which is seen the broad bosom of the Thames for a distance of nearly 40 miles, thickly studded with steam and sailing vessels; and a wide range of country in this county and Kent. The manor of Laindon was held at the Conquest by Suene of Essex, and afterwards passed to the Langedon and Sutton families, but reverted to the Crown in 1382. It now belongs to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul’s, London, together with the manor of West Lee, which was anciently a separate parish, but was united to this parish in 1432, and the site of its church is now unknown. An estate here was given by Thomas White, D.D., as an endowment of the five scholarships and the professorship of moral philosophy, founded by him at Oxford, in 1621. The manor of Goldsmiths, in Laindon Hills, is held by Joseph Dimsdale, Esq. , and was formerly held by the Malgrave, Archer, Andrews, Askham, Cotton, and Hatton families. C. Bailey, Esq. , and several smaller owners, have estates in the parish. The Church (St. Mary and All Saints) stands on the western side of the hill, and has a nave, chancel, and north chapel. The discharged rectory, valued in K.B. at £10. 3s. 9d. , and in 1831 at £255, is inthe patronage of theDean and Chapter of St. Paul’s, and incumbency of the Rev. R. C. Pack- man, B.A., who has 30A. of glebe. The tithes have been commuted for about £400 per annum.
Brown William, blacksmith
Clark James, grocer
Ind Sarah, shopkeeper, Dry street
Monk James, parish clerk
Packman Rev. Robt. Collier, B.A. rector, priest in ordinary to Her Majesty, and minor canon of St. Paul’s
Parker Robert, wheelwright, &c.
Ramplee James, victualler, Crown
Reman George, beerseller
Sexton Mrs, schoolmistress
Twin William, shoemaker
FARMERS.
Giblin John, West Lee Hall
Knights Edw. Esq.
Parker Wm.
Parsons Frederick, Lee Chapel
Sadler Thomas.
Such James
Westwood Samuel. Esq. Goldsmith’s
POST from Romford