Layer de la Hay 1863 Whites directory
LAYER-DE-LA-HAY is a pleasant village, on a commanding eminence, overlooking the small river Roman and one of its tributary streams, 4 miles S.E. of Colchester, and 7 miles E. of Kelvedon. It has a fair for toys and pedlery, on the 15th of May; and its parish contains 807 inhabitants, and 2577 acres of land, including the heath and roads. Two-thirds of the soil is a strong wet loam, and the rest is light turnip land. It is in three manors, viz., Blind-Knights and Rye, of which Thomas White, Esq., is lord; and Layer de-la-Hay, which belongs to C. G. Round, Esq.; but Mr. J. Parmenter and several smaller owners have estates here.
The de-la-Haye family held the latter manor in the 12th and 13th centuries. The manor of Rye was given by John de Rye to St. John’s Abbey, Colchester; and Blind-Knights was given, with the rectory, to St. Botolph’s Priory, Colchester, by one of the Montforts. Tradition says it was originally given for the support of the fraternity of knights who had lost their eyes in the crusades.
The Church is a plain building, with a stone tower, containing five bells. It was restored and enlarged in 1849. In the chancel is a tomb, with effigies of Thomas Tey and his wife, who died in 1500. The arms of Tey are in the east window. Some houses on the road, where there used to be an ancient cross, still retain the name of Layer Cross. The benefice is a perpetual curacy, valued in K.B. at £12, and in 1831 at £82. It is in the incumbency of the Rev. John H. Dewhurst, M.A. , and patronage of Thomas White, Esq. A handsome new parsonage house was built in 1846, on land enclosed from the heath, and tastefully planted with shrubs, &c. Here is a National School, supported by subscription.
POST OFFICE at Henry Appleby’s ; letters via Colchester.
Baker Benjamin, carpenter, &c.
Candler George, vict. Fox Inn
Dewhurst Rev. John H. incumbent of Layer de la Hay and Berechurch
Finch John, cooper
Garrad William, police officer
Grimwood Mr. James
Tracy Mr
Gull Richard, parish clerk
Hicks Robert, bricklayer
Hunwick Chas. wheelwright & smith
Rodgers Frederick, thatcher
Woodward James, bricklayer
Woodward Mrs, schoolmistress
FARMERS
Appleby Joseph
Baker Benjamin
Dennis Samuel G.
Garrad Abraham
Gentry Daniel, beer – Donkey & Buskins
Gentry Rt. butcher
Hance Thomas
Parmenter John
Pertwee James, Wick Farm
Richardson William, Scrivener, Rye
Royce Hy. brick maker, &c.
Royce William, miller and Berechurch
Sanders Alfred, and maltster
Walford Robert A.
SHOEMAKERS.
Allen John
Bailey James
SHOPKEEPERS.
Appleby Henry
Bullock George