North Benfleet 1863 Whites directory

BENFLEET, (NORTH) or North Benfleet, a small village, 24 miles N.N.W. of South Benfleet Station, and 6 miles E.S.E. of Billericay, has in its parish 261 souls and 2389 acres of land, including part of Canvey Island, distant 4 miles S. of the church. It includes the estates of North Benfleet Hall, Berdfelds, and Fan Hall, now belonging to the Baker, Goldstone, Sparks, and other families. It was held by King Harold, afterwards by the Conqueror. In 1263, Alex. de Benfleet, or Bemfleet, held the hall estate, which afterwards passed successively to the Coggeshall, Tyrell, Wiseman, Goodwin, and Wingfield families. The Church (All Saints) is a small antique structure, with a tower and and five bells; and the rectory, valued in K.B. at £16, and in 1831 at £600, is in the patronage of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and in the incumbency of the Rev. C. R. Rowlett, M.A., who has a good residence, and 20A. of glebe.

Bowyer Rev. James, curate
Butcher Sarah, grocer, &c.
Clarke James, baker and grocer
Dowman William, poulterer, &c.
Rowlatt Rev. Chas. Rt. M.A. rector
Totman James, victualler Harrow

FARMERS.

Allen William
Fulford Edward
Goldstone Thomas
Offin John
Snow Joseph
Sparks John

POST OFFICE at Sarah Butcher’s. Letters via Ingatestone.