Pitsea 1848 Whites directory
PITSEA, a village and parish, 5 miles W.S.W. of Rayleigh, and 4½ miles N.of the Thames, is at the head of a creek which runs up from that river at the west end of Canvey Island. It includes part of that island, and contains 304 souls, and 2048 acres ofland, mostly a strong heavy soil. At the Domesday Survey, it was called Piceseia, and was held by Eudo Dapifer, who gave part of it to St. John’s Abbey, Colchester. Pitsea Hall, an old farm house, near the creek, gives name to a manor, which has been held by the Cromwell, Howard, and Cook families, and passed from the latter to that of Moyer. Another manor, called Chalverton, has been held by the Fitzwalters, Howards, Prescotts, and Blincoes. The parish now belongs to various owners.
The Church ( St. Michael, ) stands on a commanding eminence, and is an ancient structure, consisting of a nave and chancel, with a stone tower, containing three bells, and crowned by a shingled spire. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £16 13s. 4d. , and in 1831 at £315, is in the alternate patronage of Viscountess Downe and J. Heathcote, Esq., and in the incumbency of the Rev. Charles Hewitt, M.A., of Greenstead, near Colchester, for whom the Rev. L. T. Edwards, M.A. , of Nevendon, officiates.
Boutell Wm. wheelwright
Crooks Abraham, blacksmith
Freeman Stephen, builder
Green William, victualler, Bull
Grout Robert, corn miller
Harrod James, baker
Hickford John, shopkeeper
Hide Robert, shopkeeper
Hunwicks William, lighterman
Jarvis Mrs. schoolmistress
Smith Thomas, victualler, Gun
FARMERS.
Abrey Daniel
Bulwer Josiah
Darby John
Wright W. and A.
Talbot Robert R., Riggs Farm