RAMSDEN BELLHOUSE is a pleasant village from 3 to 4 miles E. of Billericay. Its parish contains 430 inhabitants, and 2685 acres of land, and is bounded on the south by the river Crouch, and has a strong and heavy soil, generally fertile and well-cultivated. It extends two miles N. of the church, to Ramsden Heath, now enclosed. Before the Conquest, it was held by Godric and three freemen; and at the Norman Survey, it belonged to the Bishop of London and Robert Gernon. It is now in two manors. That of Ramsden-Bellhouse belonged to Sir Thomas deBelhouse, or Belhus,
in 1375, and is now held by John Johnson, Esq. The manor of Ramsden Barrington passed from the Belhouse to the Barrington family at an early period. The Took, Hatchman. and other families, have estates in the parish. The Church (Virgin Mary) is a small ancient structure, with a tower and spire ; and the rectory, valued in K.B. at £14, is consolidated with that of Stock. The chancel was rebuilt in 1852. The Church Land, 2A. , is said to have been left for supplying sacramental bread and wine. The poor parishioners have 25s. yearly from Lady Cæsar’s Charity, as noticed with Downham.
POST OFFICE at Thomas Warner’s. Letters via Billericay.
Glasscock Sarah, shopkeeper
Hamilton Richard, miller and shopkeeper
Peach Rev. Charles, curate
Piper Stephen, boot & shoemaker
Reeve James, shopkeeper
Such Henry, butcher
Warner Thos. wheelwright & smith
Wenham John, victualler, White Horse
Whitbread George W. blacksmith
FARMERS.
Barker Henry
Lucas William Blyth George
Champion James
Jackson George
Layzell Edward
Lowe Edward
Offin John
Richardson George
Sparrow Wm.
Thorogood William
Wood Thomas
Wrigglesworth John Barnabas