STIFFORD is a healthy and pleasant village, in a finely undulated and richly wooded country, on the south side of the Purfleet, or Marditchbrook, 2 miles N. of Grays Station, and 5 miles W.S.W. of Horndon- on- the- Hill. Its parish contains about 320 inhabitants, and 1547 acres of land. It had its name from a ford which crossed the brook near the present bridge. R. B. W. Baker, Esq. , is lord of the manor, but part of the soil belongs to Sir T. B. Lennard, and smaller owners.
The Church (Virgin Mary) is an ancient structure of flint and stone, with a tower containing three bells, and crowned by a shingled spire. It has a nave, south aisle, chancel, and south chapel, and onthe floor are several ancient brasses. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £15, and in 1831 at £507, is in the patronage of R. B. W. Baker, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. William Palin, M.A. , who has a good residence, and 26A. of glebe. The tithes were commuted in 1836, for £450 per annum. The poor parishioners have ayearly rent- charge of 20s., out of Cat’s mead, left by John Durninge, in 1631. The parish School was built at the cost of £200, in 1840, by the lord of the manor.
Christmas Charles, grocer, &c.
Fitch Samuel, victualler, Dog & Partridge
Pake John, wheelwright
Palin Rev. William, M.A. Rectory
Ransom William, blacksmith
Warner Fanny, schoolmistress
Weld Arthur T. gent. Stifford Lodge
FARMERS.
Davis John Edm.
Holland Geo.
Greig J. R. Esq. Ford Place
Wagstaff Thomas, Clays Farm
POST OFFICE at Jas. Holt’s. Letters via Romford.