The Ancient Chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, in the town of Epping; with Copies of Title Deeds and ... copies of papers connected with the History of the Chapel, etc

Preface

. The Trustees of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, in the Town of Epping, and of the endowments and charities connected with it, have often expressed a wish that they might be supplied with copies of the deeds relating to the trusts they had to administer, in order that they might refer to them when any question arose as to the disposal of the funds they had to distribute. It will be within the recollection of those who have attended the annual meeting, that as there were no funds available for the purpose, I undertook to have the trust deeds of the endowments and charities printed, if I had permission to do so. When I made the offer my intention was to do no more : however, Mr. Windus sent to me, in order that I might carry out the wishes of the trustees, several bundles of papers, and some account books ; amongst the papers were the original title deeds of the Chapel and some other documents which I thought would be of interest to my co-trustees.

The title deeds have been reproduced by the photo-litho process, and many of the documents have been set up in type from the originals, and the spelling preserved. Such extracts from the account book have been made, as seemed to relate either to the history or the management of the Chapel. The account book of Campion's Charity furnishes the names of the Clergymen who officiated in the Chapel, as they received the moiety of the rent of Assefield. Some apology may be necessary for introducing an outline of what appears to be, probably, the causes which brought about the early settlements of the land now constituting the Parish of Epping, and of the formation of the Hamlet of Epping Heath. The authors who have recently written on subjects connected with the early history of England have mentioned circumstances which seemed to me to be applicable to Epping ; and I thought it not out of place to make a few extracts from their works, so as to bring the subject under the notice of those interested in such inquiries.

Mr. Morant, and other authors, having expressed the opinion that the battle between Suetonius and Boadicea took place in Epping, or the neighbourhood, and as Ambresbury Bank is called Boadicea's Encampment, I have availed myself of Murphy's translation of Tacitus to supply a description of the battlefield and battle, in order that any one acquainted with Epping or its neighbourhood may examine the subject for themselves. In A

PREFACE.

. support of the remarks I have made respecting the Grass Eoad, from Eye Hill, now known as Epping Long Green, I have had copies taken of the maps in Gibson's edition of Camden's " Britannia " : and, to show the roads to Epping, before the road from London, through Loughton, was made, I have supplied a copy of Norden's Map of Essex, 1594 As the copies of the maps, as well as the copies of the title-deeds of the Chapel, are made by the photo-litho process, they may be accepted as being correct. The proofs of the trust deeds were kindly examined for me by Mr. Windus ; and they are, I believe, free from errors ; but I am not so sanguine as to suppose that some errors will not be found in other parts of the work, and I must plead my time being fully occupied with other matters, as an excuse for what may seem to be carelessness in reading over the proof-sheets.

Ockeridge, Epping. Benj. Winstone. May, 1885. CONTENTS. Part I. Campion 9 Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , , mm _ _ 7 Reynold's Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , _ _ _ _ jq John Walieley's Endowment .. .. ,, .. ,. .. .. .. jj. Elizabeth Walkeley' 8 Charity .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ., ,, jg Edward Dean's Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . , 17 J. C. Whiteman's Gift 20 Thomas Loft's Bequest .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ,. ,, .. 21 Part II.

Ambersbury Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Description of the Battle fought by Suetonius and Boadicea . . . . . . . . . . . . , . 27 Epping Long Green probably an aneient British tract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The early settlement on ditto of Alamanni and the origin of the name of Epping . . . . . . . . 31 Suggestions as to the origin of the Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . 33 Beacors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 34 The earliest notice of the Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Edward Ylth's Act for dissolution of Chapels, Chantries, &c. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 John Cokk, or Cock, becomes possessor of the Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 37 Lockwood's account of the Chapel, dated 1737 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . 38 Another account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Walkeley's state of the title to Epping Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 44 Copies of the Title Deeds ;. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 48 Remarks on the road from Loughton to Epping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Copy of Norden's Map, 1594 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Copy of a map of Winchelsea House and the road from Loughton . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 View of Epping, 1CG9 52 Deed appointing Trustees, 1714 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Copy of Lease of Assefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Copy of Agreement between the Inhabitants for the support of a Minister, and list of Subscribers . . 59-G2 A CONTENTS.

PAGE Brief to be obtained in order to raise Money to build a new Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Chapel to be turned into a Donative in the gift of the Lord of the Manor . . . . . . . . 69 Plans of the Chapel proposed to be built with Money subscribed — John Conyer's, the Treasurer's, Account. — Correspondence respecting the smallness of the Money obtained through the Brief. — Name of Contributors. — Mr. Stace's Account. — Other Papers relating to the Chapel, and view of the Chapel 78-89 Deeds of 1784. — Mentioning that the Lord of the Manor and the Vicar of Epping may be Trustees if they think fit 90-95 Baptisms in the Chapels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Communion Table and Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Alterations in the Trust of the Chapel, by which it is said it become an Episcopal Chapel — ? 1832 . . 105 Miss Houblon's Gift 107

Appendix

. A. An Account of the Festivities on the occasion of Pulling Down the old Market-house. . . . . . 109 Coaches to and from London .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 110 Purlieu-banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ill B. Law relating to Chapels .. .. ,. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 114 C. Ministers of the Parish of Epping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Jeremy Dyke .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 53,117 D. Woodford slates 118 Schedule of the Title Deeds of Epping 119 The Opinion of Mr. Holloway relative to the Appointment of New Trustees . . . . . . . .

Part I

Copies of Deeds RELATING TO Endowments and Charities VESTED IN THE TRUSTEES OF The Chapel of St. John the Baptist, In the Town of Epping. CAMPION'S CHARITY. The Title to Allys Field alias Ay Field alias Asse Field. 1613 Septr. 11. George Campion then of Epping did by deed Give Grant Confirm and Enfeoff Unto William Coole and Thomas Coole of Epping Husbandmen. Note. — This pays a Quit rent of 1/8 to the Manor of Gregories in Thoydon Bois. A Croft or parcel of Land by the name of A llvs Field lying in Thoydon Boisse containing 4 acres — To Hold unto the said Wm. Coole and Thomas Coole and their Heirs — with warranty for the same, against all Men for Ever. But yet, with a Proviso, that the said George Campin his heirs &c. should pay unto one Lettice Norris (natural sister of the said William and Thomas Coole) her Heirs &c. £4 yearly During the term of 20 years next after making this Deed. 1615-16 Janry. 17th — 13 King James.

By Will in writing the said George Campin Did Give and Bequeath after the term of one and twenty years should be expired One Close or Parcel of Land called Asse alias Ayfield containing 4 acres — Lying in Thaydon Boyes Cum, P, tin comptin unto the ffeoffees of the Chapel of Epping then being, and to their successors for ever. To be Employed, the Rent and Revenue of the said Parcel of Land — The one Half to the use of the Poor of the Townside for ever, and the other half and Revenues of the said Parcel of Land, for and towards the Maintenance of a preacher in Epping Chapel : And for want of a preacher there ; Then towards the Maintenance of the Minister there to Read the Word of God in the said Chapel for ever. 1634 August '27th. By deed Poll of ffeoffment with Livery and Seisin endorsed under the hand and seal of Day Spranger, of North Weald Bassett in Essex, Widow — Reciting in Part the said ffeofment and will of the said George Campion, and Further Reciting that the said Day Spranger (for the better preservation of the Title and Inheritance of the said Close to the end and intent the same (after the term of one and twenty years being expired) should be and remain unto the good and pious use unto which the same was given and intended by the said George Campion) Did purchase the said Close of one Wm. Chevely, Gent : who had formerly purchased the same of William and Thomas Coole.

Therefore the said Day Spranger of her own free good will and the rather to confirm the gift and Intent of the said George Campion in the said Will Did Grant Enfeoff and confirm unto Francis Archer the Elder of Epping Yeoman (then surviving ffeoffee of all the ffeoffees of the Chapel of Epping). The said Close of Land called Asse alias Ayffield alias Aleysffield cumptind. To Hold unto the said Francis Archer and his Heirs for Ever. — To be Employed to the Good and pious use, uses Intents and purposes to which the same was given and intended by the said George Campion in his last Will and Testament. Note. — By the last Deed, Archer was the sole Trustee for Asse field and by the said Deed (No. 7) of the 29 August 1634 as well as by the last Deed, it appears he was the surviving ffeoffee of and for Epping Chapel.

But that he, by the same Deed of the 29 Augt. 1634 did convey as well the said Chapel as the said Assefield, unto the thirteen Trustees there in named, in manner herein before Abstracted. Since the Benewall of the Trust by the said Deed (No. 7) of the 29th August 1634, the Trust has been Benewed at the following time, viz. On the 23rd October in the 14 of King Charles the 2nd 1662 No 11 1 , , On the 3rd October „ „ 34 Do. Do. Do. 1682 No 12 j deeds> On the 2nd of June in the 13th of Queen Anne by (Lease and Reis') 7141 No 13 & 14 On the 26th of April in the 2nd of King George 2nd, by Lease & Eels, 1729. No 15 & 16. 1731 The wall of the Chapel next the Road was rebuilt, and some other repairs done by the Contributions of the Inhabitants of the town of Epping and the Bounty of the Neighbouring Gentleman.

Examined on the 20th February 1787 by me T. Walkley. On the 29 June in the 18th George 2nd by Lease and Bels 1744. N 17 & 18. On the 2nd November the 32nd Geo. 2nd by Lease and Bels 1758. No 19&20 On the 14th July in the 24 George 3rd by ffeoffment 1784. No 21. A LEASE OF ASSE FIELD. The following copy of a lease of Assefield is printed as it shows, at the time the lease was granted (1677), what stringent clauses were inserted in leases to prevent tenants exhausting the land. The two years' culture and one year's rest, which governed the mode of cultivating land in the days when manors were the only property of the wealthy, is the same as the " three field system," two under cultivation and one fallow, described by F. Seebohm in his work "The English Village Community,' as being the rule of cultivation in the very earliest times.

Assefield may have derived its name from the Anglo-Saxon word " Asce " or " Ahse " or " Axse," a cinder,* and probably the Beacon mentioned in Eeynolds' " Trust Deed," dated 1647, was situated in it or in the grounds just above it, belonging to Langham Lodge. B. W. 1677. April 10. 29 Car. 2nd. By Indenture, the then Trustees or ffeoffees did demise to Thomas Gibbons of Theydon Garnon Butcher. Assefield als Allyffield containing 4 acres. To Hold from Lady day then last for 21 years — At the Yearly Rent of £6 by Half yearly payments. Not to Mow more than two years together, but ffeed it the 3rd year. To lay on 12 Loads of good Rotted Dung every year it shall be mowed. And 8 Loads, every year it shall not be Mowed. Nor Mow any of the lands within the two last years of the term. And if he shall Mow it, in the year immediately before the two last years, then in that year to bring on 20 Loads of good rotted Dung. * Bosworth's "Anglo Saxon Dictionary."

B Sept1'. 23rd. By Deed so dated the then Trustees of the Chapel in pursuance of the provisions of " The Charitable Trusts Act 1853 " contracted to sell the said close of ground & hereditaments to Walter Charles Metcalfe then of Epping aforesaid Esqre. for a sum of £533 : 10 : 0 Consolidated £3 per cent Annuities and in pursuance of an Order of the Board of Charity Commissioners for England and Wales dated the 29th day of August 1864 the said Walter Charles Metcalfe did on the 16th day of September 1864 cause the sum of £533 : 10 :0 Consolidated £3 per cent Annuities to be transferred into the. name of the Official Trustees of Charitable Trusts and the same is now standing in their name in the Books of the Governor & Company of the Bank of England in trust for the said Charity. And by a further Order of the said Board dated the 22nd day of September 1864 the said Trustees were authorised to sell to the said Walter Charles Metcalfe the said Close of Land and hereditaments in consideration of the said sum of £533 : 10 :0 Consolidated £3 per cent Annuities so transferred by him as aforesaid and did Convey the same to him by the description of All that freehold close or croft of pasture ground now called or known by the name of Alleys Field otherwise Ayefield otherwise Asse Field containing about 4 acres but a. r. p. by admeasurement 3. 3. 4 or thereabouts.

The Dividends arising from the above Trust Fund are regularly forwarded by the Official Trustee half yearly to the Trustees of S*. John's Chapel and are by them applied in accordance with the directions contained in George Campion's Will. John Windus Clerk to the Trustees 10th July 1884. As to REYNOLD'S CHARLTY LANDS in Thoydon Mount which have acquired the Name of Trapps' Lands. Described in the Lease in 1658 hereinafter abstracted as 4 Fields of pasture contg. 11a. 2 R. 1647-8 February 5. By Indenture of Feofment with Livery and Seisin thereon endorsed, between John Reynolds of Ipswich in the county of Suffolk, Gentleman, of the one part, and William Cheveley of Thoydon Garnish in the county of Essex Gent., Hugh Rogers, Thomas Rogers, Robert Beard, Richard Hunt, Marty n Master, Nicholas Archer, the younger, and William Bennett, Inhabitants of the said Towne of Thaydon Garnish and Epping of the other Part.

Reciting that the said John Reynolds did Purchase to him and his heirs of one Francis Trapps and Thomas Grave ; Lands Certain Meadows and Pastures situate and being in Thaydon Mount, then in the occupation of the said Francis Trapps and Thomas Grave, being of the yearly value of £11. 10. 0. It is by this deed Witnessed, that the said John Reynolds in con sideration of the true performance of the Pious and Charitable uses, and Intents in this deed expressed, Did Grant Enfeofi Deliver and Confirm unto the said 8 Trustees and their heirs. All the said Lands Meadows and Pastures with their appurts. : in Thaydon Mount. To Hold unto and to the use of the said Trustees and their heirs for ever — 1st. Nevertheless upon Trust, and to the intent, that they their heirs and assigns, should at all times thereafter, out of the rents and profits of the said Lands satisfy and Pay Unto the Poor people of the said Town of Thaydon Garnish, otherwise Coopersale, where he the said John Reynolds was born in the year 1571, the sum of £4 (four pounds) of lawfull English money yearly and every year for ever.

To be given and distributed unto them by and at the discretion of his said 8 Trustees, or the greater number of them their heirs and assigns to and among the Best Governed Poor of the said Parish for the time being. 2nd. And upon Further trust that his said Feoffees, their heirs and assigns should at all times thereafter, out of the Rents issues and Profits of the said Land Satisfy and Pay Unto the like Poor People of Epping Street and in Lynseys Street as shall be inhabiting between Eppinge and Eppinge Bury, and no further that way of that parish — and between Eppinge Street and Epping Beacon and beyond the said Beacon within the said Parish, bordering upon the Common Way, leading towards London — and to the poor Inhabitants that shall be dwelling between the end of Lindsey Street aforesaid ; and the West End of the Wintery Park, bordering upon the Highway leading from Epping Street to Wintery Wood, in the said Parish of Epping, the like sum of £4 yearly and every year for Ever, to be distributed in manner and form aforesaid. 3d. And upon further Trust, that the said Feoffees should out of the B surplusage of the Rents and Profits of the said Lands, yearly and every year Maynttayne a Lecture or Sermon at Epping Chapel upon the Wednesday next before Palme Sunday, in every year, as a preparation sermon for the more due and orderly receiving of the blessed Sacrament of the Lord's supper to be soon after administered.

For which they shall pay unto him that shall preach the said sermon Twenty shillings of lawful English money for his pains. 4th'y. And upon further Trust that the said Feoffees should out of the Rents and Profits of the said Lands, Maintain and provide one other lecture or sermon to be made upon the 3rd day of November in every year At the Parish Church of Thaydon Garnish aforesaid as a thankful acknowledge ment to Almighty God for his great mercies heretofore shewed to this Kingdom and Nation. For which they shall likewise pay to him that shall preach the said sermon, Twenty shillings of like money. Both which sermons shall be made out of such Texts of Scripture as shall tend to the several purposes before mentioned. And if the said Lectures or Sermons or either of them shall fail, or be discontinued by the space of one whole year together, that then the said Feoffees or Trustees should out of the P.ents of the said Lands pay yearly during the discontinuance of every such lecture, and no longer, unto the Parson or Minister of Thoydon Garnish or any other Minister whom the Feoffees or the greater number of them should think fit, Twenty shillings for the Preaching of such of the said two yearly sermons (as shall be so discontinued) at Thaydon Garnish or any other Parish Church there near adjoining at their discretion, tending to the ends and purposes aforesaid. 5thIy.

And shall also pay yearly Ten shillings of like money unto the Sexton of Thoydon Garnish, and the Bell Ringer of Epping Chapel for the time being, viz. to each of them Five shilling. 6thIy. And the Residue of the Rents and profits of the said Lands to be equally divided to and amongst the poor people of the said two several Parishes and places according to the discretion of his Trustees. And upon further Trusts that the said Trustees, or any Two of them, that they should appoint, should yearly pay the said monies in the several places, where the said sermons shall be made, and at the same time in every year ; excepting only such as shall not be able to come and receive the same. And that when 4 of the Trustees, or more, should happen to depart this life : that the survivors should from time to time convey and assure the said Lands unto the Use of themselves and 4 other Trustees of the said Parishes to make up the Number of 4 in each Parish with the surviving Feoffees To receive the Rents and profits of the Lands to the uses aforesaid.

And upon further trust that the said 8 Trustees should nominate and appoint two of the said 8 whereof one to be of one Parish, and the other of the other Parish, yearly to receive the Rents of the Lands and dispose of them in manner aforesaid. And to give an Accompt yearly unto the other 6 of the Feoffees, or so many of them as should be then Living. Provided, that if the said Lands should not be let for so much yearly rent, as before expressed, or should not otherwise yield so much yearly revenue, either in respect of annual outgoing renewing of the Assurance, or otherwise ; that then and so often it should be lawful for the Trustees from time to time to Rebate so much out of the said yearly Payments as should fall short of the £11. 10. 0 to be deducted, equally, out of the said yearly Payments. 1658 Sep. 28th.

A Lease from 5 of the then surviving Trustees to John French of Thoydon Mount Yeoman — Of all those four pieces or Closes of Land lying together in the Parish of Thoydon Mount, theretofore the lands of one Francis Trapps and containing together by Estimation Eleven Acres and a half. From Michaelmas then next for 21 years; At and Under the yearly Rent of £11. 10. 0 payable by half-yearly Payments viz. Lady day, and Michaelmas in every year. And also further Yielding and Paying yearly and every year during the Term by like half-yearly payment, the full sum of 40s. for every acre of the said demised premises which the tenant should ear plough up, or convert into Tillage, during the term, and so after that rate for any greater or lesser quantity. Note. — It appears, that this lease was in the year 1663 assigned over to Sir Thomas Smijth Baronet for the then remainder of the Term.

Examined 20th February 1787 by me J. Walkley. Note. — In the year 1863. — The Charity Commissioners by the wish of the surviving trustee released them from their Trust — and, appointing fresh Trustees, established the following scheme for the administration of Reynolds Charity together with other Charities in which the Parish is interested. — B. W. " The clear amount of the annual rents, profits and income of Reynolds' Charity after defraying there out all necessary and proper outgoing and ex penses of management, and after making the several fixed payments required by the Foundation Deed of the said charity dated 5th Feby. 1647 shall be divided by the joint trustees into two equal moieties one to be called the Epping moiety of Reynolds' Charity and the other the Thoyden Garnon moiety of such charity, to be applied respectively in manner following, namely, the Epping moiety and the Thoyden Garnon moiety shall be applied by the Epping Trustees and Thoyden Garnon Trustees respectively, subject to such rules and conditions as shall from time to time be prescribed by them, towards the support of a clothing, coal, or penny club, or Penny Bank or Sick Club, or Benefit Society, (the rules of which Sick Club or Benefit Society shall have been approved by the Government oflicer appointed for that purpose) or of some one or more of such institutions, for the benefit of industrious poor persons residing within the Parish of Epping & Thoyden Garnon respectively or in Providing coals and Clothing, or other necessaries, to be sold at reduced prices, or gratuitously distributed to poor persons residing in the said Parishes." — B. W. WALK LEY'S CHARITY.

Extract from a Codicil annexed to the Will of Mr. John Walkley, deceased, dated 31st March, 1791. I Give and Bequeath my aforesaid sum of Two thousand Pounds Interest and Share in the New South Sea Annuities and all Interest Money and yearly dividends for Ever thenafter to become due for the same unto John Conyers Esquire of Copped Hall in Epping and Lord of the Manor of Epping Burry and his Heirs and assigns Lords of the Manor of Epping Bury in Epping — and unto the Rev Edward Conyers Clerk the present Vicar of Epping aforesaid and his successors Vicars of Epping aforesaid and Unto all and Every other the now ffeoffees and Trustees of and for the free Chapel in the Town of Epping aforesaid and to the survivors and survivor of them and to their successors Feoffees and Trustees for Ever hereafter of and for the Free Chapel in Epping Upon Trust that they the said Trustees or— or any one of them or the Warden for the time being of and for the said Chapel and who shall (for this purpose) from time to time be duly authorised by the whole Body of the said Trustees or the greater part of them in number shall and do receive the yearly Interest money and Dividends of the said Two thousand pounds New South Sea Annuities as the same shall from time to time by half yearly payments become due and payable and shall and do from time to time for Ever here after pay the same to the several persons and to, and for the several Ends, intents and purposes (for the Benefit of the said Chapel and towards the support therein of divine Worship of Almighty God, according to the book of common prayer of the Church of England) as are mentioned and expressed in the schedule thereof hereunder written, and to for and upon no other Trust or for any other intent or purpose whatsoever.

The schedule to which the above Codicil refers To the officiating Chaplain for the time being in Epping Chapel At the rate of £30 per annum and so in proportion for any number of Sundays in any one year. Chapel Clerk. — To a well qualified person acting as Chapel Clerk in the said Chapel At the rate of £8 per annum or 40s. per quarter of a year. Singing Master. — To a skilful person acting as Singing Master in the said Chapel At the like rate of £8 per annum or 40s. per quarter of a year. Bell Ringer. — To a deligent person acting as Bell Ringer Sexton and keeping of good order in the said Chapel at the rate of £5 per annum or 25s. per quarter of a year. Chapel Cleaner. — To a Poor Laborious Woman to Cleanse and Keep the Pews and lower part of the Chapel Clean and free from Dirt and Dust At the rate of 20s. per annum being equal to 10 days labour in Every year in the said Chapel at 2s. per day.