STIFFORD is a healthy and pleasant village, in a finely undulated and richly
wooded country, on the south side of the Purfleet, or Marditch brook, 3
miles N. of Grays Station, and 5 miles W.S.W. of Horndon-on-fhe-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 on the floor are several ancient brasses. The rectory, valued in
KB. at £15, and in 1831 at £507, is in the patronage of R. B. W. Baker,
Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Wm. 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 a yearly 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, etc
Fitch Samuel, vict. Dog & Partridge
Pake John, wheelwright
Palin Rev. William, M.A. Rectory
Ransom William, blacksmith
Warner Fanny, schoolmistress
Weld Arthur T. gent, Stifford Lodge
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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.
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