1881to1885

1881 - According to Kelley’s directory, the census gives the population of the parish as 827. It is uncertain upon what grounds they fixed this figure as the actual census enumeration districts remained the same from 1841-1891, and in the case of Leverstock Green that meant the figures were contained within three parishes: St. Mary’s Hemel Hempstead, St. Michaels & Abbots Langley. This despite an ecclesiastical parish of Leverstock Green being in existence since 1850. However it must be remembered that in 1877 the new parish of Apsley was formed, taking part of Leverstock Green into another parish, causing a fall in population within the parish boundary. To link to a separate page concerning the Census results for this year click here..

1881 – James Hobbs was known to be Farm Bailiff to Bennetts End Farm, living at the farm with his wife Mary Ann and a number of their children (they had nine in total). [E-mail from P Rolph 14th Oct 2003, 1881 census]

1881 – Joseph Emmington was known to be a farmer’s foreman and Farm Bailiff at Leverstock Green Farm. [E-mail from Dave Emmington, 10th January 2004, 1881 census]

1881 - It was to be a year of extreme weather, with heavy snowfalls in winter, a heat wave in the summer, and severe autumn gales.

January 18th 1881 - The whole of the South of England was visited buy a very heavy snowstorm which impeded the easy flow of traffic for 2 0r 3 days. [S128, p.17.] Miss Tisoe recorded the following in the school log book:

"Very severe snowstorm during the Morning. No. of children present in consequence in the afternoon only 22." [S73]

January 19th 1881 - Miss Caroline Tisoe, the Schoolmistress, was "compelled to close school for the rest of (the) week", owing to the very bad weather. She stated that "the roads were impassable", and that "only 7 children answered the bell this morning." [S73]

January 28th 1881 - Although the weather had obviously improved a little, allowing about half of the normal number of children to attend the village school, the inclement weather and weight of the snow had led to problems in the Village school, as reported in the log book:

"Very small school this week owing to the inclemency of the weather. Friday morning the children were obliged to be grouped together on the Gallery in the Class Room, it being the only place where the wet was not penetrating through the ceiling. Were obliged to close the school in the Afternoon, as the ceiling above the Gallery became damp." [S73]

July 15th 1881 - There was a tremendous heat wave, with recorded temperatures at Watford of 91 F. [S128, p 17.]

September 17th 1881 - The heat wave, although it had encourage the farmers to begin their harvest at the beginning of August (School was closed from August 5th for one month for the Harvest Holiday), had obviously not lasted all summer as Miss Tisoe recorded: " Several of the boys have not returned from harvest work owing to the bad weather having caused it to be late before the halsps could be gathered in." [S73]

October 14th 1881 - Tremendous gales swept the country, and reports given to the Herts. Natural History Society show that the Leverstock Green area was undoubtedly affected. At Gorhambury great damage was done to the trees and some damage to the mansion. Between Watford and Hemel Hempstead over 36 trees were counted as being completely uprooted, and at Nash Mills 5 large Elms and a Black Poplar were blown down. The area Oak trees were also badly affected, with many large branches being twisted off, although none were uprooted. Leverstock Green must therefore have suffered its fair share of damage. [ S128 p.22.]

November 1st 1888 - The beginning of the school year was marked by a considerable number of absentees owing to sickness. [S73]

November 7th 1888 - Mr. Ford, the schoolmaster, reported that:

"The Hemel Hempstead School Board is very lax in enforcing regular attendance. There is a child at Bennetts End, reported to be in her seventh year, who has attended no school at present. The attendance officer is aware of this." [S73]

1889 – Matthew Leno Senior of Cox Pond Farm, was one of the set of international judges at Feather Fanciers shows and exhibitions in Dublin, Belfast, Palace, Birmingham, the Royal Show, Edinburgh Kilmarnock and others. He had also officiated at the Paris Exhibition of 1878, receiving a bronze medal. However this was before he came to Leverstock Green. [Gazette 10th December 1905]

April 2nd 1889 - The village schoolmaster noted the following:

"Received a note from Herbert Seabrook's (Standard I) parents of which the following is an abstract ` Herbert is not ill but very strange in his manners. We think of letting him run about for a few days and if not better try further advice.'"

Sadly Mr. Ford was informed ten days later that Herbert was suffering from St. Vitas Dance. Although a fairly rare condition, like many of the other illnesses which plagued the local children in Victorian times, this condition can now be cured with antibiotics. [S73]

May 9th 1889 - Another sad entry in the school log book recorded that Ellen Brown's name (one of the Infant children) had been removed from the school register as the child had been confirmed a cripple and was unable to move without assistance. Although not stated, it seems likely from a previous entry referring to the girl's admission into hospital, that she was suffering from Polio. [S73]

18th May 1889 - A field meeting of the Hertfordshire Natural History and Field Society was held at Boxmoor, Bennett's End ( as per 19th century spelling), and Nash Mills. At Bennetts End the society visited the brickworks, and an account of the geology of the brickfield was given. It was noted that many fossils had previously been found in the London Clay of the brickworks in 1861. [ S129 p.xxxvi ]

22nd December 1889 – Daniel How of Woodlane End Farm died, aged 63. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church graveyard a week later on the 27th December. Two months earlier he had written his will, a copy of which (presumably done later in relation to the sale of Woodlane End Farm), is shown here. His new wife, Elizabeth was to keep on Woodlane End Farm for her convenience, and so lomng as she remained a widow. (His first wife Sarah having died in May 1887). Daniel was laid to rest in Holy Trinity Church Graveyard with his first wife. The farmhouse was eventually put up for sale in 1892.

However, it is interesting to note that Kelley’s directory for 1912 lists Mrs How as being resident at Cox Pond Farm, and William Henry How – Daniel’s eldest son, was listed as a farmer (no address bur presumably Cox Pond. The family had moved back into the village. [S261, S76, S420, Kel. Dir.] See also entries for 1882/1883.

1890. - As with earlier entries. Leverstock Green had a substantial section in Kellys Directory for this year. The general information given was the same, saving that it mentioned that Boxmoor Station, on the London and North Western Railway, was the nearest station. ( It had been there since 1838.[ S1 ])

John Child continued to be employed as sub-postmaster and Parish Clerk, as well as running his own wheelrights business along with his son. The National School had been enlarged three years earlier, and could now take 150 children although the average attendance was 125. This increase in the number of students warranted extra assistance, with Thomas H. Ford as the Headmaster and Mrs. Ford as the school mistress.

There were still three principle private residents in the village; The Vicar, the Rev. George Finch; Joseph Bailey of Chambersbury ( which he was listed as farming, but he apparently now employed a farm bailiff, a William Woodward.); and William Davis who had moved from Chambersbury Cottage to Well Farm.

There seemed to be fewer changes in the commercial sector this year, with Daniel Charge, John and William Child, Walter Cook, William Cooper, George Dell, Thomas Doult, Jane Finch, George Howlett, James Kentish, Matthew Leno Senior, Robert Norris, William Parkins, William Perry, the three Seabrooks, George Sheppard, George Snoxall and George Timson, following the same occupations as before. However, Thomas Pointer was no longer blacksmith, and no one appeared to have taken his place.

Several additional beer retailers had entered onto the scene, namely, George Croft, John Dell (son or brother to George Dell ) George Fountain and Charles Goodson. Also Mrs. Emma Rose had apparently taken over from her husband in this line.

In the farming world, Thomas Doult had taken over North End Farm in addition to his brick works - perhaps foreseeing that the brick industry in the area was soon to go into decline. Mrs. Howe had taken over the management of her husband Daniel's farm ( presumably because he had died), and a John Knox Hart had taken over Leverstock Green Farm. ( I'm assuming that with a name like his, his family attended one of the descanting chapels, and not the Church of England!) Matthew Leno Junior, had spread the family interest, and was now at Westwick Row farm. Nathaniel Robinson was now at Bennetts End Farm, and William Steers was listed as a farmer at Chambersbury Cottage - William Davis having gone to Well Farm.

January 20th 1890 - The village school was closed for two weeks "on account of the illness of teachers and children." A later entry, made by the Rev. Finch for the benefit of the HMI showed that Influenza had been the chief cause. [S73]

1st January 1890: William Wingrave died. Notice of his death was published in The Herts Advertiser (p8) on 4th January 1890 (p8)

Title: Deaths : Death notice of William Wingrave

Source: Herts Advertiser page 8

Publication date: 4 January 1890

Subjects: Obituaries

Places: Hemel Hempstead; Leverstock Green

Personal names: William Wingrave

Notes: Died 1st January

[HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded, running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/

checked 8th June 2010]

4th January 1890 – The Hertfordshire Record (p7) reported on the forthcoming marriage of Wallace Bisney & Kate Eliza Steers at Leverstock Green [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded, running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/ checked 8th June 2010]

January 20th 1890 - The village school was closed for two weeks "on account of the illness of teachers and children." A later entry, made by the Rev. Finch for the benefit of the HMI showed that Influenza had been the chief cause. [S73]

8th February 1890 – The Herts advertiser (p8) reported on the death of Emily Annie West of Leverstock Green who had died on 3rd February aged 35. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded after running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/

checked 8th June 2010]

]

8th March 1890 – The Herts Advertiser (p8) reported on the death of John Freeman who had died on teh 2nd March aged 58. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded, after running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/

checked 8th June 2010]

22nd March 1890 – The Herts Advertiser (p8) reported on the death of Albert G Ashwell of Leverstock Green who had died on 14th March aged 5 months. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded after running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/

checked 8th June 2010]

April 12th 1890 - An advertisement appeared in the Herts. Advertiser extolling the virtues of Shire King, a Shire Horse Stallion owned by Benjamin Robins of Westwick Hall Farm. The advert read as follows:

1884 - It was noted that the branch chapel of the Baptist Church in Leverstock Green also held a ragged school. [ S1 p.260 ]

12th April: 1884 – An entry in the discharge register at Carlton Reformatory School at Turvey in Bedfordshire, shows that a Charles Rathbone, born May 1865, was “doing well” and had a job with a baker, Mr Freeman in Leverstock Green. [Notes from Richard Rathbone, 22 May 2009; Bedfordshire Local Record Office ref. X521]

22nd April 1884 - This was the day of the "Great Essex Earthquake", (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1884_Colchester_earthquake) and although there are no known reports of it having been felt in the village, we know it was reported as being felt in St. Albans and at "Langleybury" in Kings Langley at 9.20 a.m. It therefore seems possible that it would also have been felt in Leverstock Green. [S145]

27th October 1884 - Christopher John Hume Tower was admitted as copyholder to that part of Leverstock Green Farm within Abbots Langley upon the death of Christopher Tower. [HALS D/ELs B900] Click here to view page on Leverstock Green Farm.

1885 - By this time the school had two main rooms divided by curtains and heated by large open fires. Staffing levels had also increased to 4, including a monitor. [ S50, 26/4/85 ]

14 January 1885 - Leverstock Green Farm was sold to James Knox Hart by Christopher Hume Tower. The farm, which stood at just over 65 acres in size had barely changed from the same land farmed by Thomas Carpenter in the 17th century. It is interesting to note that the property within Abbots Langley Parish now appears to be totally freehold. It was no doubt the change in status and the various mortgages etc.. taken out to secure the freehold by Christopher Tower which made John Knox Hart somewhat wary about committing himself to the purchase of the farm until he was completely satisfied that Christopher John Hume Tower had complete right to it's title. For anyone interested in the legal arguments and mass of paperwork generated before the sale could be completed, they should refer to HRO document D/ELs B900. (Link to web page on LG Farm.)

The following is a transcript of the eventual conveyance document [D/ELs B900, part one]:

CONVEYANCE OF LEVERSTOCK GREEN FARM 1885

This Indenture made the fourteenth day of January One Thousand eight hundred and eighty five BETWEEN CHRISTOPHER JOHN HUME TOWER of Weald Hall Brentwood Essex Esquire of the one part and JAMES KNOX HART of 78 High Holborn Middlesex Gentleman of the other part WHEREAS the said Christopher John Hume Tower is now seised or possessed of the hereditaments hereinafter described and coloured blue and pink on the plan drawn on these presents for an estate of inheritance in fee simple free from incumbrances and he has or may have acquired certain rights estate or interest by possession or otherwise in or over the heriditaments hereinafter described and coloured yellow on the said plan and he has agreed to sell the same to the said James Knox Hart for the sum of two thousand three hundred and fifty five pounds. NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESETH that the persuance of such agreement and in consideration of TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVE POUNDS sterling paid by the said James Knox Hart Christopher John Hume Tower doth hereby acknowledge He the said Christopher John Hume Tower doth hereby as beneficial owner convey unto the said James Knox Hart and his heirs FIRSTLY ALL AND SINGULAR the freehold lands and heriditaments known as "Leverstock Green Farm" situate in the parish of Abbots Langley and St. Michael in the County of Hertfordshire delineated and described in the plan drawn on these presents and theron coloured blue and pink and the particulars whereof are set forth in the schedule hereto which said farm is now in the occupation of Joseph Smith on a yearly tenancy saving and excepting all mines and minerals and such rights as are reserved to the Lord of the Manor of Abbots Langley by the Copyhold Act 1852 section 48 AND SECONDLY all the right estate and interest (if any) which the said Christopher John Hume now has by title possession occupation or otherwise in or over the piece of land adjoining the said farm and coloured yellow on the said plan TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said lands and hereditaments unto the same John Knox Hart and his heirs in fee simple IN WITNESS whereof the said parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO

No. on map CultivationArea

6Wood etc0.28

7ditto0.97

15Arable 14.06

16Arable 3.56

17Wood 4.11

20 Arable etc 13.82

21Arable 7.41

22Pasture5.43

23Pasture1.21

25Farmsteading etc. 1.91

27Pasture1.66

365 Arable 10.92

TOTAL 65.34

Equal to 65 acres 1 rood 14 perch or thereabouts

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED BY THE within named Christopher John Hume Tower in the presence of

H. Manisty Solr.

1, Howard Street Strand London, signed Christopher (L.S.) TowerJ.H.

John Child still held his positions as Parish Clerk, sub-postmaster and wheelwright, with William Stow to help him in the latter capacity.

The agricultural community has undergone some changes, though Joseph Bailey, Mrs. Jane Finch, Daniel Saunders and Joseph Smith still farming, with William Cooper and John George still dealing in hay as they did in 1878. New hay dealers in the village are Arthur Franklin and Reuben Seabrook. I wonder if Reuben was any relation to the Henry Seabrook who ran the Rose and Halswn in 1870? Matthew Leno had now taken over Cox Pond Farm and George Snoxall had taken on North End Farm. Thomas and William Perry had become local farmers too, presumably they were brothers. Another new member of the farming community was James Kentish, who was listed as a pheasant breeder. I imagine he must have bred pheasants for the Earl of Verulam.

The various hostelries in the area had also undergone certain changes. The Red Lion was still in the hands of George Timson, but the Leather Bottle had changed licensee yet again, and was now run by Jesse Denham. The Rose and Crown was also in the hands of a new man - Arthur Franklin, whom I've mentioned earlier as a new hay dealer. There is no mention at all of the Mason's Arms! George Dell was still retailing beer, other members of the fraternity being replaced by Mrs. Elizabeth Harper, and William Steers, with Charles Moorcroft plying a similar trade in Bennetts End.

The two brick and tile makers were as before, Thomas Doult and Daniel Norris. The village could also now boast of having its own baker: George Sheppard.

1882/1883 Daniel How of Woodlane End Farm (and Corner Farm, High Street Green) was appointed High Bailiff of Hemel Hempstead in 1882 and also of the Board of Guardians, the Committee of the Burial Society, the Cottage Garden Society and the Oddfellowes. He was described as possesing a good strong sense, a straighforward nature, and a kindly and genial spirit."

The photo below(Nov 1883) shows Daniel as High Bailiff in 1882. The How family had served, and contiues to serve its local community. Daniel was eventualy to die in 1889 and is buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Leverstock Green.

January 31st 1882 -Jane Child, daughter of the Parish Clerk John Child, took up her duties as Pupil Teacher at the village school. [S73]

11th October 1883 - Stephen Robinson took on the license of the Leather Bottle. (See original license.)

15th May 1890 - Public notice was given that the General Courts Baron and Customary Courts of the Right Honourable James Walter, Earl of Verulam, would be held at the times and places ,mentioned in the advert for the respective Manors. (See entry for 14th June) [S104]

31st May 1890 - Anniversary services were held on Whit-Tuesday at the Leverstock Green Baptist Chapel. A public tea was provided in the Chapel at which there were over a hundred present. Services were held at 3.30 and 6.30, at which there were good congregations. A collection was made in aid of Chapel funds. [ S104 ]

31st May 1890 – The Herts Advertiser reported on the forthcoming marriage of Thomas Atkins and Elizabeth Neal. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded by running a search on HEERTFORDHSIRE NAMES ONLINE, http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/ checked 8th June 2010]

14th June 1890 - The Court Baron and Customary Court of the Right Honourable James Walter, Earl of Verulam, Lord of the Manor of Gorhambury, was held at eleven o'clock in the forenoon precisely at Gorhambury. Tennants of the Earl living in and around Leverstock Green would have attended this court. A hangover from the feudal system, the purpose of the Court was to enforce the customs of the Manor, business to do with surrenders and transfers of land, and the agricultural administration of the lands within the manor. As the next Court Baron on the Earl's agenda was to be held at Kingsbury at One o'clock precisely, it would appear to have been a formality, and perhaps a bit of fun for the Earl's Tenants, and a time when they could get to meet him. Formal notice had been given that "All persons owing any quit rent suit or service to the Lord of the respective Manors, or claiming admittance to any Hereditaments holden of the same Manors respectively, or having any business to transact at the said Courts or any of them, are required to attend accordingly." [S104]

20th & 21st June 1890 – Matthew Leno from Cox Pond was a candidate at the election for new Boxmoor Trustees. Polling took place at the Corn Exchange Hemel Hempstead High Street. Mr. Leno was not elected however, receiving 180 votes which placed him 17th out of a list of 26. Only the first 9 were elected. [Gazette 28th June 1890]

Thursday 26th June 1890: Matthew Leno Senior of Cox Pond was a member of the Hemel Hempstead Highways board and attended a meeting. “A Meeting of the Highway Board was held on Thursday, when there were present --- Mr Balderson (in the chair,) Mr Randall, Mr Leno, Mr W. S. Elliott, Mr G Field, Mr G. Young, Mr F. Saunders; Mr Lovel Smeathman, Clerk…………….. Mr Leno called attention to the large number of men employed on the roads at the present time in comparison with the number employed at the corresponding period last year, there being 17 now employed at a cost of £11 1 2 for the previous week…” [Gazette 28th June 1980]

30th August 1890 – The Herts Advertiser (p8) reported on the funeral of an old Leverstock Green inhabitant, George Wilson. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded after running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/

checked 8th June 2010]

6th September 1890 – The Herts Advertiser (p8) reported on the death of Leverstock Green resident Robert Poulton who had died on 3rd September aged 18. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded after running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/ checked 8th June 2010]

15th November 1890 – The Herts Advertiser gave 2 reports on pages 9 & 10 concerning the sudden death of Elizabeth Whitehead of Leverstock Green who had died on 7th November aged 72. [HALS online services catalogue of Newspapers & Magazine articles which can be downloaded after running a search under the HERTFORDSHIRE NAMES ON LINE. http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/ checked 8th June 2010]

SEASON 1890

Farmers and others wishing to breed Cart Horses that they can sell for long prices should use the Entire Shire Horse SHIRE KING, the most impressive sire that travels in the County of Herts., he moulding his stock after his own stamp as stated by numerous breeders who have patronised him. See list of some of the prize stock below.

SHIRE KING 2903

The property of Mr. Benjamin Robins, Westwick Hall-farm, Hemel Hempstead, late the Property of Walter Gilbey Esq., Elsenham.

NOTICE

The owner holds a Vet. Certificate of soundness from Professor Wortley Axe. examined at Hatfield Station Show, 1888 and 1889.

TERMS

£2 10/- each Mare and 5s. the Groom.

Except to members of Herts. Agricultural Society, to whom the Fee is £2 and 2/6 the Groom. Provided the Groom's Fee be paid at the time of the service, and the remainder by 24th June, but for all Mares not then paid for an additional 5/- extra will be charged. These terms will be strictly adhered to, and from which the Groom is not allowed to depart. All Mares tried to be paid for. SHIRE KING will travel in the neighbourhood of the principal towns in Hertfordshire. The owner will not be responsible for any damage to Mares. SHIRE KING is a good roan with points, on good short legs, with plenty of bone and hair, and good sound feet; he has immense muscular power, and remarkable hardy constitution, and has proved himself a very sure stock getter of the right sort, including Pelham Hero (5925) who won first prize £21 and second prize £5 at Saffron Walden, Show, Essex Society in 1884, and other winners, particulars of which can be obtained of W.Gilbey, Esq.

(There then followed a long list of various horses pedigrees, all of which had some connection with the above stallion, followed by Shire King's own pedigree and various prizes. )

5/- discount for Cash on 24th June [ S104 ]