N.B. Research is still to be undertaken on the Hemel Hempstead Gazette microfilms for this period of time and the 1881 census
1881 ~ 1890
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. A separate page concerning the Census results for this year will be published shortly.
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 – 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 - 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.]
1882 - Kellys Directory for this year again gives plenty of information on the village. Initially the comments are the same as 1870 and 1878, but it is noted that "there are memorial windows in the chancel to the Rev. Edward Waring Oswell, 1853."
Kellys Directory also gives us more information about the village school saying it was erected in 1875 for 110 children. ( I feel the date was a misprint, intending to give the date 1857, when it had been enlarged. This error continues in subsequent editions.) It was reported that the average attendance was 86 and that it was supported by voluntary contributions. Miss Florence C. Tisoe was still the schoolmistress.
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 Halswn 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.
January 31st 1882 -Jane Child, daughter of the Parish Clerk John Child, took up her duties as Pupil Teacher at the village school. [S73]
Late Victorian - unsure of date - Sibleys Orchard was built. The architect was Norman Stone and it is thought likely that this was his last piece of domestic work. The house was built of brick with a roughcast exterior. [ S31 p.183 ]
1884 - It was noted that the branch chapel of the Baptist Church in Leverstock Green also held a ragged school. [ S1 p.260 ]
22nd April 1884 - This was the day of the "Great Essex 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 mapCultivationArea
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.
1886 - Kellys Directory for this year again gives much the same information as before, (1860,1870,1878,1872) but interestingly adds that the church has 404 sittings, of which 350 are free. I take this to mean that the majority of the pews ( the 350 ) could be used by anyone, as they didn't pay for the privilege of a special pew. It also added that the "living is a vicarage with a tithe rent charge of £42", with a "net yearly value of £260, including 3 acres of glebe, with residence, in the gift of trustees."
John Child still holds his positions as Parish Clerk and sub-postmaster, and has been joined by his son in his wheelwrights business. His son Charles William, is also interestingly a noted bee expert. Although there is a sub-post office in Leverstock Green, the nearest money order and telegraph office is in Hemel Hempstead.
A new name was added to the elite private residents, that of William Davies of Chambersbury Cottage. He is also listed as having taken over North End Farm from George Snoxall, who appears to have become licensee of the Rose and Halswn. As well as William Davies at North End Farm, there have been several other additions to the farming world. Edward Ashwell is listed as running Well Farm, and Hay. Haydon is at Bennetts End Farm. Daniel Howe, William Woodward and William Perry had joined the ranks of farmers, while Matthew Leno of Cox Pond Farm has widened his scope to include poultry and pheasant breeding. The latter seems to be a growing industry, along with poultry dealing; the local dealer being Charles Moorcroft who had previously been a beer retailer.
. Joseph Bailey, Jane Finch and Joseph Smith still farm as before. Hay dealing has declined slightly, with only William Cooper and Reuben Seabrook listed as dealers. Reuben was now also dealing in straw, no doubt supplying straw for the local cottage industry of straw plaiting. ( Early school log books show that children were expected to plait straw at home, before and after school, and sometimes the children plaited straw while sitting round the open fires in the school during oral lessons.) [ S36 p.108 ] The school mistress was now Miss M. Jones, and the average attendance by the children numbering 115, a considerable increase on 1882.
Brick and tile manufacture was still important with Thomas Doult still at Bennetts End, and Robert R. Norris having presumably taken over from his father Daniel at the other works.
Despite the apparent fall in population, there was a wider selection of trades in Leverstock Green than before. There was now a bee expert (William Child), a carter, ( Daniel Charge), a baker ( John Freeman ), a poultry dealer (Charles Moorcroft), a fishmonger (William Parkins) and a coal dealer (William Perry). Another member of the Seabrook clan, Arthur George, had become a boot and shoe maker ( making two in the village with Walter Cook. ) Michael Cavanah and George Sheppard were also listed as shopkeepers. As Mr. Sheppard had been noted as a baker in 1882, I presume he either continued in the baking line, or else moved into a different branch of retailing. Thomas Pointer was still blacksmith, and there had been an increase in the number of wheelwrights as mentioned before..
Alcoholic beverages were still retailed by many in the village, namely Michael Cavanah, George Dell, George Howlett, George Thomas Saunders and William Steers. This was in addition to the licensees of Leather Bottle: Arthur Seabrook; the Rose and Halswn: George Snoxall; and the Red Lion: George Timson.
The overall impression given is of increased prosperity within the community.
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This page was last updated on: April 11, 2009
1886-1887 – Matthew Leno Senior, of Cox Pond Farm, was High Bailiff of Hemel Hempstead . According to his obituary on the Gazette in 1904 “this honour was the due reward of the inhabitants for his faithful service as a guardian of the poor and a member of other bodies. In the second year of his office as Bailiff the work of the local town improvement committee was brought to a head and it is recorded that: “The old premises known as the Lamb and some shop property were purchased and pulled down and upon the site was erected a Market square, shambles and three shops..”The present square and market place buildings will ever stand as a monument to the zeal and work of the late Mr Leno as chairman of the committee who carried out such a notable improvement, one of the most pleasant features of which was the formation of the open in the narrow High Street and the exposing to view of the grand old parish church.” [Gazette December 10th 1904.]
1886 - Throughout the year adverts appeared in the Gazette for a Registry Office for domestic and other staff based in Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead . I’m assuming the prices given were annual salaries. Typical positions offered were:
Cook £18 - £22
Parlour maids £14- £20
Nursery Maid £12
Nurse Maid £5
General servants from £6- £14
Housekeeper £14
A £20 salary in 1886 was roughly equivalent to £8,436.49 in 2002 using the average earnings index. Given that board and lodging would generally have been in addition to this, a £20 salary would have been roughly equivalent to our present day minimum wage. [http://eh.net/hmit/ukcompare/ ;Gazette Saturday January 2nd 1886]
1886 - Rev G Finch was on the list of governors to the West Herts Infirmary throughout the year [Gazette Saturday January 2nd 1886 & subsequent issues]
Saturday January 2nd 1886 – The advert shown to the right appeared in this issue, and the following three issues of the Gazette. [Gazette Saturday January 2nd 1886]
January 9th 1886 - Advert again for sale at High Woodhall Farm, but with additional information. [Gazette Saturday January 2nd 1886]
Tuesday January 12th 1886 - A fancy dress ball was given by Captain & Mrs Cooper at Lockers. There was a long list of those attending and their costumes, which included some of the children of the Rev. G. Finch (see Funeral entry for July 1st 1899)
Miss S Finch – fairy
Mr H Finch – Venetian fisherman
Mr C Finch – Cook
Mr C R Finch – Tudor Finch
Mr R Finch – Little Boy Blue
Miss B Finch – Winter
[Gazette January 16th 1886]
January 16th 1886 - Advert as previous week's advert re High Woodhall Farm, also new advert for Westwick Row Farm. (See left)
April 10th 1886 - Election of Hemel Hempstead Guardians took place with the following results which included Matthew Leno of Cox Pond Farm. The First 5 were elected.
Janes 690,
How 651
Taylor 600
Leno 586
Cromack 540
Proctor 495
May 12th: 1886. - Death was announced of Thomas Orchard of Hart Hall Farm on Wednesday after a week’s illness.
"...HE WAS AT Watford Market on the 4th inst and it is supposed that on that day he took a chill which led ………..to death. The Church at Marlowes has sustained another loss in the death of Mr Orchard he having been a prominent member of that church for 50 years, and a deacon for 40 years. He conducted most of the services at Leverstock Green chapel where he was greatly beloved and respected......." [Gazette 15th May 1886]
May 7th 1886 - Leverstock Green ENTERTAINMENT
On Friday evening 7th inst an entertainment arranged by Mr Huckle was given in the schoolrooms in aid of three parochial charities. The Rev. G Finch presided.
The programme incleded a Pianoforte duet “The Retreat March” played by Miss Starling & Mrs Barker, and a Song with chorus listing those taking part: Mr T Butler, Mrs Butler, r Mrs Barker, Miss Gardner, , Miss Starling, Mr. J Young, Mrs Huckle, Mr C W` Edwards, Mr B Howell. Further details ofthe programme were given inthe write-up. The evening conclued with the Rev G Finch proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Huckle and the performers, by whose services on this occassion, he said the poor of the the district would benefit. [Gazette 16th May 1886]
5th June 1886 – Alice Lee, aged 11 or 12 died and was later buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard on 9th June. The Lee family, lived at “Breakspear Orchard” according to the record of burials at Holy Trinity Church (Register No; 457), and according to the 1881 census Alice was the daughter of Daniel & Sarah Lee:
LeeJames(none given) uson 9mSt. Michaels, St. Albans
LeeAlice(none given) udaughter 6fSt. Michaels, St. Albans
LeeEdward(none given uson 2mSt. Michaels, St. Albans
Alice had 3 brothers and a sister ranging in age from 19 to 7 at the time of her death. Her father was an Agricultural; Labourer and her mother a straw plaiter – like so many in the village at that time.
Miss Jones, the schoolmistress, reported in the school log book that “ Alice Lee at school on 2nd. Died of inflammation of the brain on the 5th. Doctor reports over study at school – the child was 12 years of age in Standard II.”
1887. - A further extension was built to the National School in Leverstock Green. [Kel.Dir., 1890]
The report of the HM Inspector in January 1887 had stated re the Infant classes: The infants are crowded together on a gallery where where they can have little variety of occupation and hence they naturally get inattentive and restless, and though the instruction is painstaking the results in some respects was unsatistfactory…………..The enlargement of the premises is absolutely necessary, not only is it impossible with such cramped space to teach the children properly but it is most unhealthy to have 80 children in a room which accommodates 42.” [S73]
21st June 1887:“The Schoolroom and playground were used for festivities to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee – NO School.” [S73]
Sept 26th 1887 ; “Reopened school after Harvest holidays. An enlargement has been made to the classroom.” [S73]
30th September 1887: Ernest Wix, HMI wrote in the school log book: “Present 132 out of 153 on books. School at regular work, discipoline good, registers correct. The dustbin is in a bad position. The addition to the infants room is a great improvement.” [S73]
1888 - County Councils were established. - Area of Leverstock Green shown to be within three civil parishes : Hemel Hempstead, St. Michael's and Abbots Langley. ( see 1949 ) [S4 ]
April 27th 1888 – Miss S Murray (Schoolmistress) and her assistant Miss Ryde resigned their duties at Leverstock Green School. [S73]
April 30th 1888 –“Thomas Henry Ford & Frances Olivia Ford entered upon their duties as Master, & Mistress of Infants & Needlework respectively. [S73]
May 4th 1888 – Mr Ford’s first entry in the school logbook was not very favourable…
“I examined the school this week and found that the Infants and Standard I have no knowledge whatsoever of their work, Standard II is a complete failure in dictation; arithmetic moderate. Standard III dictation moderate: Arithmatic fair in Addission and Subtraction but they have no knowledge of long division. Standard IV have only worked at long multiplication and division and these rules are imperfectly known: Dictation moderate Standards V & VI Composition moderate, arithmetic very bad. The Reading throughout the school wants fluency and expression; it also lacks intelligence. The handwriting in the upper standards is neat and fairly uniform. Mental arithmetic is a complete failure. The children on the whole are very restless and inattentive. The needlework is imperfectly done.” He then gave a list of pupils who “knew nothing whatever of their work”. [S73]
HART HALL HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
(About 1 ½ miles from Kings Langley Station)
Orchard &Proctor
Having received instructions to sell by auction upon the premises as above on Friday next June 11th 1886 at one for two o’clock precisely the genuine and useful
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE
And effects of the late Mr. Thomas Orchard
(There then followed a list of all the items which included bedroom and dining room furniture, assorted tables etc., guns, a dog cart, some farm implements and bric a brac.)
June 5th 1886. See advert on Right.
June 4th 1886 – The following Saturday’s Gazette carried a long article on the anniversary of Baptist Chapel. Was observed on Tuesday when services were held at 3.30 \and 6.30 pm The Preacher was the Rev. Sawday of London. Both services were well attended especially the evening service when the chapel was crowded and many had to be accommodated in the room at the lack of the chapel. Many were present from the Marlowes Chapel including the Rev G T Edgley. The sermon was reported at great length.
At the close of the service a collection was made in aid of chapel funds. [Gazette June 8th 1886]
19th June 1886 - The Watford County Court Sessions were held before Mr Fitzroy Cooper, the assistant Judge. The Gazette reported one of his cases relevant to Leverstock Green the following month.
THE CASE OF ROBINS V HALE
The plaintiff was a butcher at Watford and farmer at Westwick Hall, The defendant was a seed merchant at Watford. Plaintiff claimed £4 5s as the loss incurred by him from the defendant not keeping to an agreement to by a horse.
Mr Robins of Westwick Hall had recently bought the horse when the defendant took a fancy to it…£9.10s was` agreed upon as the price of the animal…based in part on the information that the horse was all right other than when at home, that is in its stable, when it was vicious. Mr Robins told Mr Hale of this. A written agreement to purchase the horse was signed by defendant for £9.10s. Mr. Hale took horse and drove it to London and back the next day, but on its return the animal would not let anyone in stable with him, knocking down the defendant’s man twice. Mr Robins subsequently sold horse at Watford market for £7 – Mr Hale had offered to pay 15/- for use he’d had of the horse but Mr Robins was having none of this so sued.
The verdict of judge was to find for the plaintiff Mr Robins of the amount claimed (£2.10s) + costs [Gazette July 24th 1886]
July 17th 1886 – The Gazette reported death of the Countess of Verulam at Gorhambury. [Gazette July 17th 1886]
July 24th 1886 – The Gazette named T F Halsey Esq. MP as the newly re-elected MP for the area including Leverstock Green. (Watford Central)
August 7th 1886 – The Gazette gave a lengthy report on a civil court case between Henry Cranston v Thomas Doult. (The latter being the Brickmaker based at Bennetts End Farm.)
The case which was finally found in favour of defendant (Doult) of the balance due in relation to some supplied bricks (£2 9s 6d) + costs. [Gazette 24th July 1886]
Sept 4th 1886 – The Gazette reported what (to date) appears to be the earliest mention of Leverstock Green Cricket Club. (Previously thought to have begun n 1908)
Leverstock Green v Kings Langley 2nd – A match was played at Kings Langley between Kings Langley 2nd eleven and Leverstock Green CC and resulted after an exiting game for Leverstock Green CC by 4 runs. The following is the score:
KINGS LANGLEY
J. Halsworth, c W Lane, C. Lane 1
J Betts run out34
T. Marshall, c William b C Lane 0
M A Young, b J Hopkins 10
W King, b C Lane 1
G T Young, b Foreman 10
A. Dickinson, not out 13
A North, b Foreman 7
F. East, b Foreman 17
Extras 4
TOTAL 100
LEVERSTOCK GREEN
J. Hopkins, c Halsworth,b A Young 39
W. Lane, b Payne 10
A. Williams, b A Young 8
L Foreman, c A Young, b Halsworth 35
G. Hopkins, c Betts, b ditto 1
C Lane, c. Glenister, b Halsworth 0
J. Bailey, c Marshall b A Young 2
E. Sear, not out 4
T. Latchford, b Halsworth 0
Extras 4
TOTAL 104
Sept 11th 1886 – The Gazette reported that at the Divisional sessions, George Steers of Leverstock Green was charged with trespassing in search of game and with killing a hare, and also of keeping a dog without a license on the 23rd October.
Mr Thomas Orchard of Woodwells said that he was with his thrashing machine in a field when the defendant came to him and offered him a hare. The Defendant had a dog with him. The Defendant said he was standing against a gate when the hare ran along and his dog ran after it and caught it.
George Sage said he was working at the machine when he saw the dog catch the hare. Defendant had no business in the field. It was a lurcher dog. The Defendant said the hare was hurt by the mowing machine, but that was not true.
There were several previous convictions of different kinds against Mr Sears.
The police informed the court, that the defendant’s father keeps the PLOUGH PH in Leverstock Green. George Steers was found guilty as charged and fined 13/- plus costs of 17/-. [Gazette 4th Sept 1886]
Sept 18th 1886 – In the Gazette under Parochial matters there was considerable discussion (again) over whether or not a petition should be made for the installation of a sewerage scheme for Hemel Hempstead. M Leno of Cox Pond was one of the principal protagonists in favour of the scheme.
October 9th 1886 – There was a long report in the Gazette on the Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Holy Trinity Church the previous Thursday evening. The Chancel, pulpit, reading desk, lectern & font were decorated with the usual products of the season. At the rear of the alter was a large floral cross with grapes at its foot. The Rev. Finch conducted the service together with the vicar of Hemel Hempstead, the Rev Thompson. Minute details were given in the report of the sermon and the hymns which were sung. The Offertory collection was £4 0 3d which went to West Herts Infirmary.
24th October 1886 - At the Hemel Hempstead Petty Sessions held on Nov 10th BAD CONDUCT AT MARLOWES
Frederick Tutner, John Turner and George Woods, lads from Leverstock Green were summoned on the information of PC Turner for using disgusting and obscene language in the public highway on Oct 24th. They denied this. PC had been on plain clothes duty and watching events. Three lads had been harassing a group of girls. PC eventually stopped them and warned them off but they refused to give their names, he later chased and caught F Turner.
All three were fined 5/- each and bound over to keep the peace for six months. [Gazette Nov 13th 1886]
October 23rd 1886 – There were two adverts in the Gazette for sales of hay, Sainfoin and “Well secured clover” from High Woodhall Farm, Well Farm & Westwick Hall. Instructions for the sales came from Mr E G Ashwell (High woodhall Farm) and Mr B Robins from Westwick Hall. The sales by auction were to take place on Wednesday 27th October 1886 at Well Farm. [Gazette 23rd October 1886]
October 29th 1886 – The case of Whitman v Doult was heard at St. Albans County Court. Thomas Doult, a brickmaker of Bennetts End was the defendant in this instance. The plaintiff, Whitman, was a builder. The matter was somewhat convoluted, and concerned who owed whom what with respect to a) some bricks and b) a cart. The Judge found in favour of the defendant (Doult) with costs. [Gazette Nov 6th 1886]
24th November 1886 –At the Hemel Hempstead Petty Sessions Amos Rance & Charles Bladon were charged with stealing a FOWL the property of M William Davis pf Leverstock Green worth 2/6. As a witness for the prosecution, George Sheppard a keeper, said he took the fowl from one of their pockets. They were committed for trial at the quarter sessions there being a number of previous convictions against them. [Gazette November 27th 1886]
31st November 1886 – The ELECTION OF HIGH BAILIFF of Hemel Hempstead took place. Matthew Leno of Cox Pond Farm was nominated as High Bailiff by Mr Earnest Pearman and seconded by Mr Wyman. There ere no other nominations, so Matthew Leno was elected.
NB: 1887 & 1888 GazetteS were not available at the National Newspaper Library, Colindale for research, which given that it was Victoria's Jubilee year is unfortunate. Below are a selection of the typical Jubilee memorabilia which no doubt many in Leverstock Green would have aquired.
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 ]
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]
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:
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 ]
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 ]
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]
only 22." [S73]
