Information retreaved from “The Leverstock Green Chronicle ...



Information retrieved from “The Leverstock Green Chronicle by Barbara Chapman re: OAKLEYS, COOPER & BENNETT families.

17th century:

Westwick Row Farm (not necessarily just the homestead, but some of the lands later associated with the farm): The Lasebye family, the Finch family (The lands were divided in 1611 between the two families), Peter Bennett, Thomas Trott, William Howe or Howes (also referred to inaccurately in one document as William Lowe) [HALS 1M14 - 1M51a]

16th December 1668 - Peter Bennett sold Westwick Row Farm and its lands to Sir Harbottle Grimston for £450. This then became part of the Gorhambury Estate. [HALS 1M43- 1M44]

18th Century:

11th September 1789 - An auction was held at the Leather Bottle for the sale of two cottages near to the Leather Bottle. The pamphlet advertising the event stated:

To be peremtorily Sold by Auction By Robert Nicholls

At the Leather Bottle, on Leverstock Green, near Hemel Hempstead & St. Albans Hertfordshire

On Friday 11th September 1789 at three o'clock in the afternoon

Two Copyhold Messuages or Tenements

With two ovens, three Gardens & an Orchard well planted with fruit trees. Situate near the Leather Bottle, on Leverstock Green, aforesaid, in the Tenure of Mrs. Sarah Flint and Mr. John Cooper at £4 10/- per annum.

The premises may be viewed at any Time by applying to the Tenants; are held of the Manor of Gorham Bury, subject to a Quit Rent of 4d & the custom thereof.

For further particulars enquire of the Auctioneer, St. Albans - who begs leave to return his sincere thanks to his Friends & the Public in General for the favours conferred on his late Father deceased, & himself, during their Partnership; and as he succeeds him in the above Benefits, humbly solicits their Encouragement, and engages by his Conduct and Punctuality to merit their future Favours, which will be gratefully acknowledged by him.

Conditions of Sale

1. The highest Bidder shall be the Buyer, & if any Dispute arises between 2 or more Bidders the Estate shall be immediately put up again.

2. That no person advance more than £1 when Bidding and that the Purchaser immediately pay into the hands of the Auctioneer 20% and sign an agreement for Payment of the Remainder of the Purchase Money, at the Next Court to be held for the Manor.

3. That a good Title shall be made by the Proprietors to the Purchaser upon Payment of the Remainder of the said Purchase Money, and the Purchaser to pay for the Surrenders in Admittances.

4. That all Taxes, & Incumbrances, shall be cleared to the Purchaser to Michaelmas Day next, all Rents and Profits arising from that Day to belong to and received by the Purchaser.

Herewith if the Purchaser shall refuse, or neglect to comply with the Conditions aforementioned, The Deposit Money be forefeited & the Propreitors shall be at Liberty to Re-Sell the said Estate by Public or Private Sale.

Attached to the above advertising leaflet is a hand-written receipt as follows:

September 11th 1789. I do acknowledge to have paid to Robert Nicholls the sum of Six Pounds Six Shillings as a Deposit for the above mentioned Estate this Day bought at Public Auction by me for the sum of Twenty-Nine Pounds According to the Above Conditions of Sale.

Purchase 29 - 00

Deposit 6 - 6

Due £22 - 14

Jn Kent (or possibly Kentish, the signature is somewhat scrawled.)

[S163]

Comparing the above information with the Tithe Record for 1840, it seems likely that the estate mentioned in the above advertisement comprised those Field Numbers 244,245 and possibly 246, which were listed as being owned by Joseph Finch and occupied by William Cooper and others at the time of the Tithe survey. They were noted as being a Beer Shop & Cottage, an Orchard and Home Field. The map shows plot 244 as being what later became known as the Three Horseshoes public House, pulled down in the redevelopment of the village centre in the early 1960's. If it didn't refer to this property, then in would certainly have referred to one of the sets of cottages built along the road near to the Leather Bottle, or just behind it. These too for the most part were demolished in the early 1960's. The only cottage to have survived along that stretch of road, and of the right age, is "Old Leverstock" which may well have been two cottages when built. This interestingly was put on the market in March 1994 for £160,000. A substantial increase from £29!

[Gazette - 18.3.94; S96.]

19th Century:

Associated with brickmaking and brickworks during the 19th century were: Henry Bennett, William Bennett, Mark Patterson Woods, Thomas Franklin, James. Pratt  & son, Daniel Norris and Son, Caroline Pratt (Mrs.), Charles Dickens, Thomas Doult, Robert R. Norris, John & William Childs and many others.

Using the information in the tithe survey it is possible to say who owned, and who lived in the various farms and principle dwellings in and around Leverstock Green. Many of these have been mentioned above, but it is

interesting to note who owned and ran the various licensed premises: The "Red Lion" was owned by Thomas Commack, and occupied by William Ward, The "Rose & Crown" (part of which was in Abbots Langley parish, and part in St. Michael's parish) was owned by Thomas Hinder and occupied by Richard Ostler, and the "Leather Bottle" was still owned by George Holloway, the Hemel Brewer, with William Kingham as the licensee. There were two other beer houses owned by Joseph Finch; one run by William Cooper. This hostelry, called the "White Horse" was near to what was to become the old post office, in the group of houses/shops built in the village opposite the green, roughly where the car park is today. New premises were built for the White Horse when The Village Centre was built in 1966. [ S52 ] The second hostelry owned buy Joseph Finch was occupied by Joseph Elborn.

1902 - Coronation Cottages were built in the centre of the village. Several other properties were built at about this time.

The first entry in Kelly's Directory for the new century was much the same as in previous years, but noted that the net yearly value of the living of Holy Trinity was now £271, and was held since 1899 By the Rev. Arthur Durrant of Emmanuel College Cambridge.

The post office had lost its postmistress and now had a new sub-postmaster in William Walter Sears. Mr. Sears was also the village grocer. The post itself was later than it had used to be, arriving at Leverstock Green at 7.45 a.m., although it was still dispatched at 6.20 p.m. Two new post-boxes had appeared in the area; a wall letter box at Bennetts End, which was cleared at 6.40.p.m.; and another in High Street Green, which was cleared at 9.20 a.m. and 6.40 p.m.

The National School was still run by the Fords, with the average attendance dropping to 96 children.

According to Kelley's, there were now only two principal residents: The Rev. Arthur Durrant, and Joseph Bailey of Chambersbury. Thomas Daniel Cox having been relegated purely to the commercial sector under the heading apartments. Presumably he let accommodation to others. William Davis had also been relegated.

The full commercial listings were as follows:

Joseph Bailey, farmer, Chambersbury

James Bishop, blacksmith

William Charles Child, brick maker ( he had apparently given up the wheelwrights business.)

Thomas Childs, North End Farm

Walter Stephen Cook, shoe maker (presumably the previous Walter's son, as the name Stephen has been added.)

William Cooper, shoemaker

Thomas Daniel Cox, apartments

William Davis, farmer, Well Farm

Thomas Dubbury, beer retailer and shopkeeper

John William Fade, beer retailer

Mrs. Jane Finch, farmer, Corner Farm

James Knox Hart, farmer, Leverstock Green Farm

George Howlett, beer retailer

Matthew Leno, farmer and pheasant and poultry breeder, Coxpond Farm.

Matthew Leno junior, farmer, Westwick Farm

Edgar Leno, farmer, Hill Farm ( The Leno clan were spreading their wings further.)

John Martin, Rose and Crown P.H.

William Parkins, fishmonger

Henry Pedley, beer retailer

George Pilcher ,beer retailer

Arthur Seabrook, Leather Bottle P.H. and shopkeeper

Arthur George Seabrook, boot and shoemaker

William Walter Sears, grocer and post office

George Timson, Red Lion P.H.

William Woodward, farm bailiff to Joseph Bailey esq.

Robert William Wright, wheelwright

Whit Monday, 12th June 1905 - The first major fete and sports to be held in Leverstock Green took place on the meadow behind the school. The intention was to raise money for the Parish Room (as well as having a great time.) It must have been great fun to have been there, and I suspect the atmosphere would have been somewhat electric, particularly when the home team won the Tug of War at the end of the afternoon. Local worthies and trades people from Hemel Hempstead as well as Leverstock Green were asked to contribute money or gifts for the prizes - a practice still carried on over 90 years later when local firms etc. are approached to supply prizes for our Grand Raffle held to coincide with the Village Fete. The prizes were a little unusual in that they were extremely generous, and presumably they reflected not only the importance placed on the event by the local community, but also an attempt to persuade others from outside the village to partake. This is the extensive write-up given to the event in the Hemel Hempstead Gazette:

ATHLETIC SPORTS AT LEVERSTOCK GREEN

For many years the need of a Parish Room for the little village has been felt, and never more keenly was this the case than during last winter, when a series of entertainment's were arranged for which the schoolroom accommodation proved altogether inadequate. For several months now there has been a fund for the purpose of raising an amount with which to cover the cost of building a parish room suitable for all the requirements of the village, and with the laudable object in view of assisting the fund, a holiday programme was arranged for Whit Monday.

The event took place in a field near the church, kindly lent for the occasion. There was a capital attendance during the afternoon including many from Hemel Hempstead and the neighbourhood, but doubtless the number, which was about 600, would have been greatly exceeded had the weather been more favourable. However great success was achieved, and it is hoped that a substantial amount will be handed over as a result of this venture.

The organizers who formed themselves into a committee, with Mr. B.P.Eykin[1] as President. were very enthusiastic and they are to be warmly congratulated on the success of their initial effort. The proceedings commenced at about o’clock, the Hemel Hempstead Drum & Fife Band having marched to the ground. During the afternoon an interesting item was a series of Maypole dances[2] and drills under the direction of Mrs.. Ford, and in this the children who took part performed very creditably and gained hearty applause. Another amusing part of the proceedings was the futile attempts at reaching the top of a lengthy greasy pole for he prize of a ham, but in the end James Fossey was successful.

Of the sports the obstacle race provided the greatest amusement, whilst the slow cycle race also caused excitement. On the whole the flat races were very good. In the evening the prizes were distributed by Mrs.. Durrant to whom a vote of thanks was passed and cheers given at the call of Mr. W.W.Sears. The Rev A. Durrant suitable replied. The officials were Messrs W. Wright, A. Seabrook, W.W.Sears, W.Dell, C.A. Ingham, A. Mears, H. Cooper & W.A. Sears, whilst several others kindly assisted in the ground management. Refreshments were provided on the ground by Mr. Westwell of Cheapside Bakery[3].

The following contributed for the fund for the sports: Messrs. A. Hodgson, A.T. Umbreville, W.G. Ellingham[4], T. Ormandy, W. How, W. Horn, A. Marnham, W.H.Lavers[5], W.H.Bailey, H.A. Richardson, B.P. Eykin, H.H.How, J.Bennett, W.E. Bailey, H.J. Sanders, A.J.Chennells, W. Floyd, E.A Mitchell-Innes, A. Hall, W. Beckley, E.R. Thomas, W. Reeves, N. Micklem, .........Warren, J. Kimich[6], H. Anderson, H. Flint, Mrs.. Ellworthy, and the Misses Varney.

The results were: -

100 flat handicap (boys under 12): 1. E. Wykes, silver watch chain; 2. Walter, knife; 3. Wright, cricket bat & bat and trap.

100 flat handicap (for men): 1. Perry, cruet; 2. Biggs, butter dish; 3. Bateman, cigarette case.

One mile cycle handicap: 1. Spencer, butter dish; 2. Neal, cycle lamp; 3. Wilson, cruet.

Skipping comp. (girls under 15) 1. S. Ford, plush case; 2. B. Cooper, book; 3. C. Peploe, plush case.

Obstacle Race: 1. Reynolds, teapot; 2. Matthews, half doz. knives; 3. Jerdon, silver mounted walking stick.

One Mile Flat Handicap: 1. Cox, pair of solid silver trays; 2. Biggs, case of razors, 3. Taylor, silver cup.

Egg & Spoon Race: 1. S. Leno, plush case, 2. G. Sears, 3. E. Wykes, brooch.

Slow Cycle Race 1. W. Seabrook, decanter, 2. G. Sears, chased silver cup; 3. Porter, silver match box.

120 Yards Hurdle Handicap: 1. G. Sears, carvers; 2. F. Young, gold pin; 3. J. Lovell, knife.

100 Yards Handicap (for men over 40): 1. Cook, half a sack of flour; 2. Millmar, silver mounted pipe, 3. Perkins, duck.

Sack Race: 1. R. Cowley, timepiece; 2. W. Latchford, silver match stand; 3. Latchford, cigarette case.

Half Mile Consolation Race: 1. Hosier 5s; 2. Taylor 2s 6d.

100 Yards Children’s Race: 1. Lawford, cake; 2. Hart, half a cake; 3. Durrant, half a cake.

TUG OF WAR - Between Leverstock Green and Band. Winning Team Leverstock Green. Prizes; Briar pipe each.

[Gazette 17th June 1905]

23rd December 1905 - The following advert appeared in the Gazette:

LEVERSTOCK GREEN

SCHOOL

___________

A DANCE

will be held in the above school

ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 29TH 1905

FROM 8 TILL 12 O’CLOCK

In Aid of the Parish Room Fund

_____

MR. GOODMAN’S STRING BAND

___

Admission 1s REFRESHMENTS

Tickets can be obtained from the following:

Messrs W.Dell, C.A.Ingham, A.Seabrook, W.A. Sears, H. Cooper,

A.Mears, W.W. Sears, & W.Wright Hon. Secretary

Friday 23rd February 1906 - There was a concert in aid of the Parish Room trust at the Schoolhouse:

CONCERT AT LEVERSTOCK GREEN

The series of concerts in aid of the Leverstock Green Parish Room fund concluded on Friday February 23rd. The programme as follows was admirably rendered:

Piano selection: Miss Croft Song: Mr.. Moore Song: Miss Malin Song: Miss Sears Ventriloquist: Mr.. Victor Grey Song: Mr.. Jackson Song: Miss Jeffrey Recitation Mr.. Walker.

The second part comprised a performance by a Nigger Troupe, under the direction of Mr.. Moore; accompanied by Mr.. Jackson. The following comprised the troupe: Mr.. Moore, Mr.. Mears, Mr.Seabrook, Mr.. Sears, Mr.. B. Sears, Mr.. Ingham, Mr.. L.Cooper, Mr.. Cooper, Mr.. W. Seabrook, Mr.. Dell, Mr.. Wright.

At a committee meeting held on Monday last at Leverstock Green House, it was proposed and carried unanimously that a vote of thanks be accorded to all the ladies and gents who had so kindly given their services in connection with the series of concerts etc.. The Committee are gratified in being able to state that the balance at the bank in aid of the fund is £53. [Gazette 17th March 1906]

Friday December 28th 1906 - The first of the new season’s entertainments in aid of the parish room fund took place:

LEVERSTOCK GREEN

ENTERTAINMENT: An interesting entertainment was given by the school children in the schoolroom on Friday evening in aid of the Parish Room Fund . Owing to the inclement weather the room was not so well filled as usual. A somewhat lengthy programme was gone through consisting of songs, musical duets, dialogues, drills etc.. concluding with a musical sketch entitled The Persecuted Policeman. The success of the programme was largely due to Mrs... Ford (the schoolmistress) who spared no efforts in training the children, all of whom played their parts tremendously well. The programme was as follows:

[Gazette 5th January 1907]

Opening address: S.Seabrook

Violin solo: Miss B. Hart

Glee: School children

Dialogue: O.&.L.Seabrook

Street cries: five children

Song: Miss E.Durrant

Dialogue: S.Leno & E.Wilkin

Hornpipe: The Misses Umfreville

Dialogue: H.&.W.Wright

Wrong Envelopes: five girls

Cello solo: Mr.A. Durrant

Barber: five boys

Recitation: Mary Cooper

Scarf Drill: eight girls

Mandolin solo: Miss D. Cox

Musical sketch The Persecuted Policeman

Whit Monday May 20th 1907 - Yet again Leverstock Green was a hive of activity. The Gazette reported the following Saturday:

WHIT MONDAY SPORTS AT LEVERSTOCK GREEN

The third athletic sports in aid of the Leverstock Green Parish Room Fund took place on Whit Monday when success again attended the efforts of the promoters. There was, however, not such a large crowd as last year but this can no doubt be accounted for by the unpleasant weather which prevailed on the day. The sports this year were held in a meadow next the church kindly lent by Mr. J. Bailey of Chambersbury. The whole of the arrangements were excellent, and were carried out by a hardworking committee comprising Messrs A. Seabrook, W. Dell WW Sears, A. Mears, B.Sears J Hallett and J. Cooper with Mr. WWWright as hon. secretary. The afternoon’s proceedings commenced at about 3 o’clock, the Dickinson Silver Prize Band being already on the ground. A sports programme of 15 events was gone through and on the whole excellent form was shown by the competitors. No doubt the most amusing of all was the climbing of the greasy pole, whilst much interest was shown in the football tournament and the obstacle race, the goal kicking competition and several others. The flat races throughout were exceedingly good as also was the one mile cycle handicap. The following were the results of the races:

The results were:-

100 yards flat handicap (boys under 12):1. J. Hallett (book) 2. A. Cripps (walking stick) 3. A. Rogers (pocket knife)

100 yards open flat handicap for men 1. A.E.Curtis (clock) 2. R.Rogers (breakfast cruet) 3. J. Williams (butter dish)

One mile cycle handicap 1. B.Cook (silver plated dish) 2. G. Spenser (clock) 3. A. Mead (lamp)

Skipping comp. (girls under 15) 1. C.Plowman (2 books) 2. B. Cooper (dolls house) 3. E. Plowman (cycle carrier)

Obstacle Race 1. L.Tidy (dinner cruet) 2. R.Rogers (umbrella) 3. M. Latchford (pipe in case)

Egg & Spoon Race 1. E. Durrant (workbasket) 2. S. Seabrook (purse) 3. A. Hart (mincing machine)

Goal Kicking Competition. 1 A. Plowman (plated jam-jar) 2. E. Rance (military brushes) 3. L. Tidy (cigarette case)

Slow Cycle Race 1. A.E.Curtis (cup) 2. G.Spenser (lamp & bell) 3. L.Tidy (cycle pump)

One Mile Flat Race 1. W.East (plated tea pot) 2. B.Biggs (biscuit barrel) 3. W. Freestone (walking stick)

Relay Race (Ladies) [7]1. I Plowman, (writing case) 2. Bertha Hart (case of scents) 3. S. Ford ({post}card album)

120 Yards Hurdle Handicap:1. R.Rogers (set of carvers) 2. L. Tidy (toast rack) 3. A.E.Curtis (bread knife and board)

One Mile Walking Handicap: 1. P. Wright (biscuit barrel) 2. J. Lovell (half dozen knives and forks) B3. E. Thomas (cigarette case).

TUG OF WAR - . This event between the Sports Committee and Leverstock Green Football Club resulted in an early win for the committee; the footballers being unable to stand against them. Each member of the winning team was the recipient of a clay pipe.

Greasy Pole. - In this amusing competition Jimmy Fossey “the greasy pole chap” after a very hard struggle was successful in reaching the ham at the top of the pole. He has now won this event three years in succession.

Football tournament - in three heats The winners were E. Rance, B. Mayo, T.Perkins, G.Goodenough, each of whom received a walking stick.

The judges for the sports were Rev. A. Durrant, Mr. H. Durrant and Mr. J. Nelson. After the distribution of the prizes the Rev. A.Durrant with Mr. J. Bailey expressed the hope that they’d be able to extend a warm welcome to the organizers another year.

The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, the Dickinson’s Silver Band providing the music and the gathering broke up about 9.30.

The band and the committee were then invited to supper by Mr. J. Bailey who wished them prosperity.

Refreshments were provided in the field by Mr. E. Westell of Cheapside Bakery.

Wednesday May 22nd 1907 - An auction took place in St. Albans, which included four freehold cottages in Leverstock Green. The following advert placed in the Hemel Hempstead Gazette for the three consecutive weeks prior to the auction stated that:

SALES BY AUCTION

MR .W. DORANT

ST. ALBANS & LEVERSTOCK GREEN

Mr. W. Dorant will sell by auction at the Peahen Hotel St. Albans on

Wednesday May 22nd 1907 at 4 o’clock ............; also four valuable

well built FREEHOLD cottages pleasantly situated on the common

Leverstock Green, each with good garden. Let to Messrs Mayo,

Harrowell, Cooper and another at total rents amounting to £47 4s 8d.

a) It is highly likely that these cottages were the matching pair of semi-detached houses known as Coronation Villas and Mafeking Villas to be found to the right of the Leather Bottle. [Gazette April 27th, May 4th, May 18th 1907]

Saturday 31st May 1919 - There was a presentation in the village, reported the following week as follows: -

“On Saturday 31st May a presentation was made to Mr.. W.C. Child as an appreciation of his good work in the parish of Holy Trinity, Leverstock Green, as Sunday School teacher, people’s warden, and organist for many years. The presentation took the form of a gold watch, with inscription, and an illuminated address, with list of subscribers as follows:

The Rev. & Mrs.. Durrant, Mr.. & Mrs... Bailey, Miss Bailey, Mr.. J. Bailey, Mrs.. de Beager, Mr.. & Mrs.. Bedford, Mr.. & Mrs.. Bessant, Mr.. & Mrs... Biggs, Mr.. & Mrs.. Biswell, Miss Bloxham, Mr.. & Mrs.. W Brigginshaw, Mr.. & Mrs.. C. Brigginshaw, Mrs.. Briggs, Nurse Carter, Mr.. Charge, Mrs.. Cooper,……….

4 June 1910 - Leverstock Green was briefly notorious following the publication of the following headlines in the Gazette. SENSATION AT LEVERSTOCK GREEN - RETIRED BUTLER COMMITS SUICIDE -

FOUND HANGING BY HIS SISTER. Mrs. Rachel Oakley found the body of her brother, a Mr. Bennett who had lived in Leverstock Green fro about 7 years -he had previously acted as butler to the Cavendish and Gladstone families. From a variety of notes he left it was obviously suicide and at the inquest held in Leverstock Green schoolroom on Tuesday, the verdict was returned of suicide, though there was not enough evidence to show what the state of his mind was at the time. He had previously suffered from depression. It must be remembered that at this time suicide was a crime, and proven suicides were not permitted burial in a churchyard. A certain stigma would have also attached to the suicide’s family, in this case his sister. [Gazette 4 JUNE 1910]

Wednesday 6 July 1910 - An auction took place at the Peahen St. Albans on July 10th (Wed) at the direction of the late estate of the late Mr. James Bennett (see June 4th 1910 -suicide) The sale was for the “valuable freehold property situate near the church at Leverstock Green and facing south, two of which have not long been erected. Each house contains two rooms up and down with wood barn and good garden. Company water is laid on. Let to Messrs. Woodward, Stears and sharp, and one in hand, the present very low rents amounting to £35 2s per annum.” These were the cottages Coronation Cottages, & Mafeking Cottages (now known as No 1 & “ Greenside) facing the green next to the Leather Bottle. The Woodwards had the house nearest to Leather Bottle. They were eventually sold to Mr. J. Hallet of Leverstock Green for £450 0s [Gazette 2 and 9 July 1910]

11th January 1933 - At St. Albans Crown Court before Judge William Moore, Messrs Geo. F. Dell and sons of Leverstock Green sued A. E. Cooper of 28 Trucklers Lane for £4 11s 6d in respect of goods supplied. No defence was given and the defendant was ordered to pay at 4s a month. [Herts. Advertiser & St. Albans Times January 14th 1933.]

-----------------------

[1]Bonomy Panmore Eykin is known to have lived at "Orchard Lea” in Tile Kiln Lane. See page 72 of The Archive Photograph Series: Leverstock Green & Bennetts End .

[2]It seems highly probable that the photograph of Maypole dancing included in The Archive Photograph Series: Leverstock Green & Bennetts End on page 89 was taken at the event.

[3]This bakery was situated in the area of the Old Town then known as Cheapside to be found approx. where High Street and Queensway meet today.

[4]Known to run one of the local brickfields at High Street Green

[5]This was the Hemel Hempstead Timber merchant.

[6]Many adverts appeared in the Gazette for this period for Kimich, watch/clockmaker and jeweller in Hemel Hempstead.

[7]Given that only one lady was awarded a prize for each position, I would imagine that rather than the present relay races where 4 runners each run a length acting as a team, in this case perhaps each length of the race was of a different nature, similar to some of the races used in Primary School games. e.g.. the first lap involving bouncing a ball, the second hopping, the third with a quoit on the head and the final lap a sprint

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