Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Encyclopedia
Marshfield is a village in the local government area of South Gloucestershire
, England, on the borders of the counties of Wiltshire
and Somerset
.
and 28 miles (45.1 km) south of Gloucester
. The A420 road
bypasses the village on its northern side. Marshfield, which is in the north is the long stretch of flat-looking fields bordered by dry-stone walls. To the south, the view and the country is quite different, for there one is quickly into the wooded valleys and hedge-lined fields of Bath and North East Somerset
, not that the north is without its interesting small valleys too. There are numerous footpaths (many signposted), bridle path
s, and pleasant walks in all directions. The ridge is of oolitic limestone and fossils often occur.
High Street is the single main thoroughfare of Marshfield and is approximately 350 m in length and straight.
The eastern part of the village contains the parish church
, Manor House
and Home Farm, a group of historic buildings noted for their architectural features.
Almost every house along the high street is more than 100 years old, from the Georgian architecture
Gothic
toll house
at the western end to the groups of medieval barn, dovecote
(The lord of the manor was the only man allowed to keep pigeons-for fresh meat in winter), and early Georgian stable range which go with the manor house
and Home Farm. Near the toll house stand the fine almshouse
s of 1612, built for the use of eight elderly villagers by the two sons of Marshfield, Nicholas and Ellis Crispe, who had gone to London and made their fortunes largely through the West Indies trade. They endowed the houses with funds to provide a free residence, garden, and £11 yearly. Many houses date from Tudor era and Stuart times (a few were originally timber-framed
) and have gable
s and mullion
ed windows. Several have bow fronts and there are five examples of shell-pattern door arches typical of Queen Anne
work. The finest front in the high street is perhaps the Catherine Wheel (right) some of whose buildings at the rear are much older than 1700.
The Malting house is a typical example of the village's former prosperity in that trade. Other notable high street buildings include the former Old Meeting, a Presbyterian / Independent, later Unitarian
chapel of 1752, the gabled range of the Hospice, the Red House, the former police station (now number 123), numbers 44, 83, 115, and 126. In 1766 William Hazlitt senior, father of William Hazlitt
became minister of the Presbyterian meeting house.
The Crown, the Lord Nelson, the Old Inn, and several farms still in the heart of the village are also noteworthy: Weir farm in Weir lane, with its gables, was once a malting house, and Pitt farm, at Little end, is 17th century. The former vicarage, now known as Marshfield House" whose front was rebuilt in the 1730s by Mrs Dionysia Long, is particularly handsome with its barn, stable block, and large walled garden fringing the market place. It has four storeys, including a basement and extensive attics. The vicarage did not have electricity until the 1950s, in fact only two of the floors had electricity in the early 1980s. The last vicar to inhabit the old vicarage was Rev John Miskin Prior. Following his departure from the village in 1982, a new vicarage was built on land in Church Lane, and the old vicarage was sold as a private residence.
The Tolzey or Town House was built in 1690 for the people of Marshfield by John and Mary Goslett. As well as being the old town's administrative headquarters (the parish council still meets here) it also housed a Marshfield fire engine and served as a lock-up
. (The fire manual is now in Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol). Fresh information suggests that it now appears to be missing after enquiries by a local business-woman. (1999)
Castle farm is about half a mile to the north of Marshfield. In its 2 acres (8,093.7 m²) farmyard is an ancient longhouse with the original fireplace and the dividing screen between the human and animal dwellings. On the neighbouring land where lynchet
s show in some fields, many Bronze Age
and Stone Age
implements have been picked up and a skeleton in a stone coffin discovered. Castle farm is a thriving real fire business run by the Knight Family. Adjacent to the farm is the brother of Dick Knight (Castle Farm), Bim Knight. He runs a profitable farm with fine prize winning sheep at many local and national shows. Recent events have reported the loss of Robert Knight (Son of Bim Knight) due to an industrial accident (2007). Much loved and missed by many.
Formerly there were two mansion
s to the south of the village; the Rocks, now a ruin, and Ashwicke Hall. The Rocks, covering 1188 acres (4.8 km²) belonged to the Taylor family, and was originally Jacobean architecture
. It was visited by the late Queen Mary during her stay at Badminton House
in the Second World War. Ashwicke, ancient seat of the Webb family, was bought and rebuilt by John Orred in 1857, replacing an older house that stood nearby. After his death it was bought by the Horlocks who later moved to the Manor House. The hall then passed through other hands and the Firth family sold it to its last private owner, Major Pope, in 1909. The two houses employed many people from the parish in the past and the footpath running from the village to Ashwicke is a reminder of those days of service.
On this former estate is the Rocks East woodland training centre which has several guided walks and wooden sculptures. Open most days with energetic walks leading to the old walled gardens. Across the lane leading down to St Catherines valley (Oakford Lane) lived Major Jeremy Taylor who was a Captain
in the 23rd Hussars
(Tank Regiment) and was decorated in World War II. He grew up on the estate in its heyday. He later worked as an Animal Wrangler in the film "Lawrence of Arabia
" and performed the "long" camel riding shots for Peter O'Toole
. He boasted wonderful evenings out with David Lean
, Audrey Hepburn
and Alec Guinness
in Cairo
. He then assisted in training the Indian Army
with their horse regiments finally buying a bar and nightclub in Bath, Somerset before retiring to a wooden chalet beside a man-made lake in the woods within the old Rocks estate. He died peacefully in the RUH Bath a few years ago.
word March
or border, hence Border Field being the literal translation.
The town is rich in history because of its location in the heart of Cotswold wool
country, near to Bath and Bristol. Located within an agricultural area, Marshfield gained market
status in 1234. The layout conforms to that of a typical market town
with long narrow burgage plot gardens extending back from the narrow frontages, and served by two rear access lanes (Back Lane and Weir Lane).
The majority of buildings lining the street are of 18th century origin although several buildings date from the 17th century. The building style is largely Georgian
. The facade
s of the buildings are unified by the consistent use of local stone and other materials, which adds character to the village.
It is not known just what damage may have been done as a result of the Civil War. Canon Trotman, a prominent authority in Marshfield's more recent past, speculated publicly about the likely missing treasures. He noticed the large stones on either side of the east window, with rough infilling under them. The large stones evidently formed canopies for figures now missing and which have been the marble figures found in 1866 during alterations at the Angel Inn (now 42 high Street) and later removed from the parish. Two or three other figures probably completed the statuary. Canon Trotman further presumed that the figure of the Virgin may have been taken from its niche in the porch by the Parliamentary troops, but adds forcefully, "Even they could scarcely have done more havoc with the church than the hand of the so-called restorer in 1860 who, while substituting the pitch pine seats...for the old carefully locked pews and capacious gallery, effaced at the same time much that should have been interesting to us today." Canon Trotman was speaking in 1906.
With Cromwell's victory in the Civil War, the period of the commonwealth (from 1649 until the restoration of Charles II in 1660) ensued during which time marriage was treated as a secular rather than religious ceremony. John Goslett as a magistrate therefore married 92 couples during that period from the parish and around, in may cases the banns having been called on three successive market days in the market Place at Marshfield (as an alternative banns could still be read in church). there was clearly no long-term disadvantage in all this for Mr Goslett for a tablet to his memory was nevertheless placed in the church, beside the east window of the north aisle.
David Long, from Pennsylvania, reports that on the flat open land between his village and the lane you can often find musket balls. Battle Of Lansdown. Looking towards the battle site from the field it would appear to be a logical distance away particularly as they would have been firing uphill at about 45 degrees thus landing some distance from the battle site.
came riding, riding, riding The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door "
Alfred Noyes, The Highwayman.
Somewhere near to the Three Shire Stones on the Fosse Way
near Marshfield there lies, even to this day, a stone that marks the spot of what the Bath Journal calls "wilful murder against some person or persons unknown". The stone marked E.R. and the date 1761 refers to one Edmund Roach who, aged 38 yrs., was set upon by a highwayman. The 1761 Bath Journal reports, quote, 'We are this instant informed, that one Edmund Roach, of Marshfield, a Chandler
(candlemaker) was found dead near Westwood, on the Turnpike
road leading from this city to Colerne
gate; and from all circumstances that yet appear, was murdered and robbed, marks of violence appearing about his head, his pockets pulled out, and his silver watch and money gone. He is supposed to have had in his pockets four 36 shilling
pieces and some guineas
. All the marks of the watch that can yet be recollected are, the dial plate pretty much soiled, the black enamel figures on it much worn off and had lately a new spring put in it, a pale narrow old silk string of ribbon, a brass key, and a common brass seal set with glass, and a head engraved on it'. The report indicates a reward for the highwayman if found with information requested by Mrs. Eleanor Roach.
On 27 July the Journal continues the story. " Since our last a man has been apprehended on suspicion of the murder and robbery of Mr. Roach last Saturday se'en night in the evening; he says he formerly belonged to the regiment of Royal Gloucestershire Hussars
Y. Buffs, (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars) but, having a rupture
, was discharged, and that he supported himself by travelling about the country, his account of supporting himself, however was so lame, he is committed to a place of security at Devices for further examination ". I have attempted research here and suggest this could have been the former Roundway Hospital near Devizes
, Wiltshire. Nothing further is given and no name or fate was reported about the detained person. Current difficulties with this latest story are that Roundway wasn't opened until 1845 so maybe he was taken to a Village lock-up near there. The above story featured in a local Bath paper in 1936.
From the Trowbridge Public records office (10/3/00) The original story from the Bath Chronicle weekly gazette (23 July 1761). Reads (in Old English) " Sunday morning last a tallow chandler and a dealer in horses of Marshfield in the county of Glouscestershire was found dead near Westwood on the road leading from this city to Colerne in the county of Wiltshire. He left Bath Saturday evening on horseback and his horse strayed the same night to Colerne. Monday coroners inquest sat on the body and brought in their verdict of wilful murder several marks of violence occurring particularly violent blow on the back part of his head supposed to occasion his death (Which blow it is thought was given by a large knotty stick that was found, bloody, near the place he was murdered and the print of a women's foot was plainly to be distinguished on the lower part of his belly. His pockets were turned inside out and his watch and money (amounting to £10:00) taken from thence- Monday evening , a woman enquiring for lodgeings, at Colerne for herself and husband was asked concerning her place of abode and not giving satisfactory answers caused some suspicion. She was thereupon strictly examined to touching the said murder and robbery. After some hesitation she confessed that her husband and some others had robbed the aforesaid Mr Roach and gave intelligence as to where her husband was to be met with. He was accordingly apprehended the next morning at Kington St. Michael in the said county of Wilts. He appears to be a seafaring man and on his examination confessed the robbery but denied the murder declaring that he found the deceased lying dead on the road having (as he supposed) been killed by a fall from his horse, he added, that he thought it no crime to rob a dead man he appears very resolute and yesterday a tinker was apprehended who has confessed his being concerned in the said murder and robbery and has impeached two other accomplices, besides that above mentioned who are likewise sailors. Diligent search is making after them. " (Old English ends).
So, the earlier report seems to provide a more accurate account of the events. The problem now is that it throws up more unanswered questions. Gina Parsons, who researches her family background with her husband, appears to be the GGGGG Granddaughter of Edmund Roach. (see also)
Where was the Coroners court Held ?
Where did the Coroner come from ?
There are now five people involved including a woman.
Who apprehended them? There was no Police force at this time.
Was anyone indicted? The account suggests the husband's story is believed.
Mr. Roach was buried at Marshfield with the following epitaph on his headstone,
"BY MURD'ROUS BLOW MY THREAD OF LIFE WAS BROKE.
DREADFUL THE HOUR! AND TERRIBLE THE STROKE!
BUT HEAVEN PERMITTED! AND I MUST NOT LIVE.
REPENT, THOU CURST DESTROYER OF MY LIFE.
BEHOLD ME HERE, BEHOLD MY BABES AND WIFE!
SEE, FROM THY BLOODY HAND WHAT WOES ARISE.
WHILE CALLS FOR VENGEANCE PIERCE THE ANGRY SKIES.
THOU TOO MUST SUFFER, THO 'THOU' SCAPE THE LAWS.
FOR GOD IS JUST AND WILL AVENGE MY CAUSE.
MY CHILDREN DEAR, MY WIFE, MY WIDOWED FRIEND.
MAY PEACE AND SAFETY ON YOUR STEPS ATTEND.
MAY VIRTUE GUIDE, AND TRUTH YOUR LIVES EMPLOY,
THEN SLOW OR SUDDEN DEATH WILL END IN JOY."
Another story says that a rendezvous for Dick Turpin
on the London-Bath road was reputed to be Star Farm, formerly a posting-house, half a mile east of Marshfield. This I'm sure could be disputed and would tend to be as a result of local lore of the times. No confirmed evidence of this exists.
On 7 July 1763. A highwayman robbed a gentleman's servant of 5/- at Tog Hill turning, amongst other robberies. (In Old English) He is described as being a short young man, much pitted with the small pox ; well mounted on a dark brown horse with a flick tail and blind in one eye. One of the stirrups is new and the other old, and the highwayman had on a brown surtout coat. He later that day fatally injured a pig killer at Wickwar
. (Click for full story of Daniel Neale the highwayman.) (Old English ends).
On 29 January 1798 three highwaymen well-mounted and armed, stopped Mr Stephen Toghill of Marshfield at lynch Hill and with dreadful imprecations, demanded his money, which he hesitating to comply with one of them struck him on the arm with such violence as to deprive him of the use of it. Another with a knife cut his breeches from the waistband through his pocket down to the knee and robbed him of notes amounting to £43. Mr Toghill has offered a reward of £50 for discovering the offenders. (Old English ends). (One for crimestoppers!) This has now been verified. (Bath Journal 29/01/1798). Also in the Gloucester Journal.
At last Job Bence, a threshing-machine hand was found in very suspicious circumstances by a farmer, and handed over to the police. He was taken to Chipping Sodbury and put in a cell with another man whom he thought was a prisoner like himself, but who was really a policeman in disguise. This supposed fellow prisoner got him to talk confidentially and extracted from him the information that he had fired the stacks in revenge for being dismissed, and therefore unemployed. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, which he served at Portland. The fires ceased.
The village fire engine was purchased in 1826 for £50:00 and was still in use in 1931. It had to be operated by a gang of men on either side of it using a hand pump.
In 1896 the Fire Brigade had its capabilities tested to the utmost. Two houses with thatched roofs, in the main streets, caught fire at Mid-day, when all hands were engaged in the fields, but the Brigade mustered quickly in sufficient force to prevent fire spreading to other houses. The two houses concerned were occupied by Mr George Woodward and Mr Bateman, and were at the west end of the High Street. During the fiercest part of the fire Woodward was seen trying to enter his house by the window, and when he was prevented from doing so rash an act, he got into the cellar, and was seen coming out with a small box under his arm, and some parcel, probably money, under his shirt. He was taken for safety to the Police Station and afterwards lived in a stable behind his farm buildings, in company with two rather vicious spaniels. He was ultimately removed to a mental institution. Only a few days before, Mrs Bateman, a helpless old lady had been removed from the scene of the disaster, otherwise she would have been overtaken by the flames before help could have arrived. It was a misfortune, apart from the financial loss, that so picturesque and historical a building should have been destroyed.
The firemen at the time were Mr Camery (Captain), George England (Foreman) A. Bricknell, J. Blake, J. Tiley, A. Blake, R. Tiley, J. England, W. Tiley, H. Seviour, D. Beazer, W. Barnes, S. Hancock, & W. Hall. Mr George Englands laborious efforts in extinguishing the fire above mentioned, resulted in a breakdown in health from which he never really recovered. He resigned as foreman of the brigade in November 1899, and died in February 1901. There was also at this time, a serious fire at the King's Arms, in the Market Place where unfortunately some horses and pigs were destroyed.
P.C. Munden told the court that the defendant called at the Police Station at Marshfield and said " I admit I killed the bird; I did it on the spur of the moment. Can I have my gun." Hicks, in his evidence, said he started out with the intention of shutting his fowls houses, which were some three quarters of a mile from his house. He carried his gun with him, as he often did. He was not in the field in question but was standing in the lane by his gate when the peasant flew straight over his field. He shot at it, and was immediately sorry for it.
" Why did you do it ? " Asked Mr. Denning. " Well why do we ?" replied Hicks amid laughter. he added, " I'm sorry I did it there are plenty of pheasants on my land." Replying to further questions, Hicks said he was not spoken to by the keeper until he was returning from his fowls-house, something like half an hour after he had shot the bird. Asking for the dismissal, Mr Denning contended that Hicks had not been trespassing at all; he was on his own land. The Bench comprising Mr A.W. Boulton (in the chair), Mr Isaac Nicholls, Mr W.G. Forrest, Mr A.C. Brooks & Colonel P.L.E. Walker held that the case had been proved but in view of the defendant's good record they imposed a fine of 10 shillings only and 10 shillings costs. Mr C. J. Neat of the county Taxation dept. prosecuted the case against Hicks for killing without a licence. Hicks pleaded guilty and was fined £2:00.
and no-one was brought to book.
October 1818- An estimated 10,000 people assembled to witness a prize fight in Marshfield- nature's weapons of bare knuckles- ringed off by ropes and a round was continued until one or the other was knocked down. Two seconds or " bottle holders " were allowed to each fighter. The crowd was kept back by beaters who carried whips and did not hesitate to apply them to the shoulders of any person who pressed too closely upon the ropes. On 10 October two Bristol men, Strong and Newton, fought on West Kington down (Near Marshfield). The fight lasted 14 minutes in which they fought the like number of rounds, Newton eventually giving in. The Gloucester Journal report of 1818 reads " On Tuesday last, two Bristol men, Strong and Newton, fought on Keynton Down, near Marshfield. They are both men and have attained much provincial celebrity, and had each of them beaten their townsmen hall. The fight lasted 14 minutes, in which time they fought the like number of rounds. Strong, whose sporting title is " Cabbage ", had a tremendous knock-down blow under his opponents jaw. Newton came to his time, but had not recovered the effects of this severe hit before he received another in the same place, which obliged him to give in. They both displayed considerable science, and " Cabbage " promises to be at the very head of the lightweight
s. He is a man of approved bottom (Yes I know, but that's what it says), and a very severe and quick hitter. An immense concourse of people were assembled,, among whom were noticed Crib, Jem Belcher
, Harry Harmer, and most of the " Fancy " from town. It is supposed that 10,000 spectators were present.
Archives show one felon arrested in Marshfield for stealing a ladies silk handkerchief. He was deported
for seven years to Australia.
There are rumours of a headless horseman who is said to haunt Monument Lane, Marshfield.
12 April 1580. A well-known woman named Ellen Pain was buried, she was Murdered in a wood belonging to John Blanchard Snr. (research continues/info sought)
29 January 1634. William the sons of Richard Biggs was buried (Then written in Old English) who died a little below Ashton's Linch as he was comminge from Bristowe, by reason of the vehemency of the weather, in extraordinary snowe. (Ashton's Lynch could be what is now called Steep Lynch at Cold Ashton)
27 December 1636. Eliza Wickham was buried, the daughter of John Wickham (added in English) who was chocked by eating a bitt of the foot of a bullock's henge. (Does anyone know what a "bitt" and "henge" is ?)
6 August 1638. Catherine Stockman was buried, who, (then in Old English) as she was a-stealing apples out of Mr Michael Meredith's orchard, fell downe from the tree, beinge the sabbath day at night and broke her neck.
The landscape artist, Thomas Hearne was born at Marshfield in 1744. When aged five, his father, William, died and Thomas moved with his mother, Prudence, to Brinkworth, Wiltshire
near Malmesbury
The days have not long gone when only carriers' carts were available to take people to Bristol (a whole day's journey there and back) and Bath. Passengers shared the carts with poultry, eggs, and other produce, and everyone walked up hills. There was little protection from the weather. Marshfield folk seldom went to the big towns therefore but bought most of their goods at the local shops. In 1879 there were 39 tradespeople in the town, compared with the half-dozen or more shops.
Until 1833 the streets of Marshfield were unlit at night but that year an annual subscription list was opened so that oil lamp
s could be installed at £17 a year from 1 October to 31 March. The oil lamps were not lit when the moon was at or near full and the job was let out to tender each year a lamplighter
going his rounds with ladder and oil can. Gas lighting was substituted for oil in 1934, and in 1970 electric lighting replaced the gas, and the old lamp standards were removed from the pavements. One of the old lamps is now in Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol. Mains water came to the village in 1935, the year after mains gas, and mains electricity followed in 1951.
A Red letter day
for Marshfield used to be the annual horse parade and annual flower and vegetable show. The horses, with the great number used on the local farms, were paraded to a high standard. This is now known as the Marshfield Village Day, though this has been struck with poor weather in recent years. It now plays host to a Dog Show and fair attractions to help maintain local interest. The marshfield horticultural society is in charge of organizing the Village
day and record the results for the entries that are held in a big competition
inside a large marquee, which is the center piece for the Day.
In 1807 the local populous were dissatisfied with their rates which paid for the upkeep of a parish constable. It reads "We the undersigned inhabitants and rate payers of the parish of Marshfield respectfully beg leave to express to you our decided opinion of the utter uselessness of the rural police and we earnestly beg to be relieved from the heavy expenses of the maintenance of a force in which we have no confidence and from which we are convinced we have no protection". There are many signatures and some well known village names still known today.
Poet Dylan Thomas
lived for about three months at the malting-house in 1940, then the home of the writer John Davenport. Another resident of the house at that time was William Glock, who retired in 1972 after some years as the BBC's Controller of Music, and organiser of the Prom concerts at the Albert Hall
, London.
Inns in the late 18th Century included the Angel, The Crown, The Star, White hart, Shoulder of Mutton, Duke, Black Swan, & Hunters Hall. There are now only three.
Early this century Mr Darcy Taylor of the Rocks gave a public entertainment- his gramophone
playing in the vicarage garden, admission 4d for adults and 2d for children. It was called "a marvellous invention". Mr Taylor was also the first car owner in the district, a steam car being delivered to his home three days before Christmas. The driver was given three days instruction.
One Hundred years ago a sergeant and two police constables were stationed in Marshfield and were constantly busy dealing with the many fights that broke out between feuding groups from the village and Colerne (Wiltshire).
Gina Parsons, who researches with her husband, appears to be the GGGGG Granddaughter of Edmund Roach who was murdered in 1761 near to the Three shire stones. (see Highwayman)
The CEO of Wikimedia UK was born and brought up in the village.
s and ecclesiastical benefices, among them Marshfield church, at that time very much smaller than the church we see today.
It is recorded in the annals of Tewkesbury Abbey
that on 1 June 1242, in the reign of Henry III, Walter de Cantilupe
, Bishop of Worcester
, in whose diocese Marshfield then stood, came to dedicate a newly-built church at Marshfield. The monks of Tewkesbury Abbey restored and rebuilt the church in the perpendicular style in about 1470. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries
the right of presentation of the benefice was given to the warden and fellows of New College, Oxford
, by Queen Mary
, in lieu of property of which they had been robbed by Henry VIII of England
. The college's first incumbent came into residence in 1642, only to be disposed during the English Civil War
. New College still has the benefice in its gift.
of 1576 and a paten
probably dating from 1695 are in regular use, and Communion plate given by the Long family in 1728, including two large flagons, is used for the Christmas Eve midnight service each year. The church was restored
in 1860 and more carefully in 1887 and 1902-3 under Canon Trotman. The chapel of St Clement in the north aisle was restored to its original design in 1950 as a memorial to the late Major Pope of Ashwicke Hall, a considerable benefactor of Marshfield. A new cemetery to the north of the village was opened in 1932, the churchyard
being full.
Non-conformist worshippers in the village are served by Baptist
and Congregational chapels, and by Hebron Hall. Conversion of an old barn into the present church hall was done in 1933 at a cost of £650.
The Parish Register
dates from 1558, the first years of Elizabeth I's reign. The first two volumes were indexed and fifty copies printed by a London antiquarian
in the time of Canon Trotman. For the first 150 years entries were generally written in Latin and initially only baptisms were recorded, burials being first entered in 1567 and marriages five years later. Although many of the earliest names recorded are forgotten today, many more are still familiar in Marshfield. As well as poor Edmund Roach. (See The Highwaymen Link) a few curious entries from the register, translated from Latin are;
" 12 April 1580. A well-known woman named Ellen Pain was buried, who was Murdered in a wood belonging to John Blanchard Snr. "
" 29 January 1634. William the sons of Richard Biggs was buried (Then in Early Modern English) who died a little below Ashton's Linch, as he was comminge from Bristowe, by reason of the vehemency of the weather, in extraordinary snowe. "
" 27 December 1636. Eliza Wickham was buried, the daughter of John Wickham (added in Early Modern English) who was chocked by eating a bitt of the foot of a bullock's henge. " (I've no idea what a Bitt or henge is).
" 6 August 1638. Catherine Stockman was buried, who, (then in Early Modern English) as she was a-stealing apples out of Mr Michael Meredith's orchard, fell downe from the tree, beinge the sabbath day at night and broke her neck."
27 villagers died in action during the two Wars, 20 men during World War I 1914 - 1918 and 7 men during World War II 1939 - 1945.
at 11:00am increasing numbers of visitors come to the village to see the performance of the celebrated Marshfield Mummers or "The old time paper boys." Seven figures, led by the Town Crier
with his handbell
, dressed in costumes made from strips of newsprint and coloured paper, perform their play several times along the high street. Beginning in the Market place after the Christmas Hymns which are led by the vicar the mummers arrive to the sound of the lone bell. The five minute performances follow the same set and continue up to the almshouses. The final performance is outside of one of the local public houses where the landlord delivers a tot of whisky
for the "Boys".
In the past centuries the mummers were probably a band of villagers who toured the large houses to collect money for their own Christmas festivities. During the latter half of the 19th century the play lapsed, presumably for lack of interest. The play was not entirely forgotten however. Then, in 1931, the Reverend Alford, vicar of Marshfield, heard his gardener mumbling the words 'Room, room, a gallant room, I say' and discovered that this line was part of a mummers' play. The vicar's sister , a leading folklorist, encouraged the survivors of the troupe and some new members, including Tom Robinson (whose place was later taken by his brother), to revive the tradition. There was some dispute between Miss Alford and the elderly villagers as to how the play should actually be performed, and the resulting revival was a compromise which differs in several respects from other versions: St George has apparently become King William and Father Christmas
appears as an extra character. The costumes, as well as the play's symbolism, are relics of an ancient and obscure original- perhaps the earliest performers were clad in leaves or skins, symbolizing the death and rebirth of nature.
When mumming began in Marshfield is unknown, but there appears to be documentary evidence of mummers' plays since the 12th century. c1141 is believed to be a rough start date. The Marshfield play was discontinued in the 1880s when a number of the players died of influenza
but it was resurrected after the Second World War.
The Paper Boys have performed nearly every Christmas since (there were no performances during World War II). The Paper Boys' play is basically a fertility rite
with traces of medieval drama and incorporates the story of St George and the Dragon. It was never written down, and over the centuries, it gradually changed through the addition of ad libs and misunderstandings. The nonsensical corruptions of the text reveal its origins as a story told by illiterate peasant folk, unaware of all its allusions. There have to be seven characters as seven was thought to be a magic number. They include Old Father Christmas (the presenter of the play), King William who slays Little Man John who is resurrected by Dr Finnix (Phoenix, a rebirth theme). There's also Tenpenny Nit, Beelzebub who carries a club and a money pan and Saucy Jack who talks about some of his children dying—there are many references in mummers' plays about social hardship.
The Paper Boys have to belong to families that have lived in Marshfield for generations and they must have the Marshfield accent. When a role becomes available, precedence is given to the relatives of present members of the troupe. Because it is a fertility rite, women are not allowed to participate. Each costume comprises a garment made of brown cloth covered in sewn-on strips of newspaper—hence the name 'Paper Boys'. Each mummer maintains his own costume, repairing it as necessary. It is thought that, in the distant past the costumes bore leaves instead of paper strips.
Marshfield is justly proud of its special local tradition revived now for more than 40 years and looks forward each year to the social gathering each Boxing Day. The mummers have been featured on radio and television and at events of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. A few years ago they featured on the Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe
s "Fortean TV" aired on Channel 4
. In 2002 they featured in a programme by Johnny Kingdom
.
Cattle, sheep, and pigs which were brought in for sale were penned in hurdles in front of the houses on one side of the High Street and White hart lane, causing much confusion, and clearing up afterwards. The streets at that time was unpaved. The farmers paid 1d per head for sheep and 2d per head for cattle sold at the fair, but no charge was made for animals not sold. until more recent times the dealers and afrmers bartered among themselves. Toll had to be paid for all sheep sold at the rate of 4d a score, this being manorial right of the fair. In May 1901 the fair was taken out of the street to a field adjoining Back Lane. It was a large fair at that time and about four or five thousand sheep and 300 cattle were brought on foot from miles around to be sold. the Market Place was generally filled with sideshows of all sorts.
There were often accidents and during the October 1905, one Thomas White, aged 45, was killed on the roundabouts. Gradually the weekly markets at Bath, Chippenham, and Bridgeyate took the business away from Marshfield fairs: they no longer paid their way therefore and so were ended.
South Gloucestershire
South Gloucestershire is a unitary district in the ceremonial county of Gloucestershire, in South West England.-History:The district was created in 1996, when the county of Avon was abolished, by the merger of former area of the districts of Kingswood and Northavon...
, England, on the borders of the counties of Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
and Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
.
Location
Marshfield is at the southern end of the Cotswold Hills, 8 miles (12.9 km) north of Bath, 15 miles (24.1 km) east of BristolBristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
and 28 miles (45.1 km) south of Gloucester
Gloucester
Gloucester is a city, district and county town of Gloucestershire in the South West region of England. Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, and on the River Severn, approximately north-east of Bristol, and south-southwest of Birmingham....
. The A420 road
A420 road
The A420 is a road between Bristol and Oxford in England. Between Swindon and Oxford it is a primary route.-Present route:Since the opening of the M4 motorway, the road is in two sections. The first section begins on Old Market Street near the centre of Bristol, it passes through Kingswood before...
bypasses the village on its northern side. Marshfield, which is in the north is the long stretch of flat-looking fields bordered by dry-stone walls. To the south, the view and the country is quite different, for there one is quickly into the wooded valleys and hedge-lined fields of Bath and North East Somerset
Bath and North East Somerset
Bath and North East Somerset is a unitary authority that was created on 1 April 1996 following the abolition of the County of Avon. It is part of the Ceremonial county of Somerset...
, not that the north is without its interesting small valleys too. There are numerous footpaths (many signposted), bridle path
Bridle path
A bridle path is a thoroughfare originally made for horses, but which these days serves a wide range of interests, including hikers, walkers and cyclists as well as equestrians. The laws relating to permissions vary from country to country...
s, and pleasant walks in all directions. The ridge is of oolitic limestone and fossils often occur.
High Street is the single main thoroughfare of Marshfield and is approximately 350 m in length and straight.
The eastern part of the village contains the parish church
Parish church
A parish church , in Christianity, is the church which acts as the religious centre of a parish, the basic administrative unit of episcopal churches....
, Manor House
Manor house
A manor house is a country house that historically formed the administrative centre of a manor, the lowest unit of territorial organisation in the feudal system in Europe. The term is applied to country houses that belonged to the gentry and other grand stately homes...
and Home Farm, a group of historic buildings noted for their architectural features.
Almost every house along the high street is more than 100 years old, from the Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
Gothic
Gothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
toll house
Toll house
A tollhouse or toll house is a building with accommodation for a toll collector, beside a tollgate on a toll road or canal. Many tollhouses were built by turnpike trusts in England, Wales and Scotland during the 18th and early 19th centuries...
at the western end to the groups of medieval barn, dovecote
Dovecote
A dovecote or dovecot is a structure intended to house pigeons or doves. Dovecotes may be square or circular free-standing structures or built into the end of a house or barn. They generally contain pigeonholes for the birds to nest. Pigeons and doves were an important food source historically in...
(The lord of the manor was the only man allowed to keep pigeons-for fresh meat in winter), and early Georgian stable range which go with the manor house
Manor house
A manor house is a country house that historically formed the administrative centre of a manor, the lowest unit of territorial organisation in the feudal system in Europe. The term is applied to country houses that belonged to the gentry and other grand stately homes...
and Home Farm. Near the toll house stand the fine almshouse
Almshouse
Almshouses are charitable housing provided to enable people to live in a particular community...
s of 1612, built for the use of eight elderly villagers by the two sons of Marshfield, Nicholas and Ellis Crispe, who had gone to London and made their fortunes largely through the West Indies trade. They endowed the houses with funds to provide a free residence, garden, and £11 yearly. Many houses date from Tudor era and Stuart times (a few were originally timber-framed
Timber framing
Timber framing , or half-timbering, also called in North America "post-and-beam" construction, is the method of creating structures using heavy squared off and carefully fitted and joined timbers with joints secured by large wooden pegs . It is commonplace in large barns...
) and have gable
Gable
A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system being used and aesthetic concerns. Thus the type of roof enclosing the volume dictates the shape of the gable...
s and mullion
Mullion
A mullion is a vertical structural element which divides adjacent window units. The primary purpose of the mullion is as a structural support to an arch or lintel above the window opening. Its secondary purpose may be as a rigid support to the glazing of the window...
ed windows. Several have bow fronts and there are five examples of shell-pattern door arches typical of Queen Anne
Queen Anne Style architecture
The Queen Anne Style in Britain means either the English Baroque architectural style roughly of the reign of Queen Anne , or a revived form that was popular in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century...
work. The finest front in the high street is perhaps the Catherine Wheel (right) some of whose buildings at the rear are much older than 1700.
The Malting house is a typical example of the village's former prosperity in that trade. Other notable high street buildings include the former Old Meeting, a Presbyterian / Independent, later Unitarian
Unitarianism
Unitarianism is a Christian theological movement, named for its understanding of God as one person, in direct contrast to Trinitarianism which defines God as three persons coexisting consubstantially as one in being....
chapel of 1752, the gabled range of the Hospice, the Red House, the former police station (now number 123), numbers 44, 83, 115, and 126. In 1766 William Hazlitt senior, father of William Hazlitt
William Hazlitt
William Hazlitt was an English writer, remembered for his humanistic essays and literary criticism, and as a grammarian and philosopher. He is now considered one of the great critics and essayists of the English language, placed in the company of Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. Yet his work is...
became minister of the Presbyterian meeting house.
The Crown, the Lord Nelson, the Old Inn, and several farms still in the heart of the village are also noteworthy: Weir farm in Weir lane, with its gables, was once a malting house, and Pitt farm, at Little end, is 17th century. The former vicarage, now known as Marshfield House" whose front was rebuilt in the 1730s by Mrs Dionysia Long, is particularly handsome with its barn, stable block, and large walled garden fringing the market place. It has four storeys, including a basement and extensive attics. The vicarage did not have electricity until the 1950s, in fact only two of the floors had electricity in the early 1980s. The last vicar to inhabit the old vicarage was Rev John Miskin Prior. Following his departure from the village in 1982, a new vicarage was built on land in Church Lane, and the old vicarage was sold as a private residence.
The Tolzey or Town House was built in 1690 for the people of Marshfield by John and Mary Goslett. As well as being the old town's administrative headquarters (the parish council still meets here) it also housed a Marshfield fire engine and served as a lock-up
Village lock-up
Village lock-ups are historic buildings that were used for the temporary detention of people in rural parts of England and Wales. They were often used for the confinement of drunks who were usually released the next day or to hold people being brought before the local magistrate. A typical village...
. (The fire manual is now in Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol). Fresh information suggests that it now appears to be missing after enquiries by a local business-woman. (1999)
Castle farm is about half a mile to the north of Marshfield. In its 2 acres (8,093.7 m²) farmyard is an ancient longhouse with the original fireplace and the dividing screen between the human and animal dwellings. On the neighbouring land where lynchet
Lynchet
A lynchet is a bank of earth that builds up on the downslope of a field ploughed over a long period of time. The disturbed soil slips down the hillside to create a positive lynchet while the area reduced in level becomes a negative lynchet. They are also referred to as strip lynchets.They are a...
s show in some fields, many Bronze Age
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
and Stone Age
Stone Age
The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric period, lasting about 2.5 million years , during which humans and their predecessor species in the genus Homo, as well as the earlier partly contemporary genera Australopithecus and Paranthropus, widely used exclusively stone as their hard material in the...
implements have been picked up and a skeleton in a stone coffin discovered. Castle farm is a thriving real fire business run by the Knight Family. Adjacent to the farm is the brother of Dick Knight (Castle Farm), Bim Knight. He runs a profitable farm with fine prize winning sheep at many local and national shows. Recent events have reported the loss of Robert Knight (Son of Bim Knight) due to an industrial accident (2007). Much loved and missed by many.
Formerly there were two mansion
Mansion
A mansion is a very large dwelling house. U.S. real estate brokers define a mansion as a dwelling of over . A traditional European mansion was defined as a house which contained a ballroom and tens of bedrooms...
s to the south of the village; the Rocks, now a ruin, and Ashwicke Hall. The Rocks, covering 1188 acres (4.8 km²) belonged to the Taylor family, and was originally Jacobean architecture
Jacobean architecture
The Jacobean style is the second phase of Renaissance architecture in England, following the Elizabethan style. It is named after King James I of England, with whose reign it is associated.-Characteristics:...
. It was visited by the late Queen Mary during her stay at Badminton House
Badminton House
Badminton House is a large country house in Gloucestershire, England, and has been the principal seat of the Dukes of Beaufort since the late 17th century, when the family moved from Raglan Castle, which had been ruined in the English Civil War...
in the Second World War. Ashwicke, ancient seat of the Webb family, was bought and rebuilt by John Orred in 1857, replacing an older house that stood nearby. After his death it was bought by the Horlocks who later moved to the Manor House. The hall then passed through other hands and the Firth family sold it to its last private owner, Major Pope, in 1909. The two houses employed many people from the parish in the past and the footpath running from the village to Ashwicke is a reminder of those days of service.
On this former estate is the Rocks East woodland training centre which has several guided walks and wooden sculptures. Open most days with energetic walks leading to the old walled gardens. Across the lane leading down to St Catherines valley (Oakford Lane) lived Major Jeremy Taylor who was a Captain
Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)
Captain is a junior officer rank of the British Army and Royal Marines. It ranks above Lieutenant and below Major and has a NATO ranking code of OF-2. The rank is equivalent to a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and to a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force...
in the 23rd Hussars
23rd Hussars
The 23rd Hussars was a cavalry regiment of the British Army from 1940 to 1946. It had no lineal connection with the earlier 23rd Regiment of Dragoons .-History:...
(Tank Regiment) and was decorated in World War II. He grew up on the estate in its heyday. He later worked as an Animal Wrangler in the film "Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of Arabia (film)
Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. It was directed by David Lean and produced by Sam Spiegel through his British company, Horizon Pictures, with the screenplay by Robert Bolt and Michael Wilson. The film stars Peter O'Toole in the title role. It is widely...
" and performed the "long" camel riding shots for Peter O'Toole
Peter O'Toole
Peter Seamus Lorcan O'Toole is an Irish actor of stage and screen. O'Toole achieved stardom in 1962 playing T. E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia, and then went on to become a highly-honoured film and stage actor. He has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and holds the record for most...
. He boasted wonderful evenings out with David Lean
David Lean
Sir David Lean CBE was an English film director, producer, screenwriter, and editor best remembered for big-screen epics such as The Bridge on the River Kwai , Lawrence of Arabia ,...
, Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a British actress and humanitarian. Although modest about her acting ability, Hepburn remains one of the world's most famous actresses of all time, remembered as a film and fashion icon of the twentieth century...
and Alec Guinness
Alec Guinness
Sir Alec Guinness, CH, CBE was an English actor. He was featured in several of the Ealing Comedies, including Kind Hearts and Coronets in which he played eight different characters. He later won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai...
in Cairo
Cairo
Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life...
. He then assisted in training the Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
with their horse regiments finally buying a bar and nightclub in Bath, Somerset before retiring to a wooden chalet beside a man-made lake in the woods within the old Rocks estate. He died peacefully in the RUH Bath a few years ago.
Toponomy
The name derives from the Old English languageOld English language
Old English or Anglo-Saxon is an early form of the English language that was spoken and written by the Anglo-Saxons and their descendants in parts of what are now England and southeastern Scotland between at least the mid-5th century and the mid-12th century...
word March
Marches
A march or mark refers to a border region similar to a frontier, such as the Welsh Marches, the borderland between England and Wales. During the Frankish Carolingian Dynasty, the word spread throughout Europe....
or border, hence Border Field being the literal translation.
The town is rich in history because of its location in the heart of Cotswold wool
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, vicuña, alpaca, camel from animals in the camel family, and angora from rabbits....
country, near to Bath and Bristol. Located within an agricultural area, Marshfield gained market
Market
A market is one of many varieties of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations and infrastructures whereby parties engage in exchange. While parties may exchange goods and services by barter, most markets rely on sellers offering their goods or services in exchange for money from buyers...
status in 1234. The layout conforms to that of a typical market town
Market town
Market town or market right is a legal term, originating in the medieval period, for a European settlement that has the right to host markets, distinguishing it from a village and city...
with long narrow burgage plot gardens extending back from the narrow frontages, and served by two rear access lanes (Back Lane and Weir Lane).
The majority of buildings lining the street are of 18th century origin although several buildings date from the 17th century. The building style is largely Georgian
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
. The facade
Facade
A facade or façade is generally one exterior side of a building, usually, but not always, the front. The word comes from the French language, literally meaning "frontage" or "face"....
s of the buildings are unified by the consistent use of local stone and other materials, which adds character to the village.
Skeletons
Several human skeletons of interest to archaeologists have been discovered in the area.Civil War
Marshfield was a casualty of the Battle of Lansdown (July 1643) during the Civil War. A Royalist army under Price Maurice and Sir Bevil Grenville were hoping to link up with Charles I at Oxford and avoid a confrontation with the Parliamentary Forces gathered at Bath under Sir William Waller. Marshfield, which had about 300 houses at that time, on 4 July was used as an overnight billet and provision store for the King's army of 6000. Next day the royalists were tempted into an abortive Battle at Lansdown, each side withdrawing with heavy losses. Sir Bevil Grenville (whose monument now stands on the site of the battle) died in Cold Ashton rectory and as the Royalists fell back on Marshfield for repairs almost every house had wounded men on its hands. When the depleted army moved on the reinforced Cromwellian army soon followed. There was little time to stow away the church's simple treasures before the invading despoilers were at work. As a piece of local doggerel composed 200 years later had it "The empty niche above the door, where Mary's image stood, And ravaged reredos testify to their revengeful mood."It is not known just what damage may have been done as a result of the Civil War. Canon Trotman, a prominent authority in Marshfield's more recent past, speculated publicly about the likely missing treasures. He noticed the large stones on either side of the east window, with rough infilling under them. The large stones evidently formed canopies for figures now missing and which have been the marble figures found in 1866 during alterations at the Angel Inn (now 42 high Street) and later removed from the parish. Two or three other figures probably completed the statuary. Canon Trotman further presumed that the figure of the Virgin may have been taken from its niche in the porch by the Parliamentary troops, but adds forcefully, "Even they could scarcely have done more havoc with the church than the hand of the so-called restorer in 1860 who, while substituting the pitch pine seats...for the old carefully locked pews and capacious gallery, effaced at the same time much that should have been interesting to us today." Canon Trotman was speaking in 1906.
With Cromwell's victory in the Civil War, the period of the commonwealth (from 1649 until the restoration of Charles II in 1660) ensued during which time marriage was treated as a secular rather than religious ceremony. John Goslett as a magistrate therefore married 92 couples during that period from the parish and around, in may cases the banns having been called on three successive market days in the market Place at Marshfield (as an alternative banns could still be read in church). there was clearly no long-term disadvantage in all this for Mr Goslett for a tablet to his memory was nevertheless placed in the church, beside the east window of the north aisle.
David Long, from Pennsylvania, reports that on the flat open land between his village and the lane you can often find musket balls. Battle Of Lansdown. Looking towards the battle site from the field it would appear to be a logical distance away particularly as they would have been firing uphill at about 45 degrees thus landing some distance from the battle site.
Highwaymen
" The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees, The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon the cloudy seas, The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor. And the highwaymanHighwayman
A highwayman was a thief and brigand who preyed on travellers. This type of outlaw, usually, travelled and robbed by horse, as compared to a footpad who traveled and robbed on foot. Mounted robbers were widely considered to be socially superior to footpads...
came riding, riding, riding The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door "
Alfred Noyes, The Highwayman.
Alfred Noyes
Alfred Noyes was an English poet, best known for his ballads, "The Highwayman" and "The Barrel-Organ".-Early years:...
Somewhere near to the Three Shire Stones on the Fosse Way
Fosse Way
The Fosse Way was a Roman road in England that linked Exeter in South West England to Lincoln in Lincolnshire, via Ilchester , Bath , Cirencester and Leicester .It joined Akeman Street and Ermin Way at Cirencester, crossed Watling Street at Venonis south...
near Marshfield there lies, even to this day, a stone that marks the spot of what the Bath Journal calls "wilful murder against some person or persons unknown". The stone marked E.R. and the date 1761 refers to one Edmund Roach who, aged 38 yrs., was set upon by a highwayman. The 1761 Bath Journal reports, quote, 'We are this instant informed, that one Edmund Roach, of Marshfield, a Chandler
Chandlery
A chandlery was originally the office in a medieval household responsible for wax and candles, as well as the room in which the candles were kept. It was headed by a chandler. The office was subordinated to the kitchen, and only existed as a separate office in larger households...
(candlemaker) was found dead near Westwood, on the Turnpike
Turnpike trust
Turnpike trusts in the United Kingdom were bodies set up by individual Acts of Parliament, with powers to collect road tolls for maintaining the principal highways in Britain from the 17th but especially during the 18th and 19th centuries...
road leading from this city to Colerne
Colerne
Colerne is a village and civil parish in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, midway between Bath and Chippenham in Wiltshire, England. It has an elevated position above sea level and overlooks the Box Valley to the south...
gate; and from all circumstances that yet appear, was murdered and robbed, marks of violence appearing about his head, his pockets pulled out, and his silver watch and money gone. He is supposed to have had in his pockets four 36 shilling
Shilling
The shilling is a unit of currency used in some current and former British Commonwealth countries. The word shilling comes from scilling, an accounting term that dates back to Anglo-Saxon times where it was deemed to be the value of a cow in Kent or a sheep elsewhere. The word is thought to derive...
pieces and some guineas
Guinea (British coin)
The guinea is a coin that was minted in the Kingdom of England and later in the Kingdom of Great Britain and the United Kingdom between 1663 and 1813...
. All the marks of the watch that can yet be recollected are, the dial plate pretty much soiled, the black enamel figures on it much worn off and had lately a new spring put in it, a pale narrow old silk string of ribbon, a brass key, and a common brass seal set with glass, and a head engraved on it'. The report indicates a reward for the highwayman if found with information requested by Mrs. Eleanor Roach.
On 27 July the Journal continues the story. " Since our last a man has been apprehended on suspicion of the murder and robbery of Mr. Roach last Saturday se'en night in the evening; he says he formerly belonged to the regiment of Royal Gloucestershire Hussars
Royal Gloucestershire Hussars
The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars was a unit of the British Army.Raised in 1795 following William Pitt's 1794 order to raise volunteer bodies of men to defend Great Britain, through various re-organisations, the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars remain today on the establishment of the Territorial...
Y. Buffs, (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars) but, having a rupture
Hernia
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or the fascia of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes into the mediastinum through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm....
, was discharged, and that he supported himself by travelling about the country, his account of supporting himself, however was so lame, he is committed to a place of security at Devices for further examination ". I have attempted research here and suggest this could have been the former Roundway Hospital near Devizes
Devizes
Devizes is a market town and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. The town is about southeast of Chippenham and about east of Trowbridge.Devizes serves as a centre for banks, solicitors and shops, with a large open market place where a market is held once a week...
, Wiltshire. Nothing further is given and no name or fate was reported about the detained person. Current difficulties with this latest story are that Roundway wasn't opened until 1845 so maybe he was taken to a Village lock-up near there. The above story featured in a local Bath paper in 1936.
From the Trowbridge Public records office (10/3/00) The original story from the Bath Chronicle weekly gazette (23 July 1761). Reads (in Old English) " Sunday morning last a tallow chandler and a dealer in horses of Marshfield in the county of Glouscestershire was found dead near Westwood on the road leading from this city to Colerne in the county of Wiltshire. He left Bath Saturday evening on horseback and his horse strayed the same night to Colerne. Monday coroners inquest sat on the body and brought in their verdict of wilful murder several marks of violence occurring particularly violent blow on the back part of his head supposed to occasion his death (Which blow it is thought was given by a large knotty stick that was found, bloody, near the place he was murdered and the print of a women's foot was plainly to be distinguished on the lower part of his belly. His pockets were turned inside out and his watch and money (amounting to £10:00) taken from thence- Monday evening , a woman enquiring for lodgeings, at Colerne for herself and husband was asked concerning her place of abode and not giving satisfactory answers caused some suspicion. She was thereupon strictly examined to touching the said murder and robbery. After some hesitation she confessed that her husband and some others had robbed the aforesaid Mr Roach and gave intelligence as to where her husband was to be met with. He was accordingly apprehended the next morning at Kington St. Michael in the said county of Wilts. He appears to be a seafaring man and on his examination confessed the robbery but denied the murder declaring that he found the deceased lying dead on the road having (as he supposed) been killed by a fall from his horse, he added, that he thought it no crime to rob a dead man he appears very resolute and yesterday a tinker was apprehended who has confessed his being concerned in the said murder and robbery and has impeached two other accomplices, besides that above mentioned who are likewise sailors. Diligent search is making after them. " (Old English ends).
So, the earlier report seems to provide a more accurate account of the events. The problem now is that it throws up more unanswered questions. Gina Parsons, who researches her family background with her husband, appears to be the GGGGG Granddaughter of Edmund Roach. (see also)
Where was the Coroners court Held ?
Where did the Coroner come from ?
There are now five people involved including a woman.
Who apprehended them? There was no Police force at this time.
Was anyone indicted? The account suggests the husband's story is believed.
Mr. Roach was buried at Marshfield with the following epitaph on his headstone,
"BY MURD'ROUS BLOW MY THREAD OF LIFE WAS BROKE.
DREADFUL THE HOUR! AND TERRIBLE THE STROKE!
BUT HEAVEN PERMITTED! AND I MUST NOT LIVE.
REPENT, THOU CURST DESTROYER OF MY LIFE.
BEHOLD ME HERE, BEHOLD MY BABES AND WIFE!
SEE, FROM THY BLOODY HAND WHAT WOES ARISE.
WHILE CALLS FOR VENGEANCE PIERCE THE ANGRY SKIES.
THOU TOO MUST SUFFER, THO 'THOU' SCAPE THE LAWS.
FOR GOD IS JUST AND WILL AVENGE MY CAUSE.
MY CHILDREN DEAR, MY WIFE, MY WIDOWED FRIEND.
MAY PEACE AND SAFETY ON YOUR STEPS ATTEND.
MAY VIRTUE GUIDE, AND TRUTH YOUR LIVES EMPLOY,
THEN SLOW OR SUDDEN DEATH WILL END IN JOY."
Another story says that a rendezvous for Dick Turpin
Dick Turpin
Richard "Dick" Turpin was an English highwayman whose exploits were romanticised following his execution in York for horse theft. Turpin may have followed his father's profession as a butcher early in life, but by the early 1730s he had joined a gang of deer thieves, and later became a poacher,...
on the London-Bath road was reputed to be Star Farm, formerly a posting-house, half a mile east of Marshfield. This I'm sure could be disputed and would tend to be as a result of local lore of the times. No confirmed evidence of this exists.
On 7 July 1763. A highwayman robbed a gentleman's servant of 5/- at Tog Hill turning, amongst other robberies. (In Old English) He is described as being a short young man, much pitted with the small pox ; well mounted on a dark brown horse with a flick tail and blind in one eye. One of the stirrups is new and the other old, and the highwayman had on a brown surtout coat. He later that day fatally injured a pig killer at Wickwar
Wickwar
Wickwar is a village in South Gloucestershire between Chipping Sodbury and Charfield. It is famous for its football club and its high street. The Wickwar brewery is a popular local producer of cask ale....
. (Click for full story of Daniel Neale the highwayman.) (Old English ends).
On 29 January 1798 three highwaymen well-mounted and armed, stopped Mr Stephen Toghill of Marshfield at lynch Hill and with dreadful imprecations, demanded his money, which he hesitating to comply with one of them struck him on the arm with such violence as to deprive him of the use of it. Another with a knife cut his breeches from the waistband through his pocket down to the knee and robbed him of notes amounting to £43. Mr Toghill has offered a reward of £50 for discovering the offenders. (Old English ends). (One for crimestoppers!) This has now been verified. (Bath Journal 29/01/1798). Also in the Gloucester Journal.
Fire
It was an exciting time at Marshfield, and a busy time for the Fire Brigade when mysterious stack fires occurred regularly every evening. These fires took place over a large area, sometimes in Marshfield Parish, and then in such widely separated parts as Shire Hill and Colerne. When the alarm was given, out would come the Fire Engine and fire men Canon Trotman in his shirt sleeves and all the inhabitants of Marshfield following. The burning of stacks got so serious, that Canon Trotman preached about it in church. Farmers watched their stacks all night armed with a gun but still the fires continued. On one occasion there were four stack fires in one evening, in such widely separated places that no one man could possibly have done it. It was then whispered that some unscrupulous people with stacks heavily insured, were taking the opportunity of destroying them in order to get the insurance.At last Job Bence, a threshing-machine hand was found in very suspicious circumstances by a farmer, and handed over to the police. He was taken to Chipping Sodbury and put in a cell with another man whom he thought was a prisoner like himself, but who was really a policeman in disguise. This supposed fellow prisoner got him to talk confidentially and extracted from him the information that he had fired the stacks in revenge for being dismissed, and therefore unemployed. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, which he served at Portland. The fires ceased.
The village fire engine was purchased in 1826 for £50:00 and was still in use in 1931. It had to be operated by a gang of men on either side of it using a hand pump.
In 1896 the Fire Brigade had its capabilities tested to the utmost. Two houses with thatched roofs, in the main streets, caught fire at Mid-day, when all hands were engaged in the fields, but the Brigade mustered quickly in sufficient force to prevent fire spreading to other houses. The two houses concerned were occupied by Mr George Woodward and Mr Bateman, and were at the west end of the High Street. During the fiercest part of the fire Woodward was seen trying to enter his house by the window, and when he was prevented from doing so rash an act, he got into the cellar, and was seen coming out with a small box under his arm, and some parcel, probably money, under his shirt. He was taken for safety to the Police Station and afterwards lived in a stable behind his farm buildings, in company with two rather vicious spaniels. He was ultimately removed to a mental institution. Only a few days before, Mrs Bateman, a helpless old lady had been removed from the scene of the disaster, otherwise she would have been overtaken by the flames before help could have arrived. It was a misfortune, apart from the financial loss, that so picturesque and historical a building should have been destroyed.
The firemen at the time were Mr Camery (Captain), George England (Foreman) A. Bricknell, J. Blake, J. Tiley, A. Blake, R. Tiley, J. England, W. Tiley, H. Seviour, D. Beazer, W. Barnes, S. Hancock, & W. Hall. Mr George Englands laborious efforts in extinguishing the fire above mentioned, resulted in a breakdown in health from which he never really recovered. He resigned as foreman of the brigade in November 1899, and died in February 1901. There was also at this time, a serious fire at the King's Arms, in the Market Place where unfortunately some horses and pigs were destroyed.
Poachers
The shooting of a pheasant in the Marshfield District on 14 November 1936 was dealt with at some length at Chipping Sodbury Petty sessions when a Marshfield smallholder named John Hicks was summoned for trespassing in pursuit of game. He was defended by Mr J.W. Denning of Bath, and pleaded not guilty. Evidence for the prosecution was given by three game-keepers, and by PC Munden (Marshfield). One of the keepers deposed to hearing two shots at about 5:15 pm, when it was fast getting dark. He proceeded in the direction of the sound, and in a field over which his employer (Major Pope) had the shooting rights, saw a man shoot into a small tree in the fence. A Pheasant fell, and rolled into the footpath. The man was Hicks, who picked up the pheasant and put it in his pocket. When questioned Hicks handed over the pheasant and also his gun. One of the keepers alleged that Hicks said " For Gods Sake don't say anything about it."P.C. Munden told the court that the defendant called at the Police Station at Marshfield and said " I admit I killed the bird; I did it on the spur of the moment. Can I have my gun." Hicks, in his evidence, said he started out with the intention of shutting his fowls houses, which were some three quarters of a mile from his house. He carried his gun with him, as he often did. He was not in the field in question but was standing in the lane by his gate when the peasant flew straight over his field. He shot at it, and was immediately sorry for it.
" Why did you do it ? " Asked Mr. Denning. " Well why do we ?" replied Hicks amid laughter. he added, " I'm sorry I did it there are plenty of pheasants on my land." Replying to further questions, Hicks said he was not spoken to by the keeper until he was returning from his fowls-house, something like half an hour after he had shot the bird. Asking for the dismissal, Mr Denning contended that Hicks had not been trespassing at all; he was on his own land. The Bench comprising Mr A.W. Boulton (in the chair), Mr Isaac Nicholls, Mr W.G. Forrest, Mr A.C. Brooks & Colonel P.L.E. Walker held that the case had been proved but in view of the defendant's good record they imposed a fine of 10 shillings only and 10 shillings costs. Mr C. J. Neat of the county Taxation dept. prosecuted the case against Hicks for killing without a licence. Hicks pleaded guilty and was fined £2:00.
People
A Coroner's court was once held in the Crown public house following the death of a man in a fist fight. It was sensationally reported as a murder but the court concluded misadventureMisadventure
Misadventure can refer to:* Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Mis-Edventures, a 2005 video game* The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, a 1964 Walt Disney film* The Misadventures of P.B...
and no-one was brought to book.
October 1818- An estimated 10,000 people assembled to witness a prize fight in Marshfield- nature's weapons of bare knuckles- ringed off by ropes and a round was continued until one or the other was knocked down. Two seconds or " bottle holders " were allowed to each fighter. The crowd was kept back by beaters who carried whips and did not hesitate to apply them to the shoulders of any person who pressed too closely upon the ropes. On 10 October two Bristol men, Strong and Newton, fought on West Kington down (Near Marshfield). The fight lasted 14 minutes in which they fought the like number of rounds, Newton eventually giving in. The Gloucester Journal report of 1818 reads " On Tuesday last, two Bristol men, Strong and Newton, fought on Keynton Down, near Marshfield. They are both men and have attained much provincial celebrity, and had each of them beaten their townsmen hall. The fight lasted 14 minutes, in which time they fought the like number of rounds. Strong, whose sporting title is " Cabbage ", had a tremendous knock-down blow under his opponents jaw. Newton came to his time, but had not recovered the effects of this severe hit before he received another in the same place, which obliged him to give in. They both displayed considerable science, and " Cabbage " promises to be at the very head of the lightweight
Lightweight
Light-weight is a class of athletes in a particular sport, based on their weight.-Professional boxing:The lightweight division is over 130 pounds and up to 135 pounds weight class in the sport of boxing....
s. He is a man of approved bottom (Yes I know, but that's what it says), and a very severe and quick hitter. An immense concourse of people were assembled,, among whom were noticed Crib, Jem Belcher
Jem Belcher
Jem Belcher was an English bare-knuckle boxer and Champion of All England 1800-1805.Born in Bristol, Belcher beat Paddington Tom Jones in April 1799 in the Middleweight Championship of England. He drew with champion Jack Bartholomew in a 51-round bout in 1799, and won the rematch in the...
, Harry Harmer, and most of the " Fancy " from town. It is supposed that 10,000 spectators were present.
Archives show one felon arrested in Marshfield for stealing a ladies silk handkerchief. He was deported
Penal transportation
Transportation or penal transportation is the deporting of convicted criminals to a penal colony. Examples include transportation by France to Devil's Island and by the UK to its colonies in the Americas, from the 1610s through the American Revolution in the 1770s, and then to Australia between...
for seven years to Australia.
There are rumours of a headless horseman who is said to haunt Monument Lane, Marshfield.
12 April 1580. A well-known woman named Ellen Pain was buried, she was Murdered in a wood belonging to John Blanchard Snr. (research continues/info sought)
29 January 1634. William the sons of Richard Biggs was buried (Then written in Old English) who died a little below Ashton's Linch as he was comminge from Bristowe, by reason of the vehemency of the weather, in extraordinary snowe. (Ashton's Lynch could be what is now called Steep Lynch at Cold Ashton)
27 December 1636. Eliza Wickham was buried, the daughter of John Wickham (added in English) who was chocked by eating a bitt of the foot of a bullock's henge. (Does anyone know what a "bitt" and "henge" is ?)
6 August 1638. Catherine Stockman was buried, who, (then in Old English) as she was a-stealing apples out of Mr Michael Meredith's orchard, fell downe from the tree, beinge the sabbath day at night and broke her neck.
The landscape artist, Thomas Hearne was born at Marshfield in 1744. When aged five, his father, William, died and Thomas moved with his mother, Prudence, to Brinkworth, Wiltshire
Brinkworth, Wiltshire
Brinkworth, in northern Wiltshire, is the longest village in Britain, at over 6 miles...
near Malmesbury
Malmesbury
Malmesbury is a market town and civil parish located in the southern Cotswolds in the county of Wiltshire, England. Historically Malmesbury was a centre for learning and home to Malmesbury Abbey...
The days have not long gone when only carriers' carts were available to take people to Bristol (a whole day's journey there and back) and Bath. Passengers shared the carts with poultry, eggs, and other produce, and everyone walked up hills. There was little protection from the weather. Marshfield folk seldom went to the big towns therefore but bought most of their goods at the local shops. In 1879 there were 39 tradespeople in the town, compared with the half-dozen or more shops.
Until 1833 the streets of Marshfield were unlit at night but that year an annual subscription list was opened so that oil lamp
Oil lamp
An oil lamp is an object used to produce light continuously for a period of time using an oil-based fuel source. The use of oil lamps began thousands of years ago and is continued to this day....
s could be installed at £17 a year from 1 October to 31 March. The oil lamps were not lit when the moon was at or near full and the job was let out to tender each year a lamplighter
Lamplighter
A lamplighter, historically, was an employee of a town who lit street lights, generally by means of a wick on a long pole. At dawn, they would return and extinguish them using a small hook on the same pole. Early street lights were generally candles, oil, and similar consumable liquid or solid...
going his rounds with ladder and oil can. Gas lighting was substituted for oil in 1934, and in 1970 electric lighting replaced the gas, and the old lamp standards were removed from the pavements. One of the old lamps is now in Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol. Mains water came to the village in 1935, the year after mains gas, and mains electricity followed in 1951.
A Red letter day
Red letter day
A red letter day is any day of special significance.The term originates from Medieval church calendars. Illuminated manuscripts often marked initial capitals and highlighted words in red ink, known as rubrics...
for Marshfield used to be the annual horse parade and annual flower and vegetable show. The horses, with the great number used on the local farms, were paraded to a high standard. This is now known as the Marshfield Village Day, though this has been struck with poor weather in recent years. It now plays host to a Dog Show and fair attractions to help maintain local interest. The marshfield horticultural society is in charge of organizing the Village
Village
A village is a clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet with the population ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand , Though often located in rural areas, the term urban village is also applied to certain urban neighbourhoods, such as the West Village in Manhattan, New...
day and record the results for the entries that are held in a big competition
Competition
Competition is a contest between individuals, groups, animals, etc. for territory, a niche, or a location of resources. It arises whenever two and only two strive for a goal which cannot be shared. Competition occurs naturally between living organisms which co-exist in the same environment. For...
inside a large marquee, which is the center piece for the Day.
In 1807 the local populous were dissatisfied with their rates which paid for the upkeep of a parish constable. It reads "We the undersigned inhabitants and rate payers of the parish of Marshfield respectfully beg leave to express to you our decided opinion of the utter uselessness of the rural police and we earnestly beg to be relieved from the heavy expenses of the maintenance of a force in which we have no confidence and from which we are convinced we have no protection". There are many signatures and some well known village names still known today.
Poet Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas
Dylan Marlais Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer, Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 11 January 2008. who wrote exclusively in English. In addition to poetry, he wrote short stories and scripts for film and radio, which he often performed himself...
lived for about three months at the malting-house in 1940, then the home of the writer John Davenport. Another resident of the house at that time was William Glock, who retired in 1972 after some years as the BBC's Controller of Music, and organiser of the Prom concerts at the Albert Hall
Albert Hall
Albert P. Hall is an American actor.Born in Brighton, Alabama, Hall graduated from the Columbia University School of the Arts in 1971. That same year he appeared Off-Broadway in The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel and on Broadway in the Melvin Van Peebles musical Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death...
, London.
Inns in the late 18th Century included the Angel, The Crown, The Star, White hart, Shoulder of Mutton, Duke, Black Swan, & Hunters Hall. There are now only three.
Early this century Mr Darcy Taylor of the Rocks gave a public entertainment- his gramophone
Phonograph
The phonograph record player, or gramophone is a device introduced in 1877 that has had continued common use for reproducing sound recordings, although when first developed, the phonograph was used to both record and reproduce sounds...
playing in the vicarage garden, admission 4d for adults and 2d for children. It was called "a marvellous invention". Mr Taylor was also the first car owner in the district, a steam car being delivered to his home three days before Christmas. The driver was given three days instruction.
One Hundred years ago a sergeant and two police constables were stationed in Marshfield and were constantly busy dealing with the many fights that broke out between feuding groups from the village and Colerne (Wiltshire).
Gina Parsons, who researches with her husband, appears to be the GGGGG Granddaughter of Edmund Roach who was murdered in 1761 near to the Three shire stones. (see Highwayman)
The CEO of Wikimedia UK was born and brought up in the village.
The Church
St Mary's parish church with its tower provides an important focal point that can be observed from numerous points in the village and is a landmark visible from miles around. The church is on the eastern side of the village. A church has stood on that site for more than 1,000 years. The first was dedicated to St Nicholas, and at west Marshfield there was another, of which no traces remain, to St Pancras. It is thought that a field called St Pancras Close marks the site. In Bristol Museum there is an ancient deed of about 1125 confirming to the Abbot of Tewkesbury various titheTithe
A tithe is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory tax to government. Today, tithes are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required and paid in kind, such as agricultural products...
s and ecclesiastical benefices, among them Marshfield church, at that time very much smaller than the church we see today.
It is recorded in the annals of Tewkesbury Abbey
Tewkesbury Abbey
The Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Tewkesbury in the English county of Gloucestershire is the second largest parish church in the country and a former Benedictine monastery.-History:...
that on 1 June 1242, in the reign of Henry III, Walter de Cantilupe
Walter de Cantilupe
Walter de Cantilupe was a medieval Bishop of Worcester.-Life:He came of a family which had risen by devoted service to the crown...
, Bishop of Worcester
Bishop of Worcester
The Bishop of Worcester is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Worcester in the Province of Canterbury, England. He is the head of the Diocese of Worcester in the Province of Canterbury...
, in whose diocese Marshfield then stood, came to dedicate a newly-built church at Marshfield. The monks of Tewkesbury Abbey restored and rebuilt the church in the perpendicular style in about 1470. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries
Dissolution of the Monasteries
The Dissolution of the Monasteries, sometimes referred to as the Suppression of the Monasteries, was the set of administrative and legal processes between 1536 and 1541 by which Henry VIII disbanded monasteries, priories, convents and friaries in England, Wales and Ireland; appropriated their...
the right of presentation of the benefice was given to the warden and fellows of New College, Oxford
New College, Oxford
New College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.- Overview :The College's official name, College of St Mary, is the same as that of the older Oriel College; hence, it has been referred to as the "New College of St Mary", and is now almost always...
, by Queen Mary
Mary I of England
Mary I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from July 1553 until her death.She was the only surviving child born of the ill-fated marriage of Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon. Her younger half-brother, Edward VI, succeeded Henry in 1547...
, in lieu of property of which they had been robbed by Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
. The college's first incumbent came into residence in 1642, only to be disposed during the English Civil War
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
. New College still has the benefice in its gift.
Timeline of Church events
A chaliceChalice (cup)
A chalice is a goblet or footed cup intended to hold a drink. In general religious terms, it is intended for drinking during a ceremony.-Christian:...
of 1576 and a paten
Paten
A paten, or diskos, is a small plate, usually made of silver or gold, used to hold Eucharistic bread which is to be consecrated. It is generally used during the service itself, while the reserved hosts are stored in the Tabernacle in a ciborium....
probably dating from 1695 are in regular use, and Communion plate given by the Long family in 1728, including two large flagons, is used for the Christmas Eve midnight service each year. The church was restored
Victorian restoration
Victorian restoration is the term commonly used to refer to the widespread and extensive refurbishment and rebuilding of Church of England churches and cathedrals that took place in England and Wales during the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria...
in 1860 and more carefully in 1887 and 1902-3 under Canon Trotman. The chapel of St Clement in the north aisle was restored to its original design in 1950 as a memorial to the late Major Pope of Ashwicke Hall, a considerable benefactor of Marshfield. A new cemetery to the north of the village was opened in 1932, the churchyard
Churchyard
A churchyard is a patch of land adjoining or surrounding a church which is usually owned by the relevant church or local parish itself. In the Scots language or Northern English language this can also be known as a kirkyard or kirkyaird....
being full.
Non-conformist worshippers in the village are served by Baptist
Baptist
Baptists comprise a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers , and that it must be done by immersion...
and Congregational chapels, and by Hebron Hall. Conversion of an old barn into the present church hall was done in 1933 at a cost of £650.
The Parish Register
Parish register
A parish register is a handwritten volume, normally kept in a parish church or deposited within a county record office or alternative archive repository, in which details of baptisms, marriages and burials are recorded.-History:...
dates from 1558, the first years of Elizabeth I's reign. The first two volumes were indexed and fifty copies printed by a London antiquarian
Antiquarian
An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
in the time of Canon Trotman. For the first 150 years entries were generally written in Latin and initially only baptisms were recorded, burials being first entered in 1567 and marriages five years later. Although many of the earliest names recorded are forgotten today, many more are still familiar in Marshfield. As well as poor Edmund Roach. (See The Highwaymen Link) a few curious entries from the register, translated from Latin are;
" 12 April 1580. A well-known woman named Ellen Pain was buried, who was Murdered in a wood belonging to John Blanchard Snr. "
" 29 January 1634. William the sons of Richard Biggs was buried (Then in Early Modern English) who died a little below Ashton's Linch, as he was comminge from Bristowe, by reason of the vehemency of the weather, in extraordinary snowe. "
" 27 December 1636. Eliza Wickham was buried, the daughter of John Wickham (added in Early Modern English) who was chocked by eating a bitt of the foot of a bullock's henge. " (I've no idea what a Bitt or henge is).
" 6 August 1638. Catherine Stockman was buried, who, (then in Early Modern English) as she was a-stealing apples out of Mr Michael Meredith's orchard, fell downe from the tree, beinge the sabbath day at night and broke her neck."
The War Memorial
According to inscriptions on the village's War MemorialWar memorial
A war memorial is a building, monument, statue or other edifice to celebrate a war or victory, or to commemorate those who died or were injured in war.-Historic usage:...
27 villagers died in action during the two Wars, 20 men during World War I 1914 - 1918 and 7 men during World War II 1939 - 1945.
The Mummers of Marshfield
Every Boxing DayBoxing Day
Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as...
at 11:00am increasing numbers of visitors come to the village to see the performance of the celebrated Marshfield Mummers or "The old time paper boys." Seven figures, led by the Town Crier
Town crier
A town crier, or bellman, is an officer of the court who makes public pronouncements as required by the court . The crier can also be used to make public announcements in the streets...
with his handbell
Handbell
A handbell is a bell designed to be rung by hand. To ring a handbell, a ringer grasps the bell by its slightly flexible handle — traditionally made of leather, but often now made of plastic — and moves the wrist to make the hinged clapper inside the bell strike...
, dressed in costumes made from strips of newsprint and coloured paper, perform their play several times along the high street. Beginning in the Market place after the Christmas Hymns which are led by the vicar the mummers arrive to the sound of the lone bell. The five minute performances follow the same set and continue up to the almshouses. The final performance is outside of one of the local public houses where the landlord delivers a tot of whisky
Whisky
Whisky or whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Different grains are used for different varieties, including barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and corn...
for the "Boys".
In the past centuries the mummers were probably a band of villagers who toured the large houses to collect money for their own Christmas festivities. During the latter half of the 19th century the play lapsed, presumably for lack of interest. The play was not entirely forgotten however. Then, in 1931, the Reverend Alford, vicar of Marshfield, heard his gardener mumbling the words 'Room, room, a gallant room, I say' and discovered that this line was part of a mummers' play. The vicar's sister , a leading folklorist, encouraged the survivors of the troupe and some new members, including Tom Robinson (whose place was later taken by his brother), to revive the tradition. There was some dispute between Miss Alford and the elderly villagers as to how the play should actually be performed, and the resulting revival was a compromise which differs in several respects from other versions: St George has apparently become King William and Father Christmas
Father Christmas
Father Christmas is the name used in many English-speaking countries for a figure associated with Christmas. A similar figure with the same name exists in several other countries, including France , Spain , Brazil , Portugal , Italy , Armenia , India...
appears as an extra character. The costumes, as well as the play's symbolism, are relics of an ancient and obscure original- perhaps the earliest performers were clad in leaves or skins, symbolizing the death and rebirth of nature.
When mumming began in Marshfield is unknown, but there appears to be documentary evidence of mummers' plays since the 12th century. c1141 is believed to be a rough start date. The Marshfield play was discontinued in the 1880s when a number of the players died of influenza
Influenza
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae , that affects birds and mammals...
but it was resurrected after the Second World War.
The Paper Boys have performed nearly every Christmas since (there were no performances during World War II). The Paper Boys' play is basically a fertility rite
Fertility rite
Fertility rites are religious rituals that reenact, either actually or symbolically, sexual acts and/or reproductive processes: 'sexual intoxication is a typical component of the...rites of the various functional gods who control reproduction, whether of man, beast, cattle, or grains of seed'..They...
with traces of medieval drama and incorporates the story of St George and the Dragon. It was never written down, and over the centuries, it gradually changed through the addition of ad libs and misunderstandings. The nonsensical corruptions of the text reveal its origins as a story told by illiterate peasant folk, unaware of all its allusions. There have to be seven characters as seven was thought to be a magic number. They include Old Father Christmas (the presenter of the play), King William who slays Little Man John who is resurrected by Dr Finnix (Phoenix, a rebirth theme). There's also Tenpenny Nit, Beelzebub who carries a club and a money pan and Saucy Jack who talks about some of his children dying—there are many references in mummers' plays about social hardship.
The Paper Boys have to belong to families that have lived in Marshfield for generations and they must have the Marshfield accent. When a role becomes available, precedence is given to the relatives of present members of the troupe. Because it is a fertility rite, women are not allowed to participate. Each costume comprises a garment made of brown cloth covered in sewn-on strips of newspaper—hence the name 'Paper Boys'. Each mummer maintains his own costume, repairing it as necessary. It is thought that, in the distant past the costumes bore leaves instead of paper strips.
Marshfield is justly proud of its special local tradition revived now for more than 40 years and looks forward each year to the social gathering each Boxing Day. The mummers have been featured on radio and television and at events of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. A few years ago they featured on the Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe
Lionel Fanthorpe
The Reverend Robert Lionel Fanthorpe is a British priest and entertainer, and has at various times worked as a journalist, teacher, television presenter, author and lecturer...
s "Fortean TV" aired on Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
. In 2002 they featured in a programme by Johnny Kingdom
Johnny Kingdom
Johnny Kingdom is an English wildlife filmmaker, specialising in his local area of Exmoor in north Devon.-Biography:Kingdom has been a lumberjack, a farm worker, a quarryman, a poacher, and for over 50 years the gravedigger for his local parish, but his overriding passion is filming the wildlife...
.
Fairs
Until 25 October 1962, two fairs were held annually in Marshfield, one on 24 March and the other on 24 October. The fairs were first held in 1266 when the Abbot of Keynsham purchased the right and this privilege was confirmed in 1462. The rights of the fair must have passed to the Lord of the Manor at some time because in more recent times they were let to a manager at a yearly rental. In about 1885 the fair was rented by Mark Fishlock from Squire Orred of Ashwicke Hall.Cattle, sheep, and pigs which were brought in for sale were penned in hurdles in front of the houses on one side of the High Street and White hart lane, causing much confusion, and clearing up afterwards. The streets at that time was unpaved. The farmers paid 1d per head for sheep and 2d per head for cattle sold at the fair, but no charge was made for animals not sold. until more recent times the dealers and afrmers bartered among themselves. Toll had to be paid for all sheep sold at the rate of 4d a score, this being manorial right of the fair. In May 1901 the fair was taken out of the street to a field adjoining Back Lane. It was a large fair at that time and about four or five thousand sheep and 300 cattle were brought on foot from miles around to be sold. the Market Place was generally filled with sideshows of all sorts.
There were often accidents and during the October 1905, one Thomas White, aged 45, was killed on the roundabouts. Gradually the weekly markets at Bath, Chippenham, and Bridgeyate took the business away from Marshfield fairs: they no longer paid their way therefore and so were ended.