Therfield in The Times newspaper

Therfield in The Times, 1785-1985

References to Therfield found in The Times Digital Archive, a Thomson Gale "Free For All Trial Site", during the first week of May 2004. The URL has since disappeared. A few brief items are transcribed in full, but most are quoted from, and some are summarised. If your ancestors were natives of Therfield, you probably won't find much of interest here anyway, because this motley collection of clergy, gentry, farmers, and soldiers (and their families) were mostly outsiders. If nothing else, the quoted pieces give an interesting flavour of the changes in newspaper style and language since 1795. Surnames use CAPITAL letters, but there is also a Name Index.

Pictures

1961 - "Dr. W. R. MATTHEWS, Dean of St Paul's, last night dedicated this new east window in the Church of St Mary Virgin, Therfield, near Royston, Herts. The window, which depicts the resurrection, was given to the church by the widow of a local farmer, Mr. J. H. JOHNSON." The article included a grainy black & white photo, but there is a much better colour one at this site - see Pictures, Church (inside).

News

1792 - "The Rev. Mr. WEFTON, Rector of Tharfield, in Hertfordfhire, is prefented to the firft Golden Prebend in the Cathedral Church of Durham."
1825 - A young man [not named], shepherd to Mr. FREE, of Tharfield, Hertfordshire, was committed to Hertford Gaol for stealing the whole flock (over 60) from a neighbouring farmer named WARD, and selling them at Newmarket fair.
1828 - "John JACKSON was indicted for burglariously entering the dwelling-house of Mr. John PHILLIPS, at Therfield, and stealing therein one double-barrelled gun, one single-barrelled gun, a pound note of the Royston Bank, and other goods, the property of the said John PHILLIPS. Verdict guilty. Sentenced to transportation for life."
1836 - A report from the Hertford Press newspaper of a "tremendous storm of wind" in the neighbourhood and town of Hitchin. The article concludes with, "... Luton, Weston, and Therfield have also been affected by this tremendous hurricane."
1839 - "... A person named CAMP, parish clerk of Therfield, near Royston, applied to the clergyman to have the bans of marriage between him and his niece published in the church. This request being denied, CAMP went to the board of guardians, had the intended marriage published, and was duly joined to his niece by the registrar. This is prohibited by the church. CAMP was immediately dismissed from his clerkship by the vicar..."
1847 - Will of Rev. William HERBERT, who left, "... the property purchased by him in Therfield to his son Frederick."
1858 - House of Commons petition, ".. from Protestant Dissenters at Therfield, Herts, for the withdrawal of Government aid or sanction to idolatry and caste, and for securing religious freedom to all classes in India."
1860 - House of Lords report, "The Earl of VERULAM presented petitions against the unconditional abolition of church-rates from Ayot St Peter, Ayot St Lawrence, Therfield, Weston, Aldenham, clergy and gentry of the rural deanery of Watford, Albury, Hitchin, and St Alban's, in the county of Hertford."
1860 - House of Commons petition by Sir E. B. LYTTON from 46 Hertfordshire parishes, including Therfield, "... for repeal of malt and hop duties." [Sir E. B. L. presumably liked his beer!]
1862 - House of Lords report, "Petitions in favour of legalizing marriage with a deceased wife's sister, signed by 755 women, were presented from ... Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Watford, Rickmansworth, St Alban's, Great Berkhamstead, Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harpenden, Baldock, Therfield, Chipperfield, Buntingford, Barkway, and Boxmoor, in the county of Hertford, by Lord EBURY."
1867 - "The Rev. H. J. DESBOROUGH, M.A., of Wadham College, Oxford, curate of Therfield, has been nominated to the Rectory of Christ Church, Blackfriars, vacant by the death of the Rev. Joseph BROWN, M.A."
1869 - In an account of the life of Canon DALE, upon his promotion to Deanery of Ely, "... Almost contemporaneous with his resignation of St Pancras [c.1860] was his acceptance of the rectory of the rural parish of Therfield, in Hertfordshire, which he has held from that date..."
1877 - House of Commons petition, "... by Mr. COWPER, from Therfield, against the Burial Acts Consolidation Bill."
1887 - Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee preparations, "... list of the mountains and hills which will repeat and spread the signal rockets to be fired from Great Malvern at 10 and 10.30 p.m. on the 21st of June ... Beacon-close, Therfield... "
1888 - House of Lords report, "... The Royal assent to the following Bills, which thereupon passed into law, was then signified with the usual forms and ceremonies... Commons Regulation Provisional Order (Therfield-heath)..."
1896 - "Notice is hereby given, that John Richard INMAN METCALFE-SMITH, of The Elms, Thirfield, in the county of Cambridge[?], gentleman of no occupation ... [who] has been known by the name of John Richard INMAN, has, in pursuance of the directions contained in the will of John METCALFE SMITH ... adopted and taken the additional surname of METCALFE-SMITH..."
1910 - Historical Monuments Report, subtitled 'The Ancient Monuments of the County of Hertford', published, "... Hertfordshire has one long barrow of neolithic type at Therfield, and about 30 round ones of the Bronze Age." Much later in the text, "... Some of these roadside settlements, made in the 12th and 13th centuries, and even earlier, have grown into towns which completely overshadow the ancient villages. Instances of this are to be found at Royston (not a parish till 1540), formerly in Therfield parish, Buntingford in Layston, ..."
1917 - News in Brief, "The Rev. Frederick Roberts BLATCH, who died at Beckenham on the evening of Passion Sunday, was for over 30 years vicar of St Barnabas, Homerton. He was afterwards rector of Therfield, Herts, resigning this living in 1914 owing to failing health."
1917 - News in Brief, "The licence of the Fox and Duck, Therfield (Herts), has been held by Mrs. Jane SMITH and her late husband for 53 years. It has now been transferred to her niece."
1923 - "According to the annual custom on St Matthew's day, three hundred boys from Christ's Hospital, West Horsham, and twenty-five girls from Christ's Hospital, Hertford, attended a special service at Christ Church, Newgate-street, yesterday ... and the sermon was given by the Rev. H. R. HUMPHREYS, rector of Therfield, Hertfordshire..."
1925 - Among a list of churches which gave a collection to the St Paul's Cathedral Preservation Fund was "Therfield Church, Royston, Herts.. .. 4 pounds."
1937 - Report of Army training manoeuvres, including tanks and aircraft, over a large area of Essex, Herts, and Cambs, "... The night passed without cause for any acute anxiety, though the enemy's mechanised cavalry got in behind the right flank at Therfield and produced some warm fighting. ..."
1939 - Report that five ancient cottages at Ashwell were threatened with demolition, "... in the event of the owner failing to submit proposals for reconditioning acceptable to the local authority. In this rural part of Hertfordshire, notably in the village of Therfield, about five miles from here, other cottages have been pulled down because the owners have refused to recondition them..."
1958 - "The Hon. Mrs. (Ann) MOYNIHAN of Greenside Cottage, Therfield, near Royston, Hertfordshire, was successful in a petition before Judge Campbell at Cambridge Divorce Court yesterday. She petitioned on the ground of adultery by her husband the Hon. Anthony MOYNIHAN..."
1959 - Minister of Works announces grants towards the preservation of a number of historic buildings, including Therfield Rectory.
1966 - The Lord Chief Justice dismisses an appeal by Mr. George H. PURSER, the tenant, against a decision of the Agricultural Land Tribunal Eastern Area, giving consent to a notice to quit Slate Hall Farm, Therfield. The other party was Mr. Ernest J. BAILEY, administrator of the estate of his father, William Henry BAILEY, deceased, the landlord.
1977 - "Rhodes, Aug 28. - Richard WRIGHT, a musician with the British rock group Pink Floyd, has claimed he was beaten in the face and threatened with a revolver at a police station while on holiday on the island. A police spokesman said today that Mr WRIGHT and a friend, Professor Michael SMITH, of Therfield, Hertfordshire, had both filed lawsuits complaining of ill-treatment by Mr Ioannis DIMITRIADES, police chief at the small coastal town of Lindos."

Name Index
People

1845 - Declaration of Dividends, "W. ROLFE, Therfield, Hertfordshire, farmer - first div. of 1s. 6d., on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and the two subsequent Wednesdays, at Mr. TURQUAND's, Old Jewry."
1846 - Marriages, "On Thursday, 2nd inst., at St George's Church, Bloomsbury, by the Rev Daniel TWINING, M.A., rector of Stilton and Therfield, the Rev. George Croke ROWDEN, B.C.L., Fellow of New College, Oxford, and of Temple grove, East Sheen, to Emily, daughter of Richard TWINING, Esq., of Bedford-place, Russell-square."
1853 - Deaths, "On the 5th inst., at Therfield, aged 75, the Rev. Daniel TWINING, M.A., rector of Therfield, Herts, and Stilton, Hants."
1853 - Deaths, "On the 20th inst., suddenly, at Therfield Rectory, Royston, Emily HEBER, the second and beloved daughter of the Venerable Archdeacon ROBINSON, D.D., Master of the Temple, and rector of Therfield."
1863 - Marriages, "On the 5th inst., at St Pancras Church, by the Rev. Thomas DALE, M.A., rector of Therfield, Herts, and canon of St Paul's, Wentworth CLAY, Esq., of the Manor House, Cheshunt, to Mary, eldest daughter of James PATTEN, Esq., of Upper Woburn-place."
1873 - Marriages, "On the 27th inst., at the parish church, Tottenham, by the Rev. Richard BULL, late Vicar of Harwich, uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev. John Godwin HALE, Rector of Therfield, Herts, Seymour William Augustus, youngest son of the late Frederick John JOURDAIN, of Herne-hill, Surrey, Esq., to Constance, youngest daughter of William Webb VENN, of Allington House, Tottenham, Esq. No cards."
1877 - "Bylaws made by the School Boards and School Attendance Committees for the following places were approved by Her Majesty in Council on the 23rd of November, 1877 :- .... Therfield ..."
1885 - Deaths, "On Friday, the 24th July, at Therfield, near Royston, Herts, Mary, widow of the late Edward Rant BIRD, of the same place, in her 79th year."
1891 - "... the Rev. R. Tutin THOMAS has removed from Dalston to Therfield, Royston ..."
1901 - "In the Congregational churches the Rev. Howard P. JAMES has accepted the pastorate of Greenmount Church, Bury ... the Rev. W. H. ALLEN of the church at Therfield, Herts, ..."
1907 - Deaths, "On the 1st July, at the Rectory, Therfield, Herts, Rev. John Godwin HALE, son of the late Archdeacon HALE, in his 78th year. Funeral on Thursday, July 4th, at 2.30, at Therfield." [There is also an obituary of the man who had been Rector since 1870].
1907 - "The Dean and Chapter of St Paul's have appointed the Rev. F. R. BLATCH, for more than 30 years vicar of Homerton, to the rectory of Therfield, near Royston."
1908 - "The fund for presenting the Bishop of London with his portrait has now reached £510. Among those who sent contributions last week ... the Rev. F. R. BLATCH (Therfield), ..."
1910 - Births, "On Friday, the 4th Feb., at Therfield, Royston, Herts, the wife of H. J. FORDHAM, of a daughter."
1912 - Marriages, "On the 10th April, at Clapham Parish Church, by the Revd. F. R. BLATCH, M.A., Rector of Therfield, uncle of the bridegroom, assisted by the Revd. Noel P. TOWER, M.A., and the Revd. L. H. NIXON, M.A., Arthur Wilfred WHITE, Captain 117th Mahrattas, to Frances Louisa (Bee), only daughter of W. F. WALKER, Esq., and Mrs. WALKER, of Somerville, Stone-road, Broadstairs, and S. Michaels, Azores."
1912 - Deaths, "On the 12th Nov., at Therfield Rectory, Herts, Eleanor Mary, the beloved wife of the Revd. F. R. BLATCH, M.A., elder daughter of the late William BRAND, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh, aged 61."
1913 - Marriages, "On the 18th Jan., at the Parish Church, Royston, Herts, by the Rev. J. HARRISON, M.A., R.D., Vicar, assisted by the Rev. F. R. BLATCH, M.A., Rector of Therfield, Herts, and the Rev. A. PITMAN, uncle of the bridegroom, Holdsworth HUNT, eldest son of Mrs. HUNT and the late Mr. F. Holdsworth HUNT, of Topcliffe Grange, Farnborough, Kent, to Frederica Lily FORDHAM, daughter of Mr. Francis John FORDHAM and the late Mrs. Francis John FORDHAM, of Yew Tree House, Royston, Herts."
1918 - Marriages, "On the 20th June, 1918, at St Andrew's Church, Hertford, by the Rev. H. HUMPHREYS, Rector of Therfield, assisted by the Rev. N. T. GARDNER, Alexander PURKISS-GINN, The Nut Walk, Hertford, to Mary MACLENNAN, Sele[?] Cottage, Hertford."
1922 - Deaths, "On the 30th Jan., at Therfield, Herts, Ellen Julia HALE, widow of the Revd. John Goodwin HALE, late Rector of Therfield, in her 92nd year."
1926 - Deaths, "On the 8th April, at Brent Pelham, Herts., as the result of an accident steeplechasing, Harry John FORDHAM, of Alconbury, Hunts., and Therfield, Herts., aged 45. Funeral Therfield to-morrow (Saturday), 2.45 p.m."
1936 - "The marriage took place yesterday at Therfield Parish Church of Montague George DE COURCEY-IRELAND, The Uganda Agricultural Department, eldest son of the Rev. M. and Mrs. DE COURCEY-IRELAND, of Abington Pigotts Hall, Cambridgeshire, and Eleanor Diana Elizabeth, only daughter of Major and Mrs. Bryan LAING, The Elm House, Therfield, Royston, Herts."
1940 - Deaths, "On July 4, 1940, suddenly, at Reed End House, Therfield, Margaret Ethel, elder daughter of John COLEMAN, late of Throcking. Funeral on Monday, July 8, 2.30 p.m., Therfield Church, near Royston."
1940 - Births, "On Sept. 22, 1940, at St Joseph's Home, Beaconsfield, to Guirne Creith, wife of Walter HUNTER-CODDINGTON, of Bury Hall, Therfield, Herts - a son."
1941 - Deaths, "On June 6, 1941, at a nursing home in London, Major Bryan LAING, loved husband of Eleanor LAING, Therfield, Hertfordshire."
1945 - "The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Peter LAING, Herts Yeomanry, R.A., younger son of the late Major Bryan LAING and Mrs. LAING, of Therfield, Royston, and Miss Hazel EDWYN-JONES, V.A.D., only daughter of Canon and Mrs. W. EDWYN-JONES, of Gresford, North Wales."
1945 - Deaths, "On Nov. 16, 1945, at Therfield, John COLEMAN (late of Throcking), in his 90th year."
1947 - Deaths, "On May 12, 1947, peacefully, at The Elm House, Therfield, Eleanor, widow of Bryan LAING, and second daughter of the late F. J. LEATHER, Middleton Hall, Belford, Northumberland."
1950 - Deaths, "On Feb. 23, 1950, at Odsey Corner, Ashwell, Herts, A. L. H. SPENCER. Funeral, Therfield, to-day (Saturday), at 3 p.m."
1950 - Deaths, "On Oct. 15, 1950, at Odsey Grange, Ashwell, Herts, Ethel Anna Hitchcock SPENCER, in her 86th year. Funeral 2 p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday) Therfield."
1952 - Deaths, "On May 6, 1952, at Bedford, the Rev. Humphrey Richard HUMPHREYS, for many years Rector of Therfield, Herts, where the funeral took place on May 12."
1953 - "The following changes are announced :- ... The Rev. H. H. Ffilliott ELIOT, curate-in-charge of the benefices of Kelshall and Therfield, diocese of St Albans, to be rector."
1960 - "The engagement is announced between Kenneth David, elder son of Mrs. C. V. JONES, of Alderney, and the late Mr. Leonard B. JONES, of Port Said, and Elizabeth, third daughter of Mr. R. S. HERBERT and the late Mrs. M. E. HERBERT, of Therfield, Hertfordshire."
1963 - "The engagement is announced between Simon Robert Soanes DAVIES, younger son of Colonel and Mrs. J. A. DAVIES, of Limes, Therfield, Hertfordshire, and Felicity Ann SCAWEN, only daughter of Colonel and Mrs. D. S. BLUNT, The White House, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester."
1966 - "The engagement is announced between Michael Graham, eldest son of Mr. J. M. HORNSBY and Mrs. HORNSBY, of 25 Burghley Road, Wimbledon, and Camilla Ruth, only daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel P. J. JOHNSTON and Mrs. JOHNSTON, of Bury Hall, Therfield, Royston, Hertfordshire."
1967 - "The engagement is announced between Christopher John, elder son of Colonel and Mrs. J. A. DAVIES, of Limes, Therfield, Hertfordshire, and Caroline Jane, only daughter of Sir Simon and Lady CAMPBELL-ORDE, of 31 The Little Boltons, London, S.W.10."
1968 - Deaths, "On July 17th, 1968, at Royston Hospital, Kathleen Irene TILLIE, elder daughter of Arthur TILLIE. Funeral at Therfield Parish Church, near Royston, Herts, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 20th July, 1968."
1969 - "The engagement is announced between James Alexander, son of Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs. P. J. JOHNSTON, of Bury Hall, Therfield, Hertfordshire, and Suzanne Therese, daughter of the late Charles Ward TURNER and of Mrs. Joan TURNER, of Stavordale Priory, Wincanton, Somerset."
1970 - Deaths, "On Monday, 2nd of November, 1970, at Royston Hospital, Hertfordshire, Bessie, beloved wife of Reginald E. FOSTER, of Garfield, Therfield, Royston, Herts. Funeral service at Therfield Parish Church at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 5th of November, 1970. Family flowers only please, but donations if desired may be sent to Cancer Research."
1971 - Ruby Weddings, "On 5th September, 1931, at St Paul's Church, Hoddesdon, Captain John DAVIES, R.E., to Celia Catherine GARDNER. Present address : Limes, Therfield, Royston, Herts."
1974 - "The engagement is announced between Stephen Miles Daveney, younger son of Mr. C. P. HILL, CB, CBE, and Mrs. HILL, of The Grange, Therfield, Hertfordshire, and Corinne Catherine, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. LING, of Highfield Farm, Wellpond Green, Hertfordshire."
1977 - "A memorial service in remembrance of Celia DAVIES, of Therfield, will be held at St Mary's Church, Therfield, on Thursday, 22nd December, at 2.30 p.m."
1978 - Deaths, "On July 10th, 1978, at the home of her nephew in Manchester, Dr Sybil Kathleen BATLEY, M.B.E. of Therfield, Herts. Aged 81 years, formerly of C.M.S. Hospital, Iwi Enu, Nigeria. Cremation at Manchester on July 13th. Memorial service at Therfield Parish Church on Tuesday, July 18th at 2.30 p.m. Flowers to Mr. and Mrs. DARLING, Greys, Royston, Herts."
1980 - "The engagement is announced between Adrian, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. MUGGLETON, of Therfield, Royston, Hertfordshire, and Monica, younger daughter of the Right Rev Professor R. P. C. and Mrs. HANSON, of 24 Styal Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire."
1983 - Deaths, "On Friday, April 22, peacefully in his sleep, Christopher Pascoe HILL, CB, CBE, dearly loved husband of Joan Elizabeth & father to Nicolette, Jacomin, Richard & Stephen. Funeral at 12:00 noon on Friday, April 29, at St Mary's, Therfield, Hertfordshire, followed by private cremation. By request no flowers. Donations if desired to Addenbrooke's Scanner Appeal."
1983 - "The engagement is announced between James, only son of Mr and Mrs R. C. CROWHURST, of Newmarket, Suffolk, and Tessa, daughter of Mrs M. E. HODGE, of Therfield, Royston, Hertfordshire."

Name Index
Editorial and Commentary

1899 - Letter to the Editor from E. Snow FORDHAM of Ashwell, Herts, in response to another about the reappearance of sandgrouse in Lincolnshire, "... Until some 30 years ago considerable numbers of dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) were found in September in this neighbourhood, particularly on and above Royston-heath, Therfield-hills, and Kelshall Coombs, and generally a small flock was seen at Baldock Hole in this parish..."
1939 - Anniversary reprint (see 1839 News) of the story of a person named CAMP, parish clerk of Therfield, who was permitted to marry his niece under the terms of the 'New Marriage Registration Act'.
1983 - Letter to the Editor from Mr R C H GENOCHIO, The Old Post House, Therfield, "Sir, Mr Donald CLARK's letter of May 17 about the visibility of Lincoln Cathedral from a hill top near Brigg promted [sic] me to inform you that from this village (altitude 540 feet) on a moderately clear day Ely Cathedral is clearly visible, also 30 miles away. On a very clear day, it is even visible from the bottom of the escarpment at 240 feet above sea level. While this says much for the purity of the intervening Cambridgeshire atmosphere it is of little ecclesiastical significance since Therfield lies not in the diocese of Ely but of St Albans - the Abbey of which no-one has ever spotted from here, although it is only 22 miles away."

Features

1900 - Hunting Appointments, Foxhounds, "... Puckeridge. - Mon., Littlebury-green ; Wed., Patmore-heath ; Fri., Hadham-cross ; Sat., Therfield - 11."
1921 - Hunting Appointments, Foxhounds, "... Puckeridge. - M., Langley High Wood ; W., Horse Cross ; F., Madams ; S., Therfield - 9."
1923 - "The Hertfordshire Professional Golfers' Alliance held a meeting at Royston yesterday. The teams consisted of the most part of one professional and one amateur... Moreover, I had high hopes of fun at the sixth hole, nor was I disappointed. Here, there is an imposing carry over a deep ravine and the Therfield road beyond it. It is really no great matter. Even with the tee right back the carry cannot be more than 150 yards. But the wind came roaring and blustering down from Therfield on the left. If you let it have its will with a slice, you were over the road but deep in the rough; if you fought it with a hook you did not get over at all, and if, as was likely enough, it bowled you over like a rabbit, you topped into the chasm at your toes. ..."
1923 - Hunting Appointments, Foxhounds, "... Puckeridge (Mr. E. E. and Major M. E. BARCLAY). - M., Wicken ; W., Munuden Mill ; S., Mr FORDHAM's Therfield - 12."
1926 - Hunting Appointments, Foxhounds, "... Puckeridge. - S. (to-day), Buntingford (instead of Rush Green) ; M., Washall Green ; W., The Jock Railway Gates ; F., Standon ; S., Therfield - 11 (cap each day for R.A.B.I.)."
1934 - Hunting, "The Puckeridge had a good gallop after meeting at Therfield. Finding in West Wood hounds ran hard through Burrell Wood, with Hyde Hall, Mill End, and Friars just on the right, ..."
1935 - Hunting, "The Puckeridge met on Saturday at Therfield in a gale. Finding some kale in the open hills half the pack slipped the field and ran hard unattended in a big loop by Reed End, Reed Wood, and Southend Spring, back to Nusells, where they were eventually found. From the Nusells Park Gorse a fox gave a ringing hunt of half an hour, but went to ground in the park and was killed. ..."
[Several more "Hunting Appointments" items have been omitted as they are similar to those above. None of these includes names of people]

Name Index
Advertising

1802 - Auction, Lot 1, "A Copyhold Estate, and fmall Part Freehold adjoining, eligibly fituate at Therfield, 5 miles from Royfton, and 4 from Buntingford, in the County of Herts, containing 194A. 3R. of Arable and Meadow Land, part inclofed, and the remainder in the open field adjoining the village, with a good Farm Houfe, 3 barns, ftabling, granary, and out-buildings, let to Mr. George PIGRAM, whofe leafe will expire at Michaelmas next, at an old rent of 108L. per ann. Land-tax allowed."
Lot 2, "An Absolute Reversion to a Freehold and Copyhold Estate, containing 24A. 1R. of Arable and Pafture Land, at Dean [Dane?] End, near the Village of Therfield, in the occupation of Mr. Nathaniel RAN [RAND?], for the Life of his Wife, aged 43 years. ..."
1821 - Auction, Lot 1, "A farm, late the property and residence of Mr. Thomas PHILLIPS deceased ; comprising a good farm homestead, and about 410 acres of rich pasture and fertile arable land, and some wood ground, a part of which are old enclosures near the residence, and the residue open common field with extensive right of sheep walk and fold course ; also another farm homestead and 3 cottages, with gardens and orchards, situate lying, and being in the parish of Therfield, near Royston, a fine sporting part of the county of Hertford, and in the vicinity of fox-hounds and hariers."
Lot 2, "A Farm, in the occupation of Mr. George PEGRAM, a very good yearly tenant ; consisting of a good farm homestead, and 195 acres of rich pasture and fertile arable land a part of which are old enclosures near the homestead, with a sheep walk and fold course, situate and being in the parish of Therfield aforesaid."
Lot 3, "Consists of a Messuage or Double Tenement, with a shop, barn, stable, cowhouse, yard, 2 gardens and orchard, and 1..? acres of arable land, in the occupation of Mr. Thomas LACEY, tenant from year to year, at Therfield aforesaid."
1822 - "City of London Tavern, July 24, 1822. - The Committee continue to receive gifts of clothing for the Distressed Peasantry [of Ireland], and money in small sums, to be appropriated solely to clothing. ... Amount of subscriptions already advertised... Therfield, per Rev. A. H. MATHEWS, £3 14 0 [3 pounds 14 shillings] ..."
1832 - Auction, "Claremont Villa, Cheshunt, and Therfield Farms, near Royston. ... To-morrow, Oct 11, in 5 lots, valuable Freehold and Part Copyhold estates ; comprising Claremont Villa, the property and late Residence of the Right Hon. Sir Gore OUSELEY, Bart, ... Also Hay's, Beale's, Rook's Nest, and Five-house Farms, situate between Buntingford and Royston, comprising 832 acres, let on 20 years' leases to Messrs. JORDAN, FREE, William MASON, and Clerke SELL, at £884 per annum, ..."
1835 - "Notice to Debtors and Creditors. - Whereas Edward LOGSDON, of Therfield, in the county of Hertford, farmer and brewer, has by indenture, bearing date the 28th day of October instant, Assigned over all his Personal Estate and Effects to John George FORDHAM, of Odsey, in the county of Cambridge, banker, and James PIGGOT, of Royston, in the county of Hertford, maltser, for the equal benefit of themselves and such other of the creditors of the said Edward LOGSDON..."
1839 - Auction, "... in 12 lots, a Freehold and Copyhold Estate, with sundry farm-houses and cottages, situate in the parish of Therfield, Hertfordshire, on the left of the high road from Buntingford to Royston, containing in the whole 281a. 2r. 12p., whereof 170a. 1r. 11p. are copyhold of the Manor of Therfield, and the remainder freehold ; the whole being let to tenants at will from Old Michaelmas-day. Mr. Thomas DRAPER, of Dane-end, one of the tenants, will shew the lands, ... and at the house of the said Mr. Thomas DRAPER, a map of the whole estate may be seen."
1848 - Auction, "... in one lot, the valuable Freehold Estate and Manor of Mardly Bury, otherwise West Reed, otherwise Aland Reed, in the parishes of Therfield and Reed, about two miles from the capital market town of Royston, bounded in part by the high London road from Ware to Cambridge, near to the 35th-mile stone, four miles from Buntingford, and 15 from Ware, consisting of the manor, with its fines, quit rents, heriots, &c. ; the very excellent modern manor house, possessing every accommodation for a Gentleman's family, situate about a quarter of a mile out of the high road, approached by a carriage drive, beautiful lawn planted with choice shrubs and evergreens, pleasure and kitchen gardens, fish pond, &c. ; offices, stabling, and well arranged farm buildings, labourers' cottages, and about 370 acres (19 of which are copyhold) of capital meadow, pasture, and arable land, in a good state of cultivation. The manor house and lands are let on lease to Mr. TURNEY for a term of seven, 14, or 21 years from Michaelmas, 1844, ..."
1852 - Auction, "... from Joseph PHILLIPS, Esq., who through ill health is declining business, ... 7a. 1r. 16p., a Freehold allotment in Therfield. ..."
1853 - Auction, Mardly Bury, Therfield and Reed, for sale again (now spelt Mardley), details same as 1848, except that during the 5 weeks the property was advertised, the lessee was named as Mr. THWINEY, Mr. TWINEY, and Mr. FURNEY, and eventually, in the final week - as Mr. TURNEY!
1857 - Auction, "Hitchin Market, ... at 12 punctually, Thirty Eight Fat Oxen, 370 Fat Sheep, and 26 Fat Hogs, the property respectively of ... Mr. REYNOLDS, of Therfield ..." [and 11 others]
1862 - "The Gethin (Merthyr Tydvil) Accident Relief Fund, - The explosion at this Pit, on the 19th of February, caused the deaths of 49 men and boys. 28 widows and 60 children are left in destitution, and efforts are being made to provide a fund for their support as long as it may be necessary. A considerable sum will be required for this purpose, ... The Lord Mayor has much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of the following contributions on behalf of the above Fund :- ... Collected in Therfield Church, per the Rev. Canon DALE, £3 10 2," [3 pounds 10 shillings and 'tuppence']
1862 - Similar to above, but for the Lancashire and Cheshire Operatives Relief Fund, ..."Collected in St Mary's Church, Therfield, Royston, per Rev. Canon DALE, £5 2 6," [5 pounds 2 shillings and sixpence]
1877 - "A valuable Freehold (and small portion copyhold) Estate, situate in the parishes of Therfield and Buckland, between Royston and Buntingford, consisting of about 344 acres of good agricultural land, with farmhouse, cottages, stable, and outbuildings, in capital condition, at present in the occupation of Mr. Robert PIGG on lease, of which there will be seven years unexpired at Michaelmas, 1877, at the yearly rent of £604 4s., tenant paying rates and taxes. There are some excellent sites on the property for the erection of a mansion. The right of shooting is partially reserved to the lessors by the lease and the estate is within easy distance of the meets of several packs of hounds." [There is also a very detailed description of this property, known as, "the Manor of Lordship of Gladseys, otherwise Butlers."]
1878 - Want Places, "Footman under a butler, where a boy is kept or otherwise. Knows town. 1 year and 9 months' character. Age 21 ; 5ft. 7. Full particulars. - Thos. GATWARD, Dane-end, Therfield, Royston, Herts."
1881 - Want Places, "Nurse to young children where nurserymaid is kept. Good character. Age 28. Please state wages. - E. P., The Brook, Therfield, Royston, Herts." [probably Emma PRATT - deduced from 1881 census]
1885 - "... Notice is hereby given, that all the Creditors and other persons having any claim against the estate of Thomas TURNEY late of Therfield in the County of Hertford Farmer carrying on business under the name of "Thomas TURNEY & Sons" and also formerly in partnership with his Brother George TURNEY deceased and carrying on business under the name of "G. & T. TURNEY" (who died on the 30th day of January One thousand eight hundred and eighty-five and whose Will was proved ... by Frances Emma TURNEY one of the executors named in the Will and Widow of the deceased) are requested to send the particulars of such claims..."
1886 - Want Places, "Scullery maid in a gentleman's family. Age 18. 15 months' good character. - C. D., The Bush, Therfield, Royston, Herts." [probably Charlotte DRAGE - deduced from 1881/91 census]
1901 - The National Memorial to Queen Victoria Fund. Among the contributors, "Therfield Parish Church £2 3 0."
1907 - Want Places, "Housemaid (Upper), or any place of trust ; three years' character ; wages from £30 ; age 39. - L. D., Hobarn Farm, Dane-end, Therfield, Royston, Herts."
1917 - "Portions of the late Sir Gore OUSELEY's Therfield and Royston estates have been sold to the tenants..."
1931 - "Situate in the parishes of Kelshall and Therfield to the South of the main road from London to Royston and Newmarket. A Freehold Agricultural Estate with three Farm Houses, five sets of Farm Premises, and 13 Labourers' Cottages, in all comprising a total area of about 922 acres, which, with slight exceptions, are in the occupation of the vendors, who will give vacant possession at Michaelmas. ..."
1933 - "Capable Working Housekeeper required, entire charge small country farmhouse ; two ladies and daily poultry girl ; good cooking and cleanliness essential ; only one liking country life suitable ; very good house for the right woman. - Apply Miss WOOD, Woodcotes, Therfield, near Royston, Herts."
1941 - "Wanted to Rent, unfurnished preferably, Period House with 5-6 bed rooms, 2-3 reception, modern conveniences ; within 30 miles north of London. - Hunter, Coddington [HUNTER-CODDINGTON?], Therfield, near Royston, Herts."
1941 - Domestic Situations Vacant, "Cook-General, small house, Hertfordshire ; help given ; good wages. - Mrs. P. JOHNSTON, Bury Hall, Therfield, Royston."
1941 - Among donors to the Red Cross and St, John Fund, "£10 10s., ... Therfield (Concert). ..."
1944 - Personal, Nov. 30th, "Camp 2, Thailand. - Lieut. P. K. LAING, R.A., Herts Yeomanry. Any news from repatriated P.O.W. gratefully received by his mother, Mrs. Bryan LAING, Therfield, Royston, Herts."
1945 - Personal, Oct, 10th, "LAING, P. K., Lieut., Herts Yeomanry, ex-P.O.W. Siam, has arrived home safely. - The Elm House, Therfield, Royston, Herts."
1950 - "Adorable White Miniature Poodle dog, 9 months, 13in., pedigree, house trained, very intelligent ; 12gns. - BLETSOE, Therfield, Royston, Herts. 'Phone Kelshall 249."
1953 - Donations to The Lord Mayor's National Flood and Tempest Distress Fund, "£184. - Therfield Parish Council."
1963 - Property, "Therfield, Nr. Royston, London 38 miles. Rurally situated near Golf Course. 80 ft. frontage, 200 ft. depth, All main services, Price £1,100 Freehold."
1966 - "An interesting property in this year's best kept small village in Hertfordshire is Holborn Farm, Therfield, near Royston. The property comprises a well modernised period residence with six bedrooms and four reception rooms, together with about 135 acres of land, farm buildings, and a modern bungalow. ... and will be offered for sale by auction shortly."
1973 - "... Notice is hereby given in pursuance of Sections 19 and 21 of the above-mentioned Act [National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949] that by the Therfield Heath Nature Reserve Declaration made on the 23rd day of February 1973 the Hertfordshire County Council declared that all the land shown edged green on the map attached to the said Declaration and known as Therfield Heath is the subject of an agreement entered into with the Council ... and the Council further declared that all the land aforesaid is being managed as a Local Nature Reserve. ..."
1973 - Auction, "Hertfordshire, 5 Acres, The Old Rectory, Therfield, Royston. A magnificent Queen Anne Rectory with Medieval wing. 3 Reception Rooms, Cloakroom, Playroom, 8 Bedrooms, 3 Dressing Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, Stable Yard and Paddock." [a photo of the Rectory is also included]. It sold for £131,000.
1984 - "Hertfordshire - Therfield, Nr. Royston, Kings X 48 mins. Outstanding country hse set in about 2 acres, 4/5 bdrms. 3 receps. farmhouse kitchen & many period features incl. Inglenook, exposed beams, etc. Offers over £150,000."

HOME Page last updated: 28th July 2004, e-mail: martin@hagger.org