Handy Cross Farm History And Occupiers

Handy Cross Farm. Historically a mixed farm.

Existed 1741.

1781= for sale freehold (except a few copyhold acres). 366 acres, all but 11 acres within a ring fence. Meadow and arable land (Oxford Journal 03 February 1781).  Includes dwelling house, two tenements (cottages for farm workers etc)  and outbuildings. Let to Thomas Allen for £150 per annum. Also 67 acres woodland available with it. "Handicross". May be the same Thomas Allen at Pigeon House Farm 1784. 

1817= Bought by William James Atkinson (of whom lots more here).  Later owned by Lord Carrington.

1818 - tenant Richard Badcock is leaving the farm so there is a livestock etc sale on the premises. It includes 24 cows and heifers, 6 cart horses, 8 sheep and 20 pigs plus the usual selection of ploughs, dung carts etc. 

1843?= outgoing tenant Mr Stacey Rayment. 

1843-50= Daniel Carr. Had chickens and geese stolen from him in 1843. Subject to a serious rick fire one afternoon in 1844. Believed to be arson. (The Sun, 22 Jan 1844). Thankfully Lord Carrington the landowner had his own fire engine to help put it out. The wheat rick in which it started, containing 10 loads, could not be saved, but several standing nearby were undamaged. 

1851= 20 year old Ambrose Reddall Turney living with his sister Sarah and others in High Wycombe, then called Chepping Wycombe, described himself as a farmer of 320 acres employing 8 workers. There is a good chance that he, probably with his brothers, was working Handy Cross farm. See below.

1864= Mr Turney. Had no buildings on it then but by 1870 did at least have a barn and apparently also had a worker's cottage by 1875.

1866 - the Messrs Turney. 

1868= Ambrose Reddall Turney, John Turney and George Turney in partnership which was dissolved that year. These were brothers, the sons of John Turney. Ambrose was properly Alexander Ambrose Reddall Turney and also operated as the Parish Surveyor and Rate Collector for High Wycombe. He emigrated to the USA the next year. He and his brothers were mentioned in the will of their step grandmother Elizabeth Turney of Winslow which is transcribed on the Winslow history website. This also gives more background to the family. Link to this website here. The will of her husband can be downloaded from the National Archives.

1870= John Turney. Prosecuted his shepherd Mathew Clarke for refusing to work for him while injured. Mathew had hurt his arm trying to catch a sheep. John argued that the injury did not mean that Mathew was incapable of all work and that there were light duties he could perform on the farm. The court allowed Mathew to be released from his contract with John and ordered his employer to pay him £1 owed Michaelmas money out of which the court costs would be deducted.

1869= J and G Turney, presumably brothers John and George.

1871= John Turney. Poachers set traps for rabbits in his field that year.

1873= J Turney.

1877= J Turney. Seven of his heifers died in agony after workers from landlord Lord Carrington left open cans of lead paint where the animals could get at them and lick the poisonous paint. 

1878= J Turney sold off his stock of clover and hay etc as he was leaving the farm.

1881= whoever was at the farm sold off all stock and left.

1887-1894= William Morris, who also occupied nearby Hill Farm as well as farms in West Wycombe. The farmhouse was in 1894 put up to let and was then a 5 bedroom house with 2 sitting rooms and 2 kitchens (South Bucks Standard 22nd June 1894). It seems Edward Nuttall also occupied some of the land 1894-96 but the Morris family continued to farm most of the land even if they did not live in the farm house for a while.

1895= rooms and apartments in the farm house up to let. Bracing air is promised. By which was meant biting winds presumably as Handy Cross was renowned for suffering heavy snow, deep frosts, and harsh winds being in a slightly elevated position.

1901= W and T Morris.

1913= Morris family still farming there.

1920 - George Parker.

Ongoing research. This post will always be updated if new information arises. Gaps in the dates above represent gaps in my knowledge.

Related Content:

History and landlords of the Blue Flag pub Handy Cross here

And of the Blacksmith's Arms there in this post

More Handy Cross content indexed here

Other sources:

1833 parochial assessment Great Marlow, working notebooks of the assessors in my possession and transcribed by me.

"England and Wales Census, 1851," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SGBT-VMM : 11 September 2019), Ambrose Turney in household of Hannah Howlett, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England; citing High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, p. 1, from "1851 England, Scotland and Wales census," database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.

1871 census, my transcription. Crown Copyright.

Researched and written by Charlotte Day.

©Marlow Ancestors

Blue Flag / Old Blue Flag Handy Cross

Today we would probably call this near High Wycombe but Handy Cross was historically in Great Marlow parish.

Property owned by the Clayton family and leased by Wethered's Brewery of Marlow. Sometimes referred to as The Blue Standard. 

 Landlords listing and history timeline:

1833 - William Earis. Premises consisted of a house, adjoining cottage and shoeing forge for a blacksmith. The surname Earis is a very Handy Cross one. It also occurs as Earys, Ayres, Eyres, Ayris, Airis, Aris etc.

1840-Mrs Earis keeps a shop at Handy cross (beer shop?)

1841 - The scene of a meeting of Liberal supporters (known as the Blues) after the election at Great Marlow. Clayton who owned the property was the successful Liberal candidate. The name of the beer house is definitely not a coincidence! The celebration was however premature as Clayton had a majority of just 1 and the  election result was over turned when some of the votes were considered invalid. A Tory candidate then overtook him in the polls and he lost the seat. 

1842 Susanna Earis widow of William of the Blue Flag died age 64. She may be the Mrs Earis who was a shop keeper at Handy Cross in 1840. In this instance "shop" may mean beer shop. Though in 1844 a Joseph Earis, (her son?) was running a grocers shop at Handy Cross and getting in trouble for selling alcohol in it without a licence.

1845 "Old Blue Flag"  - Joseph Earis. Wife Mary Ann nee Beesley. Joseph wants to press charges against three men who he says assaults his wife, her brother and her father at the beer shop. However the case is dismissed as it's considered all were as much to blame as each other. The Bucks Advertiser and Aylesbury News adds they considered that this was a "beer shop quarrel" caused by the "bad temper" of the landlord and wife. [October 25th 1845]

1863-64 = James Clarke / Clark.  James was an inveterate poacher! In 1863 for example he was fined for being in possession of a pheasant which he said he'd come across on the side of the road. Such things were happening to James a little too often go convince the authorities! In a previous case the same year he was accused by the magistrates of keeping his house open "for the purpose of concocting robberies".   They lamented they did not have the power to take away his licence. On the 1861 census he was a shepherd at Handy Cross with his wife Elizabeth who was a dressmaker.

1868 - William Harper

1869- Brewery were struggling to find a licensee sufficiently respectable for the magistrates to approve of. Sam Beasley has to try three times for the transfer before it's accepted. 

1869-72 Samuel Beasley / Beesley. Wife Mary. In 1870 Samuel's gun, knife and handkerchief were amongst other articles stolen from his premises (Bucks Advertiser and Aylesbury News 23rd October 1870). The thief was caught and earned 18 months in prison.  Samuel may have sold groceries on the premises too. The Beasleys took over the Royal Oak High Wycombe in 1874 and remained there until 1877.

1873- the police try to get the premises closed, saying it did not meet the minimum size requirements for an alcohol licence. Two adjoining cottages were being used for the business but their combined size couldn't be allowed to count, the police argued, as there was no door or other communication between the two cottages. The magistrate at the licensing hearing offered the brewery (Wethereds of Marlow) a chance to have the property surveyed and revalued but they said they were not bothered about keeping it open as they had the bigger Blacksmith's Arms also at Handy Cross. Yet the Blue Flag at Handy Cross is still mentioned as late as 1902. It is possible it continued as a lodging house only. Many of these had pub-like names and signs. 

1875- premises used for an agricultural auction.

1902- Last known mention of the Blue Flag, Handy Cross as existing (South Bucks Standard 4th July 1902).

Landlords and history of the nearby Blacksmith's Arms, Handy Cross here

Index of pub related posts on this blog here. Contains pubs Great Marlow, Little Marlow, Lane End, Medmenham, Well End.

Written and researched by Charlotte Day.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this research for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

1833 Parochial Assessment Great Marlow Part 42

 The next part of my gradual transcription of the original handwritten working notebooks used by the assessors to compile this assessment. These faded notebooks have long been in the possession of my family, and also contain some pencilled in corrections from the later 1830s, though not in these parts.

I am uploading the parts out of order that they appear in the assessment. Instead I transcribe and add them as they chime in with research I am doing for myself or others.

©Marlow Ancestors. Use this transcription with credit to this blog.

Name

Property occupied

Annual worth of that property

Any notes by me in square brackets

Hooks Cottages

Woodrow [no first name]

House and garden

£6

*****

William Stevens

House, garden and shop

£6

*****

Edward Pratt

Cottage and garden

£4

*****

Oakengrove

William Smith

Cottage and garden

£4

*****

Jordan [no first name]

Cottage and garden

£5

*****

William House

House, garden and stable £6

Part of a garden at Lane End 

10 shillings

*****

Thomas ?Fulton

House and garden

£5

*****

Burrough's Grove

John Green

Horse Shoes House [pub], garden, stable, woodhouse and garden

£8

*****

Wymers

Henry Webb

House, lawn, flower garden, stable, chaise house, garden, a cottage and small garden

£21

*****

Handy Cross

William Earies (Earis/Eyres/Ayris)

The Blue Flag house [Pub] shop, shoeing house, cottages, stable and garden

£9

*****

Each occupying a cottage and garden with an annual value of £3:

Jeffrey Sears

John Plumridge

George Wye

*****

Ragman's Castle

William Dance

Cottage and garden

£4

©Marlow Ancestors. Reproduction very welcome for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

Webb's Gang Of Marauders

 In the 1820's Great Marlow and the country about was in a state of terror to quote one newspaper of the day. The neighborhood was the victim of a prolonged crime wave encompassing house breaking, robbery, and sheep stealing to name a few. Householders were aghast at the seeming impunity with which the criminals were able to conduct their business. It seemed no one was safe from their attentions, whether a shop keeper or a wealthy landowner. 

Rumours and counter rumours circulated but the conclusion generally reached was that a good number of the crimes were very professionally done and quite possibly the work of one determined and prolific gang. Some thought they were from London, others from Reading, but the truth was unfortunately a little closer to hand. 

Webb's Gang

Webb's gang of marauders, or Webb's banditos as they were generally known, consisted of a large number of men. It is doubtful we can ever be sure of the identity of all the members. Some also worked independently at least some of the time but it was as a "frightful confederacy" that they aroused the most fear. The Webb of the title refers to the supposed ringleader Richard Webb of Cookham Dean, whose brother Thomas was also heavily involved as well as other relatives who participated in a more minor way. The other principle member was blacksmith James Ayres (Earis, Ayris,Eyres) of Handy Cross but there were many others.

Stolen To Order

Richard Webb said he was born in Mapledurham. He certainly worked Oxfordshire as well as Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. James Ayres in his respectable day job as blacksmith was the one responsible for scouting a number of properties for nefarious purposes. He was called upon to do jobs at many of the large estates in the area, including that belonging to significant Marlow landowner Sir William Clayton at Harleyford. James had an excellent reputation as a craftsmen and was often called back to do more work by his satisfied wealthy clients. Unfortunately while on the estates, James took the opportunity to assess the best way in and out, and what livestock would be available to liberate. The gang had a particular interest in meat for reasons that will soon become clear! It is likely that James used his smith skills to provide the tools of the housebreaking trade that were later found in the gangs possession. 

Richard had a barn at Cookham Dean, which was used to store much of the gangs tools and ill gotten gains, in pits under the floor to protect them from casual notice. These hiding places were partially uncovered during a thorough search after his eventual capture but it's telling that some of them were only discovered when a gang member revealed their location. Money was also found under the floorboards of his home. Richard worked, amongst other things, as a carrier of goods between Maidenhead / Cookham, and London. This provided him with the perfect cover for frequent trips to the capital to dispose of the stolen goods. It also enables him to take orders for the gangs next jobs. Orders? Yes, such was the gangs success at stealing livestock that they supplied a number of cookshops and butchers with their regular meat orders! Chief amongst these, was that belonging to brother Thomas Webb. Richard appears also to have had a cookshop, at Ipstone (Ibstone) for a time - a premises there was certainly supplied by them but there is some confusion as to ownership. For example, Lord Carrington's estate at Wycombe Abbey was a favourite stop  - 13 turkeys, 5 geese and a number of fowls were taken on one average occasion. It was often wondered afterwards how the gang managed to steal such quantities of animals at once, without making too much noise. It was suspected by understandably embarrassed estate staff that the gang were drugging the beasts, but at first this was dismissed as pure speculation  The gang were regarded as ambitious and reckless but yet remained at large. Poor farmer James Crook at Clay Lane was another repeated victim. Horses, pigs, sheep...all found their way into the gangs hands. (Another man was  10 years later transported in connection with a theft from James, which also involved some Handy Cross residents!) Mr King of Chisbridge Farm near Bovingdon Green also suffered more than one raid on his larder. 

Where it all began

Thomas Webb would later say that he had first came to know Ayres and his friend Reeves while he was living at the tiny hamlet of Spital Cross not far from Handy Cross. Thomas had worked as a farm labourer, shepherd and ploughman and was approximately 35 years old. At some point he had suffered an injury to one eye, leaving him partially sighted. 

The men had gone poaching together mostly on Clayton and Carrington land around Marlow, Harleyford and Wycombe. Their success lead them to consider operations on a somewhat wider scale. In 1825 Thomas had moved from Spittal Cross to Willsden, Middlesex where he rented a house and set up a cookshop there, before moving to Sleaford Place Battersea to run the same. Those tucking into the hot mutton dinners and pies may have been surprised to find the shop was entirely supplied by criminal endeavour.  The brothers Webb had became the centre of the gang that would bear their name. Ayres was already allegedly an experienced house breaker and the men were connected to many other thieves, poachers, and fences. 

Christmas Keeps Them Busy

In December 1826 the gang were particularly prolific, going on a thieving spree on a considerable scale to fulfil Christmas orders. Perhaps they were too busy to be as careful at covering their tracks but suddenly Thomas Webb came under suspicion. On Boxing Day, he was apprehended at his Battersea Fields cook shop where a suspicious amount of valuable meat remained which could not be properly accounted for. He was subsequently sentenced to death and held at Reading gaol in the mean time. Previously only relatively minor if prolific members of the gang had been arrested.   

James Ayres was unaware that the net about him was beginning to tighten. Also in December 1826, he partnered with his frequent collaborator,  labourer Edward Reeves lately of Wycombe, to commit yet another burglary. The victim this time was the "most respectable" widow Rachel Wise of Cockpole near Wargrave. Rachel had a chandler's shop. She locked up as normal on the 23rd December and retired to bed on the premises, sleeping soundly through the entire experience. This is perhaps fortunate as uncorroborated claims in contemporary newspapers suggested that Reeves had expressed a wish to "do for" the lady should she disturb them at which Ayres had suggested she would scream too much so they had better hold off any plans to finish her off. These "two desperate characters" were waiting and watching outside. Under the cover of darkness they removed the outer door and helped themselves to poor Rachel's seasonal takings plus items from the larder of course. Bacon, butter, pies and tobacco amongst other goods. They around this time also robbed the home of Mrs Skinner in Wargrave. 

A Noose Awaits Richard

The end came for Richard early in 1827. He stole a horse from Thomas Pearman of Mapledurham, and also set light to a barn at the property. The exact reason for the latter action is uncertain, with statements at the time suggesting he either had a particular grudge against Pearman or it was an accidental action. Either way, Richard's luck had run out and the horse was traced before he could pass it on. Arrested at last, with something less than the struggle predicted, Richard found himself in Oxford gaol. He was convicted, and sentenced to death. Horse stealing was regarded as a particular serious theft and the sentence was virtually inevitable, even if he had been suspected of involvement in no other crime. He was hung outside the county gaol on the 27th March 1827. 

Net Closing On All

 Interest was now focused on Ayres and Reeves. It was not the first time the pair had targeted the Cockpole area and it seems their appearance had begun to arouse suspicion when it coincided with a crime. Local landowner Edmund Gardiner of Remenham Lodge was determined to stop the crime wave locally. He set about tracing James and Edward and pursued them relentlessly. Mostly thanks to his efforts in posting rewards for information, the "ruffians" were caught although not for several months.  They were recognised as the last remaining significant members of Webb's gang and with their arrest in 1827, the country breathed a cautious sigh of relief.  One man in particular must have been grateful.. Wycombe mill clerk John Fowler. When the gang had raided the premises of his employer Mr Prestage in 1824, they had made away with a quantity of money. So skillfully had the gang broke in that at first it was considered an inside job and as counting house clerk poor John Fowler had come under suspicion. He had protested his innocence and no action was taken against him but he felt that suspicion had only really  been lifted from his shoulders when items from the mill were found in the gangs possession. Some members subsequently confessed to the group's involvement there. (Ayres and Reeves were the principle two involved)

By the time of Ayres trial, Thomas Webb was already sentenced to death. This was however commuted to transportation for life. His crime was recieving stolen goods, which was often treated as seriously as doing the crime itself, in order to act as a deterrent to those enabling the wrongdoers to lead a profitable life.  As such I have noticed that this sequence of events, a capital sentence followed by immediate or virtually immediate commutation to something such as transportation was common. After his conviction at the Berkshire Assizes, Thomas made quite a lengthy confession to his gaoler. In this he detailed the gangs involvement in a number of crimes they had not been suspected of. He was transported for life on the ship Marmion on the 2 Nov 1827, arriving at Van Diemens Land in March 1828. There he was placed in a chain gang with hard labour a condition of his commuted sentence. The time he was to spend in this way was extended by 3 months after he was caught stealing vegetables growing in the garden of a Mr Kennedy. 

The Trial Of Ayres

Ayres trial was therefore held after other gang members had at length derailed his involvement in their confederacy. The principle witness against him was described as the wife of an already convicted gang member whose husband had been sentenced to transportation. I believe this was the wife of Thomas Webb. This lady aroused the pity of many of those watching, as she held a baby in her arms during her evidence. This little child was cheerfully gurgling and playing with its mother's bonnet ribbons, unaware of the fact it had lost its father and he or she was hearing words that would seal the fate of another. The judge however said the wives evidence came from a "contaminated" source as she had profited from her own husband's involvement with the crimes committed. The jury should therefore disregard her testimony if it could not be corroborated by other evidence. Unfortunately for 25 year old Ayres, it could. It was proven amongst other things that he had access to a barn in which the tools of the criminal trade were found. (Muzzled pistols, picklocks, crowbars, adapted lanterns). James had used his smithy to process some of the group's bounty. For example he erased the private marks on the silverware stolen from a wealthy lady in Sonning, which would have easily identified the pieces as hers. 

He was found guilty and sentenced to transportation for life. He was according to the Berkshire Chronicle, one of the most accomplished burglars ever let loose on his majesties subjects.  He was transferred to the York Hulk in September 1827 to await transportation. He left on the same ship as Thomas Webb, the Marmion, which departed Portsmouth on 2 November 1827, and arrived at Van Diemens Land 6 March 1828. In 1843 it was reported that James was going to be given a general pass or ticket of leave, while the governor awaited a decision on his recommendation that James be given a pardon, or end to his sentence.  It looks like James was indeed granted a conditional pardon. A pardon is not a quashing of the conviction. Those transported for life were usually entitled to be considered for a ticket of leave after 8 years or so served, subject to good behaviour. This ticket allowed them more freedom, and the ability to do paid work. Then a pardon may be issued, which might be conditional or absolute, the latter allowing legal return to the UK. James appears to have been giving leave to settle anywhere that wasn't in Europe so he could go to another colony. I believe he stayed in Australia as he made an application for his family to join him there. 

Bold and Unblushing

It seems that even the most suspicious were stunned by how many crimes the men had got away with for years. "Short of murder they were stained with every species of crime"..their "atrocities" "without parallel".  What everyone wanted to know was how they had managed to take sometimes dozens of animals, night after night. The answer according to Thomas Webb, was that they had drugged the beasts by sprinkling peas and barley meal mixed with laudenham on the ground. In 10 minutes they could collect the senseless animals with ease they said and carry them off. 

I am uncertain yet as to what happened to Edward Reeve (s) immediately after  his arrest. He was caught at the same time as Ayres but does not seem to go on trial at that time. He may be the Edward Reeves who was transported for 7 years on the Sarah in August 1829, although this conviction was for perjury. A delay between conviction and transportation is not uncommon, with the time spent in a mixture of gaol and prison hulks but further research is needed. Edward had lived in Marlow but immediately before his rest he had been living at the Bull inn in High Wycombe. 

Other Members:

I have mentioned the leading gang members so now is a mention of some others. 

Firstly I will mention two boys who were not gang members but who were taken on at least one burglary expedition. Perhaps to learn the trade. This is according to the confession of Thomas Webb. These were the two nephews of Thomas, William who was age 14 at the time, and James age 11. The two youngsters took no active part in proceedings and no action was taken against them. At the time it was stated as shocking that such young men were due to be indoctrinated in the trade, which was perhaps out of touch with the reality of child crime. 

James Rockall/ Rockell of Remenham. Transported for life, Bucks Assizes. Left on ship Mangles July 1824 age 21. Mostly involved in burglary. Worked with Ayres, Biggs, and Dean on a number of jobs.  See Dean below. In 1825 was convict servant in Newcastle to Dr Carlyle. In 1828 was working as assigned shephard to F & A Little. Granted ticket of leave 1830 as he apprehended a bush ranger targeting his employer Archibald Little. (A horse had been stolen) Place given then as Gammon Plains.  Sometimes given as Rockhol. 

Richard Biggs/Briggs of Wycombe. Alias Johnson. Mostly involved in the burglaries. 

Transported for life 1824, on the transport ship Mangles. See Dean below. 

Josiah "Dutchman" Deane. Age 19 on conviction in March 1824 at Aylesbury. One of those involved in the Chisbridge thefts. Sentenced to transportation for life. A carter from High Wycombe. Left with Rockall and Biggs on board the ship Mangles which departed under master John Cogshill in July 1824 and arrived New South Wales 27 October 1824. Conduct on the journey "pretty good". Assigned as convict servant to "Mr Crawford". In 1828 is still a servant, at Ellalong. 

"Donkey Dean" identity not properly established. Not apprehended. 

Thomas East of Marlow. Said to have been caught by March 1827 and likely to be transported but I have not researched him further yet. From a long family of butchers. Suspected of handling stolen goods. 

William Clark. Possibly of Marlow. 

 Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

© MarlowAncestors. 

 Related Posts:

To find all posts about an individual here use the A-Z person index in the top drop down menu. 

Other crime related posts including tales of more convicts, poachers etc here

Clay Lane farm mentioned above ; history timeline here

Sources include:

Handy Cross research by Charlotte and Kathryn. 

Pearce Egans Life In London, 12 aug 1827, digitised by Google.  

Sun London August 1827. (Collected edition, circa 1899)

Oxford University and City Herald 

31 March 1827

Hampshire Chronicle 2 April 1827

Oxford Journal 10 March and 28 July 1827, Via the BNA. 

The Globe 25 August 1827, via the BNA. 

Berkshire Chronicle 29 September 1827 British Library. 

Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 89, Class and Piece Number HO11/6, Page Number 291 (147)

Convict Indents. State Archives NSW; Series: NRS 12188; Item: [4/4009A]; Microfiche: 654

Https://www.freesettlerorfelon.com

---

 

Becking Farm / Beacon Farm Marlow Occupiers

Becking Farm later known as Beacon Farm, Great Marlow was near to Booker. The farm was 120 acres in extent in 1709 and 109 acred in 1861. Note this farm is often owned and sold in tandem with Seymour Court, Seymour Court Farm and Tippocks/Triphooks. 

Historic occupiers (who are not usually also the owners):

1709- farm existed. Unknown occupier but Etheridge family look to have owned it. (Etheredge)

1789 - freehold owner or possibly leaseholder (conflicting primary sources) John Johnson Esq of Seymour Court. John died 1821.  

1791-1811 Benjamin Stallwood. Left the farm and moved to Old House Farm, Handy Cross as all the protected game in Sir William Clayton's private game preserve next to Becking Farm kept escaping onto Benjamin's farm and destroying his crops. The damage done was to the tune of £80. Benjamin faced ruin but was mocked by Clayton when he appealed for compensation. His sympathetic landlord John Johnson of Seymour Court Marlow tried to help by advertising for people who knew what they were doing to shoot the straying game and then, when that was insufficient, offering him the rental of Old House Farm instead. Benjamin remained at Old House until 1831. In the years after the game fiasco Benjamin wrote several times to the press to describe the pain he felt at what had happened. His case was also widely used to illustrate the injustice of the Game Laws that allowed rich peoples "sporting" interests to override the basic needs and wellbeing of other country people.  

1814- James (?) Johnson owner as above seems to have been farming it himself.

1822-1830 George Lunn. Wife Mary who died 1822. He died 1830. He also by then farmed at nearby Seymour Court Farm where he actually lived. In his will he left all his farm stock to his nephews Edward and William Poulton. Grew oats, barley and wheat and kept cattle at Becking.

1833- 1838. Richard Lovegrove was the farmer though he lived in Bray, Berkshire. In his 1838 will he left his farm stock on Becking and his leases of both there and Widmere Farm Marlow to his nephew John Lovegrove who was already farming Widmere. Richard was only able to make a mark, not sign his will.

1840 - farm freehold up for sale, by executors of George Rogers Esq. 103 acres and a farmhouse. Note there were two men called George Rogers in Marlow at the same time.

1838-1843 John Lovegrove as above. (Yearly tenant) Also farmed Widmere Farm, where he lived. By 1847 had given up farming and was running the King's Head, High Wycombe. He faced bankruptcy then. 

1848- 1858 James Taylor. Wife Harriet. Raising turkeys was a big part of their trade. Seventeen birds were stolen from the farm in 1857. Also farmed at Prestwood Common. Previously of Little Missenden - he initially remained living there when he took over Beckings. He had been ejected from his last farm after a dispute with his landlord. At that time he'd suffered insolvency but managed to dissolve his debts of £664 in 1851. 

1861- 1865 Stephen Stevenson. Moved from Iver Bucks after January 1859. In 1865 worker on the farm was jailed for 6 weeks with hard labour for stealing a fowl from his employer.

1881-1901. Whoever is farming there does not live in. Carter James North however does live on site on the farm throughout this period. His wife Sarah died there in 1892. In 1889 Beacon and Moor Farms are offered  at auction as a sporting estate in one lot of altogether just over 660 acres. They are described as currently let to a tenant bar 220 odd acres of woodland in hand.  

1928- H Daniel.

Our blog focuses on people in Marlow up to the 1920s so I will leave it there.

Dates next to a person are when I have firm historic evidence of that person farming there. They may have been there earlier or later too. This is ongoing research and I hope that I will be able to fill in any gaps eventually.

Farm occupancies are determined by me from the study of wills I have transcribed, property records, adverts, agricultural journals, censuses, court cases etc.

For other farm related posts see the Specific Shops, Streets Etc option here for Marlow farms or for farms at Little Marlow or other places see the Nearby Places option. Use the Person Index option on the menu to see all mentions of any individual on the blog.  Thousands of people are mentioned.

©Marlow Ancestors. If using this research credit this blog. You are very welcome to do so.

Homers Farm Marlow *updated Feb 2026*

Updated April 2025

Although historically within Great Marlow Parish Homers Farm /Holmers Farm  was about 3 miles from it, closest in fact to Booker. It was about half a mile from the turnpike road between Marlow and High Wycombe.

Description 1834= 123 acres 1910= arable and pasture farm.

Historic occupiers (these are not normally the same as the owners) and history timeline:

1742 Samuel Wellesley. 

1781-1784 at least - Barabbee Fastnedge (a man with a name destined to be spelled a 100 different ways!) Mr Fastnedge was at Triphooks farm 1786 (possibly in addition to this) Also farmed at Finnemoor. Possibly Homers was owned by James Batting of High Wycombe at this time. 

1823= up for sale. It's proximity to the turnpike road between Marlow and Hug Wycombe is considered a distinct advantage. 122 acres of enclosed arable and meadow land and orchard, plus farm house, barns, etc. It's in "the highest state of cultivation, lying extremely compact, divided by quick hedges, in well proportioned fields in a ring fence completely surrounding the homestead." Has been occupied by the same (unnamed) family for 40 years who also have the freehold. (Windsor & Eton Express, 10 May 1823)

1833= Edmund Collins. Owned by Mrs Rose.

1840- George Hunt occupier leaving and selling off his farm stock including a crop of oats, 28 "meaty ewes", 8 horses or colts, some pigs, a barren cow, 70 fowl and bits of household furniture [Auction notice Bucks Advertiser 24th July 1840] .

1841- 1862 Thomas Greenslade. One of the parish Guardians of Great Marlow. In 1851 he has 120 acres employing 5 labourers. In 1861 92 acres being farmed (so some of farm may be let to others or sub let) and Thomas is employing 3 men 2 boys. Two geese stolen from him 1859. The actual owner of the farm in 1862 was still Mrs Rose.

1867 Mrs Greenslade, presumably a widow of Thomas above, left the farm selling up all her stock and household furniture. She mainly seems to have been operating as an arable and sheep farm though she also had a few pigs.

1869- Richard Child. 

1870 - Freehold up for sale, tenant Richard Smith to quit at Michaelmas. The owner William Rose had recently died and his executors are to sell up. Includes residence, barns etc plus a "well sheltered farm yard" and a pair of workers cottages. 123 acres. Shooting in the estate was let separately to Lord Carrington whose land also adjoined the farm. 

1876-83 John Campbell. Wife Elizabeth. Both originally from Scotland. He was farming 123 acres 1881 and employing 2 men and 2 boys. 

1888- duck and drake stolen from the farm.

1891-1901 John Campbell. Son of John and Elizabeth above. Sister Marion lived with him. Raised pigs and crops. Worker James Goodall who lives at the farmed fined 1893 for not sending 3 children to school. They may have been helping on the farm.

1903-1916 Miss Marian Campbell, leasee. Daughter of John and Elizabeth above. Born 1851. Her premises were very close to the Booker isolation hospital and Marian herself took in some residential patients for "open air treatment" as well as supplying produce to the hospital. In 1904 Marian gave evidence in the trial of a nurse at the hospital accused of burning it down out of anger for not being promoted to matron there. Marian had been told by the accused that she felt like setting fire to the bushes outside it but replied that it was a foolish idea and would set the whole place on fire. As it was two blocks went up in flames simultaneously which immediately made police suspect arson rather than accident. However nurse Isabel Livingston who was so hysterical in the dock the trial proceeded only with great difficulty was found not guilty of arson. See the South Bucks Standard 10th June 1904 for much more on this case.

In 1910 the farm was bought by Lord Carrington from an unknown previous owner but Marian continued as tenant.

Marian died at the farm 1916. Buried High Wycombe. Worshipper at Handy Cross church which no longer exists.

1920 Mr A Stacey.

1939 William Wiltshire, dairy farmer assisted by his son also called William.

For more farm occupier posts Great Marlow see the Specific Shops, Streets Etc option on the menu here. For Little Marlow use the Nearby Places option here. You will also see a Person Index option on the menu to help you find every mention of a person on this blog. The General Marlow History option here contains other posts which may be of interest to you such as information on local harvest home celebrations or historic agricultural wages in Marlow. 

Farm occupancies identified from wills, adverts, trade journals, censuses, property records, court cases etc. I hope to fill in the gaps in dates as I wade through my Everest sized mountain of research notes.

Written and researched by Charlotte Day.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this content for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

Blacksmith's Arms Handy Cross Landlords /History

Updated August November 2025

Compiled from adverts, censuses, court cases, property records, and more. Original source spellings retained. 

This was "a very old inn" when it was knocked down and rebuilt in 1897. Not to be confused with the Blacksmiths Arms at Well End near Little Marlow (post about that one here)

The pub was used many times to hold Coroner's Inquests.

1843 - Joseph Earis (An Earis family were at the Blue Flag, Handy Cross 1833 which also operated as a shoeing forge - the two premises exist at the same time so this two different businesses in separate premises and not just a name change for the pub) NOTE: Earis can also be rendered as Ayris and later Ayres / Eyres. For more on infamous blacksmith  burglar James Ayris / Ayres of Handy Cross see here

1847 - Joseph Earise. In 1850 Joseph Aris/Earis of Handy Cross, beer-seller is fined for keeping his premises open during the hours of divine service on a Sunday afternoon. Joseph says that while there were people on the premises at the time, he hadn't drawn beer after the 3pm cut off. Unfortunately this isn't enough to escape punishment as the beer-shop is supposed to be emptied too. He does however receive a reduced fine (22s including costs) as he states he is going to give up beer selling shortly. 

1853- 96 Charles Augustus Rixon who also operated as a blacksmith. By 1894 the premises were being managed by his daughter Ada Emma Rixon on a day to day basis. In 1857 Charles and his wife were beaten up and their premises vandalised by a group of people from High Wycombe for unknown reasons. The "riot" involved the group trashing the premises up and down, breaking even the window frames. 

1896-97 Frederick W Lyell. Wife Dorothy also served behind the bar. Frederick was formerly a police officer in High Wycombe.

1897- Gilbert Ferguson. Inn knocked down and rebuilt as larger premises with 6 bedrooms. Intended to function as small hotel [South Bucks Standard December 3rd 1897].

1898 Gilbert Ferguson transferred licence to William Johnson.

1899 William Johnson transferred licence to Alfred Dunnett / Dunnatt.

1899-1900 Alfred Dunnett / Dunnatt.

1900- 1908 George Lavender. Wife Barbara. 

1908-09 Owen Herbert. Ran a Slate Club on the premises.

1909- Arthur Davis.

1910- George E Coles (holdover). 2. William Thomas Kimber. 3. Edgar Cole. 

1911 - George E Cole again (holdover) then Sydney J Edwards. 

1915 - John Harper.

1920 - William Dunham.

1939-42 at least Ralph Standage.

At Handy Cross. Address sometimes given as Wycombe Road. 

Compiled by Charlotte Day 

To find all pub related posts, see the menu here. 

To find other posts relating to Handy Cross and nearby, see the menu here

© Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use the research for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

Hush Money and Wildcats - Pets In Marlow History

As in the modern day keeping pets was popular in Marlow's past. Dogs were the most popular though a good many kept were used primarily as guard dogs, sporting animals or working dogs first and companion animals (if at all) second.

Sale adverts, court cases, recorded memories and dog show results tell us that Victorian Marlovians kept toy dogs, fox terriers, bulldogs, bull terriers, lurchers, greyhounds, cocker and other spaniels, retrievers, fox terriers, collies and Newfoundlands amongst other breeds.

Lurchers were primarily used for blood sports and poaching purposes.

In 1878 a spaniel puppy advertised in the Reading Mercury would set you back 10 shillings sixpence.

A Dog Tax applied 1796 to 1882. This was in addition to the cost of a dog licence for each animal kept except sheepdogs, imposed from 1867 onwards. I have found no local prosecutions for avoiding dog tax but those for failing to have a dog licence were two a penny. It has been estimated that nationally the compliance rate for having a licence in Victorian England was only around 50 per cent. Marlow's constables however were zealous in seeking out dog owners without licences, securing fines from them. In 1878 each licence cost 7 shillings sixpence, an eye watering amount for poor families and the obvious reason why virtually all prosecutions for not having a licence were of the poor. They often used their dogs for the night time poaching of rabbits, hares and pheasants. Ferrets were also used for rabbiting but the low number of Marlow prosecutions for that suggest that it was not as common.

Taking a dog out in the countryside could be risky. William Clayton Esquire had iron dog spikes all around his game preserve near Moor Common in the 1810s. A dog belonging to a Mr Deane [probably John Deane] accidentally entered this land when chasing a hare and was impaled. The poor animal died as soon as he was freed from the spike. It was the fifth dog to have so died in the space of a few years and Mr Deane took Clayton to court.

The estate staff of Clayton were evasive when questioned about how the spikes came to be present. The defence implied that they were intended only to kill foxes imported from aboard and let loose locally. Who was thought to be releasing such foxes does not seem to have been said. Though bringing in foxes to replace those slaughtered by the hunt did occur in this period releases would be into the protected and contained estates of hunt supporters not just into the countryside at random and I find no reference anywhere to the importation of animals from abroad for this purpose.

In any event the judge refused to except any version of events other than that Clayton had ordered the spikes put up in order to kill dogs. He savaged Clayton for this illegal practice and said a woman or child who mistook their way could just have easily been spiked. £15 in damages were awarded to Mr Deane.

Dogs themselves could be a danger of course. In 1882 three dogs at Bisham Abbey were attacked by an aggressive roaming dog, one receiving injuries so severe that it had to be put down. The same aggressive dog later gave a nasty bite to 13 year old village girl Annie May. The local constable found the animal and shot it. 

That dog was fortunately not infected with rabies but the disease was a real problem for our ancestors. Rumours of sightings of mad dogs anywhere locally struck fear into the town. Searchers went out to try to find such dogs and shoot them before they could spread the disease to other animals or people. Outbreaks of rabies nevertheless occurred in Marlow and Turville in the summer of 1896 and in Marlow again in 1925. During such times the movement of dogs to other areas was banned and all dogs had to be muzzled in public. The requirement to have your dog muzzled was also enforced at other times, seemingly haphazardly.

In 1896 Edward Suthall a farmer of Handy Cross was jailed for refusing to pay a fine for having a dangerous unmuzzled dog which had repeatedly attacked the Marlow constable PC Tapping when he was on patrol up there. The judge did not believe the defendant's claim that the dog did not belong to him.

On a happier note dog owners could win prizes by entering them into local events such as the dog show held in the grounds of Spinfield House Marlow in 1883. Both men and women were prizewinners. Successful dogs included some wonderfully named individuals- Pork Pie, Rags and Tatters, Lord Edward, Hush Money, Naphill Scamp, Hughenden Daisy and Comet to name but a few. Spinfield was also the venue for a "pet party" -  that is a fun pet show, in 1912. It was to raise funds to build the new church school (Holy Trinity) and included prizes for both the prettiest and ugliest animal contestants! Entered pets included toads, tortoises, ants and silkworms. (There was also a prize for human babies..)

While eating scraps from the family meal along with what additional meat could be afforded by their owners was normal for most dogs commercial dog biscuits could be bought in Marlow by the early 1890s. There were no pet shops then. Dog food was bought from ironmongers or agricultural suppliers. These businesses would also sell you worming and flea solutions and food for your poultry and pet birds.

The keeping of cage birds, canaries and linnets especially, as pets was popular with women. Virtually all agricultural shows had classes for them. Walter Lovegrove grocer of Marlow High Street was a frequent judge of pet bird and poultry classes throughout the area in the late 1800s. More about the tragic Walter here

No Marlow show in the 1800s had a cat class that I can discover though they were found in other Bucks shows as were classes for pet rabbits (as opposed to rabbits raised for meat) and even pet mice.

Guinea pigs were found as pets in Britain by the 1890s but don't feature in any local shows I can see.

There were plenty of feral cats in the town. Mr Cocks bred actual wildcats at his home near the river. His near neighbour Captain Marshall didn't stop there having a whole menagerie of exotic animals such as elephants and lions. Kathryn has written a whole post on that subject if you are interested here. 

Richard Blake of West Street trained an "enormous" cat to turn tricks. More on him here.

In 1889 Colonel Wethered donated a female  monkey to the Royal Zoological Society- perhaps a pet or why else did he have one?? (This monkey had been brought over from the Congo 3 years before the gift.)  Mrs Coppinger of Thames Lawn certainly owned a "riotsome" monkey in 1890 and liked to take it out on her steam launch Eunice, to the amusement of passers by on the riverbank. Mrs Crashaw was rather astonishingly reunited in Marlow with a monkey she had lost some time before while living in Kent. Known as Jacko, it had apparently found its way into the hands of a pair of Italian youths who had come to Marlow coincidentally with it as a performing animal. Mrs Crawshay saw it in the street, recognised some markings it had and found the animal remembered the tricks she had taught him. Arrangements were eventually made for Jacko to be returned to its former owner. The youths were compensated for the 30s they had paid for the monkey. The seller had been a stranger whom they had met in Portsmouth, or so they said. 

Sources:

Bazaar Exchange and Mart and Journal of the Household. Volume 47. 1892.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_licence

The Shooters Guide, Ninth Edition. By B Thomas.

Maidenhead Advertiser 1st February 1882 and Bucks Herald 8th February 1896 British Library via the BNA.

The Zoologist, A monthly journal of Natural History by Newman West 1881.

Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer September 3 1887, 26 July 1912. Slough Library. 

Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London - W H Fowler 1893. 

©Marlow Ancestors. If using this research please credit this blog and link here (but you are welcome to use it). Thanks.

Marlow's 100+ Beer Retailers - A-Z

Updated Feb 2026

I (Charlotte) list here 116 (and counting!) historic watering holes that existed pre 1950. When a post has been published on this blog focusing on one of these, either the historic pub as a whole or a family who ran it, I will come back to this post and add in the link. You can also use the Pub Related menu find a longer list of posts featuring any of the pubs below including posts where the pub is not the main focus of the post but gets an interesting mention. The most up to date information will be there, especially as to the earliest record of each premises existing. Not included here as it arrived too late is the Britannia in Little Marlow Road. The first reference I have to it is 1957 as the Britannia Hotel. We are currently updating our landlord listings and history timelines for as many pubs as possible into the 1950s. We previously stopped for each about 1920.

Unless stated all premises are in Great Marlow proper but this post also covers some outlying parts of Great Marlow Parish like Bovingdon Green as well as Little Marlow. It does not cover Lane End (which did come under Marlow for licensing) or Bisham. I do have a lot of research about Lane End. See the Pub Related option or Nearby Places Menu to see what Lane End pub content is already up on the blog. 

The date next to each pub is when I personally have found a first reference to it but I have a pile of notes to wade through going back over a decade of research so these dates are not by any means the end word on it. I only give a date if I have myself seen historic evidence for it. I do not include reputed dates to keep things simple. Remember a pub in an old building is not necessarily an old pub!

Ongoing research - not all have a date next to their name yet and not all pubs are necessarily listed yet. For the most up to date starting dates for all premises see the individual posts about them.

See at the end of the post for premises with known certain location but no as yet known premises name.

Sources: Buckinghamshire Archives, National Archives, business papers, adverts, censuses, wills (I have transcribed dozens from the National Archives), trade directories from the University of Leicester, private letters, original parochial assessment notebooks owned by my family and transcribed by me, censuses transcribed by me from microfilm, court cases and more. Research also by Kathryn Day.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are very welcome to reuse this research for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

Albert, Moor End Common, see also the Prince Albert.

Alma, Dean Street. 1830. Landlord listing / history timeline here.

Anchor, Dean Street, mainly a licensed lodging house later. C1841-1876 at least. See also Crown and Anchor, which is not the same premises. Landlord listing and history of the Anchor here.

Angel, High Street 1551+ later called the King's Head. Still there 1653 when it's owned by John Moore senior, and believed to be sold by his brother Robert on former's death in 1673, to Thomas Winckle. (Will of Robert Moore, National Archives) In two tenements 1735. 

Antelope, alternative name for the Roebuck.

Arms, The - brief name change for the Verney Arms. 

Bank of England AKA Ye Olde Bank of England AKA The Bank, Dean Street. 1840. New built then but nothing to say not on site of older premises. Landlord listing here.

Barge Pole, Church Passage. 1833. Closed 1873. Historic landlords here.

Bear 

1.) High Street. 1614 -1735 at least. Landlords listing here.

2.) Chapel Street 1830+. Primarily a lodging house later in the century.  List of landlords for this location here.

Black Boy

1 High Street, West side. 1602+ Converted into malt house by George Bruere esq by 1735. 

 2. Church Passage From 1780 (at least) to 1872. Historic landlords here.

Black Horse

1.) Chapel Street. 1833+. Closed 1929. List of landlords here. Probably at two different locations within Chapel Street. 

2.) Little Marlow. 1887.

Black Lion, Well End. 1839 is my first reference but it is believed to be far older - list of landlords here.

Blacksmith's Arms

1.) Handy Cross. 1847. Landlords listing here.

2.) Well End, Little Marlow 1890. Closed 1933.

There was a Jolly Blacksmiths at Lane End which sometimes was also referred to as the Blacksmiths Arms.

Blue Banner

1.) St Peter's Street. 1833. Last known mention at this location 1862. Also a grocers shop and tailor's premises (yes at same time. Few small pubs like this generated income enough on their own to support even the thriftiest family!) . Owned until 1850 by Samuel Barnes, ardent political supporter of the Claytons (who used blue banners as an election badge).

2.) West End [West Street, though more Henley Road in this case]1889 but said to be well established then. A little less than 200 yards from the Hand and Flowers but nearer town. A wethereds beerhouse which they were willing to give up that year in return for a new licence elsewhere but that was refused.

Blue Flag AKA the Old Blue Flag, Handy Cross. 1833. Note: this was also a blacksmith's premises. History and landlord listing here. There was also a Blue Flag at Cadmore End.

Bonnet So Blue AKA the Bonnet O' Blue, The Blue Bonnets, West End / West Street. More info here, landlords here.

Bowl and Pin. 1773 first mention, but said to be well established by then. Occupied the former "Old Bridge House", St Peters Street which belonged to the Bridge wardens. This was not the same as the now existing Old Bridge House. Demolished 1790. Seems to have been a good sized premises.

Brewery Tap. 1868. Taproom of a brewery.  Charles Edward Gibbons in charge 1872. 

The Brick Kiln. Moor Common. 1880.

Bricklayer's Arms. Chapel Street. 1831. List of landlords here. 

Bull Head. High Street. 1628. John Clarke landlord 1686. Premises still there in 1717 though then it was part empty with the rest let to Mr Richard Cotterell. He apparently occupied the whole in 1704. Described as two tenements 1735. 

Carpenter's Arms, Spittal Street. 1830 (but it's complicated see post). List of landlords /history timeline  here.

Carrier's Arms, Wycombe Road. 1848? Briefly named instead the Star Of The Town, possibly giving rise to Star Meadow by it. (A beer house name inspired it seems by the launch of the Marlow-built boat Star of The Thames - see here ) Closed 1939. Historic landlords /history  here, plans to move it (or its licence) here

Chairmaker's Arms, Dean Street. 1874 . Also one of these Lane End. History and landlord listing for the Marlow pub here.

Chequer And Anchor - 1809. Location uncertain. Perhaps Crown and Anchor meant? Or the Chequers? However similarly named pubs existing at the same time is a Marlow speciality! 

Chequers AKA Chequers Inn AKA Chequers Hotel, High Street. 1800. Early spelling: Checkers. Landlord listing /history timeline here.

Cherry Tree, Dean Street. 1830?  Also a doss house. Probably earlier in that capacity. Really did have a cherry tree in the yard originally, in fact a whole orchard was at one time behind the premises. Have ruled out this being the Royal Oak Dean Street that appears on the Parish Assessment of 1833. Landlord listing here. 

Clayton Arms, Oxford Road. 1838. There was also one at Lane End, which came under Marlow for licensing, as did one at Moor Common. A list of landlords for the Marlow pub with a history timeline can be found here, post about temperance meetings held outside here, and the Clayton's slate clubs and benefit societies here.

Coach and Horses

1.) West Street 1783. Landlord listing here.

2.) Bovingdon Green (small beerhouse). Newly built in 1836.

Compasses, Dean Street. 1861.  Originally the Three Compasses but often shortened. A post about the Carr family of this pub is available here.

Compleat Angler, AKA Angler's Hotel AKA Angler's Inn AKA The Anglers   Other side Marlow Bridge. Technically Bisham but more often referred to as Marlow! 1766 but definitely much earlier. Occasionally The Jolly Anglers (multiple sources): Post about Cres(s)well family who ran it for half a century here, Biography of landlord Charles Miller Foottit here , Biography of landlady Mary Ann Parslow here, landlord listing  here, history in 1900's here.

Crooked Billet, Sheepridge, Little Marlow (also given as Flackwell Heath) 1860, but older as licenced premises.  Historic landlords / history post here. 

Cross Keys, Spittal Street. An inn existed of that name 1764 but I am not certain it was in Spittal Street as it was by 1834. See post on 1700s landlord Sylvester Law's will here. Historic landlords listing here. Biography of landlord's daughter Nellie Creswell, amateur Victorian sportswoman here

Crown, Little Marlow. There was also a Crown Inn Lane End.

Crown and Anchor, Oxford Road. 1833. See also The Anchor. List of landlords here.

Crown and Broad Arrow later the Lower Crown, High Street. 1691 but gone by 1830. See post on the Crown Inns of Marlow here and also will of William Dark here.. Landlord listing here.

Crown and Cushion, Dean Street. 1835. List of landlords here and info on Frederick and Harriet Brookes here.

Crown Inn later Crown Hotel originally the Upper Crown* Market Place.  . For more info see here, and landlord listing here A post about the Crown fire and the tragedy of Susan West land lady, can be found Here.

Dog and Badger, Medmenham. Landlord listing /history timeline here.

Duke of Cambridge, Queens Road. Can also be described as in New Road, the earliest name for Queen's Road, and as in Marefield which is the area of Marlow that Queen's Road was cut through. 1866. Landlord listing here (NB Several other roads in Marlow have been known as New Road)

Duke's Head, West Street. On Oxford Road turning side of street. 1761.

Elephant and Castle, Dean Street. 1833. All about landlord Eusebius Windsor here.

Feathers. High Street. 1686.

Ferry Boat AKA Ferry Boat Hotel, Medmenham. 1833. Landlord listing here.

Ferry Hotel, Spade Oak AKA Ye Ferry Hotel. 1889. See above also. 

Fighting Cocks, Dean Street. From at least 1840. Landlord listing /history timeline here.

Fishermen's Retreat, St Peter Street. Opened 1873 in a converted house after the licensee William Sparkes moved in from the Barge Pole in Church Passage which had been sold by the property owner and was likely to be demolished. New premises forcibly closed 1915 as fully licensed house, continues as hotel. Often given as Fisherman's Retreat. Landlord listing here which also includes  links to posts about the Sparkes family. 

Forrester's Arms, Marefields = 1867. In that year the proprietor who was also a basket maker and rod maker, went bankrupt. Pub was gone by 1872.

Fountain Head, High Street. AKA The Fountain. 1833. Where the Hog's Head/The Old Brewery pub is now but that is a modern building. Became a lodging house later, briefly. Some landlords listed here Very close to Three Tuns in it's High Street location. 

Fox, West Street. 1833. I think that this became the White Lion before 1861 but possibly with an in between period of being non licenced premises.

Fox and Pheasant. Dean Street. 1860. Very likely older.  

George Inn, The - 1721, unknown street location currently. See also George and Dragon. 

George and Dragon, Causeway AKA The George. New name for the Roebuck 1835. Not the same as the earlier George Inn. There may also have been a much earlier unrelated George and Dragon in the High Street. List of landlords can be found here Brief history of premises here Grave of landlady Annie Moon here.

Greyhound Inn AKA Greyhound Hotel, Spittal Street. 1819, earlier under the name The White Horse. List of landlords / history timeline here.

Gunmakers Arms - 1660's. 

Hand and Flowers AKA Hand of Flowers, Henley Road. 1869. But probably considerably older, not necessarily under this name all the time.

Hare and Hounds, Red Pits. 1847. Landlords and timeline here.

Harrow. 1843. Top end of West Street, probably in fact what we would call Henley Road. That this is an earlier name for the Hand and Flowers is not impossible. Our earliest known landlord for the Harrow was in the premises but not listed as a beer seller in 1841. Last known reference to the pub 1851. Later references to The Harrow at Chapel End have been confirmed by us to refer to The Plough. 

Hope, High Street. 1850 (purpose built). Historic landlords /history here.

Horns, Chapel Street. 1831, but a very old building so likely far older. Landlord listing /history here.

Jolly Cricketers, Bovingdon Green. 1830. AKA The Cricketers Arms. Information about this pub in the 1800s is included in the Bovingdon Green history post here and landlord listing here

Jolly Maltsters, Dean Street. 1823. Historic landlords listings  /history here.

King's Arms, High Street, East side 1681, not same as Kings Head. 

Kings Head

1.) Great Marlow High Street. 1684+ Last heard of 1717. Was close to the Three Tuns. Formerly called the Angel. Will of one time landlady Joan Pomfret / Pomfrett here. She was also at the Three Tuns probably.

2.) Little Marlow.

Mint, Dean Street. 1850. Forcibly closed 1919. Historic landlords /timeline here.

Nag's Head, Dean Street. 1845. See here for more on this pub including historic landlords. Election fraud case involving landlord Thomas Frith here.

New Inn, West Street. 1863, 1865.  One of the Marlow pubs with the scantiest trace in records. The "Three Tuns New Inn" was how the Three Tuns in West Street was initially referred to when it moved from the High Street to West Street. This move however was completed by 1833. In 1863 the "New Inn West Street" was up to let with corn and coal trade/side business and again with the same side business in the spring of 1865. The only known landlord William Moss was a carpenter (rather than coal or corn seller) as well as publican. He must have been the one who took on the premises in spring 1865. He died there unexpectedly a few months later  Did the habit of calling the Three Tuns the "New" Inn really last so long after it arrived in West Street? We have a little gap in our Three Tuns landlord listings into which William Moss would fit, however it is also possible that the 1860s "New Inn" West Street was nothing to do with the "Three Tuns New Inn" and was instead an entirely different premises.

North Star, Queen's Road. 1868.  Closed 1871 after the magistrates refused to renew the licence.

Old Red Lion, Little Marlow. 1839.

Plough Inn, Little Marlow Road. Built 1854. Appears to have been built on site of earlier simple beer shop with an unknown name from circa 1825. Historic landlords and history here. (References to The Harrow public house in Marlow 1869 and 1872 have proven to be relating to the Plough, by cross referencing landlord and location information.)

Prince Albert, Chapel Street. 1838. List of landlords here. 

Prince of Wales, Mill Road. Can also be described as in South Place, Mill Lane and Platts Road! It is at the juncture of South Place and Mill Road, has previously been recorded as Mill Lane, Strong Beer Acre and Platts Road/Row. 1861. Landlord listing here.

Queen, Quoiting Square. 1833. This was renamed at some point between 1833 and 1841, the Queen having been previously the Three Loggerheads. Historic landlords listings here.

Queen's Head, Marlow - 1660's.

Queen's Head, Well End / Little Marlow. Address variously described. 1889. But much older building.

Railway Hotel, Station Road. Built 1873/4. Now the Marlow Donkey. Landlord listing  /history timeline here, grave of landlady Sarah Ann Porter  here.

Red Cow. 1843. Also one of these Wooburn Green. The separate existence of a pub of this name in Marlow is questionable, the only doubtful entry on this list. My research suggests the 1843 reference to the Red Cow in Marlow was a misplaced reference to the Wooburn Green business.

Red Lion, West Street AKA the Lion 1832. Not same as Olde Red Lion, Little Marlow. Sometimes called Red Lion Hotel. Image of pub and of the gravestone belonging to former landlady Priscilla Bowen here. Will of landlord Thomas Bowen senior here. Grave of Lester children (landlords offspring) here, landlord listing here.

Rising Sun, Chapel Street. 1833. AKA The Sun beershop. There was an Old Sun, Lane End. List of landlords of Marlow one here.

Roebuck, Causeway. 1754. Renamed the George Inn aka George and Dragon 1835. Landlords listed here

Rose and Crown,

1. "against Oxford Lane and the Quoiting Place" 1687.

 2. Dean Street,  1833+. Landlords here.

3. Coldmoorholm, Little Marlow. 1789. 

Royal Exchange, Dean Street. 1860. But possibly from 1858. I believe it closed in 1869 when John Langley was refused a full licence and opened the "newly built" Verney Arms a month later instead. Perhaps he originally intended to take the Royal Exchange name with him but decided on something more topical?  Landlords here.

Royal Oak

1.) Bovingdon Green. 1794 but certainly older. List of landlords 1794 - 1907 with some gaps  /history timeline here.

2. Dean Street 1833. Elizabeth Bowles. Initially thought to be a misinterpretation of the nearby Cherry Tree sign by the parish assessor of 1833, partly because Elizabeth Bowles is in possession and her family also have a long association with the Cherry Tree. However the Royal Oak appears to be further up, in the position later occupied by the Travellers Friend, not quite as far along as the Jolly Maltsters. Further research to follow. 

Royal Standard, West Street. 1869+ In the subdivided Albion House. AKA the Union Jack. Landlords here and more info here.

Sadler's Arms / Saddler's Arms, West Street. 1853. Landlord listing here, timeline history here

Ship Inn, West Street. AKA Olde Ship 1833 but much older building clearly long in use as inn although not necessarily under same sign. Said to have been built using ship timber, a claim found for many an old Marlow premises. A post on the Rimmel family of this pub was published on this blog here, landlord listing here, Biography of the Reeves who before they ran the pub were in charge of the workhouse here.

Six Bells, Quoiting Square. 1782. Small beerhouse. Will of landlord William Ward here. Landlords listing here.

The Star - 1867. Uncertain location. Could be the Star Of the Town below. See also the North Star. 

Star of the Town, looks an earlier name for the Carrier's Arms, Wycombe Road. May well have been inspired by the launch of Marlow built Star of the Thames too. 1865+

Swan, Causeway. 1831. List of landlords here.

Three Horseshoes 

1.) Gun Lane 1833. Closed 1852. Landlords and history here.

2.) Burrough's Grove. 1833. AKA The Horseshoes. Landlords here.

Three Loggerheads, Oxford Road. 1833. This, the Six Bells and Carpenter's Arms were all within a few doors of each other with the Crown and Anchor not much farther away not to mention the various pubs in West Street. Before Dean Street took over the mantle Quoiting Square was beer central for Marlow! I think that this became the Queen pub at some point between 1833 and 1841, most likely because of the coronation of Victoria. The Three Loggerheads was a joke pub sign seen elsewhere too. Loggerhead was a byword for a fool especially a stubborn one. The pub signs would show only two of them with the implication any unwitting person standing underneath it made the third. See the Queen for a link to landlords.

Three Tuns:

1.) High Street. 1695 (possibly 1683) Occupied at least two different locations-  first in the High Street before a relocation to West Street but probably actually three locations as it seems to have moved within the High Street before it went to West Street.

2.) West Street. By 1833. 

Landlord listings for both here.

Traveler's Friend- Dean Street near corner of Spittal Street. It was also referred as the Traveller's Rest which is very confusing as there were two other pubs in Great Marlow area with that name. One in nearby Chapel Street and one in Wheeler End. THESE WERE NOT ALL THE SAME PUB. They were run by different breweries and had different tenants at the same time. The Dean Street pub curiously said to be behind another building at one point. It had an entrance by a back passage from Dean Street (the passage behind the Cherry Tree pub at the start of Dean Street which was forcibly stopped up later as it was believed to be used for criminal purposes). A post about this pub is available here and landlord listings here.

Traveler's Rest 1.) 

Chapel Street. 1846. Also a marine store. NOT THE SAME PUB AS THE TRAVELER'S FRIEND, though the Friend sometimes was accidentally given as the Rest, and the Rest as the Friend. The breweries which owned them were different. The proper name I have given to both in this post was as per how their breweries referred to them in Buckinghamshire Council Archives 1872 list of pubs owned in Marlow.  List of landlords here.

Traveler's Rest 2.) Wheeler End. 1874.

Traveler's Rest 3.) Temporary name change for the Carpenters Arms 1843 when the outgoing landlord took the Carpenter's Arms sign with him and the new landlord thought he could not continue to use that name.

Two Brewers, St Peter St. 1750. See post on the unhappy marriage of Richard (the landlord) and Sarah Bye here. Landlord listing here.

Turks Head AKA Saracen's Head, High Street. 1820. West Street side. Defunct by 1861. Exact location known. Some proprietors listed here.

Union Jack see Royal Standard.

Verney Arms, Dean Street. Most likely 1869. For explanation and  landlord listing see here.

Volunteer, West End [West Street next door but one to the Hand and Flowers.  Described as having been out of use for a little while in 1889. Attempts  by the brewery to resurrect it were unsuccessful, as the licensing authorities did not believe Marlow needed another beerhouse. Biography of landlord Edward Hatton can be found here Landlord listing here. Wethered pub.

Waterman's Arms

 1.) St Peter's Street. 1851 but likely older. Historic landlords here.

2.) Marlow Road, Bourne End. 1858.

Wheatsheaf, Station Road/ Strong Beer Acre/ Strong Beer Lane. Same location just different ways of giving the address. 1841. A post about the Way family of the Wheatsheaf is available here.

Wheelwright's Arms, AKA the Wheelers Spittal Street. 1833. Landlord listing here.

White Hart 1.) Chapel Street. 1732. A post about one of the families involved in this pub, the Chapple/Chappell family, can be found here And a list of landlords here.

2.) Spittal Square. List of landlords here. At end of 1830s became almost certainly the Cross Keys.

White Horse 1.) West Street. 1755+ Several other mentions in the mid  1700s, a few in the 1780s and then again in the early 1800s but without a street address. Note that in 1792 Robert Boothby founded a charity for the poor to be paid out of a building near the Market House "FORMERLY the sign of the White Horse."  However there are mentions of a White Horse as a working pub after this-up to 1818 which means a change of location for the pub or as often happened a disused pub name being given to a new and unrelated premises. A much earlier Boothby bequest may relate to the Crown but more disambiguation needed. 

2.) Property deeds relating to the Greyhound in Spittal Street which is first recorded by us under that name in 1819 say that it was previously known as the White Horse. This explains the early 1800s mentions of a White Horse with the mid 1700s references being for an earlier West Street business near the Market Place. 

White Lion, West Street. Was probably originally The Fox, if not it was very close to the latters position. The Fox was first recorded in  1833, The White Lion in 1861 though I suspect it was operational in the 1850s. Forced to close 1909. Landlord listing here.

Windmill Inn, Medmenham. Near church there.

Note:

PREMISES WHOSE NAME IS UNKNOWN

1.)There was a beer seller in a very old building in the churchyard demolished when the old church was knocked down in the 1830s. I can't find my note referencing this premise's name but it was none of those above.

2.)There was also it seems an early 1800s pub in Chapel Street (specific building known) of unknown name which closed by the late 1820s.

3.)William Plumridge had a pub in Cambridge Terrace in 1864. Probably the one that became the first Cottage Hospital.

4.) There was a tiny pub in West street in the 1830s and 40s whose close location I know but not the name of it. None of those above.

5.) Small pub in St Peter's Street converted from a cottage. This pub ran 1838-52. Long demolished.

With additional research by Kathryn. 

©Marlow Ancestors. If quoting from this original research please credit this blog but you are very welcome to do so.

Atkinsons of The Rookery Marlow *Updated Jan 2024*

Above pic: Rookery Lodge. The main house has been demolished. 

Benjamin Atkinson inherited freehold and copyhold land in Marlow from his cousin William James Atkinson* after William died in 1849. William was a barrister though he also got some income from owning land in Marlow, Marlow Bottom and Handy Cross in Buckinghamshire as well as in Kent. Despite his farming interests he only defined himself as a barrister in every record I have found. He also served as a J.P. 

William split his time between his house in Chapel Street Marlow and one in London. Without children himself he decided to make Benjamin his heir, and made it a condition of the inheritance that if Benjamin had no children the son of Benjamin's sister Mary Ann would inherit.

William's maternal grandfather owned a reasonable amount of Marlow property. Some of this provided an income to William's mother and I think that William may have inherited some of the property, including some in the vicinity of the Rookery from him however I am only about a third of the way through the man's GARGANTUAN and complex will, so it'll be a while before I can judge that. It is without doubt the longest will I have ever transcribed, and believe me I've battled through plenty! The Kentish property of William James did definitely come via that grandfather. 

As well as the site of the Rookery and farm lands Benjamin inherited 7 cottages in Chapel Street from William James.

In 1833 William's Rookery was described as a house with lawns, flower garden, yard, walks, kitchen garden, stables, coach yard and house, sheds, orchard and "a garden opposite".

On the 1841 census William has 3 live in servants to look after the house.

According to Victorian visitors, it was only during Benjamin's time that The Rookery became known as such (because rooks nested in the trees there). Interestingly a Joseph Heath, gentleman farmer, had a house in Marlow called the Rookery back in 1813, and later references to the Heath family's Rookery do not seek to clarify that it was a different house to the Atkinson's Rookery. That being said I believe that the Heath home was along the river near Mill End rather than in Chapel Street.

By the way the Heath family of Marlow, West Wycombe, Mill End and Ewelme, were very interesting. Well worth a delve into the archives!

 It was the understanding of Victorian visitors to the Rookery that Benjamin's house had been originally created out of an ancient hermitage which in between times had been a farmhouse. Hermitage or not they said it was certainly an 11th century building at its core but with a more "modern" outer appearance, by far the oldest building in Marlow. It will be interesting if archaeological digs on site can expand on this further. To date remains from that period haven't been uncovered on the Rookery site by modern archaeologists. However, in 1877 it was reported that workman digging foundations for the new range of stables had discovered numerous interesting items which were believed to have come from the Hermitage / Chapel.  These included some 11th century silver coins, a silver seal, a stone "mantelpiece" and parts of several stone columns. 

So what of the man himself?

Benjamin was born in London in 1803 the son of a wealthy apothecary and surgeon Benjamin senior, who had previously owned property in Marlow himself, and  Judith (née Norman). Benjamin junior became a surgeon and apothecary in partnership with his father. Originally practising in Lombard Street, but residing in Nicholas Street London, sometime after 1824 Benjamin Senior moved to King William Street there. At number 12 the two Benjamin's would carry on their business until Benjamin Senior's retirement in 1837. After that his son practised with the help of a hired assistant. Benjamin junior concentrated on the surgery side of things though.  Officially he remained an apothecary as well. He also received income as medical adviser to a life assurance company.

Benjamin Senior died in 1840, with his son his heir. Judith had predeceased him. 

In 1849 Benjamin junior married Eliza Griffin, a woman significantly younger than him. 

At some point in the 1850s -on or after 1854- they made the Rookery their main home.

Benjamin also owned Town End (adjacent to the Rookery and sometimes called Rookery Farm, not to be confused with Town Farm, West Street) and Marlow Bottom Farms, as well as fields scattered about and although he employed people to actually run the farms for him on a day to day basis he was actively involved in them. At Marlow Bottom there was corn, wheat, barley, poultry and a big income from timber plantations - elm, beech, oak and ash.

Above, 1839 map of an estate sale, showing also a small selection of Atkinson held land in Marlow Fields. 

Benjamin's warm mutual relationship with his employees was well known in the town as were the Harvest Home celebrations he treated them to. He was revolutionary in his outspoken belief that your employees should be treated as your friends. To read about the famous Harvest Home celebrations held in the Rookery see here. No doubt he had heard tales of the time in 1830 when his uncle William had received one of the infamous "Swing letters" during the machine breaking riots. You can read about the events in Marlow here

Overall I'd say he was probably a nice man. One day a week he saw local poor people for free at the Rookery for surgical consults. The South Bucks Free Press reported in 1859 a queue of 50 for his free services.  

He comes across as a more compassionate J.P than the 1800s norm too when sitting at the Marlow police court. He criticised prosecutors for shouting at witnesses and showed compassion several times in his sentencing.

On numerous occasions he himself became a victim of crime. Using land at Marlow Bottom was never a good idea for anyone wanting to hold onto their crops or livestock -it was Marlow's rural crime hot spot in the 1800s! The worst theft suffered by him was that of a horse. However, for once, that event was not at Marlow Bottom. Cousin William had suffered at least two thefts himself. On another occasion he and his steward found a poor, apparently Scandinavian, tramp who had hung himself from a tree on William's land.

Benjamin died at the Rookery in 1867 leaving Eliza to a long widowhood. They had no children so as per William James Atkinson's instructions the Rookery descended to Benjamin's nephew Henry James Norman Layton (who bought New Court in Marlow in 1880 but lived usually in London). Eliza was allowed to live at the Rookery until her death. She was one of the more prominent people in later Victorian Marlow. Medical affairs were clearly important to her as she was on the committee of the St John's Ambulance and an official Lady Visitor to the cottage hospital of which she was one of the most dedicated financial supporters. To add to that she was a champion of the local fire brigade, numerous flower shows, the church choir and the foundation of a water works for Marlow. In her younger days she was one of the official Lady Patronesses of the balls held in the Town Hall. An interest in gardening especially in the cultivation of apples and pears also kept her busy.

It seems she was going to give up the house in 1880, but in the end did not. The same year her husband's heir bought New Court in the town as I have already said. Perhaps he had decided he wanted to own a house he could personally occupy in Marlow, and Eliza agreed to give up occupation of his inheritance but this became unnecessary when he found out New Court was for sale?

Eliza died in 1900 while on a visit to Folkestone taken for the hopeful benefit of healthy sea air. She had been suffering from failing health and eyesight for some years, and never fully recovered the effects of  an otherwise successful cataract operation. Eliza was bought back to Marlow for burial beside her husband at All Saints. 

The Rookery house is long gone but part of the garden is now a park (Wrightlands) to the rear of existing buildings in Chapel Street, and a stable block and lodge still stand.

*William donated a stained glass window to the then newly (re) built parish church in 1834. 

Researched and written by Charlotte Day. Additional research Kathryn Day (1877 finds update)

To find all mentions of ancestors on the blog choose the Person Index option on the top drop down menu.

More Chapel Street content can be found under the "Specific Shops, Streets etc" option on the menu.

Other medical related posts (selected)- find others listed on the General Marlow History option on the menu.

Call the Apothecary here

Marlow (Forgotten) Hero Nurse Cassidy here

Matron Mary Cole here

Marlow Heroes John and Emily Dunbar Dickson here

Midwife Sarah Price here

A full list can be found under the General Marlow History option on the top drop down menu.

© Marlow Ancestors. Please give credit and a link here if using this research (so that the source citations are not lost from the information) but you are free to do so for any family and local history research purposes.

Research sources:

Copies of original wills obtained from the Nation Archives, Kew and transcribed by me.

Property deeds at Somerset Heritage Centre 

1833 Parochial Assessment, original record held by my family and transcribed by me.

Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the late John Coakley by Thomas Joseph Pettigrew (1817).

1841, 1851, 1871 and 1881 censuses from my transcription of images on LDS family centre microfilm back from when that was how you viewed such things!

1861 census info transcribed from page image from Ancestry UK accessed May 2016. 

Parish registers at London Metropolitan Archives.

Death and marriage certificates from the GRO. 

Bucks Herald 23rd Feb 1884 [Eliza's connection to the water works] copy held at the British Library via the BNA. Accessed January 2020.

Bucks Herald 29th July 1865 [Benjamin's horse stolen] via the BNA. Accessed January 2020. 6th Jan 1877. 

South Bucks Free Press 3rd September 1859. As above. [Queue for free care]

Oxford University and City Journal.