January 7th 1926

Sale of live and dead stock at Hall Farm, Belchamp Otten. Lacey Scott have been instructed to sell by auction at Hall Farm, by instructions from Mr F.C.Branwhite.- 11 pedigree Shire Horses.
8 Red Poll cattle etc. On Friday January 8th.

January 14th 1926

Foxearth lost 3-1 to Newton.(Football)

February 4th 1926

Death of Mrs Telpah Ward, widow of Alfred Ward of Foxearth, aged 71. Mourners were Miss Charlotte Ward, Miss Alice Ward,(Daughters) Mrs E.Harper,(Daughter) Miss Mingay,(Niece).

February 4th 1926

Mr Alfred Finch, postman at Pentlow for 23 years is estimated to have walked 72, 000 miles during that time. To mark their appreciation of a courteous and kindly man, the parishioners presented him with an illuminated address and a purse containing £ 4. Mr Sidney Wells made a short speech and congratulated him on his promotion.

March 18th 1926

For many years Borley has only possessed two church bells, but they are very good ones, one being particulary so, being by Stephen Tonni, who cast it in 1754

This is bell is regarded as extra valuable. One bell broke in half, two years ago, and this necessitated it being recast and the other one renovated. This has now been done, together with a 3rd new bell which has been added. The Bishop of Colchester will dedicate the bells on Saturday, March 27th.

April 8th 1926

On Easter Sunday, Mr David Ward of Foxearth, took his place in the choir at Foxearth Church, it being sixty years since he joined the choir as a boy.

April 27th 1926

PRELIMINARY NOTICE- Foxearth Palace Hall- A fete will be held in the Rectory and adjoining grounds on Saturday, July 19th.

March 25th 1926

William Playle, farmer of Bower Hall, Pentlow, was summoned for keeping two horses with the mange. Mr Wilfred Waters, a veterinarian, of Halstead, said he was called to the farm to examine the horses. Fined £ 2 17s 6d.

March 27th 1926

Death of Mrs Ada Louisa Carter, wife of Mr H.Stibbard Carter at Foxearth.
June 17th 1926, Wickhambrook and South Suffolk Show at Clare. Best milk recorded cow in calf-A.H.Cobbald of Acton Hall, 1st with Honest Beauty.
Best cow of any breed, 1st Frank Sainsbury, 2nd J.Miller, Acton, 3rd- C.F.Day, Acton. Boar any breed-1st Stafford Allen.

June 17th 1926

A very pretty wedding took place on Saturday, at Foxearth in the parish church, between Percy Arthur Butcher and Mehalah Loretta Inch. The ceremony was performed by Rev.G.H.Basset, the bride who was given away by her Father, was attired in blue silk, with hat to match, she was attended by Miss M.Plumb and Miss H.Butcher as bridesmaids. The brother of the bride, Mr F.Inch, acted as best man. The reception was held at the the home of the bridegroom, at Pentlow. The couple were the recipients of some useful presents.

July 29th 1926

During the storm on Wednesday evening, the Red Lion, public house at Belchamp Otten, was struck by lightning. The house is occupied by Mr William Shelley, the chimney was damaged and slates were torn off the roof and plaster stripped off the wall. No-one was hurt.

August 12th 1926

Cricket- Cavendish 62-Foxearth 30.

September 9th 1926

Robert Francis Flynn, rector of Belchamp St Pauls, summoned Herbert B.Rudall, a tutor, of Belchamp St Pauls, who lives in the glebe cottage, for damaging a gate in the stable yard. There had been an argument over the right of way. Rudall was fined 5s..

October 28th 1926

On Saturday, a man named Cutmore met with an accident at Foxearth, he drives a lorry for Ward's Ltd. He was cranking up his motor when his hand slipped, he was taken to St Leonard's hospital, where it was found that he had a broken arm.

June 1927

The Funeral of Rev. H Foyster Bull Passed away in his sleep; Thirty-five years Rector. Died. 9th June 1927.
In April we recorded the death of the Rev. F.E. Pepys Bull, fifty years Rector of Pentlow; this week it is with regret that we announce the passing in the neighbouring parish of Borley, of the Rev. Henry Foyster Bull, M.A. thirty-five years Rector. The deceased gentleman, who was 64 years of age, died in his sleep on Thursday morning, at his home, Borley Rectory,
The Rev. H.F. Bull had been Rector for 35 years. He had been in bad health for a considerable time, and unable to take his duty since January. Born in Gestingthorpe Hall on January 24th 18635 he was the eldest son of the late Rev. Henry Dawson Ellis Bull, Rector of Borley. He was educated at Malvern College and Exeter College, Oxford, where he made many true friends. He was a good oarsman and won various cups. He was ordained by Bishop Lightfoot, of Durham, in 1886, and held curacies at St. Thomas's Westoe, Co.Durham, and Chippenham, Wiltshire, He came to Borley as curate to his father in l889, and on his death became rector in 1892.
The deceased married in September 1912, the widow of the late Mr. Harold Brackenbury. Mr Bull was devoted to his church and parish, and will be greatly missed by his parishioners and a great number of friends round the countryside. He was fond of shooting and much enjoyed a day's sport. He had lived at Borley most of his life. He secured the name of Foyster from his mother's family, who are well-known in the county of Sussex, his grandfather being Rector of All Saints', Hastings. On his father's side he came from a long line of Rectors, one of his ancestors being Rector of Coggeshall between 1500 and 1600. Tattingstone, Suffolk, has a long list of Bulls as Rectors and Patrons. The Bulls inter-married with the Boys family in the i6th century. Catherine Bull married Sir John Boys, Dean of Canterbury, and founder of Jesus Hospital for poor members of the family. He was also private chaplain to Charles 1 and has a handsome marble monument to his memory in Canterbury Cathedral. The family coat of arms was granted to one, John Bull, citizen, of London, in the 14th century.

The Funeral.

There was such a large attendance of parishioners and friends at the funeral on Tuesday afternoon that the little church of Borley could not accommodate them all and many had to follow the service standing in the Church. The coffin, of plain oak with brass fittings, upon which was placed the stole of deceased, was brought the short distance from the rectory to the church and met by the Bishop of Chelmsford, other surpliced clergy and the choir. It was immediately followed by the family mourners. Mrs. Bull(widow), Mr. A.R.G. Bull (brother), Mrs. Hayden (sister),Mr. E.G. Bull (brother), the Misses Freda, Ethel, Mabel, Constance, Milly and Kathleen Bull(sisters). Mrs. F.E.P. Bull(Pentlow), the Misses Bull (Pentlow cousins). Miss Brackenbury, Mrs Montague Fisher, Mr. Bernard Foyster (cousin), Miss Yelloly (step-daughter) and the maids from the Rectory. The clegy present included the Rev. Canon Smith, the Rev. Dr. Young R.D. (Birdbrook) Rev. T.H. Curling (Halstead), Rev. A.G. King (Pentlow), Rev. W. Kennelly (little Yeldham) ,Rev. R. Flynn (Belchamp St. Paul),Rev. W. Bankes-Williams (Glemsford), Rev. J.D. Barnard (Cavendish) Rev. H. M. Greening( Gestingthorpe) Rev. G.H.Bassets (Foxearth), Rev. S.T. Fisher (Lyston), Rev. H.R.Parmenter (Belchamp Otten) Rev. A.P.Pannall (Bulmer),Rev. W.Berry, Rev. H.Lawson Forster, Rev. E.Garret Johnson(Sudbury) and Rev. C.W.Brett(Ovington).
Amongst those noticed in church were Sir Geo. & Lady Whitehouse Lt. Col. McLeod Robinson, Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. David Ward (Foxearth), Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Mills, Mrs. Deeks, Mr. Wm. Bigg, the Misses Coote, Mrs. Holden, Misses Sikes, Mr. T. Miles Braithwaite, Mr. St. G. Burke, Mr. A.H.Canham, Mr, L. Hyde Parker, Capt.Yelloly, Mr. C.F.D. Sperling, Mrs. A.V.C. Lambert, Mrs. Fay, Major Finch White, Mrs. Kipling,, the Misses Byford, Dr. Higgens, Miss: V. Butcher, Mr. Heard, Mrs. Daniell, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. John. Nott, Miss Fisher, Miss Raymond, Mrs. Williams, Mr. T.W.Gardiner, Mrs..Flynn, whilst practically every family in Borley and Rodbridge was represented.An impressive little tribute was paid by the school children, who, as the coffin.
was borne into the church, lined the path.

Bishop's TRIBUTE

The service in church was mainly taken by the Rev. H.C.B. Foyster, c£ Coleman Atch, Sussex, a relative of the deceased, and it was opened with the singing of 'There is a land of pure delight'. The psalm, 'The Lord is my Shepherd' was chanted and after the hymn, 'On the Resurrection Morning' the Bishop delivered a short address, in the course of which he said there must have been many moving occasions in the long history of a parish like Borley, but he could not think there had been many more moving occasions than the present, when they met in order to show their profound respect for the life and ministry of one who had been rector for a period of 35 years. It was fitting, he felt they would all feel, that he should say a few words on an occasion like that. In recapitulating the Rev. H.F. Bull's life, the Bishop said he left Exeter College, Oxford, the year before he (the speaker) became undergraduate there. He was not surprised to find from enquiries he had. made of old Oxford friends who were contemporaneous with their late rector, that they were thoroughly devoted to him , for he was a man greatly beloved. What struck them more than anything else was the extraordinary love he had for that place. He loved Borley with a great love, it was the great passion of his life. Every bit of the church, everything connected with the parish, how much it was to him! When visiting in his last illness he had found that the one thing on his mind was his church and people. He was a kind, true and loyal friend and what could any of them wish to be said of them more, when their earthly life was over, than that he was a devoted friend. Their hearts went out to those who had lost one so near and dear to them, and their hearts went out to the people of that place who knew that a good and true friend had been taken from them.
The service concluded with the 'Nunc Dimittis'. Before the service Mr. B Ambrose played on the organ "0 rest in the Lord" and other suitable music, and as the mourners left the church, Mrs. Coe played a suitable funeral march
The committal rites at the graveside were recited by the Bishop and the coffin was lowered into a grave lined with evergreen and flowers, and situated near the remains of his father and mother. At the Close the hymn 'Abide with me' was sung.

THE WREATHS

There was a magnificent collection of floral tributes from all the members of the family. Bessie, "Dody", Mrs. Almack, Miss Almack, Dr. and Mrs, Owen Wisdom, Mrs. Holden, Miss Sikes, Mr. & Mrs, David Ward(Foxearth), Ivy, Mr. & Mrs. Wm Bigg, Miss Bigg, the Misses Goote, Hubert, Rev.S.T.& Mrs. Fisher, Sir Geo. & Lady Whitehouse, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Brereton Foyster, Major & Mrs. J.A Daniell, Dr. & Mrs. Alexander, Monty and Katie, Mr. & Mrs. R. Pocklinton, Dr. & Mrs. R.W.Rix, Mr. T. Miles Braithwaite, Mr. & Mrs. White (Winchester), Miss. Alice M.Brown, Mrs. Harley (Guthrie) , Rev. & Mrs Leonard Baldwym, Mrs. Raymond (Castle Hedingham) ,Rev. W,& Mrs. Bankes-Williams and Miss Bankes-Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Collins (Stratford-upon- Avon), Mrs. Braithwaite, Violet, F.& E. Shipley, Mr. & Mrs. T. Byford, and family, Mr. & Mrs. Weller Pooley, Mrs. Kent, In. loving memory and respect of our daar Rector, from the school children. With sincere sympathy and grateful rememberance from all the parishioners of Borley. With deepest sympathy from the organist and all the members of Borley Church Choir. With great sympathy from all at Foxearth Hall. With With deep sympathy from the indoor staff at Borley Rectory. With deep sympathy and regret from all the parishioners of Rodbridge. With affectionate remembrance from Edith & Constance Foyster. With sincere sympathy from F.G. & E. Satow.
The whole of the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H.A, Bayfield of Kings St. Sudbury.

January 5th 1928

The flood at Rodbridge effectively cut off Foxearth from Sudbury for motorists, although horses could get through with difficulty, the water being 3ft 6in deep.

January 10th 1928

Death of Mr Daniel Reeve at Belchamp Otten, aged 84 years.
January 5th 1928

Foxearth village hall was to have been opened on Tuesday evening, however on Tueday morning the villagers of Foxearth looked out upon the waste of waters in the Stour valley. At Rodbridge, the water was several feet deep, in view of that fact it was announced by telephone, that the ceremony was to be postponed until Wednesday next, January 11th at 8 pm.
The hall was designed by Messrs Hunt and Coates, Architects, of Bury St Edmunds and was built by Messrs Grimwood of Sudbury. It measures 50ft by 24ft, the outside is rough cast, panelled with massive oak posts. There is an entrance which forms a cloak room and leads through double doors into the main hall. Behind is a spacious kitchen, fitted with cupboards, sink, tables, stove and all necessary apparatus for provision of teas which will be served at whist drives etc. The water supply is laid on from the brewery and sanitary arrangements for both ladies and gentlemen, are of the most modern type and are connected with the main sewer of the village. The hall is furnished with folding hard wooden chairs and folding card tables, it is lighted by the Kohler Automatic Installation as sold by Messrs Dixon's, Motor Engineering Company of Sudbury, the first switch sets the engine in motion and the hall is immediately flooded with a brilliant white light, the installation is of the most up to date form of lighting and obviates the need for storage batteries. The indoor decoration is cream with a four foot dado. The hall is well lighted and is ten feet high at the eaves, the ceiling is covered in and the acoustic properties are effective. The ventilation has been well thought out and the heating is by a stove which is fitted with an alcove. Storage for the necessary fuel and culinary department has been carefully considered.

January 10th 1928

Foxearth Village Hall was formerly opened by Mrs St Leger Glyn, on Wednesday evening. Mr David Ward, chairman of the building committeee, said it was his cherished dream to see the hall opened, it was only two years ago that they formed the first building committee, now they were in their brand new hall.
Mrs St Leger Glyn, said that it was with real pleasure that she came here tonight, she declared the hall opened and Mr Ward presented her with a box of chocolates and a bouquet of carnations. The Rev Basset, treasurer)said that they had collected £ 754 12s 9d, by means of fetes, whist drives and subscriptions, the cost of the hall was £ 787 10s and they had paid the builder that amount less £ 100, which they owed him, they had spent £ 250 on furniture and roughly wanted £ 125 to be free.
Mr Basset said he thought the reason that village halls had sprung up everywhere since the war, was that the men in France had got together more than ever before. Mr Basset thanked Mr Ward for all he had done, nobody knew how much time and money Mr Ward had put into the hall, he had doubled what had been collected, in conclusion, the speaker thanked the anonymous donor of the electric light installation.
The business committee was-Mr D.Ward(chairman) Mr C.Hurst (secretary) Rev G.H.Basset(treasurer) Messrs H.E.Ward - A.Maxim--F.Levick--E.Harper- F.Woods--S.Eady. Contributing to the following concert were F.Cornish-- H.Ince--H.E.Ward(vocal solos), W.Coote (comic songs) Mr Broyd (saxophone and violin) The Foxearth Trio (H.E.Ward-A.Maxim-F.Rush) sang old English songs and Pearce's dance orchestra. (Photos).
February 23rd 1928. On Friday, a serious accident befell Thomas Chambers at Foxearth. Chambers who works for Mr Norris,(Bradfields) was ploughing in company of other men, when by some means, the horses which were drawing the plough behind him, appeared to have been frightened by a tree bough which had blown down on top of them, they knocked Chambers down and trampled him. He was sent to Sudbury for xray's but no bones were broken but severe bruising.

March 29th 1928

Public Notice--W.D.Gardiner begs to announce that he has opened a garage in Hall Street, Long Melford, opposite Lyston Lane.

March 29th 1928

Grand Dance at Foxearth Village Hall on next Friday.
Alberto's Band--Admission 1s.

April 12th 1928

Marriage at Foxearth between Miss Hilda Sutton of Belle Vue and Mr Robert Leggot of Earls Colne.

March 10th 1928

The unveiling of a stained glass window in Pentlow parish church took place recently, the church was filled to overflowing when the Bishop of Colchester performed the service. The artist who undertook the work was Archibald Nicholson of London.

May 17th 1928

Hartest beat Foxearth-85-20.

May 31st 1928

An interesting ceremony took place at Foxearth when a presentation of the new union flag and mast was made to the head mistress of the school, Miss F.A.Barnes, by Mrs Ward, on Empire Day. The school authorities not having a flag attached to the school. The children lustily sang " land of hope and glory" and then marched to the flag pole in the school yard where Mr Campbell Lambert of Foxearth Hall, with a record of 90 years, was asked to hoist the flag, the children then marched in procession past the flag and in military fashion smartly saluted.

June 7th 1928

Alfred James Kent, of Pentlow, was leading a pony attached to a two wheeled vechicle, loaded with grass, on the Cavendish road, he attempted to get on the cart when the offside shaft broke and the pony bolted, but Kent held on, the pony was stopped by Cyril Braybrooke. Kent received deep cuts on the knee and chin.

July 3rd 1928

Cricket--Cavendish-124. Foxearth--19.
July 12th Edwardstone-20 -Belchamp Walter-43.

July 12th 1928

On Friday, Leonard Golding, employed by Mr T.B.Mann of the Hall, Belchamp St Pauls, was with another man carting clover rakings. The horse suddenly moved forward and Golding fell from the tumbril, the wheels passing over his legs. He is badly bruised.

August 23rd 1928

In the Annual Farm Competition of the Essex Agriculture Society, Mr W.Basham of Belchamp St Pauls, came fourth in the challenge cup for the best farm in Essex.

October 11th 1928

Sale of live and dead stock at Acton Hall, for Mr A.H.Cobbald, who is giving up farming. 18 pedigree Suffolk horses-2 Fordson tractor made £ 42 and £ 29. The Redpoll herd was also sold Sale at Rookery farm, Belchamp Walter, for Major Daniel who is giving up farming.-4 Suffolk horses. Sale at Cuckoo Tye for Mr F.W.Branhite, the farm is sold to neighbour.Mr J.Miller.

October 11th 1928

The Rev.G.E.Smith, was inducted to the living of Borley, by th Bishop of Colchester, last week. The new rector was formerly curate at Great Clacton and Little Holland.

October 25th 1928

It is over a century since there was a wedding at Birdbrook Hall. There was a great deal of interest in the marriage which was solemnised at St Augustine's church on Wednesday, when Mr Reginald Basham, youngest son of Mr C.Basham of Hall Farm, Belchamp St Pauls, was married to Miss Olive E.Chapman, eldest daughter of Mr John Chapman of Birdbrook, Mr Bernard Chapman was best man. The couple will take up residence at Hall Farm, Sturmer. Presents included a two tier silver stand, from employees of the Hall, Moat and Honex Farms. The employees of the Hall, Belchamp St Pauls, were entertained to dinner on the evening.

December 6th 1928

Death of Mr William Jennings Mills of Rodbridge House, Long Melford. His methods kept him in the first rank of Suffolk farmers, a man of remarkable energy. The farm at Rodbridge has been in the family for three generations, the first was Daniel Mills, then William Mills, Mr Jennings Mills succeeded to the farm in 1884. He leaves a widow, one son and a daughter.

Thursday June 13th 1929

The Borley 'Ghost'.
Extraordinary incidents at the Rectory.
Domestic's experience
Matter for Psychic investigation


The district has been thrown into a considerable state of excitement by the announcement that a ghost has been seen at Borley Rectory and the peaceful little village has this week, by the notoriety it has gained, become quite 'the hub of the universe'. It is a fact that, both inside and outside the rectory, there seems to have been certain strange happenings, strange enough for those engaged in psychic research to cause investigations to be made. What the eventual findings will be remains to be seen, but from our enquiries, the matter is worthy of the closest possible scrutiny.
Borley is certainly just the district where interesting legends should survive, and its history has been sufficient in it to make it the background for tales, not only of ghosts, but all the chivalry of the middle ages and crusades.
The name is compounded of the Saxon words 'Bab' and 'ley' and means Boar's Pasture. In the reign of Edward the confessor a freeman called Lewin held the lands of the parish, which at the time of the survey belonged to Adeliza, countess Albermarle, half-sister of William the Conqueror. Her daughter was Judith, and her son was Stephen who attended Robert Curthose, duke of Normandy, to the Holy Land, and distinguished himself in a great battle at Antioch. He had one son and four daughters and the son in turn was the father of two daughters one of whom, Amica, married Easton, a family whose surname was derived from the manor of Easton in Walter Belcham. The family practically died out in 1293 when the heiress to the estate was married by Henry 3rd to his second son in 1269. This lady gave up her castles and land to Edward 1st who gave her 20,000 marks. The estate then passed to Christchurch Canterbury and then in 1545 we find the manor of Borley granted to Edward Waldegrave. Sir Edward dies in the tower of London in 1561 and is buried in Borley Church. His lady was also interred in the same grave having enjoyed the estate of Borley until 1599. When she died at the age of 80, Nicholas Waldegrave, a second son, succeeded to Borley and in 1621 his son Philip made Borley Hall his permanent residence. The manor was held by the descendents of the Waldegraves until recent times. In Wright's History of Essex, there is no mention of a monastery or Convent at Borley but there is a definite tradition that there is one near the site of the old rectory. With the district ancient in tradition the family of Bull was connected for hundreds of years until the death in June 1927 of the Rev H.F. Bull MA who had been 35 years rector. His father had been Rector before him and there is a long line of ancestors resting in the little parish churchyard of Pentlow. The present rector, the Rev G.E. Smith came to Borley in September 1929.
Ghostly Tradition.
Now for the ghostly part of the history of Borley. Tradition has it and, it is generally accepted by the inhabitants, although with a certain amount of scepticism that, in the middle ages, there was a great monastery or convent where the rectory still stands. Once upon a time, a nun became acquainted with a coachman. The acquaintance ripened into romance, and they went to meet in secret amongst the trees near the convent. Eventually, they decided to elope, and the coachman called to his aid another who prepared a coach drawn by two bay horses. This intended elopement was, however, discovered, the coachman was seized, and the nun taken back to the convent from which she never again appeared. As for the coachmen, they were tried and beheaded. Since, at long intervals, it has been reported that the nun has been seen walking in the shadow of the trees and that two headless coachmen together with an old-time coach drawn by two bay horses have been observed riding through the parish. It is an extraordinary fact that the late H F Bull often spoke of the remarkable experience he had one night when walking along the road outside the rectory he heard the sound of horses hooves. Upon looking round, he saw an old-time coach driven by two headless men.
First Apparition
The Rev H E And Mrs Smith, on taking up residence at the rectory were told of the legend and the reputation of the place for ghostly visitation but, like practical people, they were more amused than otherwise by the story. Nothing untoward occurred for a period, then a maid who they had brought from London suddenly declined to stay in the house any longer. Asked for her reasons, she was quite emphatic that she had seen a nun walking amidst the trees near the house. Nothing would persuade her otherwise. The next incident was last month when the Rev G E Smith heard sound as of dragging footsteps in slippered feet across one of the rooms. He decided upon an investigation and, armed with a hockey stick sat in the room at night and waited. Again, the sound of someone shuffling across the boards. He struck out with the stick, but nothing happened and the noise continued. Miss Mary Pearson, who is at present a maid at the rectory, told our representative quite confidently that she had seen the ghost. There was, at dusk, what appeared to be an old-fashioned coach on the lawn 'drawn by brown horses'. Miss Pearson is certain she has seen the figure as of a nun apparently leaning over a gate near the house.
An Inexplicable light.
In addition to this, the Rector states that on two or three occasions, a curious light had been seen by himself in a disused wing of the house, and the light at the moment is quite inexplicable. He has investigated this wing and it has been ascertained that there is no light inside, although the watchers outside could see it shining through the window. It was suggested that somebody should go into the empty wing and place a light in another window for comparison. This the rector did and, sure enough, the second light appeared and was visible next to the other. Although on approaching close to the building this disappeared whilst the rector's lamp still burned The Rector, who is not in the least bit disturbed by the mysteries, in conversation with our representative at the rectory on Tuesday, said he did not believe in ghosts. He had been warned against the evil reputation of the house before moving in, but, being townspeople, they took no notice of the country rumours. This is the first summer that the Rev Smith has been at Borley and he understands that at this season of the year, the rectory is 'haunted by the ghosts'. Having seen for himself the apparitions, Mr Smith is causing investigations to be made by Psychic experts.
Sceptics
The gardener at the rectory was inclined to smile at the idea of the ghosts, telling our representative that he had never seen anything, and that although there was a great deal of talk about ghosts there many years ago, he believed that it was 'only couples sweethearting'. The rector believes that some of the folk in the village are frightened to pass the spot at night. Other residents, however, told our representative that they had ridiculed the whole affair. What has been seen recently by the present occupants is nothing additional to what was seen by previous residents at the rectory. Other people who have had a close association with the rectory in past years agree that there has been periodically strange happenings there, which they do not consider it desirable to talk about.

June 14th 1929

The Borley Ghosts

To the Editor
Sir,
I have read with interest the account of the Borley Ghosts and also the traditional story relating to them. With regard to the latter, I would point out a small historical discrepancy. Somewhere between 1529 and 1547, Henry 8th surpressed all the smaller monasteries and nunneries in the land, seizing their money and scattering their communities. Had there been a monastery or convent on the site of Borley Rectory at the time, which is extremely doubtful though there may have been one there much earlier in history, there certainly would have been no resident monks or nuns after 1547. The first coach to be seen in England according to Chambers Encyclopaedia vol 3 was made by Walter Rippon for the Earl of Rutland in 1599, during the reign of Mary Tudor. Later, a more elaborate coach was made by the same man for Queen Elizabeth. The coaches were very primitive affairs, without glass and having broad wheels suited to the wretchedness of the roads at the time. Except for the more expensive kinds, many of the first coaches were roofless too. So it would seem that the nun of Borley and the coachman could never have met during life on this earth, their only appearance being a ghostly one. This does not discredit their separate appearances in the vicinity, but one belongs to an earlier period then the other two and this history would disprove the traditional ghost story. I think there must be two legends but time has interwoven them as the story has been handed down.

Freda I' Noble
Bridge house,
Lyston,
Long Melford,
Suffolk.
June 14th 1929

June 20th 1929

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January 4th 1930

Mr T.W.Gardiner of Purkis Farm, Borley, died suddenly in St Leonards Hospital, Sudbury. Mr Gardiner was a retired farmer and amember of a well known North Essex family, he lived in the district most of his life except for a period in New Zealand where he farmed. He was buried at Ovington.

January 9th 1930

260 people attended a gala dance in Foxearth village hall on New Years eve.

February 13th 1930

At Hedingham Brewster Sessions, Supt.Whiting said that there was a decrease in off licences in the area by one which was the Pinkuahs Arms, Pentlow.

March 13th 1930

Funeral at Borley of Miss Ena Florence Martin, aged 16, daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Martin, who is the Borley blacksmith.

April 3rd 1930

Latest apparatus in Sudbury. Talkies.-The Gainsborough Theatre will open on Monday.

April 3rd 1930

Advert-Potatoes-excellent condition-hand picked Majestic-6d per stone-delivered in Sudbury area-Cobbald, Acton.

April10th 1930

Funeral of William Sparrow Orbell, aged 60, at Pentlow.
His family were connected with Pentlow for many centuries and farmed Paines Manor.

April 24th 1930

Road fatality at Bradley Hill, Belchamp St Pauls.
Harold Balderstone, aged 23, a fruiterer and fishmonger of Clare, was riding his motor cycle up Bradley hill when he wobbled and came off the machine. He died in St Leonards Hospital.

May 1st 1930

A new telephone box at Belchamp Walter.

May 29th 1930

Cricket. Belchamp Walter v Belchamp St Pauls. Belchamp Walter-S.Theobald b Mann 11-A.Finch run out 0 - T.Lawrence c Barton b Golding 1 - D.Pearson c Catton b Mann 0 - W.Pearson b Golding 0 - R.Wright c Scurry inches out. - H.Rowe of Twinstead, 3© inches out. - S.Humm of Henny, 3© inches out. - J.Smith of Twinstead, 4 inches.- J.Sladen, Henny 10©.
Daymen-C.Humm, 2©. - L.Barbrook, Henny, 3©. - C.Seaden, Henny,- 4©.
W.Raymond, Henny, 4©.- J.Seaden, Henny, 10©.- Old Age Pensioners-A.Bradman aged 73, straight. - B.Write, 72, 6©. - J.Humm 80, 7 and one eighth.
A.Newman, 72, 7 and quarter. Ladies, equal first-Mrs Drane and Mrs Weavers, 16©.

June 5th 1930

Belchamp District Council. Mr D.Ward said wells had been sunk at Borley and Lamarsh.

June 19th 1930

The story of how a one armed Pentlow shepherd met his death was told at an inquest at Pannells Ash, Farm, Pentlow. The unfortunate man was Thomas Cutmore of Colchings Cottages, Pentlow, aged 52. Deceased had lost his arm above his elbow when he was 4 years old, he earned 30s a week and at lambing season earned £ 7, he lived rent free.
Archibald Gordon, a roadman employed by Essex County Council said he was going work on his bicycle near Pannells Ash entrance, he saw the horse and tumbril in the front of him going in the same direction, he saw the horse shie at a heap of coal on the side of the road, the horse bolted and the deceased tried to get off the horse by standing on the shafts to jump, but failed, he saw the wheel go over him. Mr Charles Cornell of Paines Manor Farm, said the horse was 18 years old and very quiet, deceased had been his shepherd for 12 years and had been using the horse which he used everyday in his job. Accidental Death.

July 3rd 1930

At Belchamp Rural District Council. Mr D.Ward said that the parish of Foxearth was without a public water supply, the brewery had supplied the village for 35 years but he felt the time had come for a public water supply as the new houses were soon to be built

July 10th 1930

Mr C.F.Day of Potters Farm, Acton, won 1st prize at the South Suffolk Show at Haverhill. Stafford Allen-1st for Suffolk horse foal and 1st for a boar.

September 11th 1930

FOXEARTH RAM FOR AUSTRALIA. At the annual sale of the Suffolk Sheep Society at Ipswich, this excellent example of the breed was sold for export by Messrs Ewer and Pawsey of Claypits Farm Foxearth.
It was 1st at last years South Suffolk Show and in a second placed pen at this years Royal Show.

November 6th 1930

There was a pretty wedding at Belchamp Otten between Mr Albert Blackwell of London and Miss Margaret Stafford Pearsons of the Green Man, Otten Belchamp.

November 20th 1930

David Crysell, gamekeeper for Mr A.V.Campbell Lambert of Foxearth Hall, prosecuted Maurice Hayden and Frederick Woods, van dwellers of Foxearth, for tresspassing in search of game at Foxearth.
P.C.Whittam of Foxearth said he accompanied witness when identification was made. Fined £ 1.

November 18th 1930

Belchamp Rural District Council have taken possession of land at Foxearth, for the new houses. It was farmed by Mr C.H.Row on hire from Essex County Council. Drainage for the new houses, an estimate for drainage has been received for £ 45. A tender for sinking a well was accepted from J.R.Brown.

December 18th 1930

The cottages at Pentlow which were reconstructed under the Rural Workers Act are now occupied.

January 9th 1936

Mr and Mrs Thomas William Martin, of Belchamp Walter, recently celebrated their silver wedding.

February 6th 1936

A.G.M. of Foxearth Village Club. Membership stood at 64, a new billiard table has been purchased and renovations have been made.

February 20th 1936

Forthcoming Sale - On February 28th at 11 am.
At Goldingham Hall, Bulmer. Important sale of 3, 000 head of utility poultry - 45 modern poultry houses and poultry appliances - for H.M.Miller Esq and the Exors of J.M.Miller, deceased. The estate being sold.

March 12th 1936.

Sale at Goldingham Hall, Bulmer, on March 23rd 1936 Live and Dead stock. 3 Suffolk horses and a chestnut cob - 30 head of neat stock including 6 milking cows - 9 black polled in calf cows in calf to a Aberdeen Angus bull - 13 Angus cross year olds and buds - 134 Border Leicester x Cheviot cross ewes and their lambs by Dorset Down rams - 2 shearling rams - implements - carriages-harness and shepherds gear. For H.M.Miller and Exors of J.M.Miller.

March 26th 1936

Frogs are on the march at Pentlow, crowds of them are being enamelled to the road, but it does not seem to make a difference to their numbers.

April 9th 1936

A warning was given at the West Suffolk Licencing Committee that no-one should approach a Justice who is going to sit on a case. Mr J.Stafford Allen referred to a conversation he had on the telephone with Mr D.Ward of Foxearth in respect of an application for a wine licence at Cornard Queens Arms, which Ward and Son have recently purchased. Mr David Ward said he made the remark in a jocular way and he did not think Mr Stafford Allen should have mentioned it as he had not the slightest intention to get the court on his side. Licence granted.

April 9th 1936

Scotch Seed Potatoes. At H.J.Chaplin's of Burkitts Lane.
Eclipse 2s 2d per stone - Majestic 1s 6d - King Edwards 1s 7d - Arran Chief 1s 8d - Great Scot 1s 8d - Duke of York 2s 3d - Sharpes Express 2s 3d - Epicure 2s 3d.

April 25th 1936

There was a stone laying ceremony at Stansted on Wednesday. There was a large gathering to witness the ceremony at the new Methodist Church.

May 7th 1936

Ashen-47 - Belchamp Walter 87.
May 14th 1936 A telephone box has been installed at Borley Green.

May 21st 1936

Whepstead 141 - Foxearth 39.

April 27th 1936

Retirement of Rev.Steward Fisher of Lyston, he has held the incumbency for 40 years, his successor the Rev.A.C.Henning will have charge of Lyston and Borley. Lyston church dates back to the time of King Stephen. Mr A.V.C.Lambert, patron of the living, will share the right of nomination with the patron of Borley. In the South African war the Rev.Fisher served with the R.A.M.C., and later in the Great War he left the parish in other hands and served with the Y.M.C.A. in Marseilles.
Just before the war he built Highfield at Lyston and removed from the rectory.

April 27th 1936

Retirement of Mr and Mrs Charles Cornell from Paines Manor, Pentlow. Mr and Mrs Cornell will live in Cavendish.

June 11th 1936

Death of Samuel Orger aged 70, at Lyston, he was manager of Stafford Allen Farms for 28 years. He came from Ipswich in 1908 and was born at Arkesden in Essex. He leaves a widow, their only child dying in 1926.

July 11th 1936

Death of Mrs Gill, after a minor operation, wife of the Pentlow rector.

August 20th 1936

20 boys from 8 years to 12 years from London Town have been sent to Pentlow by the Church Summer Holiday Fund. They are housed in two large wooden huts and are fed by Mrs Kent. 20 more children are waiting to come. (This was down the Pinkuah lane, last house on the left.)(G.H.)

September 17th 1936

Funeral at Borley of Mrs Emily Mansfield, aged 52 years, she had lived all her life in Borley

September 24th 1936

Wedding at Borley of Cecil Frank Gardiner to Muriel Audrey Turp.

October 1st 1936

At Lyston church on Saturday afternoon, the Rev Alfred Clifford Henning, Rector of Borley was inducted, the benefice being combined with Borley. The Bishop of Colchester conducted the institution and the Rev Dr Young performed the induction. Mr C.H.Westropp of Melford Place who has been rectors warden since 1898 was also present.

December 10th 1936

Halstead Rural Council. The Medical Officer said there was an unsatifactory analytical report on the Foxearth sewer ditch, the ditch was well maintained but there was undoubted pollution of the river. Discussion took place on a sewerage scheme for Foxearth.

October 8th 1936

The funeral of the late Mr H.J.Mayhew, who died at St Leonards hospital last week, aged 79 years, took place on Saturday. The Rev.Bassett officiated and Mrs Coe was at the organ, deceased had resided in the parish for over 40 years. Mourners were-Mrs Brand-Mrs Church-Miss L.Mayhew-Mrs Stennett, daughters. Messrs H - A - H - F - S - N - O - H - and Leslie Mayhew, sons, Miss Agnes Mayhew-sister. The widow was unable to attend because of ill health. Others were J.P.Brand, S.Stennett, sons in law. Miss V.Brand, J.O.Brand, S.and B.Mayhew, Mr G.Stennett,(Acton), Mrs Bassett, Mr and Mrs D.Ward, Mr H.E.Ward, Mr J.S.Ewer, Mr and Mrs A.Maxim, Mr and Mrs Brockwell, Mr W.J.Cook, Mrs Carter. Mr C.and G.Cadge (Long Melford). Wreaths- Lily Harold and Stan-Hugh Mabel and Family-Nora and Jack-Leslie May and Neville-Olly and Nancy-Ivy and George-Peter Paul and Judy-Vera and Oliver-Agnes-Staff at Brook Hall-David Ward-H.E.Ward-Mrs Downing (Norton)-Mr and Mrs A.Maxim-Mr B.Humphreys (Sudbury)-Mr and Mrs C.Stennett-Mr and Mrs J.Stennett and Mr Theobald.