DODDERHILL
Dudrenhull, Doderhull, Dudrenhulla (xii cent.).
Dodderhill, which now includes the formerly extraparochial district of Malborough in the Vines, in
1831 comprised the now separate ecclesiastical parishes
of Elmbridge and Wychbold. With the last-named place
and Rashwood, which are still included in the civil
parish, it has an area of 3,512 acres, of which 1,086¼
acres are arable land, 1,955¼ permanent grass and 21
woodland. (fn. 1) The River Salwarpe enters the parish
near the Stoke Prior Mills. It forms part of the
northern boundary, and then flows across the parish
in a south-westerly direction towards Droitwich. Just
above Impney it is joined by the Salty Brook, a continuation of the Capel Ditch, which forms the boundary between Crutch and Dodderhill. Body Brook,
another tributary, rises in the parish, and, flowing along
the south-eastern boundary, joins the Salwarpe in the
parish of Droitwich.
The Worcester and Birmingham Canal and branches
of the Midland and Great Western railways pass through
the parish, and the Stoke Prior Works station on the
Midland is just within the boundaries of Dodderhill.
The main road from Droitwich to Bromsgrove cuts
across the parish in a north-easterly direction. At
Rashwood a branch from it connects it with the road
from Bromsgrove to Alcester, and another branch from
it leads to Elmbridge. The ground is undulating, and
is generally higher in the east than in the west, the
highest point being about 200 ft. above the ordnance
datum between Wychbold and Astwood and the
lowest 144 ft. on the road from Droitwich to
Crutch.
There is no village of Dodderhill; the church of
St. Augustine stands on a hill immediately north of
Droitwich and just without the boundaries of the
borough. Wychbold, which gave its name to the
most important manor in the parish, is on the Bromsgrove road. Wychbold Hall, the residence of His
Honour Judge Amphlett, K.C., J.P., is a modern
house which lies to the south of the village. The
house at Impney, on the same road about half a mile
from Droitwich, is also modern, and stands in a deer
park of nearly 200 acres. It is a fine red brick house
built about 1875 by the late John Corbett, a great
salt manufacturer, after the model of a French château
from plans by Richard Phené Spiers. (fn. 2)
Obden House is an early 17th-century house with
stone gables.
The hamlets of Rashwood, between Droitwich and
Wychbold, Astwood and Shaw Lane in the northwest are now in the ecclesiastical parish of Wychbold.
At Astwood is Astwood Farm, an H-shaped halftimbered house of the early 17th century, re-fronted
with brick about 1700. The house is of two stories
with an attic, and the plan is of the normal central
hall type of the period. In the southern ground-floor room of the west wing is some good Jacobean
panelling. The chimney stacks are of stone, surmounted by tall brick shafts formed on the plan of
two intersecting squares. Astwood and Shaw Lane increased very much in size during the last century
owing to their proximity to the Stoke Prior Salt
Works, which are just over the borders of Stoke Prior
parish and were opened in 1828. (fn. 3) The works
formerly belonged to John Corbett, who built numerous cottages in Dodderhill for the workmen in his
employ, but about 1890 he sold all his salt works to the
Salt Union, who now carry them on. The salt works
give employment to a number of people, but agriculture is still one of the most important industries, the
chief crops being wheat, beans, barley and turnips.
The soil varies from strong clay marl to sandy loam,
while the subsoil is marl, clay and gravel.
Huntingdrop, formerly Huntingthorpe, 2 miles east
of Droitwich and at one time a detached part of
Dodderhill, was annexed to Hanbury in 1880 (fn. 4) and
four years later Paper Mills was transferred from
Hampton Lovett to Dodderhill. (fn. 5) In 1880 Crowfield
was transferred from Dodderhill to Bromsgrove, (fn. 6) and
part of Dodderhill was transferred to Grafton Manor
at the same date. (fn. 7) The southern part of the parish,
which was in the borough of Droitwich and known
as the In-liberties, was added to the adjoining parishes
of St. Nicholas, St. Peter, and St. Andrew Droitwich
in 1884. (fn. 8)
Elmbridge, formerly a chapelry annexed to Dodderhill, became a separate parish in 1877. (fn. 9) It has an
area of about 1,778¼ acres, including 608 acres of
arable land, 1,116 acres of permanent grass and 8¼
acres of woods and plantations. (fn. 10) The parish is
watered by tributaries of the Salwarpe. The main
road from Droitwich to Kidderminster passes through
Cutnall Green, a hamlet in the south-west of Elmbridge. Broad Common in Elmbridge was inclosed
under an Act of 1865, (fn. 11) and the award is dated
27 January 1874. (fn. 12) There is a common of about 24
acres at Purshull Green and another small common
called Brians Green. (fn. 13) The inclosure award and tithe
map are in the custody of the vicar of Elmbridge.
Dodderhill: Astwood Farm
Among the place-names are Colleyhull and Churchbruggemede (fn. 14) (xiv cent.), Le More (fn. 15) (xvi cent.),
Harpe Furlonge alias Hadfurlonge, Olloxhey or
Ulloxhey, and Bibbs tenement (fn. 16) (xvii cent.).
MANOR
Dodderhill is not mentioned in the
Domesday Survey, (fn. 17) the chief manor at
the time of the Conquest being WYCHBOLD (Wicbold, vii cent.; Wicelbold, xi cent.;
Wichebald, xii cent.; Wychebaud, xiii cent.). Land
at Wychbold near the River Salwarpe was granted by
King Ethelred in 692 to the priory of Worcester, at
the request of his former servant Oslaf, then a monk
at Worcester. (fn. 18) It is said to have belonged to the
priory until the 11th century, when Edwin, brother
of Earl Leofric, wrested it from them. (fn. 19) The truth
of this story is somewhat discredited by the fact
that in 815 and 831 Wychbold appears as a royal
residence, from which Kings Coenwulf and Wiglaf
of Mercia executed charters. (fn. 20) Edwin, according
to the Worcester historian, did not live long to enjoy
his ill-gotten lands, being put to death by Griffin,
king of the Britons. (fn. 21) Instead of being restored to the
priory, Wychbold seems to have been claimed by Earl
Godwin and after the Conquest was granted to Osbern
Fitz Richard. (fn. 22) On the death of the latter the manor,
which was held of the king in chief, (fn. 23) passed to his
son Hugh Fitz Osbern, who married Eustacia de Say.
Their two sons Osbert and Hugh assumed their
mother's surname. Osbert, dying without issue, was
succeeded by his brother Hugh, who had two sons,
Richard and Hugh. (fn. 24) The former died issueless, and
the latter died at the end of the 12th century, (fn. 25)
leaving three daughters. (fn. 26) This manor passed to
Margery, who married firstly Hugh de Ferrers,
secondly Robert Mortimer, and thirdly William
Stutevill. (fn. 27) In 1199 Mabel daughter of Robert
Marmion and widow of Hugh de Say had £11 3s. 11d.
in the manor of Wychbold except the capital messuage
which belonged to Hugh de Ferrers, (fn. 28) and in 1222–3
a moiety of the manor was conveyed to her for her
lifetime by her daughter Margery and her husband
William Stutevill. (fn. 29)
The latter held Margery's estates after her death
by courtesy; in a fine of 1243–4, (fn. 30) in which he
made certain grants to Hugh Mortimer, her son
and heir by her second marriage, Wychbold was confirmed to him by Hugh, and he died seised of it in
1259, when it was valued at £15 5s. (fn. 31) The manor
then passed to Hugh Mortimer, who received a grant
of free warren there in 1266. (fn. 32) On his death in 1275
Wychbold passed to his son Robert, (fn. 33) who died in
1287, (fn. 34) when the estates were held by the king
during the minority of the heir Hugh. (fn. 35) The latter
died in 1304, it is said from poison administered by
Maud his wife, who was only pardoned at the instance
of Margaret, the queen consort. (fn. 36) In the inquisition
taken after Hugh's death the manor is said to have
been a member of Burford, held of the king by barony.
His heirs were his daughters Joan and Margaret, (fn. 37)
during whose minority the custody of their possessions
was granted in 1304 to Queen Margaret. (fn. 38) In the
same year, at the king's request, she transferred a
moiety of the lands, during the minority of the elder
daughter, with her marriage, to Thomas Bykenore, (fn. 39)
and sold the custody of the remaining moiety, with
the marriage of the younger daughter, to Walter,
Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. (fn. 40) Soon after, the
escheator was ordered to deliver the manor of Wychbold to Maud widow of Hugh Mortimer, (fn. 41) and
she remained in possession of it, including a capital
messuage and toll paid by persons crossing the Salwarpe, until her death in 1308. (fn. 42) The manor was
then assigned to the elder daughter of Hugh Mortimer, Joan, then wife of Thomas Bykenore. (fn. 43)
After Thomas Bykenore's death, Joan, his widow,
married Sir Richard Talbot, (fn. 44) and in 1320 Wychbold
was settled on them and their issue. (fn. 45) In 1325–6
the manor of Wychbold was conveyed by Sir Richard
Talbot and Joan to Isabel Mortimer for her life. (fn. 46)
Isabel was still living in 1329, when Joan Talbot,
after the death of her husband, settled the reversion
on her eldest son John and Juliana his wife. (fn. 47) Joan
was followed in 1341 by her son John Talbot, (fn. 48) after
whose death in 1355 (fn. 49) his widow Juliana held it
in dower until her death in 1362, when their son
John succeeded. (fn. 50) He died 18 February 1375, the
custody of his son Richard (fn. 51) being granted by
Edward III to his daughter Isabella. (fn. 52)
Wychbold was retained by Katharine, Sir John
Talbot's widow, in dower. (fn. 53) Her son Richard
Talbot died 13 September 1382, (fn. 54) when Alice, widow
of Peter Preston, was granted the custody of John
brother and heir of Richard. (fn. 55) On her complaint
that certain persons schemed to dispossess her of his
marriage and took him from place to place, Robert
Beverley, serjeant-at-arms, was ordered to arrest the
young heir and bring him before the king and
council. (fn. 56)
John Talbot died a minor, 3 July 1388, and his
three sisters became his co-heirs: Elizabeth wife of
Warin Archdekne, Philippa wife of Matthew Gurney,
and Eleanor. (fn. 57) Eleanor died unmarried in 1390, (fn. 58)
and the lands were divided between Elizabeth and
Philippa, the former receiving Wychbold, which
passed to the Lucys through the marriage of her eldest
daughter Eleanor with Sir Walter Lucy. (fn. 59) Sir Walter
and Eleanor left three children, Sir William Lucy,
who died childless in 1461, Eleanor the wife of
Thomas Hopton, and Maud the wife of William
Vaux of Harrowden. (fn. 60) On Sir William Lucy's death
his estates passed to Elizabeth wife of Sir Roger Corbett
of Moreton Corbet, co. Salop, and daughter of Eleanor
Hopton and to Sir William Vaux, son of Maud. (fn. 61)
According to Habington, Wychbold was then 'by sale
transferred to others.' (fn. 62) The sale took place soon
after Sir William Lucy's death, since in 1463–4 the
manor was in the possession of Joan widow of Sir
Robert Vere, who conveyed it to Nicholas Carew,
Alexander and William Carew, two of his younger
sons, and others, (fn. 63) evidently for the use of William
Carew. It remained in his family for almost a
century. In 1523 John Carew, his son, settled it on
Margery Kelly, whom he afterwards married. (fn. 64) She
was still holding it in 1547, (fn. 65) but before 1562 had
been succeeded by her grandson Thomas Carew, who
with Elizabeth his wife conveyed it in that year to
Edward Villiers and Thomas Savage. (fn. 66)
The manor was afterwards purchased by the Pakingtons. (fn. 67) Sir John Pakington held it in 1610–11 (fn. 68)
and obtained licence in 1618–19 to impark 1,000
acres of arable land in Hampton Lovett, Westwood,
Dodderhill and Droitwich. (fn. 69) He died seised of
the manor in 1625, leaving it to his grandson John. (fn. 70)
In this family it probably remains, but it has long
been extinct.
Wychbold Hall is now the property and seat of
His Honour Judge R. H. Amphlett, K.C., who
inherited it in 1883 from his uncle the Rt. Hon.
Sir Richard Paul Amphlett. (fn. 71) Wychbold Court is a
fine old timber black and white house near; it also
belongs to the Amphletts.
The manor of ELMBRIDGE (Ambruge, xiii cent.;
Elmerugge, Elmbrugge, xiv cent.; Elyngbrigge, xvi
cent.) belonged before the Conquest to a certain
Ældiet and in 1086 to Osbern Fitz Richard, (fn. 72) who
held the adjoining manor of Wychbold. Elmbridge
was held of the lords of Wychbold (fn. 73) (q.v.) by a
family who took their name from the manor. Inard
de Elmbridge was holding a quarter of a third of a
fee of William de Stutevill about 1212. (fn. 74) He seems
to have been succeeded by Stephen son of Inard,
who went by the name of
Stephen de Ellebrug, (fn. 75) or
Stephen Fitz Inard. (fn. 76) Adam
Elmbridge paid a subsidy of
1 mark at Elmbridge in
1280, (fn. 77) and died seised of the
manor in 1308, leaving a son
Roger. (fn. 78) The inquisition taken
after his death shows that he
had in the manor a capital
messuage and free tenants, but
no perquisites of court, because
the tenants did suit at Wychbold. (fn. 79) Roger Elmbridge died
in 1327–8, leaving a son also called Roger, (fn. 80) who
received a grant of free warren in his manor of Elmbridge in 1337 (fn. 81) and held it until 1375, when he
was succeeded by his brother John Elmbridge. (fn. 82) The
latter died before 1379, (fn. 83) but had previously granted
the manor to Sir Thomas Astley and Katherine his
wife for the life of John Cassy, at a yearly rent of
£10, with reversion to Roger (fn. 84) son and heir of John
de Elmbridge, who was proved to be of age in 1398. (fn. 85)
No mention of the manor occurs between this date
and the 16th century, but it evidently continued in
the Elmbridge family, (fn. 86) who acquired the manor of
Croham and other property in Surrey, and seem
to have lived there. (fn. 87) A Roger 'Elingbridge' of
Croydon, who may possibly be the same as the lastnamed Roger, was appointed to tender the oath of
allegiance in 1443. (fn. 88) He seems to have had three
sons, Roger, who died childless about 1437, John
and William. (fn. 89) John succeeded to the Surrey estates, (fn. 90)
and probably also to Elmbridge and left them successively to his son and grandson, both called Thomas. (fn. 91)
The latter died seised of Elmbridge in 1507, and since a
son, John, born after his death,
died in infancy in the same
year, the manor passed to his
daughter Anne, at that time
only three years old. (fn. 92) Before
1525 she married Sir John
Dannet of Dannet Hall, co.
Leicester, (fn. 93) and seems to have
settled Elmbridge on one of
her younger sons, Gerard
Dannet, (fn. 94) who died in 1610, (fn. 95)
leaving it to his younger son
Gerard for life with reversion
to his son and heir John. (fn. 96) The latter died in 1628,
while his brother was still living, leaving a son and
heir Thomas, (fn. 97) who was living
in 1649, (fn. 98) but apparently died
childless, leaving his property
to a younger brother Gerard
Dannet. (fn. 99) John Dannet, son
of Gerard, seems to have left
Elmbridge to his daughter
Frances, who with her husband Edward Bookey sold it
in 1769 to John Penrice, (fn. 100) in
whose family it long remained,
being until recently in the
hands of the representatives of
the late Edward Penrice. It
now belongs to the Corbett
trustees.
Elmbridge. Chicky argent and sable.
Dannet. Sable sprinkled with drops argent a quarter ermine.
Penrice. Party indented argent and gules with a wolf's head sable in the quarter.
During the 13th century a tenth of a fee at Elmbridge, held of the honour of Richards Castle, was held
by members of the Hanewode family. Early in the
century it was held by Reginald de Hanewode (fn. 101) and
in 1211–12 by Richard de Hanewode. (fn. 102) Joan de
Hanewode held it in 1274–5, (fn. 103) John de Hanewode in
1280, (fn. 104) and Robert de Hanewode in 1286–7. (fn. 105)
Before 1308 it had passed to William de Hanewode, (fn. 106)
and in 1327 and 1328 Robert son of William de
Hanewode was dealing with land and rent at Elmbridge. (fn. 107)
The manor of IMPNEY (Ymeney, xiii cent.;
Emeneye, xiv cent.; Imney, Yemmey, xvi cent.) was
held by the Corbett family of the lords of Wychbold. (fn. 108)
Robert Corbett, who was holding it c. 1210–12, (fn. 109) was
succeeded shortly after by William Corbett, who in
1211–12 was holding it under Thomas Corbett. (fn. 110)
Thomas was succeeded by Peter Corbett, (fn. 111) under
whom William Corbett held the manor until about
1280. (fn. 112) His widow Alda died seised of it in 1290,
her heir being William son of Roger Corbett. (fn. 113) In
1329 William received a grant of free warren in
Impney. (fn. 114) He seems to have been succeeded by
Roger, the custody of whose land and son and heir
Walter was granted to Richard Ruyhale in 1383. (fn. 115)
From Walter, who was still living in 1416 (fn. 116) and
1431, (fn. 117) the manor passed to Thomas Corbett, possibly
his son, and to William Corbett, son of Thomas.
The latter died childless, leaving his property to his
two sisters: Elizabeth, or Isabel, who married Ralph
Hacklute, and Eleanor, who married Roger Harewell. (fn. 118)
Walter Hacklute, son of Ralph and Isabel, (fn. 119) apparently left two daughters: Margaret, who married
Richard Colley, and Eleanor, who married Thomas
Rotsey, to whom Richard Colley and Margaret gave
up their share of the manor in 1542. (fn. 120) In the
same year Thomas Harewell, grandson of Eleanor,
Edmund his son and heir, (fn. 121) and the above Thomas
Rotsey and Eleanor his wife conveyed three fourths
of the manor to George Wall, (fn. 122) to whom Thomas
and Edmund sold their half in 1544 (fn. 123) and Thomas
Rotsey and Eleanor theirs in 1546. (fn. 124) George Wall
was succeeded by a son George, who died without
issue before 1564, when the manor passed to his four
sisters. (fn. 125) One of them, Eleanor wife of Edward
Corbett, (fn. 126) afterwards married Thomas Wylde, who
seems to have acquired the whole manor. (fn. 127) It passed
from him to his son George Wylde, serjeant-at-law, (fn. 128)
and to his son John Wylde, (fn. 129) who was appointed
chief baron of the Exchequer in 1646. (fn. 130) The latter
died in 1669 (fn. 131) and was succeeded by an only daughter,
Anne wife of Charles West Lord De La Warr, (fn. 132) who
conveyed it in the same year to Elizabeth Knightley. (fn. 133)
From her it passed to the Foleys, possibly through the
marriage of Anne daughter and heir of Essex Knightley of Fawsley with Thomas Foley, eldest son of
Paul Foley of Stoke Edith. (fn. 134) One of the Foleys
exchanged it for certain lands in Martley and Shrawley,
with Richard Nash, father of Treadway Nash, the
celebrated historian of Worcestershire. (fn. 135) In 1785
Dr. Nash settled the manor on his only daughter
Margaret (fn. 136) on her marriage with John Lord Somers,
and she in 1811 settled it on her son Edward Charles
Somers. (fn. 137) The latter was killed at the siege of
Burgos in the following year, (fn. 138) and subsequently
Lord Somers sold the manor to John Corbett, of the
same name as, but not descended from, the feudal
owners. (fn. 139) From the latter it passed by his will to
Thomas Corbett, his brother, (fn. 140) whose trustees now
hold it.
A several fishery which was claimed by William
Corbett in 1274–5 (fn. 141) belonged to the manor in the
14th, (fn. 142) 18th (fn. 143) and 19th (fn. 144) centuries. A fee-farm
rent of £10 yearly, paid by the lord of Impney to the
Crown, was sold in 1673 to John Kent, Roger Reeve
and Richard Hawkins. (fn. 145)
PURSHULL (Purteshull, xiii cent.), now a farmhouse, is another estate in Elmbridge, which was held
under the manor of Wychbold. (fn. 146) It is first mentioned
about 1210, when John de Montviron held half a
knight's fee there. (fn. 147) The estate passed at about that
time to Sibyl de Peremort, (fn. 148) who was perhaps the
wife of John de Peremort (Porinore), who was said to
be holding a fifth of a knight's fee of the honour of
Richards Castle in 1211–12. (fn. 149) John was still in
possession in 1220–1, (fn. 150) and had been succeeded by
Henry Peremort before 1274–5. (fn. 151) It was possibly
this Henry who granted to his son Walter certain
land in Purshull. (fn. 152) Alice widow of Walter de Peremort paid a subsidy of 12d. at Wychbold in 1280. (fn. 153)
Henry Peremort held the estate in 1308. (fn. 154) Richard
de Portes was dealing with land at Purshull and
Timberhonger in 1332–3, (fn. 155) and Purshull was perhaps
sold in 1337 with Timberhonger by William de
Portes to Hugh de Cooksey, for Hugh de Cooksey
obtained a grant of free warren at Purshull in 1335, (fn. 156)
and in 1349 Hugh and William de Cooksey were
dealing with land at Purshull. (fn. 157) Nash, however,
quotes a deed of 1324–5 by which Walter de Cooksey
released to Walter son of John de Pere nort the
capital messuage of Purshull, which lately formed the
dower of Joan wife of John de Peremort. (fn. 158) From
the Peremorts Purshull passed to the Purshulls
through the marriage of Margaret daughter and heir
of John de Peremort with a member of that family. (fn. 159)
Habington quotes an undated deed by which this
Margaret granted to her son John de Purshull all her
lands within the manor of Wychbold, (fn. 160) and in 1398 (fn. 161)
Sir Walter de Cooksey granted to John de Purshull a
tenement called the Hull of Purshull and other lands
at Purshull. (fn. 162) John de Purshull held land at Purshull
in 1431, (fn. 163) and it continued with the family of
Purshull until the 18th century. (fn. 164) In 1781 it was
the seat of Mrs. Purcell of Worcester. (fn. 165) John Baynham of Purshull Hall certified in 1791 that he had
set apart for Roman Catholic worship a room in his
house, which still exists in its ancient state. (fn. 166)
Purshull Hall stands about 2½ miles north-east of
the church and a mile south of the main road from
Bromsgrove to Kidderminster. It is a rectangular
two-story house of red brick with tiled roofs and faces
north-east. It was built in the early part of the 17th
century, and somewhat enlarged and restored early in
the 18th century. It has a projecting central porch
with a window over, surmounted by a gable having a
cross in the centre, a ball at each foot and a face finial.
The dressings of the round-arched doorway and the
window lintels are covered with plaster, and there is
a brick string-course over the windows at both stages.
Two chimneys project at the back, one of which,
near the centre, is of ashlar sandstone to the first floor
and is continued above in brickwork as an engaged
group of three diagonal shafts the tops of which are
modern; the other at the south is rectangular and
entirely of brickwork; while a third at the north end
is rectangular to the first floor and continued above
as two separate shafts of the intersecting diagonal plan.
On the west side of the house are many long, narrow
windows of the Queen Anne period. The hall has a
large stone fireplace with a deep moulded flat arch
and jambs with moulded stops, and a deep cornice;
the whole is now painted black. The oak stairway,
which is of late 17th-century date, has a long circular
newel. The stairway at the top has some re-used
mitred oak panelling of about 1630, and leads to a
compartment in the roof over the kitchen wing which
contains an early 17th-century oak altar and rails; the
latter are in almost perfect condition and measure
10 ft. 8 in. along the front and 8 ft. 4 in. at the
returned sides. They have plain top rails with projecting upper moulding, flat shaped and pierced
balusters and a kneeling pace which returns all round.
The altar has two turned and moulded legs and an
incised frieze; it has evidently been added to at
some period and altered from its original form, some
of the frieze being used up in the legs. The top has
a piece cut out in the centre about 12 in. by 8¼ in.,
and still retains some fragments of old cloth covering.
The iron knocker and some of the oak doors are probably of 17th-century date.
In the middle of the 14th century Thomas Cassy
granted to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick
land which he held for life at Purshull. (fn. 167) The earl
appears to have settled it as the 'manor' of Purshull
on William Lord Bergavenny and Joan his wife. (fn. 168)
It is mentioned among the possessions of Joan Lady
Bergavenny on her death in 1435, (fn. 169) and from an
inquisition of 1476 appears to have passed to her
granddaughter Elizabeth wife of Edward Nevill,
afterwards Lord Bergavenny, for the latter was holding it by the courtesy at his death in 1476. (fn. 170) It is,
however, enumerated among the possessions in 1439
of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, (fn. 171) who was
the heir male of William Beauchamp Lord Bergavenny, and it was granted in 1447 as a late possession
of Henry Duke of Warwick to Cecily Duchess of
Warwick. (fn. 172)
The so-called manors of SAGEBURY and OBDEN
have always followed the same descent, but the name
of Obden does not occur until the 16th century.
Sagebury, as its former name of Savagebury proves,
must have at one time belonged to the family of
Savage, and evidently to that branch of it which was
settled at Newton, co. Warwick. Of this family
Geoffrey Savage died about 1230, when the custody of
his land and heir was granted to his father-in-law,
Hugh le Despenser. (fn. 173) His son, also called Geoffrey, died
without issue in 1248, and was succeeded by his uncle,
William Savage, rector of Newton. (fn. 174) On the death
of the latter in 1259 (fn. 175) his property was divided
between Thomas de Ednisoure, son of his sister Lucy,
and Hugh Meynill, who had married Philippa, another
sister, (fn. 176) Sagebury evidently being assigned to the
latter, and passing from him to his son William and
grandson Hugh. (fn. 177) Hugh Meynill, probably son of
the last-named Hugh, received a grant of free warren
there in 1350, (fn. 178) and this is the first mention of
Sagebury which has been found. (fn. 179) He left two sons,
William, who died without issue before 1363, and
Richard, (fn. 180) who was succeeded before 1403 by
four granddaughters, Joan, Elizabeth, Margaret, and
Thomasine. (fn. 181) At first Sagebury seems to have been
divided among them, (fn. 182) but it finally passed to
Margaret, who married John Dethick, (fn. 183) son of Ralph
Dethick of Dethick Hall, co.
Derby. Richard Dethick,
grandson of John and Margaret, settled it on his son
Richard on his marriage with
Elizabeth daughter of John
Newport in 1526, (fn. 184) and the
last-named Richard died seised
of the manors of Sagebury and
Obden in 1544, leaving a son
William. (fn. 185) The latter dealt
with the manor in 1583, when
he held with it free fishing in
Henbrook. (fn. 186) His son George
had succeeded him before
1597, (fn. 187) and mortgaged his
estates at Sagebury and Obden, (fn. 188) and finally sold
them in 1605 (fn. 189) to Edward Smyth and Dorothy his
wife. They in 1613 conveyed half the property to
George Smythes, citizen and alderman of London, (fn. 190)
who purchased the other half from Henry Miles and
Elizabeth his wife in the following year. (fn. 191) George
Smythes died in 1615, leaving a son Arthur, (fn. 192) who
got into debt partly by 'the cunning practise of
others,' and partly by his own 'over liberall expenses,' (fn. 193)
and was put into prison 'by the meanes of his fatherin-law.' (fn. 194) Before he was of age he had married
Elizabeth Chaffin, widow, daughter of a certain Giles
Tooker, and according to her relations treated her
very badly, refusing to pay for her maintenance and
'threatening her in verye evill termes and words
unbeseeminge a husband.' (fn. 195) Soon after his marriage
he had been persuaded by his father-in-law to settle
his estates in Sagebury and Obden on his wife Elizabeth and their son Arthur, (fn. 196) and in 1622 he tried to
re-settle them to make provision for a younger son
George. (fn. 197) Arthur Smythes was knighted in 1624
and was Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1630. (fn. 198) In
1637 he, with Arthur his son and heir, sold Sagebury
and Obden to Thomas Nott, (fn. 199) who was still holding
them in 1683. (fn. 200) In 1746 both estates were in the
possession of Pynson Wilmot, clerk. (fn. 201) On his death
in 1784 they passed to his only son Robert Wilmot,
who died intestate, when they passed to his sister
Anne Wilmot, (fn. 202) who in 1802 married Thomas Henry
Bund. By her will she left them to her second
daughter Ursula, who married the Rev. T. H. Hill,
and they about 1875 sold them to John Corbett.
The estates passed by his will to his brother Thomas
Corbett, and are now the property of the Corbett
trustees, Viscount Cobham and Mr. J. Willis-Bund. (fn. 203)
Dethick. Argent a fesse vairy or and gules between three water bougets sable.
The manor of ASTWOOD from early times consisted of two parts, one known as Astwood Robert and
the other as Astwood Savage or Astwood Meynill.
Both were held of the lords of Wychbold. (fn. 204) Little is
known of Astwood Robert. Early in the 13th century it was held by Robert de Astwood, (fn. 205) and about
the same time Richard de Astwood (Estwood) paid a
mark for half a fee in Astwood. (fn. 206) The other estate
must in early times have been closely connected with
the manor of Sagebury (q.v.). Under the lords of
Wychbold it was held during the 13th century by the
Ardernes, Thomas Arderne being named as mesne
lord in 1211–12, 1258–9, 1274–5, 1286–7 and
1308. (fn. 207) Under the Ardernes the estate was held by the
Savages. Early in the 13th century Geoffrey Despenser held a fourth of a knight's fee at Astwood
which shortly afterwards passed to Parnel Savage. (fn. 208)
William Savage died in 1258–9 seised of 2 carucates
of land in Astwood, and this estate like Sagebury was
evidently assigned to his sister Philippa wife of Sir
Hugh Meynill. (fn. 209)
It then followed the descent of Sagebury (fn. 210) until
1365–6, when Richard Meynill recovered it against
John de Stoke and John de Blacklegh, who claimed
it under a grant by Richard's
brother William. (fn. 211) A quarter
of a fee in Astwood held in
1431 by Thomas Gevettes (fn. 212)
may perhaps be identified with
this estate. Habington states
that Astwood was held in the
middle of the 17th century by
the Wheelers, (fn. 213) but according
to the visitation of Worcestershire in 1682 the Wyldes were
seated there at that time, John
Wylde of Astwood, Dodderhill, being succeeded by a
son Thomas, who died about
1652. It passed from him to his son John, who was
residing there in 1682. (fn. 214)
Wylde of Astwood. Argent a chief sable with three martlets argent therein.
The manor of PIPERS HILL is mentioned in
1819, when it belonged to Thomas Shrawley Vernon. (fn. 215)
It passed from him with the Hanbury estate to
Sir Henry Foley Vernon.
CASHIES or CASSIES FARM probably took its
name from the family of Cassy, of whom Thomas
Cassy occurs as lord of Hadzor in the 14th century. (fn. 216)
He seems to have had no children and gave up the
reversion of most of his property, which may have
included Cashies Farm, to Thomas Beauchamp Earl
of Warwick. (fn. 217) The Earls of Warwick probably held
the estate until the attainder of 1499. (fn. 218) It was
leased by the Crown for twenty-one years to Richard
Camme in 1515 and to John Borneford in 1526. (fn. 219)
In 1543 Henry VIII granted it to Richard Andrews
and Nicholas Temple, (fn. 220) who in the following year
sold it to Walter Talbot and Elizabeth his wife. (fn. 221)
It is last mentioned in 1624,
when John Talbot, son of Walter,
died seised, leaving a son Francis. (fn. 222)
Mills seem to have been attached to each of the manors of
Wychbold, Elmbridge and Impney. There were five mills at
Wychbold in 1086, (fn. 223) and a rent
of 50s. from the mill was settled
on Mabel de Say in 1222–3. (fn. 224)
The mill is mentioned again in
the 13th century. (fn. 225) The mill of
Elmbridge is first mentioned in
1376, (fn. 226) and still belonged to the
manor in 1707. (fn. 227) In the 19th
century four mills belonged to
the manors of Impney and Barnes
or Barnes Hall. (fn. 228)
A mill in the parish which
had been granted to Haughmond
Abbey, co. Salop, by Osbert Fitz
Hugh, and confirmed to it by
Hugh de Say his brother, remained in the possession of the
abbey until its dissolution, (fn. 229) and
was granted to John Wright and
Thomas Holmes in 1553–4. (fn. 230)
There are now two corn-mills on
the River Salwarpe near Wychbold Court, and Walkmill Farm,
further south, probably indicates
the site of a former mill. In
Elmbridge there is a corn-mill near Elmbridge
Green.
CHURCHES
The church of ST. AUGUSTINE
consists of a chancel 38 ft. 9 in. by 19 ft.
6 in., a nave, or more properly a central
crossing, about 18 ft. square, north transept 23 ft. by
25 ft. 6 in., and a massive tower, the lower part of
which serves as a south transept, 24 ft. by 16 ft., all
internal measurements.
The church is of late 12th-century foundation,
having probably been begun about 1180, though not
dedicated till 1220. (fn. 231) At that time it must have been
a large and important edifice of a complete cruciform
plan with a central tower, but at the present time
no part of the former nave is above ground.
This first building has undergone considerable
alteration, and at the present time the arches of the
crossing (below the former central tower) and some
of the internal stonework of the north transept are
the only portions of it which survive. In 1313 the
church was appropriated to the Prior and convent of
Worcester, (fn. 232) and in consequence the chancel was
enlarged and new altars were consecrated there in
1322. (fn. 233)
The central tower is said to have been demolished
during the Civil War, and there is no doubt that the
nave and other parts suffered at the same time. The
present tower was erected about 1708, in the place of
the south transept, which presumably was in ruins at
that time.
Plan of Dodderhill Church
The north transept appears to have been entirely
rebuilt early in the 19th century, when it was refaced
externally with plain red brick. The outer face of
the north wall of the chancel has also been bricked.
Owing to the contiguity of the salt mines of Droitwich parts of the building have sunk to an alarming
extent. The tower in spite of its massive walls (8 ft.
thick) has had to be strengthened by bolts and ties.
The east end of the chancel is some 20 in. lower
than the west, but the floor has been levelled again,
and a curious illusion is caused by the falling of the
string-courses eastward, which makes the floor appear
to rise towards the east end.
A vestry was built to the south of the chancel
fifteen years ago, on the site of one erected in 1820,
which then replaced an old vestry and porch.
The five-light east window is of 14th-century date
with leaf tracery which has been renewed outside but
may be old internally. The pointed arch has a
moulded label on stops carved as bishops' heads.
The inner jambs have moulded angles with bases
and capitals, supporting a moulded rear-arch. Internally on either side of this window were formerly canopied niches, but these have been entirely
removed and the spaces filled with modern stonework.
The three side windows in the chancel, one in the
north and two in the south wall, have internal mouldings of similar detail to those of the east window but
partly repaired. All are of 14th-century date, and of
two lights with pointed heads and tracery of varying
design. In the middle of the north wall is a small
blocked doorway, with a depressed head. In the
south wall are a piscina and two sedilia, forming three
bays. The westernmost seat has been replaced by
the vestry door, probably before the present doorway
was inserted. Owing to the sinking of the wall the
seats and sill are now lost in the floor. The heads
are trefoiled and ogee shaped. Carried round the
inside of the walls, below the windows, is a moulded
string-course, which leaps the sedilia and the vestry
doorway; the string is repeated externally on the
south and east sides. Above the modern vestry doorway the blocked remains of a former window arch are
visible outside. It was lower and smaller than the
other two south windows. In the western end of
the same wall is a small low-side window, now blocked,
and obscured outside by the tower buttress. The
internal jambs have roll mouldings with bases and
capitals.
The chancel is ashlar faced internally, and externally
on the south and east walls, which are strengthened
by buttresses, the two eastern being modern.
Evidence that the 12th-century chancel was vaulted
is afforded by the additional order or wall rib on the
east face of the chancel arch. The four arches forming
the crossing are of late 12th-century or early 13th-century date, but parts of them have been renewed.
The responds have detached keeled side-shafts with
moulded bases, some of which are sunk below the
floor level, and a half-round shaft against the inner face.
Most of the capitals are scalloped, with carvings of
varying design above; but one on the west jamb of
the northern arch is carved with stiff upright foliage,
typical of very early 13th-century work. Almost all
the capitals of the inner half-round shafts are restorations, the shafts themselves, in the north and west
arches, being later renewals. The arches were, no
doubt, formerly semicircular, but owing to either subsidence or rebuilding they are now four-centred.
The inner order of each arch evidently dates from
late in the 17th century, when the central tower was
removed. A thin wall, in which is a four-light
traceried window, now closes the archway to the
former nave. The gabled roof above the crossing
and the flat panelled ceiling below are modern.
The north transept is lighted by three modern
windows, and in the south-west corner is a blocked
doorway, with four-centred head and rebated jambs,
which gave access to the vice of the former central
tower. Above it is a small trefoiled light. The
transept is ashlar faced inside, the east wall being
wholly modern, and the outside is faced with brick,
with stone clasping buttresses at the angles. The
tower is of three stages, of which the lowest forms the
south transept. It has a separate archway towards
the crossing standing free of the 12th-century work.
It is lit to the east and west by plain narrow lancets
and to the south by a traceried two-light window
above the south doorway, which comes within the
plinth and has moulded jambs and a pointed head.
The upper part of the lowest stage, which is strengthened by the addition of two buttresses to each of its
outer faces, is lit by single-light windows in the
three free sides. The second stage has small squareheaded lights to the south and east, and the windows
to the bell-chamber are of two lights with pointed
heads. The parapet is embattled and formerly had
pinnacles at the corners, but these have perished, with
most of the coping stones. The stonework of the
tower is of ashlar, and each face is dotted with iron
plates, to which the tie rods are bolted.
All the roofs and furniture of the church are
modern, the pulpit being of iron.
There are a few fragments of old glass mixed with
modern in the east window of the north transept.
The most interesting monument is an undated one
of about 1620 on the north wall of the chancel to a
Dannet; it is carved with four kneeling figures in
relief, all defaced, with a Latin doggerel inscription.
Over it is a shield of nine quarters: 1, Dannet; 2, two
bars; 3, three flying birds; 4, three eagles between two
bends; 5, two bends; 6, bendy of ten; 7, a fesse
checky between six crosslets; 8, checky; 9, six rings.
Also on this wall is a mural monument to Philip
Brace, died 1671, with his arms above, and another
to Gilbert Penrice, died 1726, and his wife Mary
Watkins, died 1722.
In the north transept is a Latin inscription to
Edward and Arthur, sons of the Rev. Edward Philipps,
died 1656 and 1664, and in the south transept (tower)
are a small Latin inscription to a Dannet (undated)
and a small brass to Samuel Sandes, 1636. There
are also gravestones to the Rev. Henry Jones of
Droitwich, died 1665, and various members of the
Wylde family.
Of the six bells the treble and third are by
Richard Sanders of Bromsgrove, dated 1708; the
second by Mears, 1814; the fourth a 1708 bell recast
in 1830 by J. Rudhall; the fifth by Abel Rudhall,
1754; and the tenor a Rudhall bell of 1756 recast in
1893.
The communion plate includes a cup and cover
paten of 1571, also two flagons and a plate of 1797,
given by Thomas Holbeche, whose arms are engraved
on the plate.
The registers previous to 1812 are as follows: (i) all
entries 1651 to 1722; (ii) all entries 1723 to 1743;
(iii) marriages 1744 to 1754, baptisms and burials
1744 to 1804; (iv) marriages 1754 to 1776;
(v) marriages 1776 to 1812; (vi) baptisms and
burials 1805 to 1812.
There are also two overseers' books: (i) 1652 to
1724, with list of briefs and copies of the award in the
matter of Elmbridge and its contribution; (ii) 1738
to 1834.
The church of ST. MARY, Elmbridge, consists of
a continuous chancel and nave 42 ft. 7 in. by 16 ft.
6 in., a north aisle of nearly the same length 16 ft.
wide, and a stone bellcote surmounting the western
gable. These measurements are all internal. The
church was entirely rebuilt in 1872 in the 13th-century style with the exception of the north arcade
of the nave, the columns and responds of which,
dating from about 1200, have been preserved in their
original positions. The fine south doorway of the
latter half of the 12th century has also been re-set in
the new south wall of the nave. It is of three roundarched orders, the outer moulded with the lozenge
and the second with the cheveron; the innermost
order is quite plain, and the stones of the head are for
the most part modern. The two outer orders have
jamb shafts with bell-capitals and moulded bases with
leaf-spurs at the angles. Outside all is a label curiously
moulded with a succession of fluted cones.
The font and altar are modern. In the vestry,
which is partitioned off at the west end of the aisle,
is a chest of c. 1600, much cut down.
On the north wall of the aisle is an elaborate
mural tablet to the memory of Edmund Purshull of
Purshull Hall, 'who was buried,' as the inscription
states, 'May e/y 21st 1650, Aged 96 years, being e/y first
that was interred in this Church (at least for many
ages).' Upon the same tablet are commemorated
Gerard Purshull, his eldest son, who died in 1685,
and Mary, the wife of James Purshull, eldest son of
Gerard Purshull, who died in 1675. The inscription
states that she was the daughter of John Wood, rector
of Clent, by his first wife Bridget, widow of William
Parrott of Bell Hall, and daughter of Francis Conyers,
whose son Sir John Conyers, kt. and bart., was
'sometyme Lieutenant of the Tower of London and
Captain of the king's life-guard of horse and Governor
of Berwick-upon-Tweed.' Above the tablet is a shield
of Purshull, Barry wavy argent and gules a bend sable
with three boars' heads or thereon. To the east of
this is a small brass plate commemorating John Dannet
of Elmbridge Hall, who died in 1752, his wife, who
died in 1760, two daughters of the name of Elizabeth, Edward Bookey, 'wine merchant of London,'
buried 'in a cave near this place,' who died in 1774,
and his wife Frances, daughter of the above-mentioned
John Dannet, who died in 1782. In the churchyard east of the church is a large table-tomb, much
decayed, and without inscription, probably of the
mid-17th century.
There are two bells; the first has no date or inscription upon it, and the second is inscribed 'W. B.
1750.'
The plate consists of a silver cup and cover paten
of 1571 of the usual type, a modern silver flagon and
paten and a mounted cruet.
The registers are as follows: (i) all entries 1570
to 1645 (with a gap from 1626 to 1631), fragmentary 1645 to 1663 and all entries 1663 to 1719;
(ii) all entries 1720 to 1754, baptisms and burials to
1771; (iii) marriages 1755 to 1812; (iv) baptisms
and burials 1773 to 1812.
The church of ST. MARY DE WYCHE, Wychbold, is a building of stone in late 14th-century style,
consisting of a chancel, nave, aisles, transepts, vestry
and organ chamber, south porch and west tower.
The advowson is the property of the Corbett
trustees.
ADVOWSON
The advowson of the church of
Dodderhill was given by Osbern Fitz
Richard, lord of Wychbold, to the
priory of Worcester, (fn. 234) and the gift was confirmed by
Bishop Samson (1096–1112) (fn. 235) and by his successors
Theulf (1115–23) (fn. 236) and Simon (1125–50). (fn. 237) About
1158 Osbert son of Hugh, with the advice of
Alfred Bishop of Worcester, and with the consent of
Henry I, granted the church of Dodderhill to the nuns
of Westwood, and at the time the monks of Worcester
made no protest. (fn. 238) Later, however, the church was
restored to them by a judgement of Bishop Roger in
1178, the nuns being compensated with land
and tithes in Clethall, Westwood and Crutch. (fn. 239)
The monks obtained a confirmation of their right by
Bishop Roger and Pope Lucius. (fn. 240) Osbert son of
Hugh confirmed the church to the priory, reserving
to himself the next two presentations, (fn. 241) and a further
confirmation was obtained from Hugh Fitz Osbert. (fn. 242)
Baldwin Bishop of Worcester (1180–5) appropriated
100s. yearly from the church of Dodderhill to the Prior
and convent of Worcester, and this was confirmed by
Osbert de Say and his brother Hugh. (fn. 243)
The advowson was claimed in 1220–1 by William
de Stutevill and his wife Margery, but they lost the
suit, (fn. 244) and, though the claim was renewed by Robert de
Mortimer in 1274–5, the monks seem to have had no
difficulty in establishing their right. (fn. 245)
The church of Dodderhill was appropriated in 1301
to the Prior and convent of Worcester. (fn. 246) The
appropriation was made without royal licence, and in
1302 the Archbishop of Canterbury, probably at the
king's request, deprived the priory of the church. (fn. 247) It
was decided in 1303–4 that the priory by this
unauthorized appropriation had forfeited the church
to the Crown. (fn. 248) The monks were pardoned for this
trespass in 1305, and the church was restored, (fn. 249) and
again appropriated to them in 1313. (fn. 250) In the following year a vicarage was ordained. (fn. 251)
Even then the monks seem to have had some
difficulty in establishing their right to the church, for
in 1333 the king presented John de Cokham by
Letters Patent, (fn. 252) which were, however, revoked some
days later on evidence that the advowson did not
belong to the king. (fn. 253) This was followed by a
confirmation from the king of the licence granted by
Edward I to appropriate the church, (fn. 254) and by another
appropriation made on the mandate of the pope that
the eight manors and five churches which belonged to
the priory were not enough 'to support fifty monks
and to give hospitality to the many strangers who
visited the city.' (fn. 255) After this date the prior and monks
seem to have held the advowson peaceably until the
Dissolution. (fn. 256) It was granted in 1542, with the other
property which had belonged to the priory, to the
Dean and Chapter of Worcester, (fn. 257) who some years
later surrendered it to the king 'in consideration of
his acquittance of their obligation to maintain
students at Oxford.' (fn. 258) In 1550 it was purchased with
the rectory by Robert Catlin and Peter Wainwright, (fn. 259)
who a few months later sold it to William and Gilbert
Dethick, (fn. 260) the owners of an estate at Sagebury and
Obden in the parish. They appear to have sold it to
Henry Field, from whom it was purchased in 1574 by
Philip Brace. (fn. 261) It remained in his family until the
end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century, (fn. 262)
when it was again sold to Gilbert Penrice, who presented to the living in 1717. (fn. 263) Henry Penrice was
the patron in 1771 and Harriet Holbeche in 1774. (fn. 264)
According to Nash it 'came by a female to Thomas
Holbecke,' the father of Harriet. (fn. 265) The advowson
belonged to Thomas Holbeche in 1789 (fn. 266) and 1831, (fn. 267)
but had been sold before 1849, when the Rev. John
Jackson was the patron and vicar of the church. (fn. 268) It
was afterwards purchased by John Corbett of Impney. (fn. 269)
He devised it to his brother Thomas, whose trustees
are the patrons at the present day.
When William de Dover was rector of the church
of Dodderhill, c. 1275, he founded and endowed a
hospital there for a master and a certain number of
brethren 'to minister divine service for ever,' the
master being appointed by the Prior and Convent of
Worcester. (fn. 270) The hospital was the subject of several
disputes immediately after the Dissolution. (fn. 271) The late
prior and convent were accused of suppressing the
hospital without the king's licence, of turning out the
poor people who lived there 'to their utter destruction,' of pulling down the buildings and selling the
materials for their own use, of withholding the hospital
lands from Richard Cornwall, the master, and of
causing Richard Dethick and others to mow a meadow
called 'Preastmeadow.' (fn. 272) About the same time
Humphrey Stafford seems to have laid claim to the
advowson of the hospital, and to a messuage called the
chantry house with land belonging. It was shown that
the advowson of the chantry or hospital, which was
dedicated in honour of the Virgin Mary, belonged to
the prior and convent, who presented a certain John
Sewell, and at the same time Humphrey Stafford presented John Marshall. A jury was appointed to settle
the disputes which arose, but they were still undecided
six months later, when the king having the bishopric in
his hands presented Richard Cornwall to the hospital. (fn. 273)
The house seems to have been finally dissolved with
the chantries, and in 1548 its site and possessions were
granted to Peter Wainwright and Robert Catlin. (fn. 274)
According to Nash the property afterwards passed to
the Braces, and in his time belonged to Mr. Gilbert
Penrice, (fn. 275) from which it would appear that the site
of the hospital followed the same descent as the advowson (q.v.). Nash also says that the 'edifice is still
subsisting as a pigeon-house near the bridge.' (fn. 276)
In 1322 William de Thorntoft, rector of the
church of Dodderhill, obtained licence to consecrate
an altar in the church of Dodderhill. (fn. 277)
The chapel of Elmbridge annexed to the church of
Dodderhill existed in 1274–5. (fn. 278) It remained a
chapelry of Dodderhill (fn. 279) until 1877, when it was
severed from the mother church and constituted a
separate benefice. (fn. 280) It is now a vicarage in the gift
of the trustees of the late Thomas Corbett. A curate
to serve the chapel at Elmbridge was provided by the
vicar of Dodderhill. (fn. 281)
In 1637, in settlement of a long-standing controversy,
the inhabitants of Elmbridge were ordered to pay a
third part towards the repairs of the church of Dodderhill and the ornaments thereof. (fn. 282)
The new ecclesiastical parish of Wychbold was
formed from Dodderhill in 1888, and the church
was consecrated in that year. (fn. 283) In Wychbold is a
Congregational chapel dating from 1836.
CHARITIES
In 1624 Thomas Wylde by deed
conveyed to trustees certain lands
and hereditaments in this parish and
Astwood, the rents to be applied towards reparation
of the parish church, or maintenance and relief of poor
people, or some other charitable or godly use,
according to the discretion of the trustees. The trust
property has been sold and the proceeds invested in
£575 2s. consols with the official trustees, producing
£14 7s. 4d., which in 1910 was applied in moieties
for the church reparation and for the poor.
In 1655 Jane Murrall by her will left £5 for the
poor, which with £9 collected by the parish was
applied towards the purchase money of some cottages,
which were conveyed by deed dated 1 November
1659 to trustees for the parish, the rents to be applied
for such charitable uses as the minister and churchwardens and others should agree upon, reserving 5s.
a year for distribution among the poor.
In 1698 Catherine Talbot, as appeared from the
Church Table, by will gave 20s. to be distributed on
1 May yearly to the poor of the In-liberties. The
annuity is paid out of the Oakley Estate and duly
applied.
The gift of Thomas Sanders of 10s. 6d. for bread
to ten poor widows, and of Joseph Bache of 20s. for
bread, also mentioned on the Church Table, have
ceased to be paid.
In 1784 Thomas Holbeche in confirmation of a
gift of £5 a year by will of his sister, Sarah Penrice,
by deed charged his estate called Gateley Farm with
an annuity of £5 for the poor of Dodderhill and
Elmbridge.
In 1910 £3 was distributed among the poor of
this parish and £2 among the poor of the chapelry
of Elmbridge.
Chapelry of Elmbridge:
The church lands, referred to on the Church Table,
consist of 9 a. 1 r. 20 p. let at £18 a year, which is
applied towards the repairs of the church.
The Church Table also mentioned a gift by
Edmund Brod to the poor of 3s. 4d. yearly charged
upon his estate at Dunclent in the parish of Stone.
The annuity has ceased to be paid.
Mr. Touch Bourne, as mentioned on the Church
Table, gave a meadow containing 2 a. for the
poor. It is let at £5 a year and the rent is duly
applied.
The Church Table also mentioned that William
Norris of this chapelry erected and endowed a school
at Cutnall Green, to which Elmbridge was entitled to
send fifteen children. For further details see below
under parish of Rushock.