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Second Edition by Francis Whellan & Co., transcribed by Peter Brown 2014
Whellan's Directory 1874
Village History : Stanwick

Stanwick Parish is bounded on the east by Shellton in Bedfordshire, on the north by Raunds, by the river Nene on the west, and on the south by Chelveston-cum-Caldecot  It contains 1952 ares, of the rateable value of £3800; and the gross estimated rental is £4514.  The population in 1801 was 332; in 1831, 503; in 1841, 577; in 1851, 609; in 1861, 669; and in 1871, 678 persons.  The soil varies from a strong clay to a light gravelly land on a limestone bottom; and the principal owners are Mr John K. Nichols, Lord Overstone, Spencer Pratt, Esq., and John Bush Esq. (who possess the manorial rights).  The Peterborough railway passes through the parish.  The lordship is well supplied with springs, one of which possesses petrifying qualities; and fragments of Roman tessellated pavement have been found, according to Bridges, at "the further end of meadow-furlong."

Manor The Abbey of Burgh had 1 hide and 1 virgate in Stanwige at the general survey, but the whole manor consisted of 3 hides, two of which lay within the limits of Bedfordshire.  With the abbey the manor continued till its dissolution, when it was seized by the Crown and given to the Dean and Chapter in the thirty-third of Henry Vlll (1541), but was resumed by the Crown in the same reign.  It was sold in the reign of Charles I. to Mr Atkins, one of whose descendants sold it to the family of Ekins, who possessed it for several generations.  

The village of Stanwick, which is rather scattered, is pleasantly situated on a declivity about 2½ miles E. by N. of Higham Ferrers.  Here are some good family residences, amongst which may be noticed Stanwick House, the residence of Spencer Pratt, Esq., which is a handsome square building, commanding extensive prospects; Stanwick Hall the residence of Cecil A. S. Wetenhall, Esq.; and that of John Bush, Esq., which is an ancient Manor House enveloped in trees a little east of the church.  The village is supplied with gas from Raunds since 1869.

The Church, dedicated to St Lawrence, is a small ancient edifice, consisting of a nave, chancel, south porch, and a beautiful octagonal western tower and spire.  The total height of the lower and spire is 156 feet, and the date of the edifice is about 1230.  The living is a rectory in the deanery of Higham Ferrers, rated in the king's books at £6, 13s. 4d., and now worth about £750 per annum.  The patronage is vested in the Crown, and the Rev. George Mansfield, LL.D. is the rector.  The tithes were commuted at the enclosure for land.  The Rectory House, a little west of the church, is a large square building. 

Here are three small Chapels, one belonging to the Baptists and two to Wesleyan Methodists.

The National School, built by subscription, aided by grants of £54 from the Council of Education, and £30 from the Northampton National Society, is a stone building.  It was repaired in 1870 at a cost of about ;£80.

Charities—The church land consists of 15 acres, and lets for £28 per annum.  The Rev. Peter Needham left £10 to the poor, which was expended in the purchase of land, for which the Commissioners of Enclosure allotted 1a. 7p., yielding an annual rent of £3, 12s. 6d.

Worthy—Richard Cumberland, the celebrated dramatist, was born in this parish in 1732.

Post-Office—Samuel Pettit, sub-postmaster.  Letters arrive from Higham Ferrers at 8 A.M. and noon, and are despatched at 9.45 A.M. and 5 P.M.


Bayley Mr Arthur Marchant Robert, tailor Pratt Spencer, Esq. J.P. Stanwick House barrister-at-law
Cox Thomas, baker Marchant William, grocer Sargeant Jno.B Esq.,
Denton Mr Samuel Marshall Mrs Mary, Stanwick Villa Welford George Pesco, miller
Denton Mr William Morris Geo. mason & beerhse. Wetenhall Cecil Arbuthnot Salisbury, Esq., Stanwick Hall
Derbyshire Mr Joseph Morris John, marble mason  
Firkins Thomas, saddler Partridge William, smith Farmers and Graziers
Harrison Mrs Sarah Patrick John, jun. shopkeeper Brawn John Thomas
Maddison Mrs Mary, grcr.& but. Perkins Edward, vict. Duke of Wellington Gascoyne George Goodhall
Mansfield, Rev. G. LL.D. rector Pettit Samuel, grocer, P. 0. Nichols Joseph, Stanwick Lodge


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