Question: What if these red bricks of Great Tawney Hall could talk?
Great Tawney Hall stands before you. It superseded the old Stapleford Tawney Hall. This timber-framed farmhouse tells a silent story. It dates back to the 18th century.
Let’s delve into its past. Great Tawney Hall was likely built for the tenant of Stapleford Tawney Hall Farm. This happened after the manor fell into the hands of the Smyths of Hill Hall.
In 1838, Sir John Smijth of Hill Hall owned it. However, the executors of Edward Potter occupied it. He was the late tenant of Stapleford Tawney Hall Farm.
Great Tawney Hall features two stories and a basement. The garden front has five windows. It was refaced with red brick in the mid-19th century.
The history of Stapleford Tawney is rich. In 1066, Godric held Stapleford Tawney as one manor. It consisted of five hides. Godric gave four hides to his ten free men. He kept one hide for himself. Robert Fitz Wimarc later acquired the one hide. His son Swein of Essex added the other four hides.
The manor of Stapleford Tawney was held of the honor of Rayleigh. It escheated to the Crown in the 12th century. The Tany family gave the manor its name. This distinguished it from Stapleford Abbots.
Richard de Tany obtained a licence in 1264. He enclosed his wood to create a park. This was within the forest of Essex.
Over the centuries, the manor passed through many hands. These included the Mandevilles and the Legats. The Spice family held it until Clement Spice sold it. He sold it to William Scott between 1480 and 1485.
In 1550, the manor comprised arable land, meadow, pasture, wood and rents. Its net annual value was £26 9s. 8d. By 1589, Elizabeth and Mary Scott inherited it. Elizabeth and her husband Sir Edward Aleyn then possessed it.
The manor then passed through the Aleyn family. Later Arabella, wife of Lord George Howard, conveyed it to Sir Edward Smyth in 1717. The manor then descended with Hill Hall. Mrs Battye and Mrs Stafford Northcote held it until after 1937.
In 1838, the Stapleford Tawney estate covered 711 acres. Great Tawney Hall probably superseded the old manor house. The old manor house site lies immediately south of the churchyard. It now features a walled garden surrounded by a dry moat.
Great Tawney Hall stands as a testament to time. It has witnessed centuries of change. Its red brick facade hides layers of history. The families who lived here shaped the land and the community. Their stories echo through the walls of Great Tawney Hall.
Today, Great Tawney Hall remains a private residence. Yet its presence reminds us of the past. It connects us to the families who once called this place home. Take a moment to imagine life within its walls. Think about the stories it could tell.