You are here: Home Heritage TapestryTapestry PanelsPeople & PlacesTimeline

Timeline

People & Places
1300-1500
Early 1300s: Ashingdon relic
In the early 14th century, an icon at Ashingdon church was supposedly blessed with miraculous powers. People crawled up Ashingdon hill for a 'healing touch' from the relic. The case was investigated by commissioners sent by the Bishop of London after objections were received from clergymen in other parishes and was found to be a sham.
1371: Death of Thomas de Stapel
Thomas de Stapel was one of the most famous individuals of Shopland and a former resident at Shopland Hall. He was a Sergeant-at-Arms to King Edward III and fought in the battle of Crecy in 1346 but died on 3rd March 1371, most likely whilst protecting the King.
1381: 'Royal' marriage at Rochford Hall
Nobility was very important in the area. Henry Bolingbroke, aged 14 (the future Henry IV), married Mary de Bohun, aged 11, at Rochford Hall. Richard II sent musicians to play at the wedding. Sadly, Mary died before Henry became King. Her first son later became Henry V, famous for his victory at the Battle of Agincourt.
1381: Peasants' Revolt
In 1381 Wakering men were involved in the Peasants Revolt against Royalty and the Government. Messengers incited local men to action saying that Sir Robert Hales was coming with 100 Lancers. Essex men later joined a march to London and helped to break into the Tower of London, where Sir Robert Hales was beheaded.
1394: Rayleigh castle destruction
In 1394, Richard II granted permission to the townspeople of Rayleigh to use foundation stones from Rayleigh castle for other building works.
Canterbury pilgrims
The area was part of a major pilgrimage route in the medieval period and both Hullbridge and Fambridge had bridges of one kind or another which are remembered in their names.
1390s: Church on Foulness
The first chapel on Foulness was granted by Lady Joan de Bohun in the late 14th century.
Royal woodlands
The Rochford Hundred district was frequented by royalty as several noble families owned significant property in the area. Indeed, if strolling during these times through the ancient woodland of Hockley and Hawkwell, or Rayleigh's parkland, you may well have come across not only peacocks strutting their stuff, but also Kings of England hunting deer.
Farming & brick-making
Manor houses were common in this period. Lords of the Manor rented land to tenant farmers, as the rich soil and ideal growing conditions meant that Essex fed and traded with a wider area, especially to London via the Thames. Brick-making from the clay soil was also prevalent. London-bound barges were loaded at Barling, which was once a prominent local port. Bricks and local produce would head to London, with manure returning from London! Cobbles from London stables can still be found in Essex soil.
More about
View Panel View Detailed History