Copied and transcribed from Minute Book in Essex Record Office D/P 319/8/1, by Carol Wyatt, John Pullen-Appleby, Elaine Barker and Tony Millatt.

1857
March 19th Parish meeting at the church adjourned to the rectory to examine accts of Overseer of the Poor Surveyor of the Highways.
Present
  Rev Godfrey Bird
  Mr Chas Sanders
      W Abbott
      J Wilton
      S Alen
Surveyor of the Highway accts examined & found correct
Balance in hand £3. 1. 4

Proposed by Mr Sanders and seconded by Mr Abbott that the allowance of beer issued to the men carting gravel be discontinued, carried unanimously.

Resolved that a footpath be made down the green lane commonly called "Gravel Lane" from the road leading to the church to the old workhouse, and that the lower end of the lane beyond the workhouse be drained and put in better repair, and that the ditch of stagnant water at the back of the workhouse be filled up -That the Rev G Bird, Mr W Abbott and Mr S Alen be appointed to superintend the work.

1861     Great Wigborough

April 1st Parish meeting held to examine churchwarden's accounts & to elect churchwardens for the ensuing year.
Present
  Mr C Sanders
  Mr Rob Wheeler
  Mr Wm Abbott
  Rev Godfrey Bird
Churchwarden's accounts examined and found correct
Balance in hand £8. 1.3 ¾
Messrs Abbott & Wheeler elected churchwardens

Memorandum of an agreement made his day April 1st 1861 between Mr W Abbott and Robt Wheeler, and Rev Godfrey Bird Rector of this parish on the one part and Mr Charles Sanders of Tolleshunt D'Arcy on the other part

1861
The said churchwardens and Rector agree to let unto the said Mr Chas Sanders that piece of ground called "Church land" containing eleven acres more or less and the cottages standing thereon which in the parish of Great Wigborough for the term of ten years from Michaelmas day 1861 at the yearly rent of twenty pounds payable at Michaelmas each year. And the said Chas Sanders further agrees to farm the said land in a husbandlike manner according to the custom of the country and to pay all rent charge, taxes, parochial and other Assessments which shall or may be made upon the said cottages and land during the said term.
We the churchwardens agree to put the said cottages into tenantable repair and to keep them so.
Witness our hands this first day of April 1861

Godfrey Bird Rector of Great Wigborough,
Robert Wheeler - Churchwarden
WM Abbott - Churchwarden
Charles Sanders.

April 1st 1861
Subscriptions towards the payment of the costs of the new Vestry built last year

1870
January 6th Parish meeting held at the parish church this day
Presnt
Mr Chas Hutley
Mr Chas Harvey
Mr Saml Alen
Mr Matthew Bonner
Mr Geo Wilton
Composition for cottage rates considered. Proposed by Mr Hutley and seconded by Mr Harvey that an abatement of twenty per cent for one year upon cottage rates in this parish be made according to section 3
Carried unanimously.
Insurance of old workhouse considered The Manchester office demanding £2. 2. instead of the former premium of 13 /-
Left to Mr Harvey to enquire at other offices.
State of the school fence be debated & to have a meeting of the school committee.
Godfrey Bird Chairman
The name of Mr S Alen be added to the school committee.

1870
February 1st A parish meeting held at the church this day to consider the working of the new highway system.
Present
Revd Godfrey Bird
Mr Chas Harvey Waywarden
Mr Chas Hutley
Mr John Blyth
Mr S Alen
Mr M Bonner
Mr Geo Wilton

The following memorial to the Lexden and Winstree Highway Board was unanimously agreed to

We the undersigned ratepayers in the parish of Great Wigborough hereby testify our total disapproval of the working of the new highway system.
The estimate for the ensuing year in this Parish is exorbitant, being nearly double the amount of the average of the last seven years, and with no corresponding improvement in the roads the increased call is very unsatisfactory to us, and we desire through our waywarden to intimate the same to the Highway Board that the Secretary of State for the Home Department may be informed of the feelings of the majority of those in the Lexden and Winstree District.
Godfrey Bird Chairman

1870
Nov 23rd Meeting held at the school house to consider the returns to be made to consider the returns to be made under the new Elementary Education Act of 9th August 1870. [Note 1]
Present
Mr Chas Hutley
Mr Chas Harvey
Mr Chas Barritt
Mr Josh Norfolk
Mr John Blyth
Mr Geo Wilton
Mr Matthew Bonner

Forms filled up and signed by overseers
The opinion of the meeting, that with the Nonconformist school at Tiptree Heath there is sufficient education for the no of the inhabitants about 343 out of 400 requiring elementary education. If not sufficient - proposed to build a Class room but to wait til that is ascertained. Number of children for whom provision is to be made 57
Godfrey Bird Chairman

Dec 20th Another Parish meeting held at the school at 10.30 for the above purpose

Rev F Watson
Mr C Hutley
  C Harvey
  S Alen
  G Wilton
  J Blyth
  M Bonner
Horace Darken Acct to make plan for addition to school
subscription promised for the same.

1871
Jan 30th Meeting at school
Mr H Darken attends to alter plans
Diocesan Board making grant of £10 on condition of offices at back being removed twenty five feet from School building.

Proposed therefore to make the new rooms sitting & bedroom for mistress at the west end of the school & move said offices to the bank in the Grove

Present
Mr Chas Hutley
Mr M Bonner
Mr Horace Darken

Godrey Bird Chairman.

1872
February 22 meeting held at the school house this day
Present
  Rev F Watson
  Rev Godfrey Bird
  Mr Chas Hutley
  Mr Chas Harvey
  Rev CD Crawley
  Mr M Bonner
  Mr W Cause
Discussion about adopting of the "Time Conscience Clause" [Note 2] under new education act and proposed enlargement of the school - Rev G Bird having been proposed and elected chairman. Rev F Watson proposes that the conscience clause ben adopted and that room should be allowed for the children of Salcott upon his undertaking to pay the expense of additional enlargement.
Conveyance of the school and site to the minister and churchwardens for the time being, read, by which it appears that the school is to be kept in connection with the "National Society" [Note 3]upon certain conditions.

Proposed that the said society be written to as to the conscience clause.

Answer - that they do not object to it. Requested that enquiries be made as to whether the schools of Peldon or Layer Breton could take in any of our children if required.

Godfrey Bird Chairman

1872
March 26 Parish meeting called at the church adjourned to the school at eleven o clock.
Present
  Mr Chas Hutley
  Mr Chas Harvey
  G Wilton
  W Cause
Overseer's accounts examined and found correct
Overseers named for the ensuing year
Messrs S Alen
  M Bonner
  J Wilton
  C Harvey
  C Hutley
  J Norfolk
Proposed and seconded that Mr Geo Wilton be required to act as assistant overseer as before
Mr Chas Harvey unanimously elected to be Waywarden for the ensuing year

Lease of "Church Land" for twelve years drawn up by Mr Jones l- Solicitor?] read and signed by Minister and Churchwardens as trustees of the said land
Rent £18 per annum Mr W Cause tenant to sign in [Sol - Solicitor's?] before Mr Jones

Godfrey Bird
Chairman

1877
April 3 Tuesday in Easter week
Churchwardens accounts examined
And found correct

Churchwardens elected
      Mr Chas Harvey for Rector
      Mr Chas Hutley for the Parish

Discussion as whether school funds should be collected by voluntary rate [Note 4] or by subscription - as before
Decided - by subscription but subscribers to be shown what their amount would be by rate

Godfrey Bird Chairman


April 15th 1879 Tuesday in Easter Week
At a parish meeting held at the Church and adjourned o the Rectory after due notice

Present
Rev Godfrey Bird
Mr Chas Hutley
Mr Chas Harvey
Mr Joseph Norfolk
Rev W Y Smythies [Note 5]


The churchwarden's accounts were examined and found correct
Balance in hand £64. 8. 8

Mr Chas Harvey was re-elected as clergyman's churchwarden

Mr Chas Hutley was elected as parishioner's churchwarden

The election of Mr Wilton as Waywarden at the last meeting was found to be void by reason disqualification and Mr Chas Harvey was appointed by the magistrates in his room

    W.Y. Smythies Off. Minis^r.
    Chairman

1880
March 25th Parish Meeting adjourned to rectory from the church
Present
  Rev Frederick Watson Chairman
  Mr Charles Harvey
  Mr Charles Hutley
  Mr Matthew Bonner
  Mr Charles F Harvey Ass: Ov: (Assistant Overseer)

Overseers' and surveyors' accounts examined and found correct
Balance in favour of the parish

Overseers for the next year named

Mr Charles Harvey was re-elected as clergyman's churchwarden
Mr Charles Hutley as parishioner's churchwarden

It was agreed that £2 of the rent due Michaelmas 1880 be repaid to Mrs Cause


November 17th 1881
At a parish meeting held at the church and adjourned to the rectory after due notice

Present Rev Frederick Watson
Mr Charles Hutley
Mr Charles Harvey

It was proposed by Mr Charles Hutley and recorded by Rev'd Frederick Watson that a surveyor's rate of 6d in the pound be made for the ensuing year

1882
At a parish meeting held at the church and adjourned to the rectory after due notice
Present Rev Frederick Watson, Chairman, Mr Charles, Harvey, Mr Charles Hutley, Mr John Blyth, Mr Bonner, Mr Cooke, Mr Wilsher and Mr Balls.
A letter was read from Rev J Papillon asking that his bailiff Mr Fairweather should be allowed to attend the Parish meetings but not to vote. After remarks from Mr John Blyth is was decided that it would not be desirable to admit Mr Fairweather as he was not a ratepayer.
A discussion took place with regard to some stones carted for the parish by Mr Fairweather for the Revd John Papillon. Mr Charles Harvey as Surveyor having objected to the quantity contained in one of the carts, proposed by Mr Blyth and seconded by Mr Hutley that the load of stones in question should not be paid for.

Overseers' and surveyors' accounts examined and found correct. Overseers for the ensuing year named. Mr Charles Hutley, Mr Wilton, Mr Charles Harvey and Mr Samuel Alen. Mr Harvey was appointed surveyor.

1883
Thursday March 29th
At a parish meeting held at the church and adjourned to the rectory after due notice.

Present the Rev Frederick Watson , Chairman, Mr Charles Harvey, Mr Charles Hutley the Rev John Papillon, Mr Wilsher, Mr George Root , Mr George Wilton, Mr William Abbot.
Overseers' and surveyors' accounts examined and found correct.
Balance in favour of overseers' accounts £12 18s -
Surveyors accounts £9 13s 9d

Overseers named for the ensuing year Mr Charles Hutley, Mr George Wilton, Mr Charles Harvey, Mr John Wilsher, Mr William Abbott and Mr S Alen.

Surveyor proposed by Rev John Papillon and seconded by Mr Harvey that Mr Wilton should be Surveyor.

Tuesday Easter Week
At the parish meeting held in the vestry of the church and adjourned to the rectory after due notice. Present Rev Frederick Watson, Mr Charles Harvey, and Mr Charles Hutley.
The churchwardens' accounts were examined and found correct.
Balance in hand £105 15s 4 ½d.
Mr Charles Harvey was re-elected as clergyman's churchwarden Mr Charles Hutley was re- elected as parishioner's churchwarden.

1884
Thursday 27th March.
At a parish meeting held in the vestry of the church and adjourned to the rectory after due notice.
Present Rev Frederick Watson Chairman, Mr Charles Harvey, Mr Charles Hutley. Mr Wilton, Mr George Root, Mr William Abbott, Mr Wilsher.

It was proposed by Mr. Hutley and seconded by Mr Root that Mr Alfred Abbott should be assistant overseer and collector of surveyors' rate at £12 per annum. Mr Abbott and Mr Wilton agreeing to be Bondsmen at £50 each.
Overseers' and surveyors' accounts examined and found correct.

1885
Friday March 27th
At a Parish meeting held in the vestry of the church and adjourned to the Rectory after due notice.
Present, The Rev'd Frederick Watson Chairman, Mr Charles Harvey, Mr Charles Hutley, Mr Wilton, Mr Abbott Mr John Blyth Mr John Wilsher and Mr Alfred Abbott.
It was proposed by Mr Hutley and seconded by Mr Blyth that the following should be the Overseers named for the ensuing year:
Mr Charles Harvey, Mr William Abbott, Mr John Wilsher Mr Charles Hutley Mr S Alen and Mr Blyth.
Overseers' and Surveyors' accounts examined and found correct.
Balance in favour of Overseers' account
£14. 11. 11 ¾
£12. 4. 0 ½
Balance in favour of Surveyors' account
Mr Wilton was appointed Surveyor.

1886
At a meeting of the parishioners held after due notice at Great Wigborough School on Thursday November 25th. The rector in the chair the following resolutions were proposed and passed by the members of the School Committee.
Proposed by Mr Charles Hutley and seconded by Mr Charles Harvey. "That for the future the necessary expenses of the Parish School be met by means of a voluntary rate, such rate to be assessed at intervals by the School Committee".
"That Mr Alfred Abbott, assistant overseer, be authorised to collect such rates as may be agree by the School Committee."
That the rector be correspondent with the Education Department & Mr Charles Hutley and Mr J Wilton be treasurer and auditor respectively.

It was unanimously agreed
1 "That school fees be paid in advance and on default of payment the children be sent home" [Note 6]
2 "That is would be advisable to apply for a Government Grant"
3 "That a full statement of all expenses connected with the school be published & circulated.
        F Theobald Chairman
NB the above minutes were signed by the following, Charles Harvey, George Wilton, Abel Cause, Thomas Bright, Charles Hutley, William Abbott, John Cooke, Alfred Abbott
        F Theobald Chairman

1887
Friday March 25th
At a parish Meeting held in the school room after due notice. Present Mr Charles Harvey Chairman, Mr Charles Hutley, Mr G Wilton, Mr Alfred Abbott.
It was proposed by Mr G Wilton and seconded by Mr Hutley that the following should be the overseers named for the ensuing year.
Mr Charles Harvey, Mr William Abbott, Mr John Wilsher, Mr Charles Hutley, Mr S Alen and Mr J Blyth.
Overseers' account examined and found correct.
Balance in favour of the Parish £6. 7. 4 ¼

Surveyors accounts adjourned until the Easter Meeting.
        Charles Harvey Chairman


April 18th 1887
At a Parish meeting in the Schoolroom on Thursday in Easter week in the school after due notice.
It was proposed by Mr Charles Hutley and seconded by Mr Charles Harvey that Mr George Wilton be surveyor for the ensuing year.

The surveyor's' accounts examined and found correct
Balance in favour of the parish £1 19s 5 ½

It was proposed by Mr Charles Hutley and seconded by Mr George Wilton that Mr William Abbott be Parishioners' Church Warden
    F Theobald Chairman
    C Hutley
    C Harvey
    G Wilton


1887
On Monday 16th of May a meeting was held at the parish school after due notice to consider the best means to celebrate the Queens Jubilee, when the following were present:-
Rev F Theobald (Chairman) Messrs Charles Harvey, Charles Hutley, Horace Judd, J Sach.

It was proposed by Mr Charles Harvey and seconded by Mr Charles Hutley that the meeting should be adjourned until the 23rd inst.

F Theobald (Chairman)
1887
At an adjourned meeting held at the School on Monday May 23rd to consider what steps should be taken to celebrate the Queen's jubilee (Present Rev F Theobald, Mr Harvey, Mr Hutley, Mr Wilton, Mr A Abbott, Mr W Abbott, Mr Abel Cause, Mr F Cause, Mr Corks Messrs Hyam C Ponder, Jas Balls, H Judd, J Wilsmore, W Watling, W Coldham, W Hyam it was proposed by Mr W Abbott, seconded by Mr Hutley & Carried
That a ///// tea be given to the poor.

It was further agreed that the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee should take place on Thursday afternoon June the 23rd.

It was also decided that the children should have a tea with cake etc.
Mr Harvey, Mr Hutley, Mr A Abbott, Mr W Abbott Mr Wilton Mr Abel Cause & Mr F Cause were appointed the committee to carry out the arrangements.
The following subscriptions were promised

(Copy)
    Weimar Lodge Reading
    October 8th 1887
Dear Mr Theobald
In answer to your letter received this morning the harmonium was given by my late dear husband to the school.
With kind regards to Mrs Theobald and yourself
I am yours truly
Emily A Watson

1888
Tuesday in Easter Week 3rd April 1888
At a meeting at the Parish School after due notice the following present:- Rev Theobald, Mr Chas Hutley, Mr G Wilton & Mr William Abbott.
Mr Wilton proposed that Mr William Abbott be churchwarden for the ensuing year seconded by Mr Hutley.
The rector appointed Mr William Christmas as his churchwarden
  F Theobald (Chairman)
  William Abbott
  Charles Hutley
  George Wilton [Note 9]

The churchwarden's accounts for the past year were examined & found correct
Balance in hand £12-19--10
F Theobald (Rector)

At a meeting held at the school on 3 April 1888
It was agreed that Miss Lily Peters be appointed Monitor at a salary of not less than five pounds per annum.
  F Theobald (Rector)
  Charles Hutley
  George Wilton10

1889
24th January 1889
At a meeting held at the parish school after due notice the following present Mr C Hutley, Mr G Wilton, Mr Abel Cause, Mr Alf Abbott, Mr John Wright, Mr D R Cock, Mr W Fairhead, Mr W Christmas, Mr E Bean. As it appears from the report of the Government Inspectors that the school accommodation at Great Wigborough is insufficient for both parishes, in the opinion of this meeting it will be best that Little Wigborough should be separate for school purposes.
    Charles Hutley Chairman

The above resolution was proposed by Mr Fairhead and seconded by Mr D R Cock
    Charles Hutley (Chairman) [Note 11]
    George Wilton
    Abel Cause
    William Christmas
    Alfred Abbot
    W G Fairhead
    Daniel R Cock
    S Edwin Bean
    John Wright


Measurement of main road
April 26th 1889
Colchester Rd 1 mile 48 rods
Mersea Main Rd from Kings Head to Little Wigborough Corner 1 ¾ miles 9 rods
Mr Wiltons Lane 149 Rods
From Drakes to Stafford 298 Rods
Church Road 58 Rods

May 17th 1889
At a meeting held at Great Wigborough School after due notice the following present: -
Revs F Theobald (Chairman) J Jones, Messrs Chas Hutley, Wm Abbott, G Wilton, F Cause .
It was proposed by Mr F Cause and seconded by Mr Chas Hutley that the sum of £100 (Church money) be handed over to the Rev F Theobald towards rebuilding the stone jambs which separate the chancel from the nave \and other work in the body of the church/ he the said Rev F Theobald being responsible for all the expenses.

The plans for the restoring \and rebuilding/ the chancel were not disapproved.

With regard to \pulling down/ the vestry it was considered that the sole responsibility rested with the Rector

F Theobald
(Chairman)


June 11th 1889
At a meeting held at Great Wigborough School after due notice the following present: -
Revs F Theobald (Chairman) Rev J Jones, Messrs Chas Hutley, Wm Abbott, G Wilton, A Cause, Alfred Abbot, E Bean .
It was proposed by Mr Hutley and seconded by Mr William Abbot that Mr Dampier Architect Colchester be instructed to draw plans for the enlargement of the school; and carried unanimously that the rector should communicate with him
    F Theobald, (Chairman)


1889
October 10th
At a meeting held at the rectory after due notice through indisposition of the Rector.
Present
Rev F Theobald
Mr Chas Hutley
Mr A Cause

It was unanimously agreed that another meeting be called with regard to Mr Shead's bill of £87: 1:6.
It was further agreed that the Gallery of Little Wigborough School be used at Great Wigborough with the permission of Little Wigborough and be replace in good condition when required.
It was also agreed that Grace Peters be paid £9 per annum in place of Lily Peters

    F Theobald, (Chairman)


Nov 21 1889
At a meeting held at the school after due notice the following present: -
Revs F Theobald (Chairman) Messrs Chas Hutley, G Wilton, A Cause , A Abbott,

With regard to the gallery it was unanimously agreed that the Rector should get an estimate and have the work done as cheaply as possible.
It was also unanimously agreed that the sum of one hundred pounds be borrowed at the Bank Messrs Mills & Bawtree Colchester towards enlarging and improving the school, the Rev F Theobald, Col Gordon Watson, Mr Chas Hutley, Mr A Cause \undertaking/ to be responsible for the same.

  F Theobald (Chairman) [Note 12]
  C Hutley
  A Abbot
  A Cause
  G Wilton

1890
Feb 10th 1890
At a meeting held at the parish School after due notice the following present: -
  Rev F Theobald
  Mr Chas Hutley
  Mr William Abbott
  Mr Alfred Abbott
  Mr Abel Cause
  Mr Lewis Alen
It was proposed by Mr Chas Hutley and seconded by Mr Abel Cause that Miss Peters be asked to re-consider her intention of leaving which was unanimously agreed.
It was further unanimously agreed that Mr A Cause should ask Miss Peters whether she will be willing to continue as School Mistress at Wigborough School and, in the event of her declining to stay that the rector should advertise for a School Mistress.
It was also agreed that Miss Grace Peters should be allowed the leave at the same time as Miss Peters.
F Theobald (Chairman)

12 March 1890
At a meeting held at the parish School after due notice the following present: -
  Rev F Theobald
  Mr Chas Hutley
  Mr A Cause
  Mr F Cause
  Mr William Abbott
  Mr Alfred Abbott
It was unanimously agreed to appoint Miss E M Brode as schoolmistress paying her the same salary as Miss Peters, granting her £10 from school pence or the whole of the school pence at her option, and giving her the third of the Gov. grant earned
F Theobald (Chairman)
William Abbott, Alfred Abbott
Abel Cause
F Cause

1890 8th April Tuesday in Easter Week
At a meeting after due notice held at the schoolroom
Present C Hutley (Chairman) W Abbott, G Wilton, A Cause, F Cause.

Churchwarden's book examined and found correct. Balance in favour of the parish £3-1-6. Mr W Abbott handed over to the school managers £5 for the governess playing organ. Proposed by C Hutley (proxy for Rev. Theobald) that Wm Christmas be appointed Rector's churchwarden for the ensuing year. Proposed by Mr C Hutley and seconded by Mr A Cause that Mr W Abbott be Parish Churchwarden for the ensuing year.
The School Managers agree to keep on Miss Peters for the remainder of the week beginning Monday April 21st and agree to engage Miss Brode at the salary agreed at the last meeting. Proposed by Mr W Abbott and seconded by Mr F Cause that Mr G Wilton be appointed surveyor for the ensuing year
C Hutley Chairman
Abel Cause
Fred Cause
George Wilton
William Abbott [Note 13]


1890
June 12th
At a meeting held at Great Wigborough School the following present-:-
Rev F Theobald (Chairman)
Mr Chas Hutley Chairman
Mr A Cause
Mr F Cause
Mr William Abbott
Mr Alfred Abbott
Mr Hutley proposed that Miss Mary Christmas be appointed Monitor at a sum of £5 a year which was carried.

It was agreed that Mr Shead be offered forty guineas in settlement of his account
  F Theobald (Chairman)

28th August 1890
At a meeting held at Great Wigborough School on August 28th it was unanimously resolved to accept the conditions upon which the grant of £10 from the \Essex/ Diocesan board of education is offered.
The conditions are as follows
In that the committee of management of Great Wigborough School do hereby declare that they will not consent to the lease or transfer of the school to a school board unless there shall have previously paid back to the treasurer of the Essex Diocesan Board of Education the sum of £10, the amount of a grant now made by that board & we have entered this undertaking on the minutes of the school.
Signed by us this 28th day of August 1890
  F Theobald (rector
  Chas Hutley
  Fred Cause
  Wm Abbott [Note 14]

Notes
1.   The Education Act of 1870 - AKA Forster's Act was designed to set up school boards and get more children into education by building more schools - to, it as it claimed, Plug the gaps. More funding was on offer to church schools such as Great Wigb orough
2.   The Conscience clause allowed children of Non C of E families to absent themselves from lessons containing Anglican religious instruction.
3.   The National Society for the instruction of the poor in the principles of the established church - the main Anglican religious charity.
4.   The Act of 1870 allowed the formation of School Boards funded by a voluntary local rate if desired.
5.   Vicar of West Mersea
6.   This is in the aftermath of the passing of Forsters Act of 1880. Education is now compulsory but it is not as yet free
7.   Autograph Signatures
8.   Also Autograph sigs
9.   As above
10.   As above
11,   As Above
12.   Signatures
13.   Signatures
14.   Signatures

More Wigborough History.