GREAT TOTHAM
See Kelvedon for 1828 & 1832 Directories
KELLY'S DIRECTORY OF ESSEX 1862
GREAT TOTHAM is a village, extending from 3 to 4 miles south-east from Witham station, and 3 to 4 north from Maldon, 41¾ from London, in the hundred of Thurstable, Maldon union and county court district, North Essex, Bishopric of Rochester, Colchester archdeaconry, Witham deanery, and includes Osey, an island in the Blackwater estuary. Its area is 4,321 acres, and its population in 1861 was 840. Beacon Hill, to the north, is about 700 feet above the level of the sea, and commands an extensive prospect in every direction. A signal beacon was placed on the hill at the time when Napoleon threatened to invade England. A large elm tree on its summit is used by mariners as a landmark. The church of St. Peter is small, with a spire and 2 bells. The living is a discharged vicarage, value £178 per annum, with residence. W. P. Honeywood, Esq., is lord of the manor and patron of the living, and the Rev. Mark Gretton Dennis, incumbent. Here is a National school, and the Wesleyan Methodists and Independents have each a chapel here. There are six almshouses for three married couples and three widows, erected in 1855, by William Gooday, Esq., and Mrs. Louisa Gooday, of Drury Farm, Colchester.