White's History, Gazetteer & Directory of Essex ~ 1848
Submitted and Transcribed by Essex Villages
ILFORD (LITTLE) is a small, scattered village and parish, on the west side of the river Roding, opposite Great Ilford, and 6 miles E. by N. of Whitechapel.It contains only 189 souls, and 760 acres of land.John W. Wright, Esq., is owner of most of the soil, and lord of the manor, which has belonged to his family and the Hibbits about two centuries.The farm called Aldersbrook was fro some time a seat of the ancient family of Lethieullier, who came from Brabant during the persecutions under the Duke of Alva. Aldersbrook was sold, in 1786, to Jas. Tilney Long, Esq., who pulled down the house.
The Church (Virgin Mary) is a small ancient edifice, with a wooden turret, and one bell. A small chapel, used as the vestry, contains several handsome monuments, in memory of Smart Lethieullier, Esq., and other members of his family.He was industriously versed in the science of antiquity, an encourager of art, and an ingenious artist.He was born in 1701, and died without issue, in 1760, leaving behind him a history of Barking, in manuscript, as noticed at page 213.
The rectory, valued in K. B. at �11. 13s. 9d., and in 1831 at �408, is in the patronage of J. W. Wight, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. A. Hibbit, B. A., who has a neat residence, and 40a. of glebe.The tithes were commuted, in 1839, for �320. 14s. 8d. per annum. Near the London and Romford road, in this parish, stands Ilford Gaol, one of the County Houses of Correction.It is a spacious brick building, with accommodations for about 80 prisoners, and was finished in 1831, at the cost of about �30, 000.It is conducted on the silent system and has 51 cells, 8 day wards, 10 airing yards, and a tread-mill. Mr. John Anderson is the governor; the Rev. T. L. Ramsden, chaplain; Mr. W. J. Allison, surgeon; and Mr. H. Halstead, task-master.
Petty Sessions are held weekly, at Great Ilford, where there is a station of the metropolitan police.The poor have distributed among them �30 a year, arising from �1000 three per cent. Reduced Annuities, bequeathed by James Hayes, in 1818, in trust with the rector, churchwardens, and overseers.They have also �1 a year from Hyde's Charity, paid by the Salters Company, London, and distributed by the rector in coals.
Anderson John, governor, Goal
Gingell John, hay salesman
Glenny Robt. Moseley, farmer
Glover Jno. Vict. Coach and Horses
Harton Mr William
Hibbit Rev. Arthur, B. A., rector
Hunsdon James, farmer
Lake Isaac, farmer, Aldersbrook
Lamb John, cattle salesman
Othen Jas. Vict. Three Rabbits
Parsons John, market gardener
Ramsden Rev. Thos. Langsden, M. A., goal chaplain; house East Ham