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Marshfield is a village in the local government area of South Gloucestershire, England, on the borders of the counties of Wiltshire and Somerset.

Location

Marshfield is at the southern end of the Cotswold Hills, 8 miles north of Bath, 15 miles east of Bristol and 28 miles south of Gloucester. The A420 road bypasses the village on its northern side. There can be few Gloucestershire villages of such size and quality and little known as this southern outpost of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. Marshfield which is in the county Of South Glos is at the very extremity of the county with Bath and North East Somerset to the south and Wiltshire only a mile to the east of the church. Gloucestershire is to the North. The village stands more than 600 feet above sea level on a ridge which formerly made up the boundary between Wessex and Mercia in Anglo-Saxon times.

Marshfield looks out onto two distinct aspects. To the north is the long stretch of flat-looking fields bordered by dry-stone walls. To the south, the view and the country is quite different, for there one is quickly into the wooded valleys and hedge-lined fields of Bath and North East Somerset, not that the north is without it's interesting small valleys too.

There are numerous footpaths (many signposted), bridle paths, and pleasant walks in all directions. The ridge is of oolitic limestone and fossils can be found. So too can Roman pottery- The Fosse Way is not far away and there is evidence of Roman settlement.

The Manor at Marshfield, classed in the Domesday Book as under Crown lands, was given by William the conqueror to the Bishopric of Wells. In 1106 it passed to the Bath Abbey and in 1170 to Keynsham Abbey, the church belonging to Tewkesbury Abbey. It was the abbot of Keynsham who obtained the grant of a market eight centuries ago. Marshfield's bailiff and sergeant-at-mace was largely concerned with the supervision of the market. His mace from Charles I's time is still used on special occasions. It is made of brass and measures 25 inches from base to tip, has a crowned poppy-head with embossed arms of Charles, and with four panels bearing national emblems of rose, thistle, harp, and fleur-de-lys. At the foot are the arms of the Goslett family. The top is crowned and under the ball the flat top has in the centre the royal arms and the initials "C.R." the bailiff also had duties in the manorial court and with the almshouses. The mace, as the foregoing may indicate, was given by the Gosletts ( builders also of the Tolzey Hall), Haringtons, and Codringtons, all great benefactors of Marshfield.

Sheep and corn were the historic mainstay of Marshfield and its greatest fame was for many years in malting, throughout Georgian times and until the last century. At one time there were as many as 80 malthouses, vast stocks being sent to the Bath and Bristol breweries. Marshfield differs from other medieval Cotswold towns in that its economy derived from barley rather than wool. Significantly, in around 1280 the abbot was granted the taxes of bread and beer in the town, and by the 15th century, there is evidence that barley was being grown for malting. In this process, which converts the grain into fermentable material that can then be sold for brewing beer and ale, the barley is soaked, allowed to begin to germinate and then killed by heating -- all in special buildings called 'malthouses'. Marshfield at one time boasted at least 80 of these, but the last one ceased operation in the first decade of the 20th century.

Marshfield also became important in the post-medieval period as the first stage on the Bristol-London stagecoach route -- hence the large number of pubs/inns that the town once supported. The main road through Marshfield was turnpiked in the 18th century, and there were two toll houses in the town, of which only one (in the west) survives. The Second was replaced in the late 50's by a Police station.

It is to those days, at their peak in the 18th century but not long gone from living memory, that Marshfield owes its distinguished architectural heritage.

In the coaching days Marshfield was the first stage from Bristol on the main road to London. An old stone set in the house stated "103 miles from Hyde Park Corner". It was necessarily removed during the second World War and now a modern plaque announces the same message.

Amenities

These include 3 pubs, a general store, a butchers, Post Office, a pet shop, public toilets, skate park, petrol station, motocross shop, estate agents, hairdresser and a cafe. With the spread of education and easier commuting there is a much wider choice of occupation for the people of Marshfield than once was the case. Agriculture was once the major industry but has now been balanced with a fair mixture of business's including Media promotion, Web design, Computer radio network, Engineering, manufacture and design. There are many flourishing business's and an index is being compiled with contact details.

Sheep are still reared but milk production has gone out of favour in preference to stock rearing, arable, poultry and pig farming. In this new century even these types of industry are struggling to survive and those not able to diversify tend to fall by the wayside. The Foot & Mouth epidemic didn't touch the Marshfield area but nevertheless still caused a considerable amount of worry to farmers. At one time sheep and barley were dominant, hence malting was the chief industry of the district for which it was noted throughout the country.

So important was the trade the village once had a resident sergeant, two policeman, and two excise officers. It was said that after working in the Marshfield malting industry a man was always sure of a job, not only because of the special training but also for his ability in coping with excise matters. A supposed remaining sign of those great days is the pair of peepholes in the walls of two houses in the high street through which a watch could be kept of the excisemen. Remains of maltings can still be found in a number of houses. Clear signs of debris "grain" was found during the Channel 4 "Time team" visit and can be seen on display in Sweetapples teashop.

With more farm machinery in use, fewer men are now employed on the farms but others work for agricultural contractors. The then home office approved school at Ashwicke was once called St Joseph's and provided a variety of jobs such as teaching, cooking, maintenance, gardening, and secretarial work. Ashwicke Hall then became a school for overseas students and is now up for sale. ( £5,000,000 is the asking price ). The primary school also provides ancillary works. The vicar lives in the parish but as with the doctors, nurse, policeman, and home helps, his works is shared among neighboring parishes. Among the other trades and businesses represented in the village are light industry, garages, building and haulage contractors, coach operators, grocers, licensees, guesthouses, butcher, undertaker, florists, saddler, hairdresser, stamp dealer, and post office. most still remain but modern times still present pressures for then to remain in the trade they enjoy.

Among the many residents working outside the village are civil servants, architects, businesspeople, lecturers, writers, teachers, journalists, electricians, artists, secretaries, auctioneers, long distance lorry drivers, chefs, factory and shop workers, and numerous students. As many live to a fine old age, numerous retired people in the village are still very active with associations and in voluntary work.

History

File:Wives2.jpg BBC Publicity photos for Wives & Daughters.

The name derives from the old English word March or Border, hence Border Field being the literal translation.

The town is rich in history because of its location in the heart of Cotswold wool country, near to Bath and Bristol.

Located within an agricultural area, Marshfield gained market status in 1234. The layout conforms to that of a typical market town with long narrow gardens extending back from the narrow frontages, and served by two rear access lanes (Back Lane and Weir Lane).

The majority of buildings lining the street are of 18th century origin although several buildings date from the 17th century. The building style is largely Georgian. The facades of the buildings are unified by the consistent use of local stone and other materials, which adds character to the village.

The Church

St Mary's Parish Church with its tower provides an important focal point that can be observed from numerous points in the village and is a landmark visible from miles around. The church is on the eastern side of the village. The Church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the skyline for miles around enabling the visitor to identify Marshfield's location from some miles away without the help of a map. A church has stood on that site for more than 1000 years. The first was dedicated to St Nicholas, and at west Marshfield there was another, of which no traces remain, to St Pancras. It is thought that a field called St Pancras Close marks the site. In Bristol museum there is an ancient deed of about 1125 confirming to the Abbot of Tewkesbury various tithes and ecclesiastical benefices, among them Marshfield church, at that time very much smaller than the church we see today.

It is recorded in the annals of Tewkesbury Abbey that on June 1st 1242, in the reign of Henry III, Walter de Cantelupe, Bishop of Worcester, in whose diocese Marshfield then stood, came to dedicate a newly-built church at Marshfield. The monks of Tewkesbury Abbey restored and re-built the church in the perpendicular style in about 1470. After the dissolution of the monasteries the right of presentation of the benefice was given to the warden and fellows of new College, Oxford, by Queen Mary, in lieu of property of which they had been robbed by Henry VIII. The college's first incumbent came into residence in 1642, only to be disposed during the Civil War. New college still has the benefice in its jpgt.

Timeline of Church events

A chalice of 1576 and a paten probably dating from 1695 are in regular use, and communion plate given by the long family in 1728, including two large flagons, is used for the Christmas Eve midnight service each year. The church was restored in 1860 and more carefully in 1887 and 1902-3 under the late Canon Trotman. Restoration of the chapel of St Clement in the north aisle was restored to its original design in 1950 as a memorial to the late Major Pope of Ashwicke Hall, a considerable benefactor of Marshfield. A new cemetery to the north of the village was opened in 1932, the churchyard being full. Non-conformist worshippers in the village are served by Baptist and Congregational chapels, and by Hebron Hall. Conversion of an old barn into the present church hall was done in 1933 at a cost of £650.

The Parish Register dates from 1558, the first years of Elizabeth I's reign. The first two volumes were indexed and fifty copies printed by a London antiquarian in the time of Canon Trotman. For the first 150 years entries were generally written in Latin and initially only baptisms were recorded, burials being first entered in 1567 and marriages five years later. Although many of the earliest names recorded are forgotten today, many more are still familiar in Marshfield. As well as poor Edmund Roach. (See The Highwaymen Link) a few curious entries from the register, translated from Latin are;

" 1580 12th April. A well-known woman named Ellen Pain was buried, who was Murdered in a wood belonging to John Blanchard Snr. "

" 1634 29th January. William the sons of Richard Biggs was buried ( Then in old English ) who died a little below Ashton's Linch, as he was comminge from Bristowe, by reason of the vehemency of the weather, in extraordinary snowe. "

" 1636 27th December. Eliza Wickham was buried, the daughter of John Wickham ( added in English ) who was chocked by eating a bitt of the foot of a bullock's henge. " (I've no idea what a Bitt or henge is).

" 1638 6th August. Catherine Stockman was buried, who, ( then in English ) as she was a-stealing apples out of Mr Michael Meredith's orchard, fell downe from the tree, beinge the sabbath day at night and broke her neck."

Layout

File:Matithemapt.jpg

High Street is the single main thoroughfare of Marshfield and is approximately 350m in length and straight.

The eastern part of the village contains the parish church, Manor House and Home Farm, a group of historic buildings noted for their architectural features.

Almost every house along the high street is more than 100 years old, from the Georgian Gothic tollhouse at the western end to the splendid groups of medieval barn, dovecote (The lord of the manor was the only man allowed to keep pigeons-for fresh meat in winter), and early Georgian stable range which go with the Manor house and Home farm. Near the tollhouse stand the fine almshouses of 1612, built for the use of eight elderly villagers by the two sons of Marshfield, Nicholas and Ellis Crispe, who had gone to London and made their fortunes largely through the West Indies trade. They endowed the houses with funds to provide a free residence, garden, and £11 yearly. Many houses date from Tudor and Stuart times ( a few were originally timber-framed ) and have gables and mullioned windows. Several have bow fronts and there are five examples of shell-pattern door arches typical of Queen Anne work. The finest front in the high street is perhaps the Catherine Wheel ( right ) some of whose buildings at the rear are much older than 1700.

The Malting house is a typical example of the village's former prosperity in that trade. Other notable high street buildings include the former independent chapel of 1752, the gabled range of the Hospice, the Red House, the former police station (now number 123), numbers 44, 83, 115, and 126.

The Crown, the Lord Nelson, the old Inn, and several farms still in the heart of the village are also noteworthy: Wier farm in Wier lane, with it's gables, was once a malting house, and Pitt farm, at Little end, is 17th century. The vicarage, whose front was rebuilt in the 1730's by Mrs Dionysia Long, is particularly handsome with it's barn, stable block, and large walled garden fringing the market place.

The Tolzey or Town House was built in 1690 for the people of Marshfield by John and Mary Goslett. As well as being the old town's administrative headquarters ( the parish council still meets here) it also housed a Marshfield fire engine and served as a lock-up. ( The fire manual is now in Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol). Fresh information suggests that it now appears to be missing after enquiries by a local business-woman. (1999)

Castle farm is about a mile to the north of Marshfield. In its two-acre farmyard is an ancient longhouse with the original fireplace and the dividing screen between the human and animal dwellings. On the neighbouring land where lynchets show in some fields, many Bronze Age and Stone Age implements have been picked up and a skeleton in a stone coffin discovered.

Formerly there were two mansions to the south of the village- the Rocks, now a ruin, and Ashwicke Hall, now a private boarding school. (The International School of Chouetfait). The Rocks, covering 1188 acres belonged to the Taylor family, and was originally Jacobean. It was visited by the late Queen Mary during her stay at Badminton in the second World War. Ashwicke, ancient seat of the Webbfamily, was bought and rebuilt by John Orred in 1857, replacing an older house that stood nearby. After his death it was bought by the Horlooks who later moved to the Manor House. The hall then passed through other hands and the Firth family sold it to its last private owner, Major Pope, in 1909. The two houses employed many people from the parish in the past and the footpath running from the village to Ashwicke is a reminder of those days of service.

On this former estate is the Rocks East woodland training centre which has several guided walks and wooden sculptures. Open most days with energetic walks leading to the old walled gardens. Across the lane leading down to St Catherines valley (Oakford Lane) lived Major Jeremy Taylor who was a Captain in the 23rd Hussars (Tank Regiment) and was decorated in WW2. He grew up on the estate in it's heyday. He later worked as an Animal Wrangler in the film "Lawrence of Arabia" and performed the "long" camel riding shots for Peter O'Toole. He boasted wonderful evenings out with David Lean, Audrey Hepburn and Alec Guiness in Cairo. He then assited in training the Indian Army with their horse regiments finally buying a bar and nightclub in Bath before retiring to a wooden chalet beside a man-made lake in the woods within the old Rocks estate. He died peacefully in the RUH Bath a few years ago.

The Mummers of Marshfield

Every Boxing Day at 11:00am increasing numbers of visitors come to the village to see the performance of the celebrated Marshfield Mummers or "The old time paper boys." Seven figures, led by the town crier with his handbell, dressed in costumes made from strips of newsprint and coloured paper, perform their play several times along the high street. Beginning in the Market place after the Christmas Hymn's which Are led by the vicar the mummers arrive to the sound of the lone bell. The five minute performances follow the same set and continue up to the Almshouses. The final performance is outside of one of the local public houses where the landlord delivers a tot of whisky for the "Boys".

In the past centuries the mummers were probably a band of villagers who toured the large houses to collect money for their own christmas festivities. During the latter half of the 19th Century the play lapsed, presumably for lack of interest. The play was not entirely forgotten however. Then, in 1931, the Reverend Alford, vicar of Marshfield, heard his gardener mumbling the words 'Room, room, a gallant room, I say' and discovered that this line was part of a mummers' play. The vicar's sister Violet Alford, a leading folklorist, encouraged the survivors of the troupe and some new members, including Tom Robinson (whose place was later taken by his brother), to revive the tradition. . It differs in several respects from other versions: St George has apparently become King William and Father Christmas is an extra character. The costumes, as well as the play's symbolism, are relics of an ancient and obscure original- perhaps the earliest performers were clad in leaves or skins, symbolizing the death and rebirth of nature.

When mumming began in Marshfield is unknown, but there appears to be documentary evidence of mummers' plays since the 11th century. c1141 is believed to be a rough start date. The Marshfield play was discontinued in the 1880s when a number of the players died of influenza. But it was reserected after the second World War.

The Paper Boys have performed nearly every Christmas since (there were no performances during World War II). The Paper Boys' play is basically a fertility ritual with traces of medieval drama and incorporates the story of St George and the Dragon. It was never written down, and over the centuries, it gradually changed through the addition of ad libs and misunderstandings.

The nonsensical corruptions of the text reveal its origins as a story told by illiterate peasant folk, unaware of all its allusions. There have to be seven characters as seven was thought to be a magic number. They include Old Father Christmas (the presenter of the play), King William who slays Little Man John who is resurrected by Dr Finnix (a rebirth theme). There's also Tenpenny Nit, Beelzebub who carries a club and a money pan, and Saucy Jack who talks about some of his children dying -- there are many references in mummers' plays about social hardship.

The Paper Boys have to belong to families that have lived in Marshfield for generations and they must have the Marshfield accent. When a role becomes available, precedence is given to the relatives of present members of the troupe. Because it is a fertility rite, women are not allowed to participate. Each costume comprises a garment made of brown cloth covered in sewn-on strips of newspaper -- hence the name 'Paper Boys'. Each mummer maintains his own costume, repairing it as necessary. It is thought that , in the distant past the costumes bore leaves instead of paper strips.

Marshfield is justly proud of it's special local tradition revived now for more than 40 years and looks forward each year to the social gathering each Boxing Day. The mummers have been featured on radio and television and at events of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. A few years ago they featured on the Rev. Lionel Fanthorpes "Fortean T.V." aired on Channel 4. In 2002 they featured in a program by Jonnie Kingdom.

Marshfield Snippets of Information

A coroners court was once held in the Crown Public House following the death of a man in a fist fight. It was sensationally reported as a murder but the court concluded misadventure and no-one was brought to book. ( Research Continues.. )

I have heard of a murder somewhere in the market place where a husband murdered his wife and fled to Australia. (Research Continues..)

In 1936 a skeleton was found on the crossroads to Tormarton when British Gas brought the fuel to the village. Again the imaginative folks of Marshfield presumed foul play but it was found to be William Talbot who hanged himself in the Tolzey Hall on or around August 4th 1817. He had been charged with sheep stealing and was buried at the crossroads underneath the gallows ordinarily reserved for the highwaymen of the time. He did not receive a proper burial because suicide was frowned on by the church. Ivor Burnett a resident of the village tells me he saw the local G.P. carry out a preliminary examination when the skeleton was found. It was common to bury suicide victims at crossroads as it was thought to confuse the soul who wouldn't know which way to go to find rest or salvation.

October, 1818- An estimated 10,000 people assembled to witness a prize fight in Marshfield- nature's weapons of bare knuckles- ringed off by ropes and a round was continued until one or the other was knocked down. Two seconds or " bottle holders " were allowed to each fighter. The crowd was kept back by beaters who carried whips and did not hesitate to apply them to the shoulders of any person who pressed too closely upon the ropes. On October 10 two Bristol men, Strong and Newton, fought on West Kington down (Near Marshfield). The fight lasted 14 minutes in which they fought the like number of rounds, Newton eventually giving in. The Gloucester Journal report of 1818 reads " On Tuesday last, two Bristol men, Strong and Newton, fought on Keynton Down, near Marshfield. They are both men and have attained much provincial celebrity, and had each of them beaten their townsmen hall. The fight lasted 14 minutes, in which time they fought the like number of rounds. Strong, whose sporting title is " Cabbage ", had a tremendous knock-down blow under his opponents jaw. Newton came to his time, but had not recovered the effects of this severe hit before he received another in the same place, which obliged him to give in. They both displayed considerable science, and " Cabbage " promises to be at the very head of the lightweights. He is a man of approved bottom ( Yes I know, but thats what it says ), and a very severe and quick hitter. An immense concourse of people were assembled,, among whom were noticed Crib, Tom Belcher, Harry Harmer, and most of the " Fancy " from town. It is supposed that 10,000 spectators were present.

Archives show one felon arrested in Marshfield for stealing a ladies silk handkerchief. He was deported for seven years to Australia.

There are rumours of a headless horseman who is said to haunt Monument lane, Marshfield.

1580 12th April. A well-known woman named Ellen Pain was buried, she was Murdered in a wood belonging to John Blanchard Snr. ( research continues/info sought )

1634 29th January. William the sons of Richard Biggs was buried ( Then written in Old English ) who died a little below Ashton's Linch as he was comminge from Bristowe, by reason of the vehemency of the weather, in extraordinary snowe. ( Ashton's Lynch could be what is now called Steep Lynch at Cold Ashton )

1636 27th December. Eliza Wickham was buried, the daughter of John Wickham ( added in English ) who was chocked by eating a bitt of the foot of a bullock's henge. (Does anyone know what a "bitt" and "henge" is ?)

1638 6th August. Catherine Stockman was buried, who, ( then in Old English ) as she was a-stealing apples out of Mr Michael Meredith's orchard, fell downe from the tree, beinge the sabbath day at night and broke her neck.

The days have not long gone when only carriers' carts were available to take people to Bristol ( a whole day's journey there and back ) and Bath. Passengers shared the carts with poultry, eggs, and other produce, and everyone walked up hills. There was little protection from the weather. Marshfield folk seldom went to the big towns therefore but bought most of their goods at the local shops. In 1879 there were 39 tradespeople in the town, compared with the half-dozen or more shops.

Until 1833 the streets of Marshfield were unlit at night but that year an annual subscription list was opened so that oil lamps could be installed at £17 a year from October 1st to March 31st. The oil lamps were not lit when the moon was at or near full and the job was let out to tender each year a lamplighter going his rounds with ladder and oil can. Gas lighting was substituted for oil in 1934, and in 1970 electric lighting replaced the gas, and the old lamp standards were removed from the pavements. One of the old lamps is now in Blaise Castle Museum, Bristol ( UK ). Mains water came to the village in 1935, the year after mains gas, and mains electricity followed in 1951.

A RED-LETTER day for Marshfield used to be the annual horse parade and annual flower and vegetable show. The horses, with the great number used on the local farms, were paraded to a high standard.

In 1807 the local populus were dissatisfied with their rates which paid for the upkeep of a parish constable. It reads "We the undersigned inhabitants and rate payers of the parish of Marshfield respectfully beg leave to express to you our decided opinion of the utter uselessness of the rural police and we earnestly beg to be relieved from the heavy expenses of the maintenance of a force in which we have no confidence and from which we are convinced we have no protection". There are many signatures and some well known village names still known today.

Mr Dylan Thomas, the great Welsh poet, lived for about three months at the malting-house in 1940, then the home of the writer John Davenport. Another resident of the house at that time was William Glock, who retired in 1972 after some years as the BBC's Controller of Music, and organiser of the Prom concerts at the Albert Hall, London.

Inns in the late 18th Century included the Angel, The Crown, The Star, White hart, Shoulder of Mutton, Duke, Black Swan, & Hunters Hall. There are now only three.

Early this century Mr Darcy Taylor of the Rocks gave a public entertainment- his gramophone playing in the vicarage garden, admission 4d for adults and 2d for children. It was called "a marvellous invention". Mr Taylor was also the first car owner in the district, a steam car being delivered to his home three days before Christmas. The driver was given three days instruction.

One Hundred years ago a sergeant and two police constables were stationed in Marshfield and were constantly busy dealing with the many fights that broke out between feuding groups from the village and Colerne (Wiltshire).

Gina Parsons, who researches with her husband, appears to be the GGGGG Granddaughter of Edmund Roach who was murdered in 1761 near to the Three shire stones. (see Highwayman)

Highwaymen

" The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon the cloudy seas The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor And the highwayman came riding, riding, riding The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door "

Alfred Noyes, The Highwayman.

Somewhere near to the Three Shire Stones on the Fosse Way near Marshfield there lies, even to this day, a stone that marks the spot of what the Bath Journal calls "wilful murder against some person or persons unknown". The stone marked E.R. and the date 1761 refers to one Edmund ROACH who, aged 38 yrs., was set upon by a highwayman. The 1761 Bath Journal reports, quote, 'We are this instant informed, that one Edmund Roach, of Marshfield, a Chandler (candlemaker) was found dead near Westwood, on the Tumpike Road leading from this city to Colerne gate; and from all circumstances that yet appear, was murdered and robbed, marks of violence appearing about his head, his pockets pulled out, and his silver watch and money gone. He is supposed to have had in his pockets four 36 shilling pieces and some guineas. All the marks of the watch that can yet be recollected are, the dial plate pretty much soiled, the black enamel figures on it much worn off and had lately a new spring put in it, a pale narrow old silk string of ribbon, a brass key, and a common brass seal set with glass, and a head engraved on it' The report indicates a reward for the highwayman if found with Information requested by Mrs. Eleanor Roach.

On the 27th of July the Journal continues the story. " Since our last a man has been apprehended on suspicion of the murder and robbery of Mr. Roach last Saturday se'en night in the evening; he says he formerly belonged to the regiment of Y. Buffs,(Royal Gloucestershire Hussars) but, having a rupture, was discharged, and that he supported himself by travelling about the country, his account of supporting himself, however was so lame, he is committed to a place of security at Devices for further examination ". I have attempted research here and suggest this could have been the former Roundway hospital near Devizes, Wiltshire. Nothing further is given and no name or fate was reported about the detained person. Current difficulties with this latest story are that Roundway wasn't opened until 1845 so maybe he was taken to a lockup near there. The above story featured in a local Bath paper in 1936.

From the Trowbridge Public records office (10/3/00) The original story from the Bath Chronicle weekly gazette ( 23rd July 1761 ). Reads (in Old English) " Sunday morning last a tallow chandler and a dealer in horses of Marshfield in the county of Glouscestershire was found dead near Westwood on the road leading from this city to Colerne in the county of Wiltshire. He left Bath Saturday evening on horseback and his horse strayed the same night to Colerne. Monday coroners inquest sat on the body and brought in their verdict of wilful murder several marks of violence occurring particularly violent blow on the back part of his head supposed to occasion his death (Which blow it is thought was given by a large knotty stick that was found,bloody,near the place he was murdered and the print of a womans foot was plainly to be distinguished on the lower part of his belly. His pockets were turned inside out and his watch and money (amounting to £10:00) taken from thence- Monday evening , a woman enquiring for lodgeings , at Colerne for herself and Husband was asked concerning her place of abode and not giving satisfactory answers caused some suspicion. She was thereupon strictly examined to touching the said murder and robbery. After some hesitation she confessed that her husband and some others had robbed the aforesaid Mr Roach and gave intelligence as to where her husband was to be met with. He was accordingly apprehended the next morning at Kington-St-Micheal in the said county of wilts. He appears to be a seafaring man and on his examination confessed the robbery but denied the murder declaring that he found the deceased lying dead on the road having ( as he supposed ) been killed by a fall from his horse, he added, that he thought it no crime to robb a dead man he appears very resolute and yesterday a tinker was apprehended who has confessed his being concerned in the said murder and robbery and has impeached two other accomplices, besides that above mentioned who are likewise sailors. Diligent search is making after them. " (Old English ends).

So, the earlier report seems to provide a more accurate account of the events. The problem now is that it throws up more unanswered questions. Gina Parsons, who researches her family background with her husband, appears to be the GGGGG Granddaughter of Edmund Roach. ( see also )

Where was the Coroners court Held ? Where did the Coroner come from ? There are now five people involved including a woman. Who apprehended them ? There was no Police force at this time. Was anyone indited ? The account suggests the husbands story is believed. Mr. Roach was buried at Marshfield with the following epitaph on his headstone,

"BY MURD'ROUS BLOW MY THREAD OF LIFE WAS BROKE. DREADFUL THE HOUR! AND TERRIBLE THE STROKE! BUT HEAVEN PERMITTED! AND 1 MUST NOT LIVE. REPENT, THOU CURST DESTROYER OF MY LIFE. BEHOLD ME HERE, BEHOLD MY BABES AND WIFE! SEE, FROM THY BLOODY HAND WHAT WOES ARISE. WHILE CALLS FOR VENGEANCE PIERCE THE ANGRY SKIES. THOU TOO MUST SUFFER, THO 'THOU' SCAPE THE LAWS. FOR GOD IS JUST AND WILL AVENGE MY CAUSE. MY CHILDREN DEAR, MY WIFE, MY WIDOWED FRIEND. MAY PEACE AND SAFETY ON YOUR STEPS ATTEND. MAY VIRTUE GUIDE, AND TRUTH YOUR LIVES EMPLOY, THEN SLOW OR SUDDEN DEATH WILL END IN JOY."

Another story says that a rendezvous for Dick Turpin on the London-Bath road was reputed to be Star Farm, Formerly a posting-house. 1/2 mile east of Marshfield. This I'm sure could be disputed and would tend to be as a result of local lore of the times. No confirmed evidence of this exists.

On the 7th of July 1763. A highwayman robbed a gentleman's servant of 5/- at Tog Hill turning, amongst other robberies. (In Old English) He is described as being a short young man, much pitted with the small-pox; well mounted on a dark brown horse with a flick tail and blind in one eye. One of the stirrups is new and the other old, and the highwayman had on a brown surtout coat. He later that day fatally injured a pig killer at Wickwar. ( Click for full story of Daniel Neale the highwayman.) (Old English ends).

On January 29th 1798 three highwaymen well-mounted and armed, stopped Mr Stephen Toghill of Marshfield at lynch Hill and with dreadful imprecations, It reads, demanded his money, which he hesitating to comply with one of them struck him on the arm with such violence as to deprive him of the use of it. Another with a knife cut his breeches from the waistband through his pocket down to the knee and robbed him of notes amounting to £43. Mr Toghill has offered a reward of £50 for discovering the offenders. (Old English ends).(One for crimestoppers!) This has now been verified. (Bath Journal 29/01/1798). Also in the Gloucester Journal.

Skeletons

Source:- Published paper by R.W. Knight, Charles Browne, & L.V. Grinsell.

West Littleton Down is on the Jurassic Limestone in the south-western part of the Cotwolds, in the parish of Tormarton ( South Glous ), but extends eastwards into the parish of Nettleton ( Wiltshire ). In july 1968,after a pipe-line for a gas main had been dug across this down, the skeletons of two young men aged about nineteen at the time of death were discovered in the disturbed soil east of Wallsend Lane ( ST 76737667 ). They had apparently been inserted without ceremony in a ditch or pit. A human cranium was found in the trench about three hundred yards to the west ( ST 76487656 ).

Skeleton No: 1 has in the pelvis a hole made by a lozenge-sectioned spearhead which must have been driven into the body by an attacker from the right side when his victim was either falling or had already fallen. The feet of this skeleton were not exhumed, because the trench in which they lay was covered by a spoil heap which could not then be removed. Skeleton No: 2 was about a foot away, and in the same ditch or pit, exhibits features of even greater interest. Two of the lumbar vertebrae are stained blue green by contact with a small Bronze Age spearhead, The blade of which was found, but the end containing the socket had broken off at the point of weakness behind the blade. This spear had pierced the spinal cord and would have caused immediate and permanent paralysis in the legs. The pelvis had been pierced by a similar bronze spearhead, the socket of which had also been broken off. The point of this spearhead remains embedded in the pelvis and surrounded by bronze staining. The skull bears a hole perhaps caused by a blow or wound. The owner of this skeleton was therefore the subject of a brutal attack during which he received wounds in the pelvis, the spinal cord, and possibly the head. It is not easy to reconstruct the attack to the extent of ascertaining the order in which the blows were struck; but it is possible that the owner of skeleton 2 was the first hit on the head, and was probably already falling when his spine and pelvis were pierced from below by bronze spears. the owner of this skeleton has features of Neolithic type and remote ancestors could well have been among those who built the well known chambered long barrows on the Cotswolds for the burial of their dead.

Collagen separated from the tibia of this skeleton has been examined at the British Museum Research Laboratory by radiocarbon techniques and gives a date of approximately 2927 ( + or - 90 yrs ) before present- about 977 B.C.

The bronze spearheads are of a smallish type originally with loops in the sockets ( known to archaeologists as 'side looped ); the sockets of both spearheads are missing as they broke off at the weak joint between the solid and hollow cast parts of the weapons while they were being withdrawn. Both have 'flame- or rapier- shaped' blades with narrow lozenge-sectioned midrib.

The spearhead found in the lumbar vertebrae would have been perhaps 9cm. In length, and that embedded in the pelvis would have been a little larger- about 14cm. In length. Until the Tormarton discovery was made, it was thought that bronze spearheads of this small size were intended primarily for hunting. This find shows that they were also capable of being used effectively as weapons. Their date is believed to be between 1200 and 1000 BC, but could conceivably be a little later.

The spearhead which pierced the lumbar vertebrae has now been analyzed at the British Museum Research Laboratory and found to be composed of 81.7% copper, 15.5% tin, 2.8% corrosion products.

Only one other discovery of this type is known from Britain. In the spring of 1901, on Queenford Farm near Dorchester-on-Thames (Oxfordshire), a human skeleton was dug up, the pelvis of which had likewise broken while being withdrawn. It was broadly contemporary with those from Tormarton, and is now in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford. The illustration shown below as a background to the Exhibition of the Tormarton skeletons is taken from an Iron Age rock carving in the Camonica valley in Northern Italy. It shows a man being pierced through the body (probably the spinal cord) by a spear wielded by a warrior. Beside the wounded man is drawn a human figure without legs, this being most likely an artist's convention for indicating the wound had caused paralysis in the legs of the victim. Beside the victor are two paddle-shaped objects believed to be the rewards of conquest.

The Tormarton skeletons were discovered by Mr R.W. Knight and his family, of Marshfield, on 5 July 1968. They were excavated by Mr Charles Browne, Mr Knight and others. They were presented, with the associated portions of bronze spearheads, to the City Museum, Bristol, by the landowners His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, after a Coroner's Inquest on them had been held by Mr J.A. Seymour Williams (Coroner for Bristol & South Glous), and a pathological report had been made to him by Dr A.C. Hunt. Charles Browne also noted in the museum at Millau (Aveyron, France ) a similar spinal column with a spearhead embedded in the vertebra.

The War Memorial

According to inscriptions on the village's War Memorial 27 villagers died in action during the two World Wars, 20 men during 1914 - 1918 and 7 men during 1939 - 1945.

Details:-( From the Commonwealth War Graves Commission )

Name / Rank / Date died / Regiment / Where laid to rest.(inc location of grave)

ALBERT PERRIMAN Gunner Saturday, 20th November 1915 29 "C" Bty. 59th Bde., Royal Field Artillery 10397 Son of Jonah and Rhoda Perriman, of High St., Marshfield, Chippenham. HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey.

EDWARD JAMES BALL Private Saturday the 16th September 1916 21 42nd Canadian He was the son of William and Harriett Ball of Ringswell CONTAY BRITISH CEMETERY, CONTAY, Somme, France.

THOMAS COOK Private. Nothing further is known.

WILLIAM EDWARDS WOODHAM Private, Wednesday, 29th March 1916. 23 1st/4th Bn., Somerset Light Infantry 2515 Son of John and Mary Jane Woodham, of East End, Marshfield, Avon. KIRKEE 1914-1918 MEMORIAL, India Face C

THOMAS BURGESS Private Saturday, 1st July 1916. 25 1st Bn., Somerset Light Infantry. 8610 u/k THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France Pier and Face 2 A

EDWARD JAMES BALL. Private Saturday, 16th September 1916. 21 42nd Bn., Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regt.) 418724 Son of William and Harriett Ball, of Ringswell, Marshfield, nr. Chippenham, England. CONTAY BRITISH CEMETERY, CONTAY, Somme, France Grave Panel Number: II. B. 25.

CHARLES JONES Private Wednesday, 22nd November 1916. 33 1st/6th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment. 5427 He was the son of Mr C Jones of 2 Springfield Cottages THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 5 A and 5 B

P FULLER MM Gunner. Saturday, 21st July 1917. 20 36th Bty. 33rd Bde., Royal Field Artillery 1729 Son of Arthur and Clara Fuller, of Marshfield, Chippenham, Wilts. VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium I. H. 27.

JOSEPH MORGAN Private.

LEONARD COLES Gunner Thursday, 13th September 1917 21 306th Siege Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery. 39039 Son of James and Georgina Coles, of Little End, Marshfield, Glos. LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel Number: XVIII. E. 20.

JOSEPH MORGAN Private Tuesday 31 July 1917 31 Royal North Lancashire. HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

ARTHUR BRITTON Driver 1917 22 Royal Engineers.

ARTHUR PULLIN Private Wednesday, 26th September 1917 27 4th, Australian Army Medical Corps 1787 Son of Harry and Ellen Pullen, of Nailey Farm St. Catherines, Bath, England. YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium Grave. Panel 31.

EDWARDS ELMS BOWN Second Lieutenant. Friday, 2nd November 1917. 34 1st/4th Bn., Northamptonshire Regiment Son of John James and Hester Rachel Bown. Born at Marshfield, Glos. GAZA WAR CEMETERY Panel XV.C.5.

ARTHUR EDWIN BRYAN. Corporal. Gold Medal (Serbia). Monday, 19th November 1917. 24 16th Sqdn. Machine Gun Corps (Cav). 110828 Son of Edwin and Jane Bryan, of Brook House, Doynton, Bristol. Native of Marshfield, Glos. ALEXANDRIA (HADRA) WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY.EGYPT. D. 221.

GEORGE CHAS EDWARDS WOODHAM Driver 25/4/1918 27 57th Field Company of the Royal Engineers 162899 Lijssenthoek Military Cemetary, Belgium.

EDWARD SALMON. Lance Corporal Thursday, 28th March 1918. 21 8th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment 37334 u/k ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France.

ALBERT GEORGE PULLIN. Private Wednesday, 24th April 1918 18 2nd/5th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment 44456 Son of Austin and Mary Louisa Pullin, of Turnpike House, West End, Marshfield, Chippenham, Glos. LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France Panel 60 to 64.

CHARLES WALTER BODMAN. Second Lieutenant Enlisted in Oct., 1914. Saturday, 24th August 1918. 28 15th Bn., Durham Light Infantry Son of Walter and Sarah Bodman, of High St., Marshfield, Chippenham, Wilts. VIS-EN-ARTOIS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France Panel 9.

S A HARDING Private Saturday, 19th October 1918. 27 1st Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment 52048 HIGHLAND CEMETERY, LE CATEAU, Nord, France Panel Number: VIII. D. 4.

JOHN JAMES BURGESS Gunner Monday, 21st October 1918. 30 Royal Field Artillery 239614 Son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Burgess. MARSHFIELD (ST MARY) CHURCHYARD (GLOUCS), Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.

HAROLD SIDNEY HINTON Gunner Monday, 28th October 1918. 21 Royal Field Artillery 17337 Son of Sidney J. and Alice Hinton, of West End, Marshfield. MARSHFIELD (ST MARY) CHURCHYARD (GLOUCS), Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.

ARTHUR JOHN LEWIS Driver Friday, 31st May 1940 21 Royal Army Service Corps T/122710 u/k DE PANNE COMMUNAL CEMETERY, De Panne, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium Plot 3. Row B. Grave 2.

WILLIAM THOMAS BRITON DEACON Able Seaman Wednesday, 10th December 1941 26 H.M.S. Repulse, Royal Navy D/JX 227709 PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Devon, United Kingdom Son of George James Deacon and Louisa Priscilla Deacon, of Marshfield, Panel 46, Column 3.

ERNEST WILLIAM JAMES BILLETT Lance Corporal Tuesday, 30th March 1943. 29 9th Queen's Royal Lancers, R.A.C. 317398 Son of James and Annie Billett; husband of Joan Billett, of Marshfield. MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL, Tunisia Face 2.

CHARLES ANDREW HARDING Corporal Thursday, 30th December 1943. 36 Royal Army Service Corps S/1117731 Son of Henry and Emma Harding, of Marshfield. RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY, Israel Panel Number: 3. L. 19.

WILLIAM CHARLES BOND Private Saturday, 5th August 1944. 29 6th Bn., South Wales Borderers formerly, Wiltshire Regiment 5577054 Son of Walter George and Sarah Bond, of Marshfield. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY, Myanmar. (Fomerly Burma) Panel Number: 6. G. 1.

WILFRED JAMES BOOY Private Monday, 19th March 1945. 43 Pioneer Corps 14288870 Son of John and Louisa Booy, of Marshfield. MARSHFIELD CEMETERY, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom Sec. K. Grave 11.

ARTHUR MAURICE LEWIS Gunner Monday, 9th July 1945. 20 186 Field Regt Royal Artillery 14386476 Son of Ernest George and Emily Lewis, of Marshfield. MARSHFIELD CEMETERY, Gloucestershire. Sec. K. Grave 15.

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