| |
History of Rochford
EAST STREET
Continuing round the one way system and into East Street one cannot fail to note, on the left, Fir Tree House, recently renovated, but with a history going back to the early 18th century. In relatively more recent times Walls Dairy operated from the adjacent premises. On the other side of the road is Kings Hill with its adjacent cottages. Parts of Kings Hill may date back to 14th century, but it has had additions throughout its life. Until more recent times it fronted on to Old Ship Lane. Then in 1969/70, having been acquired by the local Council, a lengthy campaign was waged to prevent its demolition. Thankfully it returned to private hands and makes a fine residence. Quite apart from the building itself is the importance of the site in connection with the ancient Whispering Post ceremonies. In the garden of Kings Hill is the Whispering Post (a modern replica!) around which the tenants of the Lord of the Manor of Rochford, for some centuries, were commanded to attend annually and pledge their loyalty. The proceedings were conducted in a whisper, a reminder of an overheard whispered murder plot against the Manorial Lord.
A little further on brings us to the crossroads, known more recently as Horner’s Corner. The nicely restored building there, with the little tearooms and two or three other small shops, was, into recent memory, Horner’s Butchers shop. Indeed, it had slaughter facilities on site and, of course, occupied a dominant place in the town. Back in the 19th century the building housed an auctioneers.
|
|
