" Two parishes in Essex have been named Bumsted, and this in Hinckford hundred is distinguished by the appellation of Steeple, as it is found written in records and deeds, Bumsted Steeple, or Bumsted ad Turrim, according to Nordent (Morant), on account of its having been distinguished at an early period by a tower or steeple, near the road from Haverhill to Bathorne Bridge, where remains of entrenchments may yet be traced.

In ancient records, the name is written Bamested, Bumsted, Bummested. This parish is delightfully situated, the soil heavy, but well-watered and very fertile.Ş

The village is considerably larger than those of the neighbouring parishes, and continues to increase, yet the inhabitants appear almost entirely dependant for a livelihood on agricultural employments . "

" It is distant from Haverhill four, from Castle Hedingham eight, and from London fifty miles. In the reign of Edward the Confessor , this extensive parish belonged to Queen Edith , thirteen freemen , and four sochmen . At the time of the Domesday survey , it was in the divided possession of William de Warren , Eustace , earl of Boulogne , and Alan , son of the earl of Bretagne . In succeeding ages these lordships were divided into eight manors , or capital estates . The manor house of Bendish is half a mile distant from the church . It is contiguous to Old Park . The name is derived from the Bendish family , who were seated here at an early period . Peter , the son of Nicholas , at Berne , in Steeple Bumsted , in 1309 , sold all his lands and possessions there to Thomas , the son of Ralph de Bendish , of Radwinter , and Alice his wife , and John their son and heir , from whom the family estates descended through several generations , to Thomas Bendish , Esq . who , at the time of his decease in 1447 , held this manor of the abbot of Westminster, by fealty , and rent of twelve pence per annum , in lieu of all services . He had also the manors of Lachelees , and messuages and lands called Bloyes , Royles , Ropcotes, Fitz-Aleyns , and Baylours, in this parish. "

1.
The last syllable of this name is Saxon, and clearly understood; but the first is not so certainly recognised in its proper sound and meaning: if , as we are assured by a learned correspondent, the true explication and writing of this name be Bapmfted, “a place or station among sweet - smelling flowers," it is beautifully significant, as applied to the rich and luxuriant meadows of this pleasant district. Bumpstead is undoubtedly a vulgarism.

2.
It is also named Bumsted Parva, though it is of larger extent than Buinsted Helion.

3. Survey of Essex, MS.

4. The fine old pastures and dairy farms in this neighbourhood, formerly amounting to fifteen hundred acres, were remarkable, about eighty years ago, for the production of a large supply of cheese, in high estimation in the London market .

5.
He held also the manor of Bendish, in Radwinter, of Edward Brook, lord de Cobham; and the manor of Mortisfawsse, in Ashton, of John de Clopton. Ex . Cartis Hen . Bendish , bart .