Belchamp Walter in the 1850's

Belchamp Walter in the eighteen fifties was largely agricultural. The Belchamp Walter Manor was owned and administered by Thomas Ruggles and family (1741 - 1865).

In 1850 the owner of Belchamp Hall was Samuel Millbank Raymond. Samuel Millbank Raymond died in 1863, two years before the estate was "recovered" by John Mayne St. Clere Raymond inn 1865.

The agricultural buildings in Belchamp Walter

The cottages on Bells Road, North Waver, would have been built in this period. They were most likely to have been built to house the agricutural workers in the area. Up until 1865 the Manor (estate) of Belchamp Walter was owned by Thomas Ruggles. The dwellings are most likely to have been commisioned by Ruggles.

While it is generally thought that the houses are a consequence of the Raymond family it is more likely to be Ruggles as Samuel Millbank Raymond was not a farmer and was more interested in running Belchamp Hall which was not part of the Manor of Belchamp Walter at the time.

The flint cottages at the crossroads and duck pond are likely to have been built to how farm workers of this period. The flint cottages on Hall road are similar in architectural design as those at the crossroads are are probably from the same period.

On "recovery" of the Manor John Mayne St. Clare Raymond was likely to have commisioned the buildings on Gestingthorpe Road, South of the crossroads and pond. These dwellings have an inscription for J.M.S-C.R 1869 over their porches.

Church closure and "renovations". The building of a "New" School house.