The Harris Family of Essex
Having started my research into the history of Belchamp Walter the Harris family seems to be important with respect to the current family at Belchamp Hall. There appears to be a long family presence in Essex from the 16th Century.
The period in English history of the mid 16th century (the 1550's) is somewhat important in the shaping of the parliamentary and ecclesiastical makeup of the country. The Harris family are definitely part of this history and the subsequent marriage of a descendant of a Harris/Astley to a parliamentarian needs to be understood.
In many rspects the Harris family have more of a connection to Essex than the Raymond family. The purchase of the Belchamp Estate from the Wentworths is not fully documented. There are only clues left in artifacts found in the parish church. The period of the 15th and 16th centuries saw the involvement of many families in the "holding" of the Belchamp estate and changes in the country in general resulting in the formation of the Church of England.
The question regarding how a second generation Raymond (of Belchamp Walter) met and married a descendent of the Percy family, 1653 has not been explained. The marriage of Joan Percy to Arthur Harris in the early 16th century (15??) led to the marriage of William Harris of Shenfield to Frances Harris of Wittle in 1603. Sir William Harris and Lady Harris are both held in esteem at Belchamp Hall.
Joan Percy and Arthur Harris
William Harris of Creaksea - Southminster
In 1555 William Harris of Cricksea (Harrys) was High Sheriff of Essex
According to Geni.com William Harris of Cricksea (Creaksea, near Burnham on Crouch) is buried at St Leonard in Southminster.
Arthur Harris
Christopher Harris
Married to Mary Gedge.
Edward Harris
Father of William Harris of Shenfield - husband of Lady Harris/Astley.