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Parish officials in Victorian Kelvedon Hatch.

The role of the parish official was gradually changing during the latter part of the century, mainly because of new legislation aimed at dealing with the problems caused by the rapid growth of the urban areas.

Kelvedon Hatch still had parish vestry appointments, but which still excluded Roman Catholics and Dissenters. Because of this exclusion, the Lord of the Manor, Edward Wright, had little involvement in an official capacity in the running of the parish. Nevertheless, he was able to become a member of the School Board in 1875, and was later a Justice of the Peace.

The importance of the tenant farmer within the rural parish hierarchy can immediately be seen. Also, the position of Constable since the introduction of the Police Force was becoming less important.

1871

Chairman
Henry Knightbridge - Butcher

Assessors
John French - Farmer
Henry Newcombe - Farmer
George Littlechild - Farmer
Robert French - Farmer

Surveyor
Robert French
George Littlechild

Oversees of the Poor
James Newcombe - Framer
George Littlechild
Robert French
George Newcombe

Constables
Edward Sitch - Carpenter
Thomas Brown - Blacksmith
Archer Samuel - Builder

Church Wardens
John French
Robert French