FORMER RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH.

     In the year 1816 the then rector, Rev. C. R. Landon, finding the building in a great state of dilapidation, determined to collect money to repair and restore it. He raised £240 by a special rate, and spent it on the most necessary work. That was carried out just 119 years ago. Then, on 14th November, 1837, another energetic rector (Rev. J. A. Stewart), found it necessary to rebuild the west end wall, put in a new west end window and, at the same time, erect a gallery, to provide seventy additional sittings. The nave up to then had merely accommodation for sixty-five persons, but additional benches were put underneath the gallery. The total cost of these alterations amounted to £70 1s. 3d. A rate of ninepence in the pound realised £31 10s. The Rector then appealed to The Incorporated Church Building Society and received a grant to carry on the work, viz., £35. The total population then amounted to merely 167 souls. The architect employed was a Mr. T. Sneezum, of Billericay and very well he executed his work. Then it was that the north door was blocked up - still leaving its ancient shape - and during the alterations the little door and circular staircase was discovered leading up to what was once the Rood screen loft. (See No. 2,040 Correspondence re Vange, Incorporated Church Building Society.) The old tower and belfry were taken down and rebuilt in 1837, and of the original 65 sittings in the church 40 were then declared free. There are now no reserved seats, none of the patrons ever having claimed rights of 'family sittings.' *

     In the ancient days, and before the sea walls were brought closer together and strengthened to retain the river in its narrower bed, Vange was evidently an unhealthy spot; like, Grays, West Thurrock, Rainham, Dagenham and other parishes close to the fens, it had an undue proportion of widowers. Fever, rheumatism and ague were regular scourges then, and took heavy toll of the inhabitants. Women from the uplands fell victims to these troubles when they came to live in the undrained marshes, and the farmers frequently lost their wives, some marrying three times or more. Sir Thomas Middleton in his day, the early part of the 17th century, had four wives.

     The records inform us that in 1610 the then Rectory had a tithe barn, stable, orchard, 31 acres of glebe, and 30 acres of salt marsh. Much of the glebe has been sold since then; and a large amount of the tithe redeemed. This will be shown in detail when we come to examine the Tithe Redemption documents. The reader must not conclude that the Patrons of Vange always lived in Vange Manor house. Some few may - in later days - have done so, but the majority lived in their castles or mansions elsewhere, in a more salubrious neighbourhood. In the days of old the earls and nobles had scores of manors and churches under their control, a few had even whole counties subservient to them, and naturally they had their choice of desirable residencies. Again the manorial houses were readily let to good tenants.

     Even the clergy did not always live in their Rectories, for many of them had the responsibility for two or more churches, being pluralists. For instance, the Rector of Vange was often Rector of Stanford-le-Hope as well, and lived in the later parish, the wealthier people attending that church. (See Jekell, Holman, King, Morant, Muilman and Palin.) Vange Hall Manor house is situated about half a mile from the church, on a hill, and a list of some of its former occupants will be given subsequently.

RECTORS OF VANGE SINCE THE CONQUEST.

     We have been fortunate in securing a lengthy roll of Vange Rectors since 1328, but there may have been some earlier still. The roll is as follows (with - roughly speaking - their periods of occupancy).

     Several Rectors, including John Whitby, lie buried in the churchyard. The churchwardens too have tombstones in the churchyard. In the chancel of the church is a monument to a Rector. It reads thus: 'To George Maule, D.D., who died 1667, aged 64. Also to his wife Mary who died 1659.' (See Muilman, p. 120.)

CURATES OF VANGE.

     The rectors aforementioned did not all reside in Vange. Several held other livings and lived in one or other of them, employing a Curate-in-charge to live in his parish. Thus we have in
1757, Ralf Whistler; (possible typo error as date follows next entry. Ed.)
1756, N. Holland;
1756, Thos. Coombs;
1762, R. Rogers;
1765, W. Williams;
1770, J. Cuthbert;
1787 to 1800, David James;
1808, R. Powley (temporary duty);
1809, J. E. Alley, B.A.;
1890, R. H. Gash (afterwards Rector).