The Great Stone Northfield

[Neil M]

The Great Stone at the corner of the pub before removal (top left), whilst being dug out (top right) and being craned away to its new location in the Pound next door (lower image). All c1954.

 

[Neil M]

This article (#18) is very interesting, Viv. Elias Clarke (recorded as Elias Clerke, pbr.) was instituted as Rector of Northfield on 17 March 1438 but I can't find any reference to his having broken into the Pound although struggling with manorial records is confusing! Wouldn't that have been a bit scandalous for a rector? Did rectors typically own livestock?? I wonder if anyone can resolve this because it's perfectly reasonable to suggest that the Pound was originally late medieval in origin (like the neighbouring original building that became the Stone pub) and that it was later modified in the 17th century as opposed to being first built then. (https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101343382-village-pound-ward suggests c 17th century origin)

Just to add that the same story of the allegedly criminal but no doubt kindly rector appears in the Smiths' book "Northfield Past & Present", Sutton Publishing, 2001 pp 16-17. They also say "The 18th century saw the introduction of poor boxes into the Church in 1707. Previously there had been collections for the poor and needy. The unemployed, to obtain assistance, were obliged to stand for a specified time each day in the village Pound". Unfortunately, no references provided. Nevertheless it is a perhaps timely reminder that the Welfare State has it's advantages!