1911-1934 William Saunders - farmer
From Lacey Green History
This item is listed in Social Snapshots 1900-1968 inc, dated under 1934
click Farms for other local farms
Research by Joan West
click William Saunders & Bethia Janes for William's family life.
click Stocken Farm for other records of the Farm ......continued from 1827-1910 Stocken Farm with Charles Brown and John Forrest.
Note 1899. William Saunders already owned 2 fields in Lacey Green which had bought in 1899. He added these to Stocken Farm which he bought in 1911. For details of these 'Hillocks' and a pasture field click Modern transcript of 2 fields.
September 1911. Conveyance. William Saunders purchased Stocken Farm, including the semi detached 'Graham Cottages‘ built by John Forrest for £3,400, from the executors of John Forrest.
Research Note. In 1878 John Forrest had paid £8,250 for Stocken Farm, added 2 houses, and sold losing £4850, 33 yrs later.
William Saunders already owned two fields in Lacey Green, which he had bought from Josephine Irving mortgagee of land, part of Princes Risborough Common. They were at the bottom of Goodacres Lane one of them on the north side and one straight ahead to a field called 'Hillocks'. From 1911 they became part of Stocken Farm.
Farm Produce before 1934. Before mains water was laid on in 1934, the farms on the hills could grow barley, oats and wheat, the grain either sold or used to supplement the grass eaten by the horses, pigs and chickens. The land was poor so the crops would not have been heavy. Important by-products were hay and straw. Both of these are notoriously difficult to produce in England, even more difficult then, before the advent of modern machinery. Both rely on good weather particularly the hay.
There was a ready market for both hay and straw in London. There were a great number of horses kept there for carriages, riding and commercial purposes and hundreds of herds of dairy cows. These were probably of less than half a dozen animals and they were kept inside all the time. The village farmers delivered their goods and brought back the manure for their own land, without which this land would grow very little indeed. A good bit of recycling you could say
Making Hay. A farmer had to be very good at predicting the weather, for hay takes about four days of hot weather to dry. Also he had to call in as many extra hands as possible, for it involved much labour, tossing and turning, carting and stacking into ricks when it was dry. It must not go mouldy or overheat. A great many people were glad of extra work so a ride through the village shouting for all hands to the fields was all that was needed. Many children skived off school to the despair of the teachers, but the parents would rather have them working.
The corn crops also needed much labour, but getting it dry was not quite so critical. It could be reaped and stooked (stood up in sheaves) until dry enough to bring into ricks. It would then be threshed at a convenient time. Then the straw was available to sell.
In 1916 William Saunders' horses were taken by the army. Reported by Mabel Janes "It was a long, slow journey taking loads of hay and straw, by horse and cart to London Dangerous at the best of times. William Saunders from Stocken Farm did this regularly. He also traded in horses there.
During WW1, with a full load pulled by his best horses, he was particularly distressed when he was stopped at the top of the hill at Holtspur, between Wycombe and Beaconsfield, and his horses were taken by army. And to make matters worse he was left up the A40 (not the big road we know in 2020) with a loaded wagon and nothing with which to pull it." For more about William click William Saunders & Bethia Janes
1911. Report from the South Bucks Fee Press August 4th 1911. Mr. H. J. Astley was one of the competitors for the “Daily Mail” £10,000 prize. On Friday he had started second but by the time he got to Nottingham he encountered several difficulties.
On Saturday morning he decided to fly on his 50hp Birdling monoplane, from Nottingham to Brooklands,…….followed the Great Central Railway route …....He alighted at Ford and partook of breakfast, ……. He raced a Great Central express between Princes Risborough and Saunderton, but was obliged, owing to the increasing wind, to come down in Mr Wiliam Saunders' meadow. at Pound Farm, Saunderton.
Leaving the aircraft in the field, Astley went home. Mr Saunders charged people admission to see the monoplane, which remained there until Monday morning. A police sergeant and a constable maintained a guard on the machine, as hundreds of sightseers came to see it. Some apparently slept under the hedgerows to be sure to see it take off.
Research Note. Mr. Saunders lived at Smalldean Farm, Smalldean Lane at that time and also had land at Saunderton Lee, where the plane landed. William Saunders was not one to miss an opportunity! In 1911 William Saunders purhased Stocken Farm
1914 NO LIGHT. William Saunders taken to court. Report in the South Bucks Free Press March 25th 1914. William Saunders of Stocken Farm was charged with having no light attached to a vehicle, and with no proper control over a horse and van at Monks Risborough. Defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and a fine of 16 shillings was imposed.
During WWI the Royal Engineers were billeted in the village. The horses were stabled at Stocken Farm and exercises done in ‘Home Field’. They also took the smaller schoolroom. Mabel Janes said the farm dining room was an army hospital and the old grain store their blacksmith’s shop.
Douglas Brett, schoolboy from 1923-1931 wrote the following in his autobiography - " Mice For the Classroom. Harvest time was a source of great excitement for the boys when the corn was cut and brought to the farm for thrashing. Stocken Farm, above the school, was a favourite haunt and we would stand round in a circle with sticks and as the sheaves of corn were pitch-forked onto the thrashing machine out would tumble numerous rats and mice. These we attacked with great gusto. Sometimes we went in the dinner hour and put a few live mice in our pockets – these we took back to school to release in the classroom in mid–afternoon, to the consternation of teacher and the girls who stood squealing on their seats."
Click 1931 Douglas Brett in Lacey Green for more tales from Douglas.
1931 The following report was published in the Bucks Free Press - Glamorous Scene for a Fete. Maypole Dancing at Lacey Green. click Celebrations for other similar events. (this report is archived in Lacey Green Village Hall ). This Fete is listed in Social Snapshots 1900-1968 inc.
Loosley Row and Lacey Green villages work as closely together as crossed fingers and on Saturday they combined to make a success of a fete which was held in the grounds of Stocken Farm, Lacey Green, for the express purpose of aiding the funds of the Village Hall and the Women's Institute.
The fete, which was opened by Mrs. Cassavetti, of Wardrobes, attracted a great deal of interest and it is anticipated that out of the £77 taken during the day, over £50 profit will have been gained.
The children of Lacey Green Church of England school appeared after the opening ceremony in carnival costumes and, under the direction of the Headmaster, Mr A Alldridge (who with Mrs. Alldridge was responsible for the secretarial and financial side of the fete),they gave a display of Maypole dancing. This was particularly attractive in the beautiful hillside scenery.
A display of dancing was later given by the pupils of Miss Hilda Bailey, of High Wycombe, and in the evening the Princes Risborough Fire Brigade, under Captain Garnett East, visited the fete to give an exhibition, in which their efficiency was amply demonstrated.
The High Wycombe Excelsior Band played throughout the day. A radiogram, operated by Mr Simmons of Princes Risborough, was in attendance. In the evening there was dancing in the Village Hall.
Those in charge of stalls and side-shows were as follows :-
Needlework. Miss Janes, Mrs Cubbage, Mrs Alldridge, Mrs R Gomme
Mystery Parcel. Mrs Saunders, Miss Smith,
Basket Stall. Mrs Carter, Miss Daniel
Produce and Provision. Mrs Anderson, Miss Jarvis, Miss M Dell
Sweets and Toys. Mrs Kirby, Mrs Stevens, Miss C Stevens.
Teas. Mrs Adams, Mrs Currell, Mrs Gomme, Miss Dell, Mrs Hickman, Mrs Oakford, Mrs B Dormer, Mrs Chilton
White Elephant. Miss K Brown.
Bran Tub. Mrs Baker, Miss G Hickman.
Coconut Shies. A. Baker, and Miss B Dell
Dog Racing. Mr Lewis, Mr A Adams, Mr W Saunders
Bowling for Pig. Mr F Adams and Mr H Williams
Bagatelle. Mr Poland
Spinning Jenny. Mr S Goodchild and Mr B Dell.
Chinese Laundry. Mr Millward
Darts. Mr F Baker.
Housey-housey. Mr S Bates
Balloon Bursting. Mr A Alldridge and Mr H Floyd.
William Saunders died in 1934.
1934 FETE with permission of the executors of William Saunders. Reported by the Bucks Free Press. This report is listed in Social Snapshots 1900-1968 inc
click Celebrations for other similar events
" Lacey Green people certainly know how to organise a fete. There was an abundance of attractions at Saturday's gala day organised in aid of the Women's Institute and Village Hall funds, and held at Stocken Farm, by kind permission of the executors of the late Mr. W. Saunders. There was everything from coconut shies to Chinese laundries, and from bagatelle to balloon bursting.
Mrs. Cassavetti, of "Wardrobes", Princes Risborough, set the ball rolling at half past two with a charming little speech; then the good company set about emptying their pockets on the side-shows.
The afternoons attractions included :-
A children's carnival,
A display of maypole dancing by the pupils of the Lacey Green School, under the direction of Mr. A Aldridge (Headmaster) and the staff, and dancing under the direction of Miss Hilda Bailey.
The Princes Risborough Fire Brigade also contributed towards the success of the programme. They gave a drill display under the direction of Chief Officer G. East. They were deservedly applauded for the opportunity of seeing the fire engine in action was undoubtedly welcomed by all present. Great credit is due to the Brigade and also to C. Rogers for their expert leadership.
Furthermore the fete was a financial success, over £77 being taken on the day, and it is expected that of this total £50 will be profit.
The organisers were the Reverend C O Morton (Chairman), Mr A Alldridge (Hon. Secretary), Mrs A Alldridge (Hon. Treasurer), Miss Mabel Janes, Mrs Hickman, Mrs Cubbage, Mr Fred Adams, Mrs Baker, Mr Lewis.
The stalls were capably supervised by the following :--
Needlework... Mrs Alldridge, Mrs Cubbage, Miss Jones, Mrs Ralph Gomme,
Produce and provision.... Mrs Anderson, Miss Jarvis, Miss M Dell.
Basket stall..... Mrs Carter and Mis Daniel
Children's stall..... Mrs Kirby, Mrs Stevens, Miss C Stevens
Bran Tub.... Mrs Baker, Miss G Hickman
Mystery parcels.... Mrs Saunders, Miss J Smith
Teas.... Mrs Fred Adams, Mrs Currell, Miss Dell, Mrs R Gomme, Mrs Hickman, Mrs Oakford, Mrs B Dormer, Mrs C Gomme, Miss Ginger, Miss Dormer
White elephant..... Miss K Brown
Spinning jenny.... Messrs S Goodchild, B Dell
Coconut shies..... Mr A Baker and Miss B Dell
Dog racing ..... Messrs Lewis, Adams and Saunders
Bowling for the pig.... Messrs Fred Adams and Harry Floyd
Chinese Laundry.... Mr Millward
Darts .... Mr F Baker
Bagatelle .... Mr Poland
Balloon bursting .... A Alldridge and Harry Floyd
Music during the afternoon was provided by the High Wycombe "Excelsior" Band, through the generosity of Mr G Cubbage. Mr Leslie Simmons of Princes Risborough, broadcasted the music and supervised the loudspeaker equipment.
A successful day was brought to a close with a dance in the Village Hall, music being supplied by Messrs Adams, Tyrell, Cubbage, Jones and Williams, and Mr Leslie Simmons' radio gramophone.
1934 Stocken Farm was put up for sale by the executors of William Saunders
1934 Details of Stocken Farm taken from the Sale Catalogue, as follows: --
A Decidedly Attractive, and for its situation, Particularly Well Watered and Choice Pastured FREEHOLD HILL HOLDING with Farmhouse and ample Buildings. known as Stocken Farm, Lacey Green, Bucks, In the centre of the village, and extending to an area of about 165a ; 2r : 37p. as set out in the following schedule: --
Ord.no 1921 Ed.....Description . . . Acres
293 Farmhouse, Buildings, Yards . 1.578.
290 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..2.957
291 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .973
294 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.549.
295 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.104
332 Arable . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .11.437
331 Arable and Pasture . . . . . . . . 23.433
363 Arable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.803
330 Arable and Pasture . . . . . . . .23.954
Pt.125 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .33.671
126 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16.716
Pt. 127 Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16.559
TOTAL . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. 165. 734
The Brick built, Stucco and Tiled Farmhouse contains: --
Entrance Lobby, Dining and Drawing Rooms, both 14 feet square. Kitchen with Gradient range, sink, rain-water pump and dresser, back Hall, Dairy with slate and marble slabs and tiled floor, lobby and passage. Underground cellar.
Outside: -- Woodhouse and Washhouse with pump, sink, two coppers, baking oven and range.
On the first floor: -- Landing, two bedrooms, 14 feet square, Two Single Bedrooms and hanging cupboard.
On the second floor: -- Landing and Two Bedrooms
The Farm Building Comprise
Range of Brick, Flint and Slated Buildings consisting of Nag Stable, Coach-House, Cart Horse Stable with stone and drained floor, Cart Shed, Cattle Shed with stone and drained floors; Brick, Flint and Galvanised 4-bay Wagon Shed; detached range of 4 Brick built and Slated Pig-styes; Range of Two brick foundation, boarded and tiled and slated Barns and two sheds with stone floors and mangers, and Fodder House; Cattle Yard with three open sheds and mangers and large iron water trough; Calving Box; Granary on staddles; Boarded and Slated Fowl-house.
In the Rickyard: A 4-Bay Dutch Barn, 20 yds x 8 yds., boarded and galvanised Implement Shed. Shed with Manger with access to Ord No.127.
Notes. Certain fields on the farm possess long frontages to the hard road, which, in this lovely and unspoilt countryside, remote from the hustle of present-day conditions, and yet within easy distance of High Wycombe by bus service, must have a PROSPECTIVE BUILDING VALUE.
The growing timber will be included in the sale
Electricity is available. Water from Underground Storage Tanks
Main water is now being brought to Lacey Green and will shortly be available.
No charge will be made for Unexhausted Manurial Values, but the purchaser will be required to pay for Beneficial Cultivations (if any) on the Arable Land in addition to the purchase money
Land Tax £5 2s 5d.
1934 STOCKEN FARM SOLD BY AUCTION. The following details are taken from the deeds-
5th October 1934. The property of William Saunders of Stocken Farm was sold at auction by his two executors Annie Daisy Smith of ‘Stoneycroft’, Walters Ash, and Fred Floyd of Lacey Green
Note. Annie Daisy Smith, known by ‘Daisy’ was the youngest daughter of William and Bethia Saunders. She was the wife of Ernest Smith. Fred Floyd of Lacey Green was the son-in-law of William and Bethia. He had married their daughter Caroline ‘Carrie’. Carrie died young and their son Peter was brought up by William and Bethia as the youngest child in the family. William left his estate between his children in which Peter, being a grandchild, did not get a share.
5th October 1934. The executors of William Saunders stated that William Saunders of Stocken Farm, Lacey Green had died on 31st December 1933. His will dated 7th September 1931 was proved on 28th February 1934.
This document lists the mortgages taken out by William Saunders.
15 October 1889. Mortgage with John Field Junior, corn dealer, of Ham Farm, West Wycombe for £500, interest 4% per annum. On 6 November 1890. Eleanor Allnutt purchased the mortgage for £500, interest 4% p.a. from John Field Junior. 25 May 1898. William Saunders of Small Dean Farm took out a mortgage with and Charlotte Elizabeth Plaistowe and Harriet Wren Plaistowe, spinsters from Loudwater, High Wycombe, for £800 @ 4% interest p.a. This covered the on-going mortgage of £500 @ 4% interest plus land and property at Amen Corner, Loosley Row, which are not part of this document.
24 February 1921. William Saunders cleared the mortgage of both principal and interest.
5TH October 1934. The Executors sold to George Hawes of Lacey Green for £500, the field containing 2 roods 27 poles, no 272c ordinance map 1921, pink on plan, with the house and outbuildings built on it and known as ‘Hillcrest’, with full rights for all time to use on foot or with carts or carriages over the roadway coloured brown on the plan. click 1899 Modern transcript of 2 fields for details and map.
1934. Conveyance. Ernest Smith, son in law of William Saunders, purchased Stocken Farm for £3,225. It still included the large field ‘Hillocks, but the smaller field to the north of Goodacres Lane was sold off separately. (Purchased by George Hawes of Woodbyne Farm), William Saunders had built a house there, also sold separately, called Hillcrest. For more on Ernest Smith go to 1919 Wedding of Daisy Saunders & Ernest Smith
Research Notes. In 1911 William Saunders had paid £3,400 for Stocken Farm. He had added the large Field called Hillocks It sold in 1934 for £3225, losing £175, 23 years later.
Using Stocken Farm as an example, the following figures show what a difficult times these were for farming.
1878 sold for £8,250. 1934 sold for £3225. Losing £5,025, even though 2 houses and a large field had been added.
click 1934-1948 Stocken Farm with landlord Ernest Smith and tenants Dick & Hilda West to continue the history of Stocken Farm.