Coombs - Revision history

Joan at 09:45, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T09:45:06Z

Joan at 09:40, 8 August 2025

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Joan at 08:12, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T08:12:53Z

Joan at 08:00, 8 August 2025

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Joan at 07:31, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T07:31:09Z

Joan at 18:33, 7 August 2025

2025-08-07T18:33:03Z

Joan at 18:18, 7 August 2025

2025-08-07T18:18:07Z

Joan at 09:31, 13 November 2023

2023-11-13T09:31:11Z

Joan at 09:17, 13 November 2023

2023-11-13T09:17:19Z

Joan at 09:11, 13 November 2023

2023-11-13T09:11:56Z

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-[[File:Coombs Hamlet 01.jpg|thumb|Coombs on the horizon]]
+This item is listed in [[Social Snapshots 1900-1968 inc]] in 1958 after its decline[[File:Coombs Hamlet 01.jpg|thumb|Coombs on the horizon]]
 [[File:Coombs Hamlet 02.jpg|left|thumb|Coombs clearly on the horizon]]
 [[File:Coombs Hamlet 07.jpg|thumb|extract from the 1831 census.]]

@@ Line 125: / Line 125: @@
 '''1911''' only seven people remained in two of the cottages, the census recording that each property had four rooms.   The occupants were all members of the Weller family.   Benjamin Weller, aged 59, working as a general labourer, 55 year old wife Lucy and their three children – Ruth, 15, Benjamin 13, employed as a farm boy and 11 year old William – all born in Saunderton.   Next door were James Weller aged 67, a farm labourer and his 65 year old wife, Ruth – a lace maker.
-'''By 1911''' the cottages housing over the years in its heyday an average of twenty men, women and children was reduced to seven, all members of the Weller family in rwo cottages.
+'''By 1911''' the cottages housing over the years in its heyday an average of twenty men, women and children was reduced to seven, all members of the Weller family in two cottages, and signified the eventual decline of the hamlet.
-'''COOMBS THE HAMLET    research by Rita Probert'''
+In 1958 the site of Coombs became part of Prospect/ [[Promised Land Farm]], now owned by the Turner Family.
-'''THE SITE'''
+Connie Baker, born in 1908, said that it had once been owned or rented by the Tyler family at [[Collins Farm]], Lower Road, Loosley Row.   There was Frank, who had taken over from his uncle, Thomas, and Frank’s sister Flo.   They let Coombs go to ruin though.    Connie remembered playing up there with other children among the ruined cottages, old gardens and orchard.    They used to pick plums from there, but were told to stay away from the underground rainwater tank as it was dangerous.   During the spring snowdrops and daffodils planted by the former occupants still flowered alongside wild primroses and violets.   For many years a particularly large clump of white violets flourished under a holly tree.
-'''CLEARANCE'''
+'''The hamlet of Coombs. research by Joan West  The following research confirms and adds to that of Rita Probert.'''
-At some stage all the wooded area was cleared, apart for a small section of mainly beech trees down the far side of the hill which still remain.   The tree roots were grubbed out and the area thus acquired the name of “the Grubbin”
+The hamlet of Coombes lay tucked on the west end of [[Smallridge Wood]], between Lacey Green and Loosley Row in the parish of Princes Risborough.   It was part of the [[Manor of Princes Risborough]] and all the properties were leased out..
-'''1901'''
+'''PLAN c 1665.   This plan clearly shows a cluster of cottages at coombs (held at Hants Record Office. record no. 15M50/1519/1).'''
-In 1901, although four families still lived at Coombs, the total had diminished to 13.   Occupations were changing and by that time included a road paver and a millwright.  The latter was James Flint, aged 63, from Kent.
+'''In 1823''' At '''the Enclosures''' of Princes Risborough all parish commons, arable open fields and woodlands went into private ownership, although the public could still collect fallen wood from parish woodlands.
-'''1911''' only seven people remained in two of the cottages, the census recording that each property had four rooms.   The occupants were all members of the Weller family.   Benjamin Weller, aged 59, working as a general labourer, 55 year old wife Lucy and their three children – Ruth, 15, Benjamin 13, employed as a farm boy and 11 year old William – all born in Saunderton.   Next door were James Weller aged 67, a farm labourer and his 65 year old wife, Ruth – a lace maker.
+'''On 20<sup>th</sup> March 1777,''' at the Court of the Manor, [[John Hawes]] of Chepping Wycombe, gentleman, a copyhold tenant of the Manor did surrendered to the Manor  the copyhold farmhouse with arable and pasture land called [['Winters']] and [[Coombs Farm]] at Lacey Green
 Winters and Coombs Farm at Lacey Green, held by the Manor, containing 36 acres to [[Buckle Hawes]]<nowiki/>of Great Marlow, draper, son of John Hawes.   Buckle Hawes is admitted to the Manor as the new copyhold tenant
-'''ABSENT LANDLORDS'''
+'''21st May 1777''' Buckle Hawes  of Great Marlow, draper, son of John Hawes is admitted to the Manor as new copyhold tenant of Winters and Coombs Farm at Lacey Green, containing 36 acres
-Both John and Buckle Hawes would have taken under-tenants for these premises.
+Both John and Buckle Hawes were absentee landlords.  They would have taken under-tenants for these premises.
-'''MAP PUBLISHED 1817'''
+Maps of 1817 and 1823 Field Names
-On a map published in 1817 the field names are given as follows : ---
+On a map published in 1817 and again on the Map of the Enclosures of Princes Risborough in 1823 the field names are given as follows :-
 Enclosure map number 675.   4 fields lying south-west of Coombs cottages, all adjoining, called
@@ Line 180: / Line 164: @@
 Gingers Little Coombs, 4 acres 7 roods 43 perches
-In 1823 Enclosures the above fields were allotted to [[Sir William Lawrence Young]], copyhold
+In 1823 Enclosures the above fields were allotted to [[Sir William Lawrence Young]], copyhold.  Sir William Lawrence Young was an absentee landord and his properties would have had under-tenants.
 '''NOTE'''
@@ Line 206: / Line 190: @@
 '''TWO BANKRUPTCIES'''
-John Grubb of Horsenden, bankrupt.   His estate sold to Lord Buckingham and Chandos
+'''1841''' John Grubb of Horsenden, bankrupt.   His estate sold to Lord Buckingham and Chandos
-Lord Buckingham and Chandos, bankrupt.
+'''1848''' Lord Buckingham and Chandos, bankrupt.
-'''SALE 1<sup>st</sup> June 1848,''' the estate of Lord Buckingham and Chandos
+'''1<sup>st</sup> June 1848. Sale''' of the estate of Lord Buckingham and Chandos.  The following lots had previously belonged to John Grubb;-
-The following lots had previously belonged to John Grubb.
+'''One Cottage at Coombs.  Purchased by Charles Brown of Stocken Farm'''
-'''ONE COTTAGE AT COOMBS'''
+Lot 12.  Coomb Cottage  and a wood called [[Smallridge Wood]] at Loosley Row.  55 acres, 3 roods, 35 perches”<ins> </ins>purchased by [[Charles Brown]] of [[Stocken Farm]], Lacey Green
 '''COOMBS THE HAMLET    research by Rita Probert'''
 '''PROMISED LAND FARM'''

@@ Line 121: / Line 121: @@
 James Gomme 60 widower, ag. labborn Halton, Jesse Gomme (son) 25  ag lab, born Hampden
-By 1911
+'''In 1901''', although four families still lived at Coombs, the total had diminished to 13.   Occupations were changing and by that time included a road paver and a millwright.  The latter was James Flint, aged 63, from Kent.
 '''COOMBS THE HAMLET    research by Rita Probert'''
 '''THE SITE'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:31, 8 August 2025
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	James Gomme a 60 year old widower resided in the fourth cottage with his 25 year old unmarried son Jabez - like their neighbours , with the exception of Henry Dormer, sawyer, they were farm workers.		James Gomme a 60 year old widower resided in the fourth cottage with his 25 year old unmarried son Jabez - like their neighbours , with the exception of Henry Dormer, sawyer, they were farm workers.
		+
		+	-
		+
		+	-
		+
		+	In 1958 the site of Coombs became part of Prospect/ Promised Land Farm, now owned by the Turner Family.
		+
		+	They cleared the site. Only the remains of one cottage garden was there and they found two tie bars, the sort that would hold two walls together. The rainwater tank had already been filled in.
		+
		+	Connie Baker, born in 1908, said that it had once been owned or rented by the Tyler family at Collins Farm, Lower Road, Loosley Row. There was Frank, who had taken over from his uncle, Thomas, and Frank’s sister Flo. They let Coombes go to ruin though. Connie remembered playng up there with other children among the ruined cottages, old gardens and orchard. They used to pick plums from there, but were told to stay away from the underground rainwater tank as it was dangerous. During the spring snowdrops and daffodils planted by the former occupants still flowered alongside wild primroses and violets. For many years a particularly large clump of white violets flourished under a holly tree.
		+
		+	Read more about Coombs:
		+
		+	[[1899 Coombs Hamlet]]
		+
		+	[[1901 The Decline of Coombs]]

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 Copy from Hampshire Record Office.]]
-Coombs or Coombes was a cluster of cottages now disappeared (2023) on the ridge south of [[Loosley Hill Road]][[File:The Sprat 01.jpg|thumb|Coombs in the mist on the horizon behind The Sprat]]
+'''The Forgotten Hamlet of Coombs by [[Rita Probert]].''' [[File:The Sprat 01.jpg|thumb|Coombs in the mist on the horizon behind The Sprat]]
-'''The Forgotten Hamlet of Coombs by [[Rita Probert]].'''[[File:Coombs Hamlet 03.jpg|left|thumb|This map of the 1700's clearly depicts Comb Farm.]]
+'''Coombs or Coombes was a cluster of cottages now disappeared (2023) on the ridge south of [[Loosley Hill]] road'''[[File:Coombs Hamlet 03.jpg|left|thumb|This map of the 1700's clearly depicts Comb Farm.]]
 [[File:Coombs Hamlet 04.jpg|thumb|Section of map of 1811 indicating Smallden Wood and Common and the old Wycombe Road (now Little Lane and Lower Road)]]
 [[File:Coombs Hamlet 09.jpg|left|thumb|top left 1898 : top right 1900
 bottom left 1922 : bottom right 1956]]
-'''Many people use the footpath''' via Gomme's Forge's ornamental iron stile at the junction of [[Little Lane, Loosley Row]],  [[Foundry Lane]] and [[Lower Road]] in Loosley Row to cross the hillside know locally as [[The Grubbin]].   They exercise their dogs and stop to admire the beautiful views of Lodge Hill, Wain Hill and beyond to the Vale of Aylesbury.
+'''Many people use the footpath''' via Gomme's Forge's ornamental iron stile at the junction of [[Little Lane]], Loosley Row, [[Foundry Lane]] and [[Lower Road]] in Loosley Row to cross the hillside know locally as [[The Grubbin]].   They exercise their dogs and stop to admire the beautiful views of Lodge Hill, Wain Hill and beyond to the Vale of Aylesbury.
 '''After a heavy snowfall the area is particularly popular''' with children and adults alike for sledging down the hillside.  The area once again resounding with voices that, in fact, echo the past.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 7 August 2025
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	Then came John Williams 30 and his wife Elizabeth 30 -again employed as agricultural labourer and lace maker respectively. The had four children: Caroline 9, Joseph 6, Fanny 3 and baby Ellen. This family was later to experience four bereavements within a short space of time.		Then came John Williams 30 and his wife Elizabeth 30 -again employed as agricultural labourer and lace maker respectively. The had four children: Caroline 9, Joseph 6, Fanny 3 and baby Ellen. This family was later to experience four bereavements within a short space of time.

−	James Gomme a 60 year old widower resided in the fourth cottage with his 25 year old unmarried son Jabez - like their neighbours , with the exception of Henry Dormer, sawyer, they were farm workers.	+	James Gomme a 60 year old widower resided in the fourth cottage with his 25 year old unmarried son Jabez - like their neighbours , with the exception of Henry Dormer, sawyer, they were farm workers.
−
−	~~{{Property~~
−	~~\|Construction Era=1700-1822, 1823 Enclosures Record~~
−	~~\|Type of Property=Cottage~~
−	~~\|Use of Property=Residential~~
−	~~\|Village=Loosley Row, Coombes~~
−	}}

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 '''New residents are perhaps unaware''' that at the top of the hill and to the left of the footpath, stile and beyond, now farmland, there once stood a small hamlet called Coombs.  This consisted of a farm and three or four cottages housing over the years in its heyday an average of twenty men, women and children.   By 1911, however, the number had drastically reduced to seven residents and signified the eventual decline of the hamlet.
-This Coomb does not fit the dictionary description of a small valley with steep sides.  It has been suggested however that the hamlet in Loosley Row derived its name from the home, presumably a farm, of one William ate Coumbe who in 1354 left a bequest of one sheep to the church at  [[Bradenham]].   The Parish boundary of Bradenham sill passes through the area formerly occupied by Coombe.
+This Coomb does not fit the dictionary description of a small valley with steep sides.  It has been suggested however that the hamlet in Loosley Row derived its name from the home, presumably a farm, of one William ate Coumbe who in 1354 left a bequest of one sheep to the church at  [[Bradenham]].   The Parish boundary of Bradenham still passes through the area formerly occupied by Coombe.
 [[File:Coombs Hamlet 05.jpg|thumb|A section of the old carriage road described, from the right of the stile at the top of The Grubbin looking towards Bledlow Ridge. ]]
 The date that the farm and cottages were built remains unknown, although ongoing research may reveal the answer.  It can only be estimated at the moment as during the 18th century or earlier.   The area was certainly mentioned in a will made on 1st March 1704 by one Henry Hawes:
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 above left <<< This map of the 1700's clearly depicts Coomb Farm.
-'''Location''': The hill-side (The Grubbin) and beyond towards Lacey Green was once heavily wooded and variously called Smallden, Smallridge or Smalldean Wood and Common.   Trees covered the whole area right down to the current boundary hedge with Little Lane, which was once the main pre-turnpike Wycombe Road via Loosley Row.
+'''Location''': The hill-side (The Grubbin) and beyond towards Lacey Green was once heavily wooded and variously called Smallden, Smalldean, or [[Smallridge Wood]] and Common.   Trees covered the whole area right down to the current boundary hedge with Little Lane, which was once the main pre-turnpike Wycombe Road via Loosley Row.
 Maps of 1811 and 1823 held at the Buckinghamshire Record Office clearly indicate the wooded area and the old Wycombe Road.
@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 Currall was also a name which had long associations with the hamlet over the years.
-[[File:Coombs Hamlet 08.jpg|thumb|This shows the line of trees and some of the land where part of Coombs would have been sited.  On the other side of the trees and hedges is the Grubbin]]
+[[File:Coombs Hamlet 08.jpg|thumb|This shows the line of trees and some of the land where part of Coombs would have been sited.  On the other side of the trees and hedges is [[The Grubbin]]]]
 In 1789 a marriage took place at St Mary's Church, Princes Risborough, between a William Currill and a Sarah Ginger of Coombs. suggesting perhaps that the land previously occupied by the Ginger family had eventually passed via marriage to the Currells.