A History of Manningtree
now and then...
Perhaps Manningtree is best known to the outside traveler by the railway station on the main London to Norwich line, but the most familiar landmark to the local traveler is Mistley Towers. The Towers, the surviving remnants of a fine 18th-century church, are most noticed and best remembered. But the area can be traced back much further – with stories of Romans, Shakespeare, witches, aristocrats, industry and the areas oldest resident "Old Knobbley" – all this can be found here in the history section on Visit-Manningtree.
Have a browse through the ages for a glimpse of the changes...
- The Beginning
- 1600's - Witchfinder HQ
- 1700's - The Rigby Vision
- 1800's - Industry Arrives
- 1900's - A Transformation
- Recent Times
- The Old Knobbley Timeline
Manningtree is a pleasant market town,
As broad as long, and is of some renown;
And from the river side 'tis plainly seen,
On undulating ground of verdant green.
'Twas by denuded aborigines
Long noted for its woods and many trees;
And centuries have passed since then and now,
When first it had the name Schidingeou.
Our town, however, is an ancient place,
As for centuries can its history trace;
But only in an undefined degree,
Some references here and there we faintly see.
T'was once a haven, and houseling town,
(In the review of lands 'tis noted down,)
And full three hundred years ago we find
Extensive numbers in the town combined
And, at least, seven hundred of our race
Were then residing in this ancient place.
How they contrived and managed their affairs,
And struggled on through all their wants and cares,
We have, indeed, no clear or certain clue -
We fear that mostly they passed roughly through.
By Joseph Glass, the author of Reminiscences of Manningtree and its Vicinity, which was first published in 1855.
