Boxted Village Times

History of Boxted

1600 - 1900

1617

Religious turmoil in the village, led by the Maidstones of Pond House. They wished to make Boxted a Puritan community. George Phillips, nonconformist divine, inducted vicar.

1630

George Phillips and many other Boxted residents emigrated to America. Phillips founded a church at Watertown on the Charles River, Massachusetts. Other Boxted residents went to Ipswich, Massachusetts.

1633

St. Peter's church in poor state of repair. John Maidstone refuses Bishop of London's choice of vicar and appoints his own incumbent.

1637

Post mill built on Boxted Heath at the place now called Mill corner

1643

English Civil War. "Oath of Allegiance" to Parliament, many parishioners sign or make their mark on the document.

1646

"Witch Fever" arrives in Boxted, hence the Betty Potter legend.

1648

Siege of Colchester. Battle on Boxted Heath and skirmish in the area of Hill farm and the Cross Inn
For further details look on the Civil War site