Clapham
General History
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Kelly's Directory 1847 (Extract)
CLAPHAM, formerly a chapelry of Oakley, is a small village and parish 2 miles north-west of Bedford, in the Hundred of Stodden, Bedford Union, diocese of Ely, and arch-deaconry of Bedford, situate on the River Ouse, in a fertile vale. The population in 1841 was 298; the area is 1,982 acres, which belongs to the Ashburnham family, John Thomas Dawson and Alexander Sharman Esqrs. The church, which is dedicated to St. Thomas a Becket, is an ancient fabric, with a curiously built tower, which contains four bells. The living is a vicarage, in the patronage of Lord Carteret, and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Donne, B.D., who is also vicar of St. Paul's, Bedford. The Wesleyans also have a chapel here. The Woodlands, at present the seat of John Thomas Dawson, Esq., is a a pleasant mansion. There are some charities belonging to the parish.
Dawson John Thomas esq. Woodlands
Skinner Mr Joseph
Crisp James, farmer
Crisp John William, farmer
Crisp William, farmer
Deacon John, baker
Grant Thomas, farmer
Jordan Hugh, blacksmith
Loxley William, farmer
Maddams Thos. carpenter & parish clrk
Letters are received through the Bedford office.
