One hundred years ago in 1909, the Baptist Minister moved into his new home, built next to the Chapel at the foot of Blacksmith’s Hill, in The Street. The land for the Manse had been acquired in 1905 at a cost of £40, but it was not until 1909 that construction was to commence. Prior to 1905 the Baptist Ministers had lived in rented cottages in the village and for a number of years the Manse had been located where Sweet Briars is today, close to the Windmill pub.

Following the death of Mrs Mary Jordan, an auction was held in March 1904 to sell the cottages that she owned, Sweet Briars and the adjoining property, (which at that time were known together as Laurel Villas). As a result of the sale, the Baptist Minister was forced to look for a new home. Due to a shortage of accommodation to let in Chipperfield, the Rev Haswell was forced to move one and a half miles from Chipperfield. This led the Baptists to build the new house for their Minister.

In February 1909 planning for the Manse began in earnest, fund raising began and an architect was employed. Messrs. Clark Bros. of Watford built the house for £300 and by the end of August 1909 the Minister was in residence.

Andrew Nobbs