Cross Farm in the late 1800s.

 

Cross Farm visible after the barns had been demolished

Peter Hill

 

The barns at Cross Farm - view from Colchester Road

Peter Hill

My name is Andrew Went. My grandfather was born at Cross Farm in 1892. I am not sure when he left but from my genealogical research I know his grandfather John Went was the first member of our family to be incumbent farmer and his son, also John remained there until the birth of my grandfather.

My grandfather, John Zenas Went and his brother, Charles, joined the Royal Horse Artillery in 1914, and went to Egypt with General Sir Edmund Allenby with the British Expeditionary Force. Charles rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major and was Mentioned in Dispatches during the campaign.

If anyone has further information about Cross Farm and who owned it in the early 19th century I would be delighted to hear about it and would be happy to share what information I have.

Hello Andrew

I can tell you that Claude Watsham, who was born across the road in Vine Farm and who grew up there, signed up for service in WW1 before he was really old enough to, and took over the tenancy of Cross Farm shortly after the end of WW1. To read more about Claude and the Watsham family – click here

Peter Hill