The Harding family is first mentioned in the parish records of 1598. In 1749, a descendant of theirs, William Harding, married Susannah Stapp. They had five children, all who were born into extreme poverty and harsh circumstances, and unfortunately only Anne and Susannah survived. The two daughters were sickly children and were constantly under the care of Mr Ramsay, the local apothecary. Their medical bills were paid by the overseer, who at that time was Mr Dodd.
In April 1759, William was arrested for poaching on the land of Sir Richard Phripp, the Lord of the Manor of Rickmansworth. William was tried at the Aylesbury General Quarter Sessions and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Susannah was pregnant at this time and died in childbirth together with the baby. Their graves can be found near the west wing of St Michael’s Church. The daughters, Anne and Susannah, aged 6 and 8 respectively were placed in the hands of the overseer. It was the custom to lodge pauper children with a family, whether willing or not, and pay that family for their keep. The money involved – between 1 shilling and 6 pence and two shillings a week – was not enough.
Despite being sickly, both girls survived a smallpox epidemic. In 1764, Anne went to live with the Dodd family and Susannah went to live with the Baldwin family. Anne was well looked after by the Dodds, whom she helped with domestic chores. Eventually, she was sent in to the household service of Sir Hugh Palliser, Bt., Lord of Chalfont St Giles Manor. The Baldwin family, where Susannah went to live, were on the poor rate themselves and Susannah was passed from one Chenies family to another.
sources: Chorleywood, Chenies, Loudwater and Heronsgate, a Social History by Ian Foster
contributor: Rachel Bishop
date published: 18/04/2026