Headstone And Surrounds Approximately 16 Metres South Of South West Angle Of South Porch Of Church Of St Andrew

ROCHFORD OFF HALL ROAD TQ 86/8790 14/208 Headstone and surrounds approx. 16 metres south of south west angle of south porch of Church of St. Andrew GV II Headstone and surround of grave of James Banyard, born 31 January 1800, died 31 October 1897. Simple with rounded angles to headstone, pyramidal heads to corner stones and chamfered side and end stones. The inscription relates that James Banyard was the founder of The Peculiar People in the County of Essex. The sect was founded as a grass roots revivalist movement during the 1850's, they were respected for agricultural and social reforms, but belief only in natural healing was a cause of friction with the general public, especially when Smallpox vaccination etc., became popular. The two earliest surviving intact Peculiar Peoples Chapels at Tillingham (11.218) and Steeple (4/167) Essex, are listed buildings. Mark Sorrell, The Peculiar People.

Listing NGR: TQ8718090259