Around 1600, the Bourchier family of Worcester came into possession of the manor of Little Stambridge. Sir James Bourchier was a wealthy leather merchant who also had a town house on Tower Hill by the Tower of London and another country estate at Felstead in Essex. His children were born there and the sons were educated at Felstead School.
Sir James’ eldest son was Richard and a boyhood friend of his was Oliver Cromwell. When Sir James brought his family to stay in the manor house at Little Stambridge, Cromwell would often join them for a few days. And so he met Richard’s sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Oliver fell in love and married at St. Giles, Cripplegate, in 1620.
In 1628, he was elected MP for Huntingdon, his home town, and two years later became a Puritan.
When the Civil war began in 1642, Cromwell was sent to organise the defence of Norfolk. He was noted for his organisational skills and bravery and Cromwell was put in charge of the cavalry in the eastern counties. His reputation was further enhanced when his cavalry made a notable contribution to the Battle of Marston Moor. When the New Model Army was formed, Cromwell was made General of the Horse and he played an important part in the defeat of the King in the Battle of Naseby.
When the Civil War ended with Parliament victorious, Cromwell played a part in trying to keep Parliament united. He also tried to smooth things between Parliament and the army in 1647 when the army mutinied and refused to disband. He played a prominent part in the second Civil War and was the prime mover behind the decision to execute the King in 1649 and the establishment of the Commonwealth. In 1653 he was elected Lord Protector. After his death from natural causes in 1658 he was buried in Westminster Abbey but after the Royalists returned to power in 1660 they had his corpse dug up, hung in chains, and beheaded.
Oliver and Elizabeth’s daughter, Frances, married Lord Robert Rich who lived with the Earl and Countess of Warwick at Rochford Hall. Lord Rich had the alms houses built which are still there opposite the railway station.
