A close-up
of the facade of Stanway House. During the 17th century the Tracy
family were Patrons of St Peter's, and perhaps met the cost of the
three bells which were introduced at this time.
The population
in the village was small, with the estate providing much of the employment
although h a papermill and small woollen industry were already established.
The slate quarries to the northeast of Stanway were active and the
village had its own carpenter, tailor, blacksmith, two shoemakers
and, of course, a miller.
During
the 18th century a schoolteacher was appointed and paid for by the
Tracy family. A constable was also appointed and a 'cottage for the
poor' was established. In common with the rest of the country Stanway
experienced a gradual and sustained improvement in living conditions.
Interestingly,
despite the availability of slate from local quarries, many of Stanway's
houses still had thatched roofs at that time.
