Page 17 - Moreton Village Only Book

Moreton Village Only 17

Motts Bakery and the much larger pond – circa 1910.
In 1906 Elmfield House at the western
end of the village was built on land which
had been acquired by Isaac Mott nearly 50
years earlier, replacing the collection of old
buildings which were demolished. This
represented quite a change of appearance
(being Edwardian in character) from the old
cottages at the other end of the village.

Mr. Kenyon, who lived at Elmfield
House until the 1980’s, owned a substantial
funeral directors business in West London.
For some time the firm enjoyed Royal
patronage, as well as handling the overseas
requirements for the Foreign Office in
relation to their embassies and other Elmfield House – circa 1910.
establishments abroad. On several occasions
he was found weeding in the garden,
collecting rubbish in a coffin which he
trundled around the garden on a makeshift
set of wheels. It is not reported whether
this was an attempt at basic practical research
into the durability of the coffin and its
suitability for its principal purpose, or
whether it was simply a “spare”, which the
company’s owner thought to put to good
use!
Given that Methodism was a strong
influence in the village, it is not surprising
that The Old Bell closed as a Public House.
In 1910 The Watlington Brewery sold the Spencers Cottage, Folly Cottage &
property, lock, stock and barrel for the sum Vine Cottage – circa 1910.
of £165.00. The name of the house was
changed to The Laurels until 1951 when it
changed back to The Old Bell.