
The Saxon word 'fan' or 'fann' has changed over the
years to 'fen', meaning low, marshy land or a low-lying
district. Bulphan has retained the sound 'phan' although
it is sometimes spelt Bulvan. At the time of the Domesday
survey it was called Bulgenen meaning marshland in a
fortified place. The land at Bulphan belonged to the
Abbey of Barking.
The first parson was Peter de Elm 1290 to1292 and the
first Rector was Reginald de Gatcomb 1303. The present
church of St Mary the Virgin was built in the 15th
century. Christopher Harrold in his book 'Exploring
Thurrock' describes the church as follows: 'built of
flint and rubblestone; there was major restoration in
1874/5. The south porch has some fine wood carving of
Tudor roses and evangelistic symbols. Inside the door
there is a panel depicting the Royal arms of the first
Hanoverian period (1714-1801). The fine oak screen was
not designed for its present position but its 15th
century origin is unknown. There is modern glass in the
north-east window of the nave in memory of Rev. Theodore
Alphonse Teitelbaum, Rector 1903-1946. At the west end
stands the impressive belfry constructed entirely of
heavy timber.'
The hall stood east of the church and further east the
Manor House known as the Wick, where lived Edward Bury,
gentleman of the Kings Bedchamber and Justice of the
Peace. In 1540 under Henry VIII Bulphan's fertile
grassland was transferred to him. Along Fen Lane is
Brandon Hall, the former Rectory, in Victorian Gothic red
brick. Bulphan is rich in moated houses. On Ingrave Road
are Garlesters and Appletons Farm (15th century) (now Ye
Olde Plough House Motel) and Spring Farm on the Orsett
Road which is moated on 3 sides.
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