Ralph Newbery (1535-1608)

Ralph Newbery was native of Waltham St. Lawrence before moving to London and becoming Citizen & Stationer of London. After his successful career in London he returned to the area and purchased the manor of Beenhams Heath in 1593 in Waltham St. Lawrence, and in 1602 another manor named Woolley Fiennes, in adjoining White Waltham. Newbery spent his retirement between these two manors, until his death in 1608. By a deed, made shortly after his death,

Ralph's son, Francis, settled a house and land, according to his father's wishes, for the benefit of the poor and needy inhabitants of Waltham St. Lawrence. The house is the fine Wealden hall-house in front of the church, which now serves the village as the 'Bell Inn'. His descendants lived at Feens Manor at Littlewick Green until 1665.

The plaque was unveiled 7 November 1996