After a time new invaders, under Emperor Claudius marched up from the great river. They built Camulodium to the east with a big temple to Claudius. The Romans upset the Iceni who swept in and burnt the city down. The smoke was easy to see. After a few days a procession of horse drawn chariots and men passed through on the way to destroy Londinium.

Our Roman masters brutally regained control. Their city was re-built. Some of the wealthier citizens built villas and farms off the great roads. One of those villas lay beneath our feet with bricks made from clay less than 100 paces away.

The cycle of life turned. Finely dressed Roman citizens eventually slipped away. New peoples, Saxons, came from across the seas and moved in. Villas were abandoned and in time they collapsed through neglect.

More of the land was cleared for farming. Bullocks pulled wooden ploughs. Fresh invaders came looking for any moveable wealth and captives to be slaves. There were many turbulent periods.

Then our island was seized by the Normans under King William who was very controlling. A great castle was built a few miles away on the base of Claudius' temple. The king rewarded his knights and gave 40 manors to Geffrey de Magnavilla or Maundeville including ours known as Merks.

After a few years a great survey was undertaken so the King knew what he could extract in taxation. It recorded we had 49 households with an annual value to the Lord of £12.