Place Name
Listed in Mason’s Directory of 1853 as William Wiggins, shopkeeper of Ham Fields. Wiggins was a substantial figure in the area, he was a member of the Vestry, a prototype parish council. In 1846 he was appointed Overseer of the Poor, administering poor relief such as money, food, and clothing; he was listed as Herdsman in 1851 – 1852, a role that seemed to encompass more than simply dealing with cattle and one which became the centre of power struggle within the village during his time, for unlike most other Vestry posts, this was contested; and Surveyor of the Highways from 1855 to 1862. He had the cottages built in Back Lane where his shop was located. He died in 1867
