From the 17th to the middle of the 19th century, the ecclesiastical benefices of Badsey (with Aldington) and Wickhamford were held in plurality. In addition, the incumbent was also Rector of other parishes, some far away, so he was rarely resident in the village. The work of the parish therefore fell upon the Curate. During Reverend Phillott’s incumbency (1807-1851) there were no fewer than nine Curates, including the Reverend Thomas Griffith, who was Phillott’s son-in-law and the Reverend Charles Bloxham, who later emigrated to Australia.
