The Hayward Family Anthony Methuen finally regains the remainder of the village when in 1716 his tenant Joseph Davison dies. But the following year he himself is to die and his massive estate which includes a number of villages is inherited by has only son Thomas. Pittes Place in Freshford Street has been the home of the Davisons for over 100 years and is sold with 4 acres of land to Robert Hayward. The rest of the lands are retained by the Methuens until they are sold in 1811. The Haywards originate from Bagbury, Evercreech, near what is today the Bath & West Showground. The village adjoins Batcombe the village from which the Davisons, Ashes, Yerburys and Moores all have their roots.They are all wealthy Clothiers whose families are shown often intermarrying . In 1695 Robert Hayward purchases the lease from Anne Ridley of Freshford Mill. This is the former Home of John Ashe and is the villages largest property containing 11 hearths in the 1664 Tax List. An Insurance policy dated 1727 describes 3 large buildings on the site. It would seem that he builds a new paladin house set back from Freshford Street and keeps the older house which borders the street as a “Scribbling Loft” a process involving a number of workmen in the Woollen Process. Another building is described as a “ White Wool Loft” which is used for storage of the undyed wool. This building still survives but is today built into the larger extended house.

A simplified family tree for the Haywards, with the owners of Freshford Manor in the first column