Peldon (St. Mary)

PELDON (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Lexden and Winstree, hundred of Winstree, N. division of Essex, 7 miles (S. by W.) from Colchester, on the road to Maldon; containing 493 inhabitants. This parish, which is bounded on the south-east by Mersea Channel, comprises 2188 acres, whereof 33 are common or waste. It is pleasantly situated on rising ground; the soil, a strong loam, is very fertile, and the lands are in good cultivation. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £16. 15. 10., and in the gift of Earl Waldegrave: the tithes have been commuted for £575, and the glebe consists of 24½ acres. The church is a small ancient edifice, with a tower of stone.