Matching (St. Mary)

MATCHING (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Epping, hundred of Harlow, S. division of Essex, 3¼ miles (E. by N.) from Harlow; containing 687 inhabitants. It comprises by computation 2000 acres; the soil is chiefly clay, alternated with gravel, and the surface is gently undulated. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £12. 10. 5., and in the patronage of the Governors of Felsted School (the impropriators), on the nomination of the Bishop of London. The great tithes have been commuted for £440, and the vicarial for £246. 10.; the impropriate glebe comprises 56 acres, and the vicarial 10 acres. The church is an ancient edifice, with a tower. Here is a national school.