Raunds (St. Peter)

RAUNDS (St. Peter), a parish, in the union of Thrapston, hundred of Higham-Ferrers, N. division of the county of Northampton, 4 miles (N. E.) from Higham-Ferrers; containing 1653 inhabitants. The parish is situated on the river Nene, and intersected by the road from Higham-Ferrers to Thrapston: the Blisworth and Peterborough railway also passes through. It comprises 4278a. 2r. 8p. of land, of which about twothirds are arable; 200 acres are roads, &c.: the soil is chiefly of a clayey quality, but bordering upon the river is lighter and richer, and the surface is undulated. Stone is quarried for building and road-making. Large shoe manufactories employ the principal part of the poor. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £11. 9. 7., and in the patronage of the Crown; net income, £173. The tithes were commuted for land and a money payment, under an inclosure act, in 1797; about 215 acres are appropriated to the living, and the vicar receives a rent-charge of £9. 13. out of the tithes of Ringstead. The church is a large handsome edifice, and has a lofty tower and spire, considered the finest specimen of the early English style in the county; similar characteristics predominate in the rest of the building, with some decorated windows, and others of later date. In the churchyard is the base of an ancient cross. There are places of worship for Baptists and Wesleyans.