Sheering (St. Mary)

SHEERING (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Epping, hundred of Harlow, S. division of Essex, 3 miles (N. E.) from Harlow; containing 544 inhabitants. It is bounded on the west by the river Stort, and comprises about 1530 acres, of which 1249 are arable, 265 pasture, and 16 woodland; the soil is fertile, and under excellent cultivation. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £13. 13. 4., and in the gift of the Dean and Canons of Christ-Church, Oxford: the tithes have been commuted for £507, and the glebe comprises 18 acres. The church is a small ancient edifice. A free chapel was endowed here by Christiana de Valvines, the site of which is still called Chapel Field.