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Week (St. Mary)

WEEK (St. Mary), a parish, in the union and hundred of Stratton, E. division of Cornwall, 6 miles (S.) from Stratton; containing 788 inhabitants. This place, which appears to have been formerly of more importance than it is at present, is in old records denominated a borough, and the occupiers of certain fields are still called Burgage-holders. The parish is situated on the road from Launceston to Stratton, and comprises 5600 acres, of which 216 are common or waste. Stone is quarried for building and for the repair of roads. The surface is undulated, and some of the higher grounds command views of the surrounding scenery, which is finely varied. Fairs for bullocks and sheep are held on the 29th of July, 15th of September, and the Wednesday before Christmas-day. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £17, and in the gift of Sydney-Sussex College, Cambridge: the tithes have been commuted for £450, and the glebe comprises 84 acres, with a house. The church, situated on elevated ground, is an ancient building with a stately tower. The Wesleyans have a place of worship. A chantry, with a free school, was founded and endowed in the time of Henry VIII., by Dame Thomasine Percival, but was suppressed in the reign of Edward VI.; some portions of the building may be traced, and the well is still remaining. Adjoining the churchyard is the site of an old fortress, called Castle Hill.

Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.

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