Whissonsett (St. Mary)

WHISSONSETT (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Mitford and Launditch, hundred of Launditch, W. division of Norfolk, 5 miles (S.) from Fakenham; containing 702 inhabitants. It comprises by measurement 1322 acres, of which 1005 are arable, 300 meadow and pasture, and 14 woodland. The village is pleasantly situated; a fair, chiefly for shoes and pedlery, is held in it on the Wednesday in Whitsun-week. The living is a discharged rectory, with that of Horningtoft united, valued in the king's books at £10. 3. 4.; net income, £714; patron, F. R. Reynolds, Esq. The tithes have been commuted for £329, and the glebe comprises 60 acres, with a house. The church is an ancient structure in the early and later English styles, with a square embattled tower; in the chancel are several gravestones of grey marble, with brasses bearing the effigies of members of the Bozoun family. There are places of worship for Baptists and Wesleyans.