Widley (St. Mary)

WIDLEY (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Fareham, hundred of Portsdown, Fareham and S. divisions of the county of Southampton, 5½ miles (E. by N.) from Fareham; containing, with part of the hamlet of Potwell, 607 inhabitants. The parish comprises 1106 acres, of which 59 are common or waste; a very considerable portion is woodland, abounding with timber of stately growth. The soil is fertile, resting on chalk, of which there are several pits. The living is a rectory with the vicarage of Wymering annexed, valued in the king's books at £14. 11. 10½.; net income, £678; patrons, the Nugee family and Winchester College, alternately. The tithes of Widley have been commuted for £250, and the glebe comprises 11 acres. The church has been enlarged.