Orlestone (St. Mary)

ORLESTONE (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of East Ashford, partly in the liberty of Romney-Marsh, and partly in the hundred of Ham, lathe of Shepway, W. division of Kent, 6½ miles (S. by W.) from Ashford; containing 316 inhabitants. It comprises 1825a. 4p., of which about 700 acres are woodland, and the remainder arable and pasture; the soil is fertile, producing excellent wheat, and the scenery is richly diversified. The Royal Military canal passes within a short distance of the village. The living is a discharged rectory, valued in the king's books at £4. 15. 9., and in the gift of T. Thornhill, Esq.: the tithes have been commuted for £157. 18., and the glebe consists of 48 acres. The church is a neat edifice. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans. Some chalybeate springs rise here.