Overton (St. Mary)

OVERTON (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Whitchurch, hundred of Overton, Kingsclere and N. divisions of the county of Southampton, 3 miles (E. N. E.) from Whitchurch; containing 1590 inhabitants. The parish comprises by computation 6400 acres, of which about 600 are woodland, 100 meadow, and the rest arable. The village is situated on the great western road; and the river Test, which rises about a mile distant, runs through it. A manufactory for throwing silk affords employment to the greater part of the females. Fairs are held on May 4th, Whit-Monday, July 18th, and October 22nd, the last a considerable fair for sheep. Overton formerly sent two members to parliament. The living is a vicarage, with that of Tadley annexed, in the patronage of the Rector, valued in the king's books at £14. 12. 3½.; net income, £320. The rectory is a sinecure, valued in the king's books at £29. 19. 7.; net income, £50; patron, the Bishop of Winchester. There is a place of worship for Independents; and the Whitchurch union workhouse is situated here.