Peckham, East (St. Michael)

PECKHAM, EAST (St. Michael), a parish, in the union of Malling, hundred of Twyford, lathe of Aylesford, W. division of Kent, 5½ miles (N. E. by E.) from Tonbridge; containing 2166 inhabitants. The parish is well wooded, and comprises 3365a. 36p., of which 2746 acres are arable, meadow, and pasture land. It is situated on the river Medway, which has a wharf here. There are four distinct hamlets, and the inhabitants of two of them are nearly all employed in a large oil-mill and a tanyard. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £14; net income, £900, of which £40 are received out of the rectorial tithes; patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury: the rectory is valued in the king's books at £23. The church is an ancient plain building, with a tower and small spire. A district church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, has lately been erected in the centre of the parish, affording accommodation for 600 persons: the living is a perpetual curacy in the gift of the Vicar, with a net income of £150. There is also a meeting-house for Wesleyans.