Bayton (St. Bartholomew)

BAYTON (St. Bartholomew), a parish, in the union of Cleobury-Mortimer, Lower division of the hundred of Doddingtree, Hundred-House and W. divisions of the county of Worcester, 1¾ mile (S. E. by S.) from Cleobury-Mortimer; containing 468 inhabitants. This parish is bounded on the north and west by a portion of Shropshire, from which it is partly divided by the river Rea; it comprises 1748a. 1r. 11p., and is intersected by the road from Worcester to Cleobury-Mortimer. The surface is hilly, but the land is well cultivated; and coal is obtained to some extent. Shakenhurst is a handsome seat on the margin of the county. The living is a discharged vicarage, united to that of Mamble, and valued in the king's books at £5. 0. 2½.: the tithes were some years since commuted for 180 acres of land. The church, a plain edifice, has been recently enlarged, and the old spire replaced by a square tower. A free school is supported by subscription.