Beckley (All Saints)
BECKLEY (All Saints), a parish, in the union of Rye, hundred of Goldspur, rape of Hastings, county of Sussex, 7 miles (W. N. W.) from Rye; containing 1412 inhabitants. The parish is bounded on the north by the river Rother, which separates the counties of Kent and Sussex: it comprises by measurement 4800 acres, of which about 1500 are in woods and plantations, and the remainder arable and pasture land in good cultivation; about 360 acres are planted with hops. Iron-ore and sandstone are found, and formerly there was an extensive furnace for smelting iron-ore. The village is pleasantly situated on the road from Rye to London; the surrounding scenery is rich in sylvan beauty, and from many parts extensive and finely varied prospects are obtained. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £11. 6. 8., and in the gift of University College, Oxford: the tithes have been commuted for £1000, and the glebe comprises 25 acres, with a house built in 1840 by the patrons. The church is a handsome edifice in the decorated English style. The Wesleyans have a place of worship. There are several chalybeate springs.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.