Rock (St. Peter and St. Paul)

ROCK (St. Peter and St. Paul), 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, 4¾ miles (S. W. by W.) from Bewdley; containing, with the chapelry of Heightington, 1397 inhabitants. The parish comprises 7400 acres, and is situated near the right bank of the river Severn: the roads from Tenbury to Kidderminster and from Cleobury-Mortimer to Worcester cross each other here, at a place called the Finger Post. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £17. 11. 8., and in the patronage of the family of Severne; net income, £1100. At Heightington is a chapel of ease. A free grammar school was established by Edward VI., who endowed it with £5. 14. per annum, which is regularly paid out of the crown rent; another school is partly supported by some ladies. An almshouse for six widows was endowed with £20 per annum, by the Rev. Dr. Walls, in 1724.