Beeston (St. Lawrence)
BEESTON (St. Lawrence), a parish, in the Tunstead and Happing incorporation, hundred of Tunstead, E. division of Norfolk, 10 miles (E. N. E.) from Norwich; containing 48 inhabitants, and comprising 518a. 1r. 2p. Beeston Hall, a Gothic mansion in a small park, has long been the residence of the Prestons, one of whom, Jacob Preston, received an emerald ring, still preserved in the family, from Charles I. when upon the scaffold, as a last tribute of affection. The living is a discharged rectory, valued in the king's books at £6, and in the gift of Sir J. H. Preston, Bart.: the tithes have been commuted for £136, and there are 31 acres of glebe. The church was nearly rebuilt by the late Sir Thomas Preston. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.