Shefford, Great or West (St. Mary)

SHEFFORD, GREAT or WEST (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Hungerford, hundred of Kintbury-Eagle, county of Berks, 5 miles (N. E. by N.) from Hungerford; containing 562 inhabitants. It comprises 2246a. 22p., of which 2100 acres are arable, 50 pasture, and 60 woodland. Charles I. took up his quarters here on November 19th, 1644. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £14. 3. 4., and in the gift of Brasenose College, Oxford: the tithes have been commuted for £833. 18., and the glebe comprises 110 acres. The church is principally in the Norman style, with a circular tower; near the north door is a niche for the figure of the Virgin, adorned with pinnacles, and the font is curiously carved with foliage. In the churchyard is the shaft of an ancient cross. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans.