Smeeth (St. Mary)

SMEETH (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of East Ashford, franchise and barony of Bircholt, lathe of Shepway, E. division of Kent, 4 miles (E. S. E.) from Ashford; containing 489 inhabitants. This was formerly a market-town; and fairs are still held on May 12th and Michaelmas-day, for toys and pedlery. The living is annexed to the rectory of Aldington. The church is principally in the Norman style of architecture. Timothy Bedingfield, in the year 1691, bequeathed an estate now producing £111. 10. per annum, for education.