Staunton (All Saints)

STAUNTON (All Saints), a parish, in the union of Monmouth, hundred of St. Briavell's, W. division of the county of Gloucester, 3 miles (E. by N.) from Monmouth; containing 188 inhabitants. This place derives its name from Staenton (Saxon), "the stony town," or "town of stones;" and in Domesday book mention is made of a castle here belonging to Roger de Stanton, the foundations of which were cleared away a few years since. The parish is bounded on the north by the river Wye, and situated on the road from Coleford to Monmouth; and comprises about 1500 acres, of which 1000 are wood. It abounds in limestone and red-sandstone, and mines were formerly in operation. On a wellwooded hill, from which are beautiful views, is the remarkable rocking-stone called the Buckstone, 24 feet high, 57 feet in circumference at the upper surface, and 3 feet 3 inches at the base. The living is a discharged rectory, valued in the king's books at £7, and in the patronage of E. Machen, Esq., with a net income of £241, and a good parsonage-house; the glebe consists of about 12 acres. The church is a cruciform structure, chiefly in the Norman and early English styles, with aisles, and a square embattled tower; it contains a curious stone pulpit, a piscina of beautiful design in the north aisle, and a finely-sculptured font. An almshouse for three persons was founded in 1680, and endowed with £30 per annum by Benedict Hall, Esq.