Ticehurst (St. Mary)

TICEHURST (St. Mary), a parish, and the head of a union, in the hundred of Shoyswell, rape of Hastings, E. division of Sussex, 6 miles (S.) from Lamberhurst; containing 2465 inhabitants. It comprises 8197a. 2r. 36p., of which about 2600 acres are wood, and 400 in hop-grounds; the surface is boldly undulated, and the scenery diversified. The village occupies a gentle eminence on the road from Tonbridge-Wells to Hastings, and in its immediate vicinity is Highlands, the property of Charles Newington, Esq. An agricultural association has been established; a cornmarket is held on Mondays, and there are cattle-fairs on May 4th and October 7th. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £18. 7. 6.; net income, £350; patrons, the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury: the incumbent has a house, with a glebe of about 12 acres. The church is principally in the decorated style of English architecture, and consists of a nave, aisles, chancel, and two chapels, with an embattled tower surmounted by a low spire. A district church dedicated to St. Peter, was erected in 1838, at Stonegate, at a cost of about £1100, by Mrs. Courthope and her son G. C. Courthope, Esq., of Whiligh, by whom it was also endowed with £1000; it is in the early English style. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of Mr. Courthope. Another district church in the same style, dedicated to St. Augustine, was erected in 1839, at Flimwell, by subscription; and Mrs. Maryatt, who contributed largely towards its erection, endowed it with £1000: it is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of the Bishop of Chichester, with a total net income of £100. The Wesleyans and Baptists have places of worship. The poor-law union comprises 8 parishes or places, and contains a population of 14,197.