Twining, or Twyning (St. Mary Magdalene)

TWINING, or Twyning (St. Mary Magdalene), a parish, in the union of Tewkesbury, Lower division of the hundred of Kiftsgate, though locally in the Lower division of that of Tewkesbury, E. division of the county of Gloucester, 2 miles (N. by E.) from Tewkesbury; containing 970 inhabitants. The parish is situated between the rivers Severn and Avon, by the latter of which it is separated from Worcestershire. It comprises 3061 acres, whereof 750 are arable, 1888 pasture, 53 wood, and 390 common or waste; the surface is hilly, the soil generally of excellent quality, and the beauty of the scenery is increased by the luxuriance of numerous trees, and the rich appearance of the meadow land. The Worcester and Gloucester road runs through the parish, near the northern boundary; and over the Avon is a ferry. At one period, large quantities of stockings were woven by the inhabitants; but only a few looms are now employed. The living is a discharged vicarage, valued in the king's books at £7. 9. 7.; net income, £127; patrons and appropriators, the Dean and Canons of Christ-Church, Oxford. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £945. There is neither glebe-house nor glebe-land; a former vicarial residence, and about half an acre of land, are now let out to cottagers; but the patrons have assigned four acres near the church as glebe, upon the termination of the present tenant's lease. The church exhibits portions in the Norman style, including the porch and doors, which are much admired; the tower also is very fine, and there are some handsome monuments, chiefly of the Handcock family, who were lords of the manor: the extreme length of the edifice, however, detracts much from its beauty. A national school is supported by subscription. Adjoining the churchyard is part of a building that belonged to the priory at Winchcomb, but the ruins are very inconsiderable. Towbury Hill is said to be the site of a Roman camp; and it is conjectured by Leland that the house of King Offa, or of Ranulphus, stood upon it. Numerous Roman coins have been found in the neighbourhood.