Wethersfield (St. Mary Magdalene)
WETHERSFIELD (St. Mary Magdalene), a parish, in the union of Braintree, hundred of Hinckford, N. division of Essex, 7 miles (N. N. W.) from Braintree; containing 1685 inhabitants. It is bounded by the river Blackwater, on which are several extensive flour-mills. A pleasure-fair is held in July. The parish comprises 4212a. 2r. 23p., of which 3396 acres are arable, 361 meadow and pasture, 143 garden-ground, 137 in woods and plantations, 63 in hop-grounds, and 110 road and waste. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £12, and in the patronage of Trinity Hall, Cambridge; appropriator, the Bishop of London. The great tithes have been commuted for £1105, and those of the vicar for £376: there are 51 acres of appropriate glebe. The church is an ancient edifice, with a tower and spire, and contains some interesting monuments. The Independents have a place of worship. Bequests amounting to £45 per annum have been left for education, &c.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.