Broughton (St. Mary)

BROUGHTON (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Stockbridge, hundred of Thorngate, Romsey and S. divisions of the county of Southampton, 3 miles (W. S. W.) from Stockbridge; containing, with the chapelry of Pittleworth and tything of French-Moor, 1009 inhabitants. This place is by Camden identified with the Roman station Brige, which Salmon refers to a hill near the village, and of which Mr. Gale, in 1719, discovered some vestiges in an adjoining wood on the road to Salisbury. The parish comprises by measurement 4200 acres; the soil of the greater part is chalky, and of the remainder a kind of reddish marl resting on chalk. The higher grounds command rich and extensive prospects; and the lower lands are watered by a small rivulet which has its source at Over Wallop, about four miles distant. A fair for pedlery and toys is held on the first Monday in July; and a court leet annually by the lord of the manor. The living is a rectory, with the living of Bossington annexed, valued in the king's books at £37. 10., and in the gift of H. Lee, Esq.: the tithes of Broughton have been commuted for £770, and the glebe comprises 34 acres; the tithes of Bossington have been commuted for £140. There are places of worship for Baptists and Wesleyans. Thomas Dowse in 1601 conveyed an estate, producing, with subsequent benefactions, £68. 17., for the support of a school.