Easton-Bavents (St. Nicholas)

EASTON-BAVENTS (St. Nicholas), a parish, in the union and hundred of Blything, E. division of Suffolk, 1 mile (N. N.E.) from Southwold; containing 11 inhabitants. This place, which is by antiquaries identified with the Extensio of Ptolemy, was formerly the most eastern point of land in the kingdom; but the promontory called Easton Ness has long since been washed away by the sea, which has made great encroachments on this part of the coast; and the church and an ancient chapel, with the greater portion of the parish, have disappeared. A market was granted to Thomas de Bavent, from whom the place takes the affix to its name. The parish now comprises only 300 acres, by measurement; the scenery is in many parts highly picturesque, and on the north side of the parish is a fine sheet of water called Easton Broad. The living is a discharged rectory, consolidated with the rectory of Binacre, and valued in the king's books at £6.