Ashurst

ASHURST, a parish, in the union of Tonbridge, hundred of Washlingstone, lathe of Aylesford, W. division of Kent, 4¾ miles (W.) from Tonbridge. Wells; containing 224 inhabitants. It is bounded by the river Medway, and intersected by the road from East Grinstead to Tonbridge-Wells; and contains 891 acres, of which 64 are in wood. The surface is finely undulated, commanding from the higher grounds some extensive and interesting views: the soil varies from light sand to strong clay; there are some quarries of soft sandstone for building. The living is a discharged rectory, valued in the king's books at £5. 4. 7., and in the gift of the Earl De la Warr: the tithes have been commuted for £173, and the glebe consists of 28 acres. The church, an ancient building, was previously to the Reformation in high repute for the sanctity of its rood-loft.