Hilderstone
HILDERSTONE, a liberty, in the parish and union of Stone, S. division of the hundred of Pirehill, N. division of the county of Stafford, 3 miles (E. N. E.) from Stone; containing 501 inhabitants. This district, which is situated on the road from Leek to Sandon, comprises about 2000 acres; the scenery is in many parts pleasingly rural, and in some highly picturesque. Hilderstone Hall, the seat of the late Ralph Bourne, Esq., lord of the manor, is a handsome mansion. Several of the cottagers are employed in the making of shoes for the manufacturers of Stafford. A church was erected at the expense of the late Mr. Bourne, and consecrated on the 31st July, 1833: it is a chaste structure of stone, with a tower surmounted by a graceful spire; the interior is well arranged, and the east window embellished with a well-executed painting of the Saviour administering the Elements. The living is a perpetual curacy; net income, £63; patrons, the Heirs of the late Mr. Bourne. A rent-charge of £96. 16. has been awarded as a commutation for the tithes. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.