Homersfield (St. Mary)

HOMERSFIELD (St. Mary), a parish, in the union and hundred of Wangford, E. division of Suffolk, 4 miles (E. N. E.) from Harleston; containing 291 inhabitants. The parish is bounded on the north by the river Waveney, which separates this part of the county from Norfolk. In the reign of Henry III., the Bishop of Norwich, who had a residence here, obtained from that monarch the grant of a market and fair, the former of which has fallen into disuse, and the latter dwindled into a pleasure-fair. The number of acres is computed at 804; the soil is partly light, and partly a strong clay. The living is a discharged rectory, with that of South Elmham St. Cross, or Sandcroft, annexed, valued in the king's books at £5. 6. 8., and in the gift of William Adair, Esq.: the tithes of Homersfield have been commuted for £140, and about 8½ acres of glebe are attached to the benefice. The church contains portions of various styles of English architecture, and its elevated site and ivy-mantled tower render its appearance picturesque.