Addlestone

ADDLESTONE, an ecclesiastical district, in the parish and union of Chertsey, Second division of the hundred of Godley, W. division of Surrey; containing about 2000 inhabitants. The lands were inclosed in 1808, and include a considerable extent of meadow; the dwellings are much scattered, and interspersed with several seats and villas. A church in the early English style, dedicated to St. Paul, and affording accommodation for 800 persons, has been erected at an expense of about £3000, raised by subscription; it has been endowed with £2000 by Miss Wightwick, whose family has long resided in the parish, and the patronage is vested in the Bishop of Winchester. The consecration took place in Jan. 1838; and the benefice was augmented in 1841 by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to £150 per annum. Near the west end of the church is a parsonage-house, built by subscription at a cost of £970. An ancient and venerable tree here, called the Crouch oak, is stated by tradition to have in former ages marked the boundary of Windsor Forest, in this direction; and Queen Elizabeth is said to have dined beneath its shadow: the girth, at two feet from the ground, is 24 feet.