Kelling (St. Mary)
KELLING (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Erpingham, hundred of Holt, W. division of Norfolk, 2 miles (N. by E.) from Holt; containing 223 inhabitants. It comprises 2216a. 21p., of which 1004 acres are arable, 1133 pasture and heath, and 41 plantation; the soil is chiefly a light mould, resting on a bed of gravel, under which is clay. The surface is hilly, and the scenery boldly varied. The village is situated in a picturesque valley or ravine, extending northward to the sea, and traversed by a rivulet and road; the Hall, church, and rectory-house, at the head of the ravine, command a fine view of the ocean. The living is a discharged rectory, with that of Salthouse annexed, valued in the king's books at £12, and in the patronage of Mrs. Girdlestone, the lady of the manor, who resides at the Hall. The tithes of the parish have been commuted for £295. 16., and the glebe comprises 14 acres. The church is chiefly in the later English style, and consists of a nave and chancel, with a square embattled tower; it was reseated in 1841: the font is handsome, and there are several neat memorials to the Girdlestone family; on the south side is a chapel in ruins. When part of the heath was inclosed, about 70 years ago, 200 acres were awarded for the use of the cottagers, to cut fuel and graze their cattle. There is a mineral spring.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.