Kerswell, Abbot's (St. Mary)

KERSWELL, ABBOT'S (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Newton-Abbott, hundred of Haytor, Teignbridge and S. divisions of Devon, 1¾ mile (S.) from Newton-Abbott; containing 433 inhabitants. This parish, which is situated on the road to Totnes, comprises by measurement 1461 acres. The manufacture of paper is carried on, affording employment to about 20 persons. Ochre is found in great abundance, and is manufactured for different markets: some extensive pits of clay, which is procured for the use of the Staffordshire potteries, and also alum-works, have been opened; and there are several quarries of limestone, which is used for building, and for burning into lime. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £11. 1. 3.; the patronage and impropriation belong to the Crown: the rectorial tithes have been commuted for £110, and the vicarial for £204; the glebe comprises 63 acres. The church is a handsome structure in the later English style, with a square embattled tower; the nave is separated from the aisles by columns of granite, and from the chancel by a richly-carved oak screen. The Rev. John Barnes, who was vicar during the reign of Charles I., and at the time of the usurpation of Cromwell, was buried in the chancel, in which is a stone pointing out his grave. There is a place of worship for Baptists. A Cluniac priory was founded here, subordinate to the priory of Montacute, in Somersetshire.