Barford, Little (St. Mary)

BARFORD, LITTLE (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of St. Neot's, hundred of Biggleswade, county of Bedford, 2½ miles (S. by W.) from St. Neot's; containing 190 inhabitants. This parish, which comprises by computation 1240 acres, is situated on the river Ouse, by which it is bounded on the west, and close to the road from Biggleswade to St. Neot's; the soil in some places, and especially near the river, is exceedingly rich and productive. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £13. 16. 3., and in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. John Alington: the tithes have been commuted for £250, and the glebe consists of 45 acres. The church is an ancient building, with a Norman arch over the south door, and a curious wooden screen between the nave and the chancel. Nicholas Rowe, the dramatic writer, and poet-laureat to George I., was a native of the place.