Melbury-Sampford

MELBURY-SAMPFORD, a parish, in the union of Beaminster, hundred of Tollerford, Dorchester division of Dorset, 13 miles (N. W. by N.) from Dorchester; containing 43 inhabitants. This parish, which derives the affix to its name from a former lord of the manor, comprises by measurement 1024 acres. Melbury House, one of the seats of the Earl of Ilchester, is situated here in a spacious park. The living is a discharged rectory, united to that of Melbury-Osmond, and valued in the king's books at £5. 6. 5½.: the tithes have been commuted for £57. The church is a venerable cruciform structure, in the decorated English style, with a square embattled tower rising from the centre; the windows are enriched with delicate tracery, and embellished with ancient stained glass.