Saul

"SAUL, a parish in the upper division of Whitstone hundred, county Gloucester, 5 miles N.W. of Stonehouse, its post town and railway station, and 2 E. of Whitminster. The village, which is of small extent, is situated on the river Severn, where it is joined by the Frome. The Stroudwater canal, and the Severn and Thames ship canal, both pass through the parish. The soil consists of clay and sand, with a subsoil of gravel. An Enclosure Act was obtained in 1839. The great tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £115, and the incumbent's for £42, with 3 acres of glebe.

The living is a perpetual curacy* in the diocese of Gloucester and Bristol, value £125, in the patronage of the Vicar of Standish. The church, dedicated to St. James, is an ancient structure, with a tower containing one bell. There is also a district church at Framilode, the living of which is a perpetual curacy*, value £48, in the patronage of the bishop. The parochial charities produce about £5 per annum. There is a National school for both sexes. The Wesleyans have a place of worship. The Rev. G. P. Cambridge is lord of the manor. The earls of Leicester had an old moated seat in this parish."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]