SOPLEY
"SOPLEY, a parish in the hundred of Christchurch, Ringwood division of
county Hants, 6 miles S. of Ringwood, its post town, and 2 N. of
Christchurch. The village, which is considerable, is situated on the
eastern bank of the river Avon. The parish includes the townships of Avon,
-Ripley, and Shirley. A short distance from the village is a ford by which
Sir Walter Tyrrel is said to have passed to Poole when making his escape
after the -death of William Rufus in the New Forest. The living is a
vicarage* in the diocese of Winchester, value £230. The church, dedicated
to St. Michael, has a square tower surmounted by a spire and containing
five bells. The interior contains of several monuments, some of which are
of great antiquity. The parochial charities produce about £12 per annum.
There are schools for both sexes. The Independents have a place of worship."
[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of
Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]
[Last updated: 4th August 2003 - Brian Pears]
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