Leybourne

"LEYBOURNE, a parish in the hundred of Larkfield, lathe of Aylesford, county Kent, 6 miles N.W. of Maidstone, its post town, and half a mile N. of Malling. It is a small agricultural village, situated on a branch of the river Medway, and contains the hamlets of Great and Little Comp. The land is partly in common, with a portion in hops. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Canterbury, value £413. The church, dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul, is a small ancient edifice, with a low tower. The parochial charities produce about £331 per annum, of which £324 goes to Holme's schools for this and two other places. Near the church is a farmhouse formerly the seat of the Goldings; also ruins of the moated castle of the Leybournes, consisting of a gateway, flanked by circular towers, various arches, &c. Edward I. was entertained here, and the site was afterwards given by Edward III. to St. Mary Grace's Abbey, London. Leybourne Grange, the principal residence, is situated in the midst of a park half a mile N. of the church. Sir J. Hawley, Bart., is lord of the manor and principal landowner."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868 by Colin Hinson ©2010]