Blymhill in 1817

Description from A Topographical History of Staffordshire by William Pitt (1817)

BLYMHILL.

Blymhill with Brineton is a parish in the western division of Cuttlestone hundred. It is situated to the west of Wheaton-Aston, and contains 2,433 acres of land, the soil of which is various, but principally a strong mixed loam. This parish contains 83 houses, 109 families; 252 males, 261 females: total 513 persons.

A mansion called High Hall, situated on a beautiful eminence, is supposed to have been originally the residence of William Bagod, who in the reign of Henry II was lord of Blymhill, and had his seat there.

There were formerly two wastes or commons in this parish, called the Heath and the Lawn; but they are now inclosed, and their improvement commenced.

Blymhill Church is an ancient edifice of stone, with a tower in the Gothic style of architecture, containing three bells. It is dedicated to St. Mary. In 1719, the body of the church, except the chancel, was rebuilt. It consists of a nave and south aisle, supported by four pillars and three Gothic arches. The chancel is very ancient, with three Gothic windows, the principal of which, in the east end, was formerly ornamented with painted glass. On the south side is a Gothic arched recess, inclosing a tomb. The living is a rectory, the Earl of Bradford patron, and the present rector the Rev. Samuel Dickenson, a learned and ingenious naturalist.

The principal land proprietor in Blymhill parish is the Right Hon. the Earl of Bradford; but there are also some considerable freeholders, residents on their own farms, and their land is generally under an improved cultivation.

Brineton is a hamlet of this parish, and formerly gave title to a knight, John of Brineton: it is well watered by two rivulets, from one of which the hamlet of Brockhurst is named, being in the Saxon language Brookwood. The soil near Brineton is light, with cooler clay loam on the extremities, well stocked with flourishing oak trees.