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Hints in 1817

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

HINTS.

Hints is situated to the east of Weeford, and the west of Drayton, on the side of an eminence which commands an extensive and beautiful prospect of the subjacent vale, and the surrounding country. The manor and estate have for two centuries been in possession of the Floyer family.

The Church is a modern structure, and is an elegant specimen of Grecian architecture. From its lofty situation, it is a very beautiful and picturesque object. The interior contains several monuments of the Floyers and Lawleys.

In the year 1792, as some labourers were digging for gravel on Hints common, they found a pig of lead twenty-two inches and a half long, and 150lb. weight, with the following inscription upon it in basso-relievo: IMP. VESP. VII. T. IMP. V. COS.

This curious piece of antiquity was perfect in all its parts; and the inscription is to be read, "Imperatore Fespasiano septimum, Tito Imperatore quintum, Consulibus.'' and plainly betokens the year of Christ 76, u. c. 828, when Vespasian and Titus were consuls; the first, the seventh, and the other, the fifth time. Titus the son, is called Emperor as well as his father, having been associated in the government of the empire.

Canwell is a hamlet situated at the south corner of Hints parish. It was the site of a small priory of Benedictine monks, founded in 1142, by Geva Ridell, daughter of Hugh, Earl of Chester, and dedicated to St. Mary, St. Giles, and All Saints. It was one of the monasteries seized by Cardinal Wolsey; and in the time of Queen Mary, it was in possession of Vesey, Bishop of Exon, who died seised of this manor, four messuages, and 1500 acres, held of the Crown.

The present possessor is Sir Robert Lawley, Bart. and the magnificent mansion was erected by his father, under the inspection of Mr. Wyatt, the celebrated architect. The expence of the building, improving the grounds, and making large gardens, amounted to £60,000. The prospect from different parts of the grounds is extensive and beautiful.