National Gazetteer (1868) - Pewsey

"PEWSEY, a parish, post and small market town, in the hundred of Kinwardstone, county Wilts, 7 miles S.W. of Marlborough, and 12 E. of Devizes. It is a station on the Berks and Hants section of the Great Western railway. It is a petty sessions town situated on the river Avon, near the Kennet and Avon canal, and contains several well-built houses and shops. The petty sessions for the division are held on the 2nd Friday in every month at the Phoenix Inn, in which building the corn market is also held. The inhabitants of the village are chiefly engaged in agriculture.

The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £1,200, and the glebe comprises 131 acres. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Sarum, value £1,038. The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is an ancient structure with a square pinnacled tower containing six bells. The church has recently undergone thorough restoration, the expense being defrayed by the parishioners. The chancel contains a monument of Charles II.'s time. There is a National school for both sexes. The Wesleyans and Baptists have each a place of worship. The union poorhouse has accommodation for 200 paupers. The Poorlaw Union comprises 23 parishes or places."

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