Orlestone

"ORLESTONE, a parish partly in the hundred of Ham, and partly in the liberty of Romney Marsh, lathe of Shepway, county Kent, 6 miles S. by W. of Ashford, its post town, and 3 from Appledore. It is a station on the Ashford and Hastings branch line of railway. The village, which is small, is situated near the Military canal, and is chiefly agricultural. Bricks are made in the parish. The land is divided between arable and pasture, with about 700 acres of woodland. The soil is fertile, producing good wheat crops. There are several chalybeate springs. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £157 18s., and the glebe consists of 48 acres. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Canterbury, value £155. The church is dedicated to St. Mary. It is situated in a secluded spot about three-quarters of a mile N. of the village. There is a place of worship for the Wesleyans. Thomas Thornhill, Esq., is lord of the manor and principal landowner. An annual cattle fair is held the last Thursday in August."

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