Leigh in 1868

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer (1868)]

"LEIGH, a parish in the S. division of the hundred of Totmonslow, county Stafford, 5 miles N.W. of Uttoxeter, and 12 N.E. of Stafford. Cheadle is its post town. It is a station on the Crewe, Stoke, and Uttoxeter branch of the North Staffordshire railway.

The parish, which is very extensive, is situated on the banks of the river Blithe. It contains the townships of Field with Church Leigh, Upper and Lower Leigh, and six other hamlets. The soil is a stiff clay, and a large portion of the land is in pasture. The inhabitants are chiefly supported by agriculture. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £688 15s.

The living is a rectory in the diocese of Lichfield, value £748. The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a cruciform structure with a square embattled tower, rising from the centre, and containing five bells. The church, with the exception of its tower, was rebuilt in 1846, at an expense of £6,272, defrayed by public contribution. The interior is decorated with richly-stained windows and grained stone ceiling, &c. The S. transept contains an altar-tomb to Sir John and Lady Ashton, with their recumbent effigies, bearing date 1523.

The parochial charities produce about £154 per annum, of which £67 goes to Spencer's free school, founded in 1620. There is a National school for girls."

An 1868 Gazetteer description of the following places in Leigh is to be found on a supplementary page.

• Dodsley
• Field
• Middleton Green
• Nobutt
• Painley Hill

 

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