Mavesyn Ridware in 1868

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

"MAVESYN-RIDWARE, a parish in the N. division of the hundred of Offlow, county Stafford, 3½ miles E. of Rugeley, its post town, and 6 N.E. of Lichfield. It is situated on the N. bank of the river Trent and Grand Trunk canal, near the Trent Valley railway. The parish comprises the villages of Blithbury and Hill Ridware. The land is very fertile, and in a good state of cultivation. The manor anciently belonged to the Malvoisins, or Mauvesins. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Lichfield, value £438.

The church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is an ancient structure, with a tower containing four bells. The interior of the church contains monuments of great antiquity to the Chadwick and Mauvesin families. The parochial charities produce about £12 per annum. There is a free school, supported by voluntary contributions. Lord Leigh is lord of the manor."

"BLITHBURY, a hamlet in the parish of Mavesyn Ridware, hundred of Offlow, in the county of Stafford, 2 miles from Rugeley. It is seated on the banks of the river Blythe, a branch of the Trent, into which it falls near King's Bromley."

 

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