Kingsley in 1859

KlNGSLEY (ST. WERBURGH), a parish, in the union of Cheadle, partly in the N., but chiefly in the S., division of the hundred of Totmonslow, N. division of the county of Stafford, 2 miles (N. by E.) from Cheadle; containing, with the township of Whiston, 1554 inhabitants, of whom 873 are in the township of KingsIey. The parish comprises by measurement 4925 acres; the soil is generally a strong clay alternated with light and near the village consists of rich meadow and 
pasture land.

The surface is diversified with hills commanding much beautifully varied and richly-wooded scenery, and the lower grounds are watered by the river Churnet. The substratum is chiefly coal, of which several mines are in operation; and copper-ore is found, for the smelting of which there is a furnace. The Uttoxeter canal passes through the parish, in a direction parallel with the river.

The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £16.15., and in the gift of James Beech, Esq.: the tithes have been commuted for £200, and the glebe comprises 106 acres. The church, with the exception of the tower, was rebuilt in 1821. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans. A school, now conducted on the national plan, was founded in 1703, by John Stubbs, who endowed it with houses and land producing £54 per annum. 

WHISTON, a township, in the parish of KINGSLEY, union of CHEADLE, N. division of the hundred of TOTMONSLOW and of the county of STAFFORD, 3 miles (N.E.) from Cheadle; containing 681 inhabitants. 

 

[Description(s) from The Topographical Dictionary of England (1859) by Samuel Lewis - Transcribed by Mike Harbach ©2020]