Hammerwich in 1859

HAMMERWICH (ST.JOHN), a parish, in the union of Lichfield, S. division of the hundred of Offlow and of the county of Stafford, 3 miles (S.W.by W.) from Lichfield; containing 239 inhabitants. This parish, which is on the south-eastern verge of Cannock Chase, comprises about 2000 acres, of which about half is uninclosed common, and the remainder mostly arable, with some pasture and meadow.

It stands elevated; the soil is very good, and the scenery extensive and beautiful, embracing views of several counties, with Lichfield cathedral and fourteen churches. There is an excellent stone-quarry, the property of William Middleton, Esq., which supplied the material used in the restoration of the cathedral just mentioned. The manufacture of nails is carried on to a small extent. The Wyrley and Essington canal passes through the parish.

The living is a perpetual curacy.net income, £70; patrons, certain Trustees; appropriators, the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield. The church is a small structure, standing alone upon a verdant eminence: the rent of five houses and about nine acres of land, amounting to upwards of £30 per annum, is appropriated to keeping the edifice in repair. A Sunday school is in connexion with the church; and there are various benefactions for the poor of the parish. 

 

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