246 THE LENCHES.

to the ruin of their estate. Sheriff's Lench was so called from the Beauchamps, who owned it, being Sheriffs of the county.

Church Lench has a handsome church, extensively restored in 1858. The Bishop and Rector jointly restored the chance], and the latter gave one year's income towards the rest of the work; cost altogether £1,600. Among its noteworthy portions are the rood-stairs, two Norman doorways, a priest's door in the chancel (which is curious as being much too small for the traditional size of ecclesiastics in the middle ages), a number of beautiful painted windows, many of which were inserted at the cost of Mr. Chafy-Chafy, a landowner in the parish who sets a good example of munificent churchmanship. The style of the church is chiefly Perpendicular. Charming views are obtained from the churchyard, and the air of the parish is singularly invigorating.

A very handsome church-school has been recently erected, with residence attached for a mistress, affording instruction to 50 or 60 children in the week and from 80 to 90 on Sundays.

Rev. M. Amphlett is rector of Church Lench; patron, the Bishop; gross value about £400; church accommodation, 250 ; nearly all free seats. Rouse Lench is worth £350 ; rector, Rev. C. Pocock; patron, Sir C. Rouse-Boughton. The church of the latter place is an interesting building, though in a most dilapidated condition, with Norman doorway, and over it a sculptured figure in a recess, there being only one other similar specimen left undestroyed in Worcestershire. Monuments of the Rouses, curious inscriptions, and other relics, may be found here; and near the church is a moat, surrounding about an acre of land.

A small Baptist chapel at Atch Lench, I believe, alone represents the Dissenting interest in this district.

Puck Piece, Dragon's Hole, Yell or Yeald Wood, First and Second Cold Well, Wad Close, Upper Hobbs, Balaam's Way, Farther and Nether Hob Lays, Can Lane, and Pitchall Hill, are some of the old names of places hereabout.