112 DOVERDALE.

of Harewell yet remain in the little church of Besford, in the very rare shape of panelled wainscoting, or cupboard monuments, and there are alao recumbent figures and quaint poetic inscriptions, which are well worthy of restoration. The Sebrights also have memorials here, but :the present baronet seems to take no interest in such matters. Sir Edward Sebright, in the time of Charles I, was compelled to pay ;£1,809 (equal to £10,000 now) as composition for his estate, in consequence of his devotion to the cause of the ill-fated King. Besford church is unique in this county (now that Newland, near Malvern, is destroyed) for being a half-timbered or timber-framed structure, probably erected during the Perpendicular period, as the western window presents a curious specimen of that style, its mullions and tracery being of wood! The building consists of a chancel, nave, bell-cot or small tower at the west gable, and wooden south porch; the chancel only is Early English. Here also are a rood-screen, triptich, and many other things highly interesting to the ecclesiologist. The church accommodation at Besford is 96 ; free seats, 52. The old manor-house, not far from the church, is occupied by T. Woodward, Esq. It has the original gates and porter's lodge remaining; and an ancient tithe-barn is near the house.

Doverdale.

THIS place, consisting of only six houses and one labourer's cottage (recently built, and the only one ever known there) is an amusing apology for a parochial settlement. Yet such is Doverdale, situate near Droitwieh, the population of which is about forty in number— tiearly the same as in the days of Queen Elizabeth, when there were said to be eight families here. This, therefore, is the only parish I know of in Worcestershire which has made