286 NORTON-JUXTA-KEMPSEY.

county historian, Nash, says that Norton was one of the chapelries to Kempsey; it is now however in all respects, both civil and ecclesiastical, a distinct parish. Its registers date as far back as 1538, it has its own churchwardens, supports its own poor, has an independent parochial organisation, and is in a different Poor-law Union from Kempsey. Moreover, Norton has its rectorial tithes and glebe land, the term "rectorial" implying that it was at one time not only an independent parish but a rectory. It is now a perpetual curacy, worth £112 ; Rev. G. Jenkin is the present incumbent. The parish church is an ancient structure, with some Norman doorways and other noticeable features. The building is dilapidated, and there is great need for increased accommodation, but from my knowledge of the excellent incumbent and the parish generally it will not remain so longer than may be compulsory. Sittings in church, 200, of which 70 are free. There is a population of nearly 700, and an acreage of 2,000. Employment of the people chiefly agricultural, but several of the men are railway labourers, and gloving is carried on largely by the women.

There are two hamlets in the parish - Littleworth and Hatfield. At Woodhall, the residence of T. Adams, Esq., was the seat of the Cowers, of Warwick, escheators of this county. The Gowers, being near neighbours, and perhaps tenants, to the Priors of Worcester, fraternised much with them; and we read of Richard Gower keeping Prior Moore's moulting hawks in a cage, for which on one occasion he charged him iijs. iiijd. Principal resident landholders in Norton, T. T. B. Hooke, Esq., Norton Hall; T. Adams, Esq., Woodhall; G. J. A. Walker, Esq., Norton Villa; and T. Hooke, Esq., Norton