340 STRENSHAM.

was governor of Worcester in the civil wars, and was sorely crippled in his estate for his zealous adherence to royalty; and 2, as having been the native place of Butler, the author of "Hudibras," and whose house still remains, though converted into three cottages. There was in olden times a castle here, surrounded by a broad and deep moat; the castle is gone, but the greatest part of the moat remains. The subsequent residence of the Russells was taken down by the uncle of the present Mr. James Arthur Taylor (who is lord of the manor and owns nearly the whole parish), and a large and handsome new house was erected, commanding beautiful views of Malvern and Bredon hills. This is now occupied by C. Townend, Esq.

Grass, wheat, barley, beans, potatoes, mangolds, swedes, and turnips, are grown; and the cultivation is under the management of active and intelligent farmers, but some portions of the parish would be all the better for more draining. A remarkable place for salubrity is Strensham. It was only in January last that Mrs. Esther Bell, a widow, died here at the age of 104; and a farmer's widow, 87 years of age, may be seen any fine evening actively engaged in her garden. Till recently the parish had had only three rectors in a century and half. The situation of the rectory is so paradisiacal, overlooking the rich valley of the Avon, that I can excuse the occupants for lingering behind as long as possible. There are nine almshouses here, and a small endowed school capable of being made more efficient than it is at present. Population, 279; acreage, 1800; value of living, £243 ; J. A. Taylor, Esq., patron; Rev. J. Townson rector; seats in church, 226, nearly all free. The church stands on an eminence overlooking the Avon, at a short and picturesque bend of that river. It consists chiefly of Decorated and Perpendicular work, and has an interesting western gallery, thought by some to have been the rood-loft, the front of which is divided into panels, each containing a fall-length painting of an Apostle or Saint, our Lord occupying the centre.