Littledean

"LITTLE DEAN, a parish in the hundred of St. Briavel's, in the county of Gloucester, 2 miles N.W. of Newnham. The village is situated on the verge of Dean Forest, and was formerly a market town. The inhabitants are chiefly employed in the iron and coal mines, and in making nails. The living is a perpetual curacy* in the diocese of Gloucester and Bristol, value £90, in the patronage of the Corporation of Gloucester. The church has some handsome stained windows. The charities amount to £39. There is a house of correction, and a market cross, the latter surmounted by a pinnacle, with niches and statues. Fairs are held on Whit-Monday and the 26th November."

"SPEECH HOUSE WALK, an extra parochial place in the parish of Little Dean, hundred of St. Briavells, county Gloucester, 4 miles W. of Newnham. In the vicinity is the Lodge, where the courts are held."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]