Ashley in 1859

ASHLEY (ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST), a parish, in the union of MARKET-DRAYTON, N. division of the hundred of PIREHILL and of the county of STAFFORD, 6 miles (N. N. E.) from Market-Drayton; containing 853 inhabitants. It comprises 2800a. 3r. 32p. of fertile land. 

The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £10.2.8., and in the patronage of Thomas Kinnersley and H. C. Meynell, Esqs.: the tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £370, and the glebe comprises 40 acres. The church is a handsome structure in the early English style, and contains splendid monuments and effigies of the six Lords Gerard, the last of whom died in 1807; and also an elegant monument by Chantrey to Thomas Kinnersley, Esq., father of the present patron.

There are places of worship for Wesleyans and Roman Catholics. A national school is supported by subscription, and there is a school in 
connection with the Roman Catholic chapel.

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[Description(s) from The Topographical Dictionary of England (1859) by Samuel Lewis - Transcribed by Mike Harbach ©2020]