Horton in 1859

HORTON (St. Michael), a parish, in the union of Leek, N. division of the hundred of Totmonslow and of the county of Stafford, 3 miles (W. by N.) from Leek; containing, with the township of Blackwood with Crowborough, 942 inhabitants, of whom 200 are in the township of Horton, and 216 in that of Horton-Hay. 
This parish, which is situated in a retired part of the county, at a distance from any public road, comprises 4861 acres, the principal part in pasture, and dividedinto farms of small extent.

The scenery is truly picturesque, finely diversified with hills and valleys, and enlivened by numerous streams, frequently interrupted in their course over a rocky bed by detached masses of stone. A large reservoir, which supplies the Caldon branch of the Trent and Mersey canal with water, is inclosed between lofty and precipitous banks, the sides of which, from the water's edge to the summit, are clothed with thriving plantations. There are several quarries of stone of inferior quality, and one of good red sandstone for building. A considerable quantity of cheese is made in the neighbourhood.

The living is a perpetual curacy; net income, £105; patron, G.C.Antrobus, Esq. The church is a very ancient structure, chiefly in the Norman style, with portions apparently of earlier date, and a tower, and contains some handsome monuments to the families of Wedgwood, Fowler, and Gaunt. There are places of worship for Wesleyans and Ranters, and a school with a small endowment. 

 

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