Maer in 1859

MAER (ST. PETER), a parish, in the union of NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, N. division of the hundred of PIREHILL and of the county of STAFFORD; containing, with the hamlet of Maerway-Lane, 559 inhabitants, of whom 287 are in the township, 7 miles (S.W.) from Newcastle. This place derives its name from a natural lake or mere, which occupies about 22 acres, at the foot of the village, and is the source of the Tern. The parish comprises by measurement 2614 acres. On the north side are several rocky hills, rising abruptly to a considerable elevation, and rendered highly picturesque by having their summits covered with plantations.

Maer heath, an extensive rugged moor, lying west of the village, was inclosed and divided among the freeholders upwards of twenty years ago; but a large portion of it is still in a state of nature, and much of it is planted with trees. There are two sandstone quarries, which are worked for rough building. The Whitmore station on the Grand Junction railway is within half a mile. 

The living is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of Josiah Wedgwood, Esq., who is also impropriator: the great tithes have been commuted for £45, and the small for £160; the glebe comprises about an acre, with a house. The church, mostly rebuilt in 1610, is a neat structure, in the later English style, with an embattled tower; in the chancel is a handsome monument to Sir John Bowyer, Knt., and his lady. A school on the Lancasterian plan is supported by subscription. 

MAERWAY-LANE, a hamlet, in the parish of MAER, union of NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, N. division, of the hundred of PIREHILL and of the county of STAFFORD; containing 272 inhabitants. 

 

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