HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 75 



Quails, which were formerly numerous in the meadows on the 

 banks of the Trent, are now rare ; as the quail is a solitary bird, 

 perhaps jt has abandoned its former haunts here in consequence of 

 increased population. 



The old Church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, and is called the 

 parish church of St. Nicholas in 1521 : sometimes it' 'was styled the 

 manor church, which may shew that the parish and manor were 

 co-extensive. This ancient building was of stone, consisting of 

 the nave, north and south aisles, chancel, steeple, and a roomy 

 porch ; the whole covered with shingles of oak. 



In 1782 the whole of the old church, then very damp and nearly 

 in ruins, was taken down, except Trinity aisle and the steeple, and 

 a new one erected on its site, at the expence of o730. 



This modern edifice is elevated above the church-yard, and built 

 partly of the old stone, faced with red brick. The pointed gothic 

 door and windows are ornamented with stone, and a stone cornice, 

 and the roof covered with blue slate. There are only three memo- 

 rials of the dead in this church, the most remarkable of which is a 

 blue stone in front of the pulpit steps, with the following inscription : 



" In full assurance 

 of a happy resurrection, 

 are-here deposited the remains 

 of the Rev. JOSEPH HOLBROOK, Clerk, 



late Curate of this Church. 



In him were eminently conspicuous 



the good Christian, 



the diligent pastor, 



the dutiful son, 

 and the sincere friendv 



Suddenly, 



and early in life, he obeyed 



his great Creator's summons, 



and left his parents to deplore 



the hope of their old age. 



He died April 3, 1753, 



Aged 29." 



Trinity aisle is a venerable relique of antiquity, and has been the 

 cemetery of the lords of the manor, from the time of its erection in 

 the twelfth century. It was dedicated to the Holy Trini ty, and in the 

 days of Popish superstition mass was celebrated on particular days. 



The rectory -house is an indifferent old brick building. The glebe 

 is about eleven acres ; the tithe is moderate, 2s. l|d. an acre behig 

 paid as a composition ; and both together produce about d230. per 

 annum, valued in the King's books at l. 2s. lid. 



