270 A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



Apcton Liberty, Cowloy township, Moreton hamlet, and Knight- 

 ley township. According to the population returns in 1811, 

 Gnosall parish contained 455 houses, 492 families ; 1,174 males, 

 and 1,210 females : total of persons 2,384. The soil in this large 

 parish is various, and the uplands generally a strong loam. There 

 are several valleys with rivulets, and the land on their banks by 

 draining and proper management, form good meadows. 



The village of Gnosall is an ancient place, with a large Church, 

 which was formerly a College for secular canons. This edifice 

 consists of a nave arid two aisles, a chancel and two aisles, and a 

 cross aisle. The tower, which rises in the centre of the fabric, is in 

 the Saxon style of architecture to the height of the roof; and the 

 western arch is adorned with flat receding chevron mouldings. The 

 principal part of the church is built in the modern style of English 

 architecture, and the five windows in the western end are decorated 

 with pointed arches. 



Gnosall Church is a perpetual curacy, dedici ted to St. Lawrence; 

 the patronage belongs to the Bishop of the diocese, and the Rev. 

 Mr. Lowe is the present minister. 



Dawtey Moor, a considerable common, is situated about a mile 

 north-west of the village. 



The township of Knightley is still farther to the north-west from 

 Gnosall. The estate is the property of Lord Anson. It is of con- 

 siderable extent, and contains many excellent oaks. 



Moreton is a populous hamlet of Gnosall. The estate formerly 

 belonged to Lord Ducie Moreton, but was lately purchased by 

 Henry Green, Esq. who is making great improvements on the land 

 by draining. 



Wilbrighton is also a small hamlet of Gnosall. 



From Knightley to Chatwell this parish extends about seven 

 miles in length. Chatwell is said to derive its name from a spring 

 called Chad's-well, formerly in repute. 



Cowley township and hamlet is also in Gnosall parish. The most 

 remarkable mansion here is Brough-hall, the property of Henry 

 Crockett, Esq, The soil is in some places a strong loam, and in 

 others lighter, and inclining to gravel. 



The manors and estates of Walton Grange, Bescot, and Broad- 

 hill, are in this parish. They include an extent of one thousand 

 acres of old enclosed land, and are the property of John Gough, 

 Esq. Braunston-heath, near Walton Grange, was formerly a com- 

 mon, but has lately been enclosed. Broadhill is a small common, 



