HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 281 



BLYMHILL with BRINETON is a parish in the western division of 

 Cuttlestorie hundred. It is situated to the west of Wheaton- 

 Aston, and contains 2,433 acres of land, the soil of which is va- 

 rious, but principally a strong mixed loam. This parish contains 83 

 houses, 109 families ; 252 males, 261 females : total 513 persons. 



A mansion called High Hall, situated on a beautiful eminence, 

 is supposed to have been originally the residence of William 

 Bagod, who in the reign of Henry II. was lord of Blymhill, and 

 had his seat there. 



There were formerly two wastes or commons in this parish, 

 called the Heath and the Lawn ; but they are now inclosed, and 

 their improvement commenced. 



Blymhill Church is an ancient edifice of stone, with a tower in 

 the Gothic style of architecture, containing three bells. It is de- 

 dicated to St. Mary. In 1719, the body of the church, except 

 the chancel, was rebuilt. It consists of a nave and south aisle, 

 supported by four pillars and three Gothic arches. The chancel is 

 very ancient, with three Gothic windows, the principal of which, in 

 the east end, was formerly ornamented with painted glass. On the 

 south side is a. Gothic arched recess, inclosing a tomb. The living 

 is a rectory, the Earl of Bradford patron, and the present rector 

 the Rev. Samuel Dickenson, a learned and ingenious naturalist. 

 The principal land proprietor in Blymhill parish is the Right Hon. 

 the Earl of Bradford ; but there are also some considerable free- 

 holders, residents on their own farms, and their land is generally 

 under an improved cultivation. 



Brineton is a hamlet of this parish, and formerly gave title to a 

 knight, John of Brineton : it is well watered by two rivulets, from 

 one of which the hamlet of Brockhurst is named, being in the 

 Saxon language Brookwood. The soil near Brineton is light, with 

 cooler clay loam on the extremities, well stocked with flourishing 

 oak trees. 



WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD is a small parish in Cuttlestone west. 

 The term Lizard is applied to distinguish the village from Weston- 

 upon-Trent, and is derived from a hill in Shropshire, situated to 

 the south-west of the parish. 



Weston-hall, situated to the south of Watling Street-way, is a 

 magnificent ancient mansion of the Bridgman family, now Earls of 

 Bradford. It is built in the style of architecture peculiar to the 

 era of Queen Elizabeth's reign, with an extensive park and plea- 

 sure-ground. 



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