386 A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



Acton, is an hamlet in this parish, situate about a mile to the east 

 of Whitmore, and is noticed in the Conqueror's Survey. It is 

 therein termed ACTONE, and is stated to be the property of the 

 Bishop of Chester, and held of him by Rob't. The arable land 

 was four carucates, one was in demesne. There were ten villains 

 and eight bordars, holding four carucates. There was likewise 

 a mill of two shillings rent, eight acres of meadow, and a wood 

 three furlongs long and two broad ; each furlong being forty 

 perches. It is remarkable that a pinnacle at the top of the gable 

 end of an old barn built of wood is now to be seen, or was within 

 these two years past, having carved thereupon the arms of the See 

 of Lichfield and Coventry; from which is it improbable that the 

 Bishop of Chester's property became vested in the Bishopric of 

 Lichfield and Coventry ? To such of our readers, who incline to 

 that opinion, this old barn will be considered as affording a strik- 

 ing proof of the long duration of those kind of buildings, which 

 have been erected with strong timber frames, and covered with 

 boards. The chief, if not sole proprietor of estates in Acton, is 

 Edward M aiuwaring, Esq. of Whitmore Hall. 



Close to Acton is a large gravel pit, which continues still to be 

 much used by the public. 



About a mile from Acton is a water mill, which bears marks of 

 great antiquity ; and we presume, in regard to the walls and plan 

 thereof, is the identical mill noticed in Doomsday Book, as rented 

 at two shillings a-year. 



The parish of Swinnerton contains 167 houses, 167 families ; 

 461 males, 432 females : total 893 inhabitants. 



STANDON is a small parish, situated about three miles south-west 

 of Swinnerton, and four miles north of Eccleshall, near a branch of 

 the river Sow. 



The village of Standon is built on an eminence in a pleasant situ- 

 ation, and surrounded by fertile fields. 



Standon Church is a small structure of stone, with a tower, con- 

 taining three bells. It is dedicated to All Saints, and is a rectory: 

 the Rev. William Walker is the present incumbent. The population 

 of Standon is 420 persons. 



Cotes 9 is an hamlet in this parish, situate about a mile to the west 

 of Swinnerton, which, with Cotes-lodge and estate, is chiefly, if not 

 wholly, the property of John Cotes, Esq. of Woodcote-hall, near 

 Newport, Salop. This worthy gentleman is now advanced in years, 

 and his virtues will long be remembered when he is no more* No 



