Marnhull

“MARNHULL, a parish in the hundred of Sturminster-Newton-Castle, county Dorset, 3 miles N. of Sturminster-Newton, its nearest money-order office, 6 W. by S. of Shaftesbury, and 3 E. of Stalbridge. The village, which is large but of irregular form, is situated on the river Stour. The parish includes the hamlets of Burton, Kentisford, and Thornton. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture. About one-third of the land is arable and the remainder pasture. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £1,024. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Sarum, value £800. The church, dedicated to St. Gregory, is a large- structure, with a square tower containing five bells. The register dates from 1559. There is a parochial school. The Wesleyans and Roman Catholics have chapels, and the latter a school in connection. Nash Court, the principal residence, is a mansion situated about 1 mile N. of the village; it has been in the possession of the Hussey family since the reign of Charles II., and contains several choice paintings by the ancient masters. Hussey the painter, who drew by the musical scale, was born at this mansion. John Hussey, Esq., is the present owner, lord of the manor."

"BURTON, a hamlet in the parish of Marnhull, hundred of Sturminster-Newton-Castle, in the county of Dorset, 3 miles to the E. of Stalbridge. Marble is quarried here."

"KENTISFORD, a hamlet in the parish of Marnhull, county Dorset, 3 miles N. of Sturminster."

"THORNTON, a tything in the parish of Marnhull, county Dorset, 3 miles N. of Sturminster."

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from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland - 1868