Eastchurch

"EASTCHURCH, a parish in the hundred of the Isle-of-Sheppey, lathe of Scray, county Kent, 6 miles to the E. of Sheerness and Queensborough. It is situated near the centre of the island, on rising ground, and derives the affix to its name from its situation with reference to the church of Minster, which lies to the W. The parish is of considerable extent, and in parts marshy, but rises gradually towards the N. in gentle undulations. The living is a rectory and vicarage in the diocese of Canterbury, value £1,724, in the patronage of M. Barton, Esq. The church, which formerly belonged to Bexley Abbey, is dedicated to All Saints. It is a large ancient structure, with lofty square tower at the W. end. There are some handsome monuments in the interior. The Baptists and Wesleyans have each a chapel; and there is a National school for both sexes. In the neighbourhood is Shurland House, so called after an old family of that name, to whom the property belonged, and of whom there are many traditions. Messrs. Francis and White are the lords of the manor. A fair is held on Holy Thursday for toys."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868 by Colin Hinson ©2010]