Hughley

"HUGHLEY, a parish in the borough of Wenlock, county Salop, 4 miles S.W. of Much Wenlock, its post town, 11 N.E. of Church Stretton, and 11 S.E. of Shrewsbury. This place derives its name from Hugh de Le, who was proprietor of the manor in the 12th century, and ancestor of the Leas of Langley. In the reign of Richard II. a commission was issued to inquire into the best means of clearing the country of the banditti. The village, which is inconsiderable, is situated on Wenlock Edge and is wholly agricultural. The soil is chiefly clayey. Coal mines were formerly worked, and there are quarries of excellent limestone. The road from Much Wenlock to Church Stretton passes on the S.E. of the parish. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £73. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Hereford, value £162. The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is an ancient stone edifice, with a turret containing four bells. The interior of the church contains part of a carved oak rood-screen. The parochial charities produce about £1 per annum. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor and principal landowner."[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868 by Colin Hinson ©2015]