BEESTON (ST-MARY), a parish in the hundred
of LAUNDITCH, county of NORFOLK, 2 miles (N.E. by E.)
from Swaffham, containing, with the parish of Little
Bittering, 666 inhabitants. The living is a discharged
rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Norwich
rated in the king's books at £ 13, and in the patronage
of the King, as Duke of Lancaster. A sum of money
has been left for the instruction of poor children; and
there is an almshouse with a small endowment.