CROSCOMBE, a parish (formerly a market-town)
in the hundred of WHITESTONE, county of SOMERSET,
If mile (W. N. W.) from Shepton-Mallet, containing 742
inhabitants. The living is a discharged rectory, in the
archdeaconry of Wells, and diocese of Bath and Wells,
rated in the king's books at £ 12. 6. 10., and in the
patronage of Miss Elizabeth Wylie. The church is dedicated
to St. Mary. There is a place of worship for
Particular Baptists. Near it stands an ancient cross,
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fourteen feet high. There are manufactories for woollen
goods and stockings in the village, at which a market,
granted by Edward I., was formerly held, but it has
fallen into disuse: a fair is held annually on Lady-day.
A small river runs through the parish, and turns several
mills in its course. In the vicinity are vestiges of a
Roman encampment, called Masbury Castle.