DOULTING, a parish in the hundred of WHITESTONE,
county of SOMERSET, 2 miles (E.) from Shepton-
Mallet, containing 633 inhabitants. The living is a
vicarage, with East and West Cranmore, Downhead, and
Stoke Lane annexed, in the archdeaconry of Wells, and
diocese of Bath and Wells, rated in the king's boobs at
£29. 12. 6. James Fussell, Esq. was patron in 1823.
The church, dedicated to St.Aldelme, is a spacious cruciform
structure, with an octagonal tower and spire
rising from the intersection, and stands on the site of a
chapel, or oratory, erected fay the monks of Glastonbury,
in honour of that saint, who was distinguished for his
learning and piety, and died bishop of Sherbome in
709. In the church-yard is a singularly perfect cross,
upon which are carved all the emblems of the Crucifixion,
the cross, ladder, crown of thorns, reed, &c.
In digging the foundations of the parsonage-house, a
number of skeletons was discovered, indicating its having
been the cemetery belonging to the ancient chapel. Extensive
quarries of freestone are wrought here, whence
it is said the materials were obtained for the erection
of Wells cathedral.