FELSTEAD, a parish in the hundred of HINCKFORD,
county of ESSEX, 4 miles (E.S.E.) from Great
Dunmow, containing 1724 inhabitants. The living is a
vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Middlesex, and diocese
of London, rated in the king's books at £13. 6. 8., and
in the patronage of the Hon. W. T. L. P. Wellesley. The
church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, has lately received
an addition of seventy free sittings, the Incorporated Society
for-the enlargement of churches and chapels having
granted £ 50 towards defraying the expense; in it is a
superb monument to the memory of Lord Rich, who, in
the reign of Elizabeth, founded a free school and an
almshouse, the former of which has been long supported
by some of the principal families in the county. Sydney
Boteler, in 1690, gave a rent-charge of £7 12. per annum,
for clothing and teaching six children, and other
purposes.