MAIDEN-NEWTON, a parish in the hundred of
TOLLERFORD, Dorchester division of the county of
DORSET, 8 miles (N. W.) from Dorchester, containing
530 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry
of Dorset, and diocese of Bristol, rated in
the king's books at £30. 5., and in the patronage of
Lord Ilchester. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is
an ancient cruciform structure, with a large embattled
tower rising from the intersection. Near it is the
rectory-house, a spacious antique building, the windows
exhibiting the arms of Wadham, Wyndham, &c., in
stained glass. The privilege of holding a market was
granted in the 5th of Henry III., and subsequently
a fair for cattle on November 22d; the former has been
long disused. George Browne, in 1774, bequeathed a
rent-charge of £21 for teaching ten poor children.