PURTON, a parish in the hundred of HIGHWORTH-CRICKLADE-and-STAPLE,
county of WILTS, 3 miles (N. N. E.) from Wootton-Bassett,
containing, with the
hamlet of Braydon, 1766 inhabitants. The living is a
vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Wilts, and diocese of
Salisbury, rated in the king's books at £22. 17. 6.,
and In the patronage of the Earl of Shaftesbury. The
church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome structure,
with a lofty tower and spire. There is a place
of worship for Wesleyan Methodists. Fairs are held
for cattle, on the Tuesday before May 6th, and the
Friday after September 19th. Miriam Stevens, in 1723,
bequeathed a rent-charge of £17. 10. for the support
of a free school.