RIDWARE (MAVESYN), a parish in the northern
division of the hundred of OFFLOW, county of STAFFORD,
4 miles (E. by S.) from Rudgeley, containing
598 inhabitants. The living is a reclory, in the peculiar
jurisdiction of the Dean of Lichfield, rated in the
king's books at £7. 2. 11., and in the patronage of
Charles Chadwick and J. N. Lane, Esqrs. The church
is dedicated to St. Nicholas. The parish is bounded by
the Trent, and intersected by the river Blythe and the
Grand Trunk canal. A court leet is held annually for
the Ridwares, at Hamstall-Ridware and Aldridge alternately.
A free school is supported by subscription.
About three miles north of the church are slight remains
of Blythbury priory.