SHOBDON, a parish in the hundred of STRETFORD,
county of HEREFORD, 5 miles (E. S. B.) from Presteigne,
containing 536 inhabitants. The living is a rectory,
in the archdeaconry and diocese of Hereford, rated in
the king's books at £5. 7. 11., and in the patronage of
William Hanbury, Esq. The church, dedicated to St.
John the Evangelist, is the burial-place of the Bateman
family; it was partially rebuilt, in 1757, by John Viscount
Bateman. A court leet is annually held here.
Two schools, one for boys, the other for girls, are supported
by Mr. and Mrs. Hanbury. Near the church is a
mount, called Castle Hill, encompassed with a moat
supposed to be the remains of a Roman, or Danish, fortification.