SHORNE, a parish, joint with Merston, in the hundred of SHAMWELL, lathe of AYLESFORD, county of KENT, 3 miles (S. E.) from Gravesend, containing, with Merston, 776 inhabitants. The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Rochester, rated in the king's books at £13. 1. 8., and in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter of Rochester. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, contains a fine monument to the memory of Sir Henry de Cobham. Courts Jeet and baron are occasionally held. National and Sunday schools established here are supported partly by subscription, but principally by the dividends arising from £900 three per cent, consols., the bequest of the Rev. R. G. Ayerst, in 1812. A battery, mounting twentyfour pounders, for the protection of this part of the Medway, was constructed in 1796.