THARFIELD, (Hertfordshire) among the tops of small hills, that hang over Royston to the N. E. of it. The manor bel. formerly to the Abby at Ramsey, as did some lands here to that of St. Albans; but after the Diss. was granted, with the advowson of its Ch. to the D. and C. of St. Paul's, London, who continue Lds. of it, and keep courts-leet and baron here; but the Fordhams have had leases of it for several generations. The rector of its Ch. is always Ld. of a distinct manor, by virtue of a gift from the abbot of Ramsey, and has power to hold a court-baron. Here was the seat of the ancient family of the Berners. There was a wake here formerly, on the M. after St. Swithin's-day. The hill, on which it stands, had once a beacon on it. There are charity-lands in the p. 41 acres and 3 rods, according to an estimate in 1718, which are called Bateman's-Stock, from one Bateman a considerable benefactor to it. The yearly rent of them with the school-house is 13 l. 10 s. 4 d. which is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas and Good-Fr, or else laid up to put out apprentices.