ACOMB, a parish in the ainsty of the city, and
East riding of the county of YORK, comprising the
townships of Acomb and Knapton, and containing 870
inhabitants, of which number, 783 are in the township
of Acomb, 2 miles (W.) from York. The living, a discharged
vicarage, is a peculiar, rated in the king's books
at £3. 9. 2., and endowed with £200 private benefaction,
£200 royal bounty, and £600 parliamentary grant.
The peculiar formerly belonged to the Treasurer of the
Cathedral Church of York, but was surrendered, with
the rectory, to the Crown in 1547 and in 1609 it
was granted by James I. to Thomas Newark and his
heirs. It now belongs to J. E. Baker, Esq., who has
lately, by an application to the court of King's Bench,
established his right to appoint a commissary to the
peculiar ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The church, dedicated
to St. Stephen, is a small ancient structure,
occupying an elevated situation. There is a place of
worship for Wesleyan Methodists, A school, built by
subscription among the inhabitants, is conducted on
the National plan.