BEARSTEAD, a parish in the hundred of EYHORNE,
lathe of AYLESFORD, county of KENT, 2 miles
(E.) from Maidstone, containing 566 inhabitants. The
living is a discharged vicarage,, in the archdeaconry
and diocese of Canterbury, rated in the king's books
at £6. 7. 4., endowed with £200 private benefaction,
and £200 royal bounty, and in the patronage of the
Dean and Chapter of Rochester. The church is dedicated
to the Holy Cross. A fair is held here on September
14th.