COMPTON-ABBAS, a parish in that part of the
hundred of SIXPENNY-HANDLEY which is in the
Shaston (West) division of the county of DORSET, 3
miles (S. by E.) from Shaftesbury, containing 368 inhabitants.
The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of
Dorset, and diocese of Bristol, rated in the king's books
at £p. 10. 2., and in the patronage of D. R.Mitchell,
Esq. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small
ancient edifice. The village is situated in a combe, or
vale, whence its name; it derives its adjunct from
having formed part of the endowment of Shaston abbey.