GODMERSHAM, a parish in the hundred of FELBOROUGH,
lathe of SCRAY, county of KENT, 6 miles
(N. E. by N.) from Ashford, containing 414 inhabitants.
The living is a vicarage with the perpetual curacy of Challock
annexed, in the peculiar .jurisdiction and patronage
of the Archbishop of Canterbury, rated in the king's
books at £ 9. 3.9. The church, dedicated to St. Lawrence,
has in it eight stalls; it was formerly appropriated to the
prior and monks of Canterbury, and had a chantry.
The priors resided in a house near the church., which is
still called the priory, and retains much of its ancient
appearance: they had liberty of free warren, and obtained
the privilege of a weekly market, which has been
long disused. The river Stour runs through the parish.
There are eight ahnshouses, also a charity school which
is supported by voluntary contributions.