MAPPOWDER, a parish in the hundred of BUCKLAND-
NEWTON, Cerne subdivision of the county of
DORSET, 6 miles (S. W. by S.) from Sturminster-Newton,
containing 247 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in
the archdeaconry of Dorset, and diocese of Bristol,
rated in the king's books at £ 17 14.7 Earl Spencer
was patron in 1814. The church, dedicated to St. Peter
and St. Paul, is an embattled structure with a low plain
tower, and contains, among other memorials, several to
the family of Coker, whose ancient mansion, which was
a large and handsome building, erected in the reign of
Elizabeth, has been converted into a farm-house. Of
this family, Mr. Coker, author of a " Survey of Dorsetshire,"
was a member.