MERSHAM, a parish in the hundred of CHART-and-LONGBRIDGE,
lathe of SCRAY, county of KENT, 3
miles (S.E.) from Ashford, containing 776 inhabitants.
The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese
of Canterbury, rated in the king's books at-£26.16.lOf.,
and in the patronage of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Over
the west door of the tower, which stands on the south
side of the nave, is a very curious window, in the later
style of English architecture. There is a place of worship
for Wesleyan Methodists. In 1698, a rent-charge
of £10 was devised by Dame Jane Knatchbull, for the
education of poor children; eight boys are instructed
for this sum. A fair for pedlary and toys is held on the
Friday in Whitsun-week.