MINTERN (MAGNA), a parish partly in the liberty of FORDINGTON, Dorchester division, partly in the hundred of CERNE, TOTCOMBE, and MODBURY, but chiefly in the liberty of PIDDLETRENTHIDE, Cerne subdivision of the county of DORSET, 10 miles (N. by W.) from Dorchester, containing, with the tything of Hartly, 311 inhabitants. The living is a discharged rectory, in the archdeaconry of Dorset, and diocese of Bristol, rated in. the king's books at £12. 14. 2. Mrs. Sturt and another were patrons in 1798. The church is dedicated to St. Andrew; round the north aisle, which is the burial-place of the Napiers, are coats of arms, and inscriptions to the memory of several members of that ancient family.