Thorley - Whites 1878 - - Page 1

Thorley, a parish and small scattered village, had 154 inhabitants in 1871, and comprises 1580 acres of land and 1 of water, bounded on the West by the Yar estuary, and on the north by the Solent Sea.

The Right Hon. Lord Heytesbury is lord of the manor and owner of most of the parish, a great part of which was anciently a rabbit warren.

The old Church (St. Swithin), which was founded in the middle of the 13th century, and rebuilt in 1683, fell into decay; and a new stone edifice, erected at a cost of about 1,300GBP on a more convenient site given by Lord Heytesbury, was consecrated by Bishop Wilberforce in December 1871. The porch of the old church has been enlarged, and is now used as a mortuary chapel.

A School was built in 1867 on a site given by Lord Heytesbury ; it is supported by subscription and Government grant.

Barrington William, farmer, Thorley farm

Harvey John, farmer, Tapnel

Jeffery Mrs. Mary, National schoolmistress

Long Henry, carpenter & wheelwright

Paul John Pitman, farmer, Newclose farm

Peat Rev. Abraham M.A., vicar, The Vicarage

Urry Thomas, blacksmith

Wheeler Mr. Alfred John, Thorley Lodge