" 1603. Benton. John Hochekis, B.D. rector. Number of communicants about 29. — The parish of South Heigh- ton whereof I am parson hath about 36. No recusant in either parish. The patronage of the rectory is be- tween Sir Thos. Floyd and one Mrs. Shelley, and de- pends upon a suite in law.
" 16S6. Benton. The steeple and the roof adjoining a little out of repair, and the windows in a similar condition. The pavement wants repairing. — The porch in danger of falling clown if not timely repaired. — Several arti- cles enjoined by the canons are said to be wanting.
" 1724. Bishop Bower s Visitation.
"Benton, a rectory, of which Robert Mitchell, Esq. is patron. The present incumbent, Wm. Edwards, A.B. of St. John's Coll. Cambridge, instituted 1687. The church in good repair — the bible wants binding — the common prayer-book good — one pewter flaggon — one silver cup and cover — one linen cloth for the commu- nion table — a good cloth and cushion for the pulpit — no poor-box nor chest — two bells. The chancel in good repair. A small matter wanting to the mansion house &c. — Nine families — no papists nor dissenters. — Value in the king's books £4. 19s. 9c/. Discharged. — Divine service and sermon every fortnight. The living supplied by a curate, Mr. Alex. Patison. Sacrament administered three times in the year. No. of communicants about 9. — Six acres of glebe, all arable."
The church, which is dedicated to St. Leonard, consists of a single pace or nave, with no interior distinction of chancel. The west end is surmounted by a small bell-turret of wood and tile. A ceiling hides from view a very good timber roof much resembling that of Godshill, in the Isle of Wight.[1] From the occurrence of two Early English windows in the nave, Mr. Hussey thinks the building may have been originally of that
period ; but the church underwent considerable improvement
- ↑ Hussey's Churches, p. 221.
