A parish in Taverham hundred, East Norfolk, better known as ST. FAITH’S,
including NEWTON ST. FAITH, one mile further north, on the direct road to
Aylsham from Norwich, and distant 5 miles north of the latter station, 7
miles south of Aylsham, and 118½ from London, containing, in 1851, 923
inhabitants in Horsham, and 288 in Newton. The church of the Virgin Mary
is an old building, with four large windows, and high embattled tower of
Gothic architecture. The land comprises 2,700 acres of tolerably good
land, belonging to several proprietors, the largest of whom is Lord
Viscount Ranelagh, who is lord of the manor and patron of the living a
curacy, enjoyed by the Rev. William Atthill, M.A. The Wesleyans have a
chapel here, and also one at Newton St. Faith’s. The Union Workhouse,
half a mile north-east of the church, is a large brick building, with
accommodation for 300 inmates. There is a large cattle fair held for
three weeks, commencing October 17th, where a vast quantity of cattle
from Scotland and the surrounding country is sent. Here was anciently a
market, a Benedictine priory, founded in 1105, and an hospital of Knights
Templars.