History of the Parish of Whitchurch. By the Rev. John
Slatter, M.A. (Elliot Stock.)—The " Whitchurch" of which Mr. Slatter tells the story is that one of the eleven parishes of the name which is, perhaps, the best known, by sight at least. It is the village which one sees on the left bank of the Thames, opposite to Pang- bourne. There is nothing very remarkable about it, but it possesses the varied interest which indeed attaches to every ancient parish that is fortunate enough to possess any, ancient records. The entries relating to the administration of the Poor- law are numerous, and extend over a considerable time. A " brief book " contains some curious facts. It extends over forty-six years, and records the collection of about £2 5s. annually. Some o! the objects are such that we do not wonder that the benevo- lence of the parish was somewhat slack. Why should the people of a Thames-side village contribute for the making of Scottish harbours ? The rateable valae of the parish has in- creased from £1,903 in 1780 to £6,920 in 1891 (or £5,000, deducting the rating of the Great Western Railway).
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