"I send you an advertisement, from a local paper of 1767, which shows what stipend was offered to a curate at that period. The population of Burton Bradstich and Shepton Gorge, in 1821, was respectively 854 and 311. I do not know what it was in 1767.

The value of the rectory of Burton, with the chapelry of Shepton, was returned, in 1650, as �201, in 1826 it was computed to be �500. A.D.M.

From "Cruthwell's Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and Dorchester Journal; or Yeovil, Taunton, and Bridgewater (sic) Chronicle of 10 July 1767"

"A Curate is wanted, at Old Michaelmas next, to serve the Churches of Burton and Shipton, in Dorsetshire; Salary �36 per annum, Easter Offerings, and Surplice Fees; together with a good House, pleasant Gardens and a Pigeon House well stock'd. The churches are within a mile and a half of each other, served once a Day, and alternately. The village of Burton is sweetly situated, within half a mile of the Sea, about a mile and a half from Bridport Harbour, and is noted in the Summer for its fine Mackeral Fishery. Application to be made to the Rev. Mr. Richards, Rector.

A married gentleman will be most agreeable.

Source: Notes and Queries Vol. 1 (14) Feb 2 1850 Page 222

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