Description
Clewer, a village and a parish in Berks, on the river Thames, near the G.W.R., 1 mile W of Windsor. The parish consists of two divisions, one of which forms part of the town of Windsor, particulars of the other portion only being given here. The village is notable for the religious institutions which have grown up under the influence and care of the clergy of the Church of England here. Of these the most important is a House of Mercy, which was opened in 1849, and which has been subsequently enlarged, so that it now affords accommodation for over 130 penitents. The internal work is carried on by an association of ladies known as the Clewer Sisters, and they have also under their care a convalescent hospital, an orphanage, a home of rest, and alms-houses for twelve poor ladies. There is a post, money order, and telegraph office under Windsor. Area, 1976 acres of land and 58 of water; population, 9766. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Oxford; net yearly value, £430 with residence. Patron, Eton College. The church is an ancient and very interesting building of flint and rubble chiefly in the Early Norman style. There are also chapels of ease dedicated to St Agnes, All Saints, and St John the Baptist. There are many important mansions in this parish, among which may be mentioned St Leonard's Hill, a fine mansion of stone standing in a park of 200 acres, St Leonard's, Clewer Manor, and Clewer Park. Windsor racecourse is in this parish.
Villages, Hamlets, &c.
Dedworth, a hamlet in Clewer parish, Berks, 1 1/4 mile W by S of Windsor. A memorial church, in the Decorated English style, was erected here in 1863 by the widower and children of Mrs Tudor.
