East Hagbourne, Berkshire

Description
Hagbourne, East and West, two villages and two parishes in Berks. The villages stand 1 1/2 mile SSE from Didcot station on the G.W.R. main line, and near Upton station on the branch line to Newbury. There is an ancient cross surmounting lofty steps, and a post office of the name of East Hagbourne, under Didcot; telegraph office, Didcot. West Hagbourne is a distinct parish, but is joined ecclesiastically with East Hagbourne. Area of East Hagbourne, 1758 acres; West Hagbourne, 1057 acres; population of the joint parish, 1454. North Hagbourne is a hamlet on the northern border of the parish; also known as Didcot New Town. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Oxford; net yearly value,, £152 with residence. The church is one of the best in Berkshire, the peal of eight bells being considered remarkably good, has a square tower, and contains a monument to John Philips, Esq. There is also a Primitive Methodist chapel, and there are a church erected in 1890, and a Primitive Methodist chapel at North Hagbourne. The parish is celebrated for its cherry orchards, and large quantities of watercress are grown.