WORTHING
Is a hamlet in the parish and lordship of Swanton, seated in an Ing
or low ground, between, and near to the place where two rivers meet
and unite: such a site is called by the Germans, Werd, or Werdt, as
Keiserwerd and Donawert in Germany, and there is an old proverb in
the neighbourhood—Worse and worse, as Worthing-mill.
Henry de Rie, by deed sans date, gave to the monks of Castleacre, the
mill of Worthing, with Thurstane the miller, his mother and brothers,
with all his substance, and by another deed gave them the services of
Philip, and Adelwald, and confirmed to them a tenement with lands,
and meadows of Philip Belet, for which he received 2 marks;
witnesses, Luke de Hoo, alias priest of Swanton, Hilbert his dapifer,
&c. (fn. 1)
Rehald, son of Henry de Wdecote, by deed sans date, released to
them all the land, which he held here of Philip Belet for 9 marks,
which they gave him.
Robert, son of Rosceline, agreed not to molest them in their men
and tenements here and in Goldruna.
Lands here were granted July 1, in the 7th of Edward VI. to Thomas
Gresham, late in the tenure of Christopher Preston.
Thomas Warner held 4 messuages, with the appertenances, of Queen
Elizabeth, in capite, and William Warner, his son and heir, held, in
the 15th of Elizabeth, 17 acres, late parcel of the possessions of Castleacre priory, and 3 acres called Le Holbred-land.
The chapel, or church, is covered with lead, and the chancel with
thatch; the steeple, which was round, is in ruins, and one bell stands
in the church thus inscribed,
In eternis annis resona campana Johannis.