GRINSTED, East, a town 29 miles from London, seated on a hill, near the borders of Surrey, near Ashdown forest. It has a handsome church, which was rebuilt after being burnt down 1683. On November 12. 1785, the beautiful tower having lately fallen to decay, fell down, and part lighting on the church very considerably damaged it. An hospital in the reign of King James I. for 31 poor people of this town, was built and endowed with 3301. a-year. It is a borough by prescription, governed by a bailiff and his brethren; has sent burgesses to parliament ever since the first of Edward II. who are elected by about 35
burgage-holders; had a charter for a monthly market from Henry VII. and is generally the place for the affizes. The returning officer here is the bailiff, who is chosen by a jury of burgage-holders. Its market is on Thursday; and its fairs, which are well frequented, are July 13. and December 11.; which last is a great one for Welsh runts, that are bought up here by the Kentish and Sussex farmers, and for fat hogs and other cattle. The population in 1801 was 2659.