COMPTON-ABBAS, a parish in that part of the hundred of SIXPENNY-HANDLEY which is in the Shaston (West) division of the county of DORSET, 3½ miles (S. by E.) from Shaftesbury, containing 368 inhabitants.

The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Dorset, and diocese of Bristol, rated in the king's books at £9. 10. 2½. D. R. Mitchell, Esq. was patron in 1800. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small ancient edifice. The village is situated in a combe, or vale, whence it derives its name, and received its adjunct from having formed part of the endowment of Shaston abbey.

Volume 1, page 471