Hello listers Recently some messages to the list have queried the reasoning of the East and West Dean division. In order to enlighten the new members and others on the list, I am re-sending the following. 1841- The act for the relief of the poor is dated 9 July 1841 and authorises the introduction of the new Poor Law, dividing the Forest of Dean into the two townships of East and West Dean, by a line drawn in a diagonal direction from LYDBROOK (Wye) to Ayleford (Severn). The act attached East Dean to Westbury-on-Severn Union and West Dean to Monmouth Union. Harold Watkins Perth, Western Australia