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Mentioned to in the Domesday Book, the name Steeple refers to the steepness of the hillside around it. In 1540, Edmund Lawrence moved to Steeple. His wife Agnes de Wessington, was heiress to the Washington family. A descendant of the family named John moved to Virginia and his great grandson George would become the first President. The Stars and Stripes (or more correctly, bars and mullets) of the American flag are derived from the quartering of the arms of the Lawrences of Steeple and the Washingtons. This family coat of arms can be found on the east wall of St Michael and all Angels and also in the porch

Copyright Gerald Duke 2004