Memorials of Shrewsbury / being a concise description of the town and its environs, adapted as a general guide for the information of visitors and residents

by Henry Pidgeon

THE WHITE HALL,

So called from a practice, during the last century, of occasionally colouring its deep red walls. Our native poet (Churchyard) speaks of this stone mansion in his usual quaint manner, as standing “so trim and finely that it graceth all the soil it is in.” In front is a handsome gatehouse; and the pointed gables, central cupola, and ornamental chimnies, strongly characterise it as an interesting specimen of the old English residence peculiar to the reign of Elizabeth, while its sombre appearance is finely set forth by the vivid foliage of walnut and other trees adjoining. The interior has been modernised, and forms a comfortable habitation. The building was commenced in 1578 by Richard Prince, Esq. a celebrated lawyer, and was his manorial residence. It now belongs to the Right Rev. the Bishop of Lichfield, by purchase from Earl Tankerville.

A few yards distant is