Transcribed from the 1851 Samuel Harrison edition by David Price, email ccx074@pgaf.org
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HISTORY,
GAZETTEER, AND DIRECTORY
OF
SHROPSHIRE;
COMPRISING
A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE COUNTY,
WITH A VARIETY OF
HISTORICAL, STATISTICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL, COMMERCIAL,
AND AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION:
SHEWING
THE SITUATION, EXTENT, AND POPULATION OF ALL
THE TOWNS, PARISHES, CHAPELRIES, TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES,
HAMLETS, AND EXTRA-PAROCHIAL LIBERTIES;
THEIR AGRICULTURAL AND MINERAL PRODUCTIONS;
THE LORDS OF THE MANORS AND OWNERS OF THE SOIL;
THEIR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, CHARITIES, ANTIQUITIES, & HISTORICAL EVENTS;
WITH A LIST OF
MAGISTRATES, PUBLIC OFFICERS, & CORPORATE BODIES;
AND
THE SEATS OF THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY:
IN ONE VOLUME,
WITH A LARGE COLOURED SHEET MAP OF THE COUNTY:
BY SAMUEL BAGSHAW,
Author of similar Works for Derbyshire, Kent, Cheshire, &c.
SHEFFIELD:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY SAMUEL HARRISON, 5, HIGH-STREET,
AND SOLD BY SAMUEL BAGSHAW, WENTWORTH TERRACE, SHEFFIELD
Price to Subscribers, 14s. 6d.
1851
PREFACE.
In presenting the Public with a popular History and Topography of the County of Salop, with a Directory of its Inhabitants, the author has to acknowledge his great obligations to the literary and official gentlemen of the county, who have so freely furnished his agents with valuable information, as well as to those who have honoured the publisher with immediate communications; and also to the numerous subscribers who have so liberally patronised the work. As authenticity is the grand desideratum of Topography, all possible care has been taken to avoid errors. Every Parish, Township, Village, and Hamlet, with all the principal Residences and Farm Houses in the county have been visited for the addresses, and to authenticate the necessary information. It is, therefore, hoped that the great variety of subjects compressed within its pages will be found complete and satisfactory to its numerous patrons, and that the volume will be found an acquisition either to the library or the office.
The Plan of the Work embraces a General History and Description of Shropshire, containing the spirit of all that has been previously written on the subject, extracted from ancient and modern authors, and from the voluminous Parliamentary Reports of Public Charities, Population, &c., &c., together with a variety of Agricultural, Commercial, Statistical, Biographical, and Topographical Information; and comprehending a Survey of Antiquities, Roads, Rivers, Railroads, Minerals, Public Buildings, Charities; together with a Chronology of Remarkable Events, from the earliest period to the present time.
The Topography of the County commences at page [132], with an Alphabetical Arrangement of the Parishes in their respective Hundreds, and of the Towns, Townships, and Villages, under their respective Parishes; shewing the Situation, Extent, and Population of each Parish, Township, Chapelry, and Extra-Parochial Liberty; the Owners of the Soil and the Lords of the Manors; the Nature and Value of the Church Livings, with their Patrons and Incumbents; the Places of Worship, Public Buildings, Public Charities, and Institutions; Trade and Commerce; Local Occurrences, and Objects of Interest and Curiosity, &c. Each Township is followed by the Addresses of the Gentry, and other principal Residents, with a Classification of Trades and Professions. The Directories of Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and other principal places, in addition to a Classification of Trades and Professions, are accompanied by an Alphabetical List of Persons, so that the address and occupation of any individual may be instantly referred to. The Seats of the Nobility and Gentry are appended to the General History of the County; and the whole is preceded by a copious Index of Places, Persons, and Subjects, affording an easy reference to the page at which every Parish, Township, and Hamlet is to be found; thus giving to the Volume all the advantages of an Alphabetical Gazetteer.
The extracts from the voluminous Parliamentary Reports of Public Charities, we trust will be found a useful and valuable portion of the publication. The standard works of Owen and Blakeway, and Phillips, Histories of Shrewsbury, Duke’s Antiquities, Hulbert’s History and Gregory’s Gazetteer of the County, as well as various Local Histories and Guides to the more interesting parts of Shropshire, have been frequently referred to in the compilation of the historical notices. The Work is accompanied with a large Coloured Sheet Map of the County, engraved expressly for this Publication. [ii]
SAMUEL BAGSHAW.
Sheffield, October 25th, 1851.
GENERAL INDEX.
Abbeys, Monasteries, and Priories, [24]
— Alberbury, [671]
— Buildwas, [371]
— Bromfield, [520]
— Chirbury, [688]
— Haughmond, [137]
— Lilleshall, [395]
— Malinslee, [376]
— Shrewsbury, [72]
— Wenlock, [583]
— Wombridge, [440]
Abcott, [700]
Abdon, [517]
Abertannat, [153]
Ackleton, [494]
Acton, [702]
— Burnell, [498]
— Castle, [498]
— Pigott, [499]
— Reynald, [310]
— Round, [610]
— Scott, [547]
Adcott Hall, [217]
Acton-on-the-Hill, [517]
Adderley, [256]
Adeney, [381]
Adston, [706]
Alderton, [143]
Admaston, [445]
— Spa, [445]
Agricultural Improvements, [23]
— Produce, [22]
Alberbury, [670]
— Abbey, [671]
Albrighton, [452]
— (St. Mary’s), [138]
— Division, [132]
Albright Hussey, [133]
Albrightlee, [131]
Albynes, [614]
Alcaston, [519]
Aldenham, [649]
Alderton, [144]
— (Great Ness), [241]
Aldon, [553]
Alkington, [355]
Alkmere, [499]
Allscott, [495]
All Stretton, [530]
Alveley, [611]
Amaston, [671]
Ancient Britons, [9], [12], [34], [213], [535], [449], [702]
— Land Measures, [16]
Antiquities, [157], [450], [568], [678]
Apley, [436]
— Castle, [436]
— Park, [484]
Argoed, [148]
Arleston, [436]
Arscott, [680]
Asbaston, [389]
Ashfield, [590]
Ashford Bowdler, [519]
— Carbonell, [519]
— Hall, [519]
Ash Magna, [355]
— Parva, [356]
Asterley, [680]
Asterton, [704]
Astley, [329]
— (St. Mary’s), [139]
— Abbots, [613]
Aston (Chetwynd), [382]
— Church, [382]
— Hall, [476]
— (Hopesay), [701]
— (Munslow), [541]
— (Wellington), [436]
— (Wem), [329]
— (Claverley), [467]
— Botterel, [614]
— (Oswestry), [190]
— (Shiffnal), [476]
— Eyre, [649]
— Pigott, [693]
— Rogers, [693]
Asylum, [674]
Atcham, [364]
Atterley, [588]
Attingham, [364]
Bach and Norton, [532]
Bach Mill, [541]
Badger, [456]
Bagginswood, [657]
Bagley, [244]
Balasley, [671]
Balderton, [251]
Balswardyne Hall, [505]
Bannister Ralph, [332]
Bardley, [659]
Barkers Green, [329]
Barlow, [701]
Barnsley, [494]
Barnwell George, [519]
Barrow, [554]
— Hall, [554]
Baschurch, [212]
Batchcott, [544]
Battlefield, [133]
Battle of Shrewsbury, [36]
Bausley, [671]
Baxter Richard, [390]
Bayston Hill, [501]
Beachfield, [693]
Beach Mill, [541]
Bearston, [297]
Beckbury, [457]
Beckjay, [700]
Bedstone, [696]
Bellaport House, [300]
Belmont, [210]
Bentley, [494]
Bennett’s End, [635]
Benthall, [555]
— (Alberbury), [671]
Bentley, [494]
Beobridge, [467]
Berghill, [209]
Berrington, [499]
Berwick, [140]
— House, [140]
— Mavaston, [366]
Besford, [311]
Betchcott, [514]
Betchley, [296]
Betton & Alkmere, [499]
— (Berrington), [500]
— (Drayton) [277]
— Little, [499]
Bettws-y-crwyn, [712]
Bicton, [674]
— (Clun) [709]
Billingsley, [615]
Birch, [215]
Birch and Lythe, [231]
Birches, [559]
Bishop Heber, [282]
Bishop’s Castle, [696]
Bitterley, [664]
Black Mere, [357]
Black Park, [357]
Blodwell, [154]
Blore Heath, (Battle) [298]
Bobbington, [458]
Bolas Great, [368]
— Parva, [285]
Bomere Heath, [145]
Boninghall, [458]
— Albrighton Kennels, [458]
Booley, [316]
Boreatton, [215]
Boraston, [667]
Boreton, [503]
Boscobel, [459]
— White Ladies, [463]
Boscobel, King Chas.’s Retreat, [460]
— Royal Oak, [463]
Botvylle, [524]
Bouldon, [538]
Bowdler, [519]
Bowley, [316]
Boycott, [680]
Brace Meole, [511]
Bradney, [494]
British Encampments, [393], [212]
Bridgnorth, [615]
Brimstree Hundred, [452]
Broadstone, [542]
Broadward, [700]
Brockton, (Worthen), [693]
— (Longford), [400]
— (Long Stanton) [550]
— (Lydbury), [703]
Bromfield, [520]
— Priory, [520]
Bromley, [594]
Bromlow, [693]
Brompton, (Berrington) [500]
— Little, [701]
Brompton-with-Rhiston, [691]
Broncroft, [534]
Bronygarth, [162]
Brookhampton, [538]
Broom, (Cardington), [523]
Broom & Rowton, [701]
Broomfield, [446]
Broseley, [556]
— Tobacco Pipes, [556]
Broughall, [357]
Broughton, (Bishop’s Castle), [698]
— (Albrighton), [134]
— (Claverley), [467]
— (Shrewsbury), [134]
Brown Clee Hill, [589]
Brunslow, [701]
Bryna Castle, [210]
Bryngwyla, [159]
Brynn, [155]
Bryntanat Hall, [155]
Buckingham, Duke of, [332]
Bucknell, [699]
Buildwas, [370]
Buildwas Abbey, [371]
Bulthey, [671]
Buntingsdale Hall, [278]
Burcot, (Worfield), [494]
— (Wrockwardine) [446]
Burford, [666]
Burley, [532]
Burlington, [476]
Burlton, [247]
Burncote, [494]
Burton, [588]
Burwarton, [634]
Bury Ditches, [702]
Butterey, [381]
Button Oak, [660]
Bynweston, [693]
Caer Caradoc, [525]
— Battle at, [10]
Cainham, [635]
Calcott, [674]
Calloughton, [588]
Calverhall, [305]
— Hall, [305]
Calvington, [381]
Canals, [20]
Cantlop, [500]
Caractacus, [10]
Cardiston, [676]
Cardington, [521]
Careswell Exhibitions, [478]
Carwood, [701]
Castle Pulverbach, [507]
Castles, Acton Burnell, [498]
— Bishop’s, [697]
— Bridgnorth, [617]
— Cause, [684]
— Charlton, [447]
— Church Stretton, [525]
— Chirbury, [687]
— Clun, [708]
— Ellesmere, [219]
— Knockin, [153]
— Ludlow, [594]
— Middle, [249]
— Moreton Corbet, [294]
— Oswestry, [167]
— Quatford, [652]
— Rowton, [672]
— Sibdon, [705]
— Shrawardine, [254]
— Shrewsbury, [75]
— Sundorne, [138]
— Tong, [487]
— Stoke St. Milborough, [552]
—Wattlesborough, [672]
— Whittington, [207]
Catstree, [495]
Cause, [684]
Causton, [700]
Caynton, [381]
Caynton House, [381]
Chantries, [24]
Chapel Lawn, [710]
Charlton, [447]
Chatford, [503]
Chatwall, [523]
Chelmarsh, [635]
Chelmick, [539]
Cheney Longville, [707]
Cherrington, [381]
Chesterton, [494]
— Roman Encampment, [494]
Cheswardine, [259]
Chetton, [636]
Chetwynd, [372]
— Aston, [382]
Childs Ercall, [278]
Chilton, [366]
China Works, [569]
Chinnel, [358]
Chipnall, [261]
Chirbury, [687]
— Hundred, [687]
Chorley, [659]
Choulton, [703]
Church Aston, [312]
Church Preen, [506]
Chrch. Pulverbatch, [506]
Church Stretton, [524]
Civil Wars, [38]
Claverley, [464]
Clee Downton, [551]
Clee Hill, [551]
Clee St. Margaret, [531]
Clee Stanton, [551]
Cleeton, [665]
Cleobury Mortimer, [638]
Cleobury Foreign, [641]
Cleobury North, [643]
— Hall, [644]
Clewilsey, [713]
Clive, [140]
— Hall, [141]
— Sansaw Hall, [141]
Climate, [22]
Clotley, [446]
Cloverley, [305]
Cluddley, [446]
Clun, [707]
Clunbury, [699]
Clungunford, [700]
Clunton, [700]
Clurton, [506]
Coad-y-Gaer Tower, [193]
Coed-y-Rallt, [234]
Coalbrookdale, [569]
— Company, [374]
— Ironworks, [569]
Coalmoor, [566]
Coalport, [569]
— China Works, [569]
Cold Hatton, [387]
Cold Weston, [531]
Colebatch, [698]
Colemere, [232]
Collieries, [374], [375], [398], [418], [439], [441]
Comley, [524]
Condover, [501]
— Hall, [501]
— Hundred, [498]
Coppice Green, [476]
Copthorne House, [675]
Coptiviney, [239]
Coreley, [644]
Corfton, [533]
Corve Dale, [532]
Cothercutt, [507]
Coton, (Alveley), [611]
Cotton, (Ruyton), [198]
— (Wem), [329]
Cotwall, [388]
Cound, [504]
Court of Hill, [667]
Coxheadford, [531]
Crackley Bank, [476]
Cranmere Heath, [494]
Creamore House, [331]
Cressage, [505]
Crickett, [232]
Crickheath, [190]
Criggion, [672]
Cronkhill, [366]
Crosemere, [231]
Cross Green, [446]
Crow Meol, [675]
Cruckmeole, [680]
Cruckton, [680]
Crudgington, [388]
Culmington, [531]
Cynynion, [190]
Dalicott, [467]
Darliston, [306]
Davenport House, [492]
Dawley Magna, [374]
— Green, [375]
— Parva, [375]
Daywell, [210]
Deckerhill, [476]
Delbury Hall, [533]
Derwen, The, [200]
Deuxhill, [644]
Diddlebury, [532]
Dinmore, [704]
Dinthill, [684]
Ditches, [333]
Ditton Priors, [589]
Dodington, [358]
— Liberty, [640]
Donington, [398]
— Wood, [398]
— (Wroxeter), [451]
— Shiffnal, [470]
— House, [471]
Doomsday Book, [16]
Dorrington, (Muckleston), [298]
— (Condover), [503]
Dothill, [436]
Dovaston, [149]
Dowles, [644]
Downton, (Stanton Lacy), [549]
— (Upton Magna), [420]
Drayton-in-Hales, [262]
Druids, The, [9]
Dryton, [451]
Dudleston, [233]
Dudston [688]
Duddlewick, [659]
Dudmaston Hall, [655]
Dunvall House, [614]
Dyffryd House, [151]
Eardington, [654]
Eardiston, [198]
Earnastry Park, [534]
Earthenware Manufactories, [555], [556], [557]
East Foreign Liberty, [641]
East Hamlet, [549]
Easthope, [535]
Eastwall, [537]
— (Rushbury), [546]
Eastwick, [235]
Eaton-under-Haywood, [536]
Eaton and Choulton, [703]
Eaton Constantine, [378]
Eaton by Stoke, [313]
Eaton Mascott, [500]
Ecclesiastical Revenues, [25]
Ebnall, [210]
Eddicliff, [709]
Edge, [681]
Edenhope, [714]
Edgbold, [512]
Edgebolton, [311]
Edgeley, [361]
— Moss, [361]
Edgerley, [150]
Edgmond, [379]
— Hall, [380]
Edgton, Brunslow and Horderley, [701]
Edstaston, [330]
Ellerdine, [388]
— Oak House, [388]
Ellerton, [261]
— Hall, [261]
Ellesmere, [219]
— Castle, [219]
— Chapels, [222]
— Charities, [223]
— Church, [220]
— Court Leet, [222]
— Fairs, [219]
— Mechanics’ Institute, [222]
— Savings’ Bank, [222]
— Union House, [223]
Elson & Greenhill, [235]
Eminent Men, [136], [141], [205], [237], [282], [301], [315], [323], [330], [343], [344], [390], [464], [468], [475], [601], [669], [687]
Emstrey, [366]
Enchmarsh, [524]
Ensdon, [252]
— House, [253]
Ercall Magna, [384]
— Hall, [385]
— Park, [385]
— Lodge, [385]
— Sherlow, [385]
Ercall Childs, [278]
Erway The, [233]
Espley, [289]
Eudon Burnell, [637]
— Gorge, [637]
Ewdness, [495]
Evelith, [476]
Eyton, (Alberbury), [672]
Eyton & Plowden, [703]
Eyton-on-the Wild-Moors, [392]
— Hall, [393]
— (Baschurch), [215]
Eyton-on-Severn, [451]
Exeter, Marquis of, [369]
Faintree, [637]
Farlow, [664]
Farmcott, [468]
Fauls, [306]
Felhampton, [707]
Felton Butler, [241]
Fenn Gate, [495]
Fennemere, [216]
Fernhill, [211]
Field Aston, [382]
Finger Lane, [375]
Fires, [405]
First Fruits & Tenths, [25]
Fitz, [135]
— Hall, [136]
Fletcher, Rev. Jno., [570]
Ford, [676]
— Hundred, [670]
Forester, Lord, [591]
Forton, [253]
Frankton (English) [235]
Frankfort (Welsh), [211]
Friars, [24]
Frodesley, [508]
— Hall, [508]
Funnanvair, [713]
Gabowen, [210]
Garmstone, [394]
Gatacre, [468]
General History of County, [7]
Gentlemen’s Seats, [27]
Glaseley, [645]
Giant’s Grave, [157]
Glanyrafon House, [155]
Golding, [504]
Goldston, [261]
Grafton, [136]
— Lodge, [136]
Gravehanger, [298]
Great Ness, [240]
Greenhill, [235]
Gretton, [546]
Grimmer, [693]
Grimpo, [205]
Grindley Brook, [361]
Grinshill, [136]
Grove, [707]
Guilden Down, [709]
Guilds, [24]
Habberley, [677]
Habberley Office, [693]
Hadley, [436]
Hadnall, [142]
Halford, [537]
Hallon, [495]
Hamlets, The, [514]
Hampton Wood, [236]
— Welsh, [255]
Hanwood Great, [677]
— Little, [681]
Harcourt, [316]
Harcourt, [659]
Harley by Wenlock, [589]
— (Condover), [509]
Harlscott, [132]
Harnage, [504]
Hartleberry, [495]
Haston, [144]
Hatton Cold, [387]
Hatton by Eaton, [537]
— Shiffnal, [476]
Haughmond, [137]
Haughton, [204]
— (High Ercall), [389]
— (Shiffnal), [477]
— Hall, [477]
— (Upton Magna), [420]
Hawkstone, [285]
Hayes, [693]
Hayton Lower, [549]
Hayton Upper, [549]
Heath, [551]
— Upper, [694]
— Nether, [694]
Heathton, [468]
Heber Bishop, [281]
Hem, [476]
Hempton Load, [636]
Hencott, [132]
Hengoed Upper, [210]
Henley, [665]
Hentley or Henlle, [211]
Henwicks Wood, [237]
Herbert Lewd, [392]
High Ercall, [384]
— Hatton, [316]
Highley, [645]
Hill Cop Bank, [320]
— General Lord, [301]
Hill-upon-Cott, [664]
Hilton, [495]
Hindford, [211]
Hinnington, [476]
Hinstock, [279]
Hinton (Pontesbury), [681]
— (Stottesden), [660]
— (Whitchurch), [361]
Hisland, [191]
Hoccom, [495]
Hockham, [495]
Hockleton, [688]
Hodnet, [280]
Holdgate, [537]
Holloway Ville, [542]
Hollyhurst, [362]
Holt Preen, [524]
Holy Cross, [93]
Holywell Lane, [375]
Home [706]
Homer, [589]
Hooker Gate, [676]
Hope, [694]
— Baggot, [646]
— Bendrid, [710]
— Bowdler, [538]
Hopesay, [701]
Hopstone, [468]
Hopton Castle, [702]
— Cangeford, [539]
— Court, [646]
— and Espley, [289]
— (Great Ness), [242]
Hopton-in-the-Hole, [539]
— Wafers, [646]
Horderley, [701]
Hordley, [244]
Horton (St. Chad’s), [676]
— (Wellington), [437]
— (Wem), [332]
Hospitals, [24]
Howle, [374]
Hughley, [564]
Hundred of Albrighton, [132]
— Bradford North, [256]
— South, [364]
— Brimstree, [452]
— Chirbury, [687]
— Clun, [707]
— Condover, [498]
— Ford, [670]
— Munslow, [517]
— Oswestry, [147]
— Overs, [664]
— Pimhill, [212]
— Purslow, [696]
— Stottesden, [610]
— Wenlock Franchise, [554]
Hungary Hatton, [270]
Hungerford, [537]
Hunkington, [420]
Huntington, [566]
Idsall, [476]
Ifton Heath, [159]
Ightfield, [292]
Ingwardine, [660]
Inwood, [680]
Irelands Cross, [298]
Iron Bridge, [568]
Ironworks, [375], [438], [411], [654]
Isle (The), [674]
Isombridge, [389]
Jackfield, [557]
Jack of Corra, [305]
Kemberton, [471]
Kempton, [700]
Kenley, [509]
Kenstone, [289]
Kenwick, [236]
Kenwicks Wood, [337]
Ketley, [438]
Kevancalanog, [712]
Kilhendre, [233]
Kingslow, [495]
Kingswood, [660]
Kinlet, [647]
Kinnerley, [148]
Kinnersley [393]
Kinnerley Argoed, [148]
Kinnerton, [706]
Kinton, [242]
Knockin, [152]
Knuck, [714]
Knowbury St. Pauls, [635]
Kynaston, [150]
Lacon, [333]
Lakes, [21]
Langley, [499]
Lawley, [439]
Lawnt, [191]
Lawton, [534]
Lea and Oakley, [698]
Lea, [681]
Leasowes (The), [662]
Leaton Knolls, [140]
Leaton, [446]
— (St. Mary’s) [141]
Lee, [237]
— Lee Bridge, [293]
Leebotwood, [510]
Lee Brockhurst, [293]
— Gomery, [439]
Leigh, [694]
Lilleshall, [394]
— Abbey, [395]
— House, [397]
— Monument, [395]
Lineal, [237]
Linley (More), [703]
— (Wenlock), [565]
Little Betton, [499]
— Brompton, [701]
— Gane, [495]
— Hanwood, [681]
— Sutton, [534]
— Shrawardine, [671]
— Stretton, [530]
— Wenlock, [565]
Lizard Grange, [476]
Llanvair Waterdine, [713]
Llanforda, [191]
Llanyblodwell, [153]
Llanymyneck, [156]
Llanytidman, [157]
Llynck-lis-pool, [155]
Llynclys, [155]
Lodge The, [161]
Longden, [681]
Longden-upon-Tern, [399]
Long Lane, [447]
Longslow, [277]
Longville, [537]
Longwaist, [417]
Loppington, [245]
Lossford, [289]
Lowe and Ditches, [333]
Lowe, [660]
Lower Down, [703]
— Park, [534]
Ludford, [540]
Ludlow, [592]
Ludstone, [468]
Lurkinghope, [705]
Lushcott, [537]
Lutwyche Hall, [536]
Ludbury North, [702]
Lydham, [703]
Lydley Heys, [524]
Lyth, [503]
Lythe (The), [231]
Madeley, [567]
Maesbrook Ucha, [151]
— Issa, [150]
Maesbury, [192]
Magistrates, List of, [27]
Mainstone, [714]
Malins Lee, [375]
Maneythesney, [713]
Manufactures, [21]
Manutton, [710]
Marchamley, [290]
Market Drayton, [262]
Marrington, [688]
Marsh, [685]
Marsh Green, [389]
Marton (Chirbury), [688]
— (Middle), [251]
— (Ellesmere), [237]
Marton Old, [211]
Mawley Manor House, [641]
Meadow Town, [694]
Medlicott, [706]
Meeson, [370]
— Hall, [370]
Melverley, [162]
Meole Brace, [511]
Merehouse, [216]
Merrington, [145]
Messon, [370]
Mickley, [306]
Middle, [248]
Middlehope, [534]
Middleton (Alberbury), [672]
— (Bitterley), [665]
— (Chirbury), [689]
— (Oswestry), [192]
— Priors, [590]
— Scriven, [648]
Milford Hall, [217]
Millen Heath, [307]
Millichope, [537]
— (Munslow), [542]
Milson, [669]
Mines, [21]
Minsterley, [678]
Minton, [530]
Monasteries, see Abbeys
Monastic Institutions, [23]
Monk Hopton, [579]
Montford, [252]
Mooretown, [388]
Moore & Batchcot, [544]
Moore, [544]
Moot Hall, [68]
Morton, [192]
More, [703]
Moreton Corbet, [293]
Moreton Say, [295]
Moretown, [89]
Morewood, [704]
Morrey, The, [258]
Morville, [649]
Moston, [316]
Much Wenlock, [579]
Muckleton, [312]
Mucklewick, [691]
Munslow, [541]
— Hundred, [517]
Muxton, [398]
Myndtown, [704]
Mytton, [136]
Nash, [667]
Neen Savage, [650]
Neen Solars, [669]
Neenton, [651]
Nesscliff, [242]
Ness Great, [240]
— Little, [216]
Netley, [515]
Newcastle, [710]
Newnes, [238]
Newnham, [681]
New Marton, [237]
Newport, [400]
Newton & Edgbold, [512]
— and Spoonhill, [239]
Newton, [142]
— (Ellesmere) [239]
— (Stottesden), [660]
Newton on-the-Hill, [251]
— (Worfield), [495]
— (Westbury), [685]
Newtown (Baschurch), [212]
— (Wem), [333]
Nobold, [512]
Noneley, [248]
Norbury, [704]
Nordley Regis, [611]
North Bradford Hundred, [256]
Northwood (Ellesmere) [238]
Northwood (Stottesden), [660]
— (Wem), [334]
Norton (Wroxeter), [451]
— (Culmington), [532]
Norton in Hales, [299]
Nox, [682]
Nursery, The, [205]
Oaken Gates, [205]
Oakes, [682]
Oakley Park, [520]
Obarris, [710]
Obley, [700]
Oldington, [495]
Old Marlon, [211]
Old Parr, [672]
Old Oswestry, [169]
Ollerton, [313]
Onibury, [542]
Onslow, [675]
Oreton, [660]
Orleton, [444]
Oswestry, [163]
— Hundred, [147]
Oteley, [239]
Overton, [545]
— (Stottesden), [660]
Overs, Hundred of, [664]
Overton & Woofferton, [545]
Oxen, [687]
Palms Hill, [336]
Pant, [190]
Parish Registers, [26]
Parr Old, [672]
Patton, [550]
Pave Lane, [382]
Peaton, [534]
Peerlogue, [710]
Pentre Coed, [234]
— (Edgerley), [150]
Pentregaer, [193]
Pentrehodrey, [710]
Pentre Pant Hall, [200]
— Ucha Hall, [151]
— Shannel House, [194]
Peplow, [290]
Perthy Bank, [236]
Petton, [253]
Picklescott, [514]
Pickstock, [383]
Pickthorn, [660]
Pimhill, [248]
— Hundred, [212]
Pimley House, [146]
Pipegate, [298]
Pitchford, [513]
Pixley, [280]
Plaish, [524]
Plas-Yollen, [233]
Plas-Warren, [233]
Plealey, [682]
Plowden, [703]
Pontesbury, [679]
Pontesford, [682]
Population, [23]
Porkington, [200]
Porthywaen, [156]
Posenhall, [556]
Poston, [534]
Poston Lower, [542]
Poynton, [389]
Preceptories, [24]
Prees, [301]
Prees-gwene House, [161]
Prescott, [217]
— (Stottesden), [660]
Presthorpe, [589]
Preston Brockhurst, [295]
— Gobalds, [145]
Preston-upon-the-Wild Moors, [415]
— Montford, [684]
— Boats, [420]
— Wood, [295]
Priestweston, [689]
Priors Ditton, [589]
Priors Lee, [476]
Priories, [24]
Providence Grove, [143]
Pully, [512]
Purslow Hundred, [696]
Queen Anne’s Bounty, [25]
Quatford, [652]
Quatt, [654]
— Jarvis, [654]
— Malvern, [654]
Quinta, The, [161]
Ragdon, [539]
Railways, [21]
Ratlinghope, [704]
Redcastle Hill, [288]
Rednal, [204]
Reilth, [714]
Rhiston, [691]
Rhos Goch, [694]
Rhuddleford, [495]
Richards Castle, [543]
Ridge Higher, [239]
— Lower, [239]
Rindleford, [495]
Ritton, [706]
Rivers, [19]
Roads, [21]
Rock, [549]
Rodington, [417]
Roden, [390]
Rodney’s Pillar, [672]
Roman Invasion, [9]
Romsley, [611]
Roowood, [336]
Rorrington, [689]
Rossal, [674]
Roughton, [495]
Round Acton, [610]
Rowley, [495]
Rowton, [390]
Rowton, [672]
— (Stokesay), [553]
Royal Oak, [463]
Ruckley, [499]
Rudge, [656]
Rugantine, [712]
Rushbury, [545]
Roman Stations, [449], [545], [518], [654], [671], [694]
Rushton, [451]
Rushmore, [446]
Ruthall, [590]
Ruyton-of-the-Eleven-Towns, [196]
Sambrook, [261]
Sandford, [204]
— (Prees), [307]
Sascott, [682]
Saxon Gods, [14]
Scrimage, [531]
Selattyn, [199]
Selley, [713]
Severn, The, [19]
Shadwell, [710]
Shavington, [258]
Shawbury, [309]
Sheet, [540]
Sheinton, [657]
Shelbrook, [234]
Shelderton, [700]
Shelton & Oxon, [686]
Shelve, [691]
Shelvock, [198]
Sheriff Hales, [397]
Sherlowe, [385]
Shiffnal, [473]
Shineton, [657]
Shipley, [469]
Shipton, [547]
Shotton, [144]
Shooters Hill, [141]
Shotatton, [199]
Shrawardine, [254]
— Little, [671]
Shrewsbury, from [33] to [132]
— Abbots of, [74]
— Almshouses, [85]
— Annals, [79]
— Anct. Mansions, [78]
— Antiquarian and Nat. His. Society, [64]
— Aquatic Excur., [72]
— Assembly Rooms, [72]
— Asylum, [66]
— Barons of, [36]
— Baths Royal, [66]
— Billiard Rooms, [72]
— Bridges, [68]
— Canal, [65]
— Cattle Market, [68]
— Chapels Ancient, [55]
— Chapels Dissent, [55]
— Charters, [44]
— Coleham, [93]
— Corporation, [42]
— Council House, [78]
— County Constab., [43]
— County and Town Gaol, [63]
— County Hall, [62]
— Drapers Hall, [70]
— Directory, [95]
— Dispensary, [62]
— Early Gov. of, [41]
— Eye & Ear Dispensary, [62]
— Frankwell, [93]
— Fairs, [68]
— Floods, [81]
— Gaol, [63]
— Gas Works, [67]
— Gates & Posterns, [77]
— Glass Staining, [71]
— Great Parlia., [36]
— Holy Cross and St. Giles, [93]
— Hospital, St. Giles, [51]
— Hill’s Mansion, [79]
— House of Indus., [65]
— House of Correc., [65]
— Infirmary, [61]
— Ireland’s Mansion, [79]
— Jones’s Mansion, [79]
— Kingsland, [72]
— Library Subscription, [65]
— Lord Hill’s Column, [67]
— Markets, [68]
— Market Hall, [63]
— Market House, [63]
— Mechanics’ Institute, [65]
— Meole Brace, [93]
— Mercer’s Hall, [71]
— Monastic Foundation, [72]
— Monks of, [73]
— Municipal Act, [42]
— Music Hall, [64]
— Newspapers, [64]
— News Room, [65]
— Parishes of, [92]
— Parliament at, [36]
— Population, [34]
— Public Buildings, [61]
— Quarry The, [71]
— Races, [72]
— Railway Station, [67]
— Savings’ Bank, [66]
— Severn River, [33]
— Show, [71]
— — Cakes, [71]
— — Brawn, [71]
— Simnell Cake, [71]
— Streets, [94]
— Subscrip. Library, [65]
— Tailors’ Hall, [71]
— Theatre, [64]
— Town Hall, [62]
— Town Walls, [77]
— Trade, [69]
— Trade Directy., [115]
— Water Works, [66]
— St. Alkmund’s Parish, [92]
— St. Chad’s Parish, [93]
— St. Julian’s Parish, [93]
— St. Mary’s Parish, [93]
Shropshire Giant, [240]
Siberscott, [682]
Sibdon Carwood, [705]
— Castle, [705]
Sidbury, [657]
Siefton, [532]
Silvington, [670]
Skeletons, [157]
Skyborry, [714]
Sleap, (Ercall), [388]
Sleap, (Wem), [335]
Smethcott, [144]
Smethcott, [513]
Snailbeach Mine, [678]
Snedshill, [477]
— Ironworks and Collieries, [477]
Snitton, [665]
Sodylt Hall, [234]
Soil and Produce, [22]
Sowdley Great, [262]
Soulton, [335]
South Bradford Hundred, [364]
Spoad, [710]
Spoonhill, [239]
Spoonley, [258]
Spray Hill, [384]
Stableford, [495]
St. Almund’s, [92]
St. Chad’s, [93]
St. Paul’s, Knowbury, [635]
Stanford, [672]
Stanmore, [495]
Stanton-upon-Hine Heath, [314]
— Lacy, [548]
— Long, [550]
— Shiffnal, [476]
Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, [217]
— in-the Woods, [217]
Stanway, [547]
Stapleton, [515]
Steele, [307]
Stiperstone Hill, [507]
Stirchley, [418]
— Hall, [418]
— Ironworks, [418]
St. Julian’s, [93]
St. Martin’s, [158]
St. Bryngwyla School, [159]
St. Mary’s, [93]
St. Winefred’s Well, [206]
Stitt and Gatten, [705]
Stocks and Coptiviney, [239]
Stockett, [236]
Stockton, [484]
— Park, [485]
Stockton-by-Newport, [400]
Stockton-by-Chirbury, [689]
Stoke-by-Burford, [667]
Stoke-upon-Terne, [312]
Stoke, St. Milborough, [550]
Stoke, Say, [552]
Stone Acton, [547]
Stottesden, [657]
— Hundred, [610]
Stowe, [705]
Strefford, [707]
Stretton, [685]
— All, [530]
— Church, [524]
— Little, [530]
Styche & Woodlands, [297]
Sundorne Castle, [138]
Sugdon, [407]
Sutherland, 1st Duke of, [394]
Sutton, (Claverley) [469]
— (Drayton), [278]
Sutton-by-Chelmarsh, [636]
Sutton-by-Shrewsbury, [515]
— Spa, [516]
Sutton-by-West Felton, [204]
— Maddock, [486]
— Little, [534]
— Great, [535]
— Court, [534]
Swancote, [495]
Swerney, [193]
— Hall, [194]
Sychtyn, [201]
Sylattin, [199]
Tan-coed-y-gaer, [193]
Tasley, [662]
Tedsmere, [205]
Tern, [392]
— House, [392]
Tetchill, [239]
Thanes, [521]
Thoughlands, [542]
Ticklerton, [537]
Tibberton, [384]
Tilley, [336]
— Green, [336]
Tilsop, [667]
Tilstock, [362]
Timberth, [689]
Tir-y-coed, [152]
Tobacco Pipes Manufactory, [556]
Tonge, [486]
— Castle, [487]
Totterton, [703]
Trebert, [714]
Trebrodier, [712]
Trefarclawdd, [194]
Treflach, [194]
Trefnant, [672]
Trefonnen, [195]
Trelystan, [694]
Trench, [240]
Trench-by-Wem, [336]
— Lane, [448]
Treprenal, [157]
Treverward, [710]
Triptych, [666]
Tugford, [553]
Twyford, [205]
Tylsoer Dr., [343]
Tyn-y-rhos, [162]
Uckington, [367]
Uffington, [145]
Uppington, [418]
Uppington, [672]
Upton Cresset, [662]
— Magna, [419]
— Parva, or Waters Upton, [421]
Vennington, [685]
Wackley Lodge, [232]
Walcot-by-Chirbury, [689]
Walcot-by-Wellington, [439]
Walcot Hall, [702]
Walford, [218]
Walker’s Lowe, [661]
Wallop, [685]
Wall-under-Haywood, [547]
Walton-by-Ercall, [392]
Walton-by-Onibury, [543]
Walton-by-Wenlock, [588]
Walton-by-Worthen, [695]
Walton-by-Stottesden, [661]
Wappenshall, [439]
Wars, [9]
Waters Upton, [421]
Watling Street, [426]
Watts Dyke, [210]
Wattlesborough, [672]
Wellington, [421]
— Fairs, [422]
— Gas Works, [424]
— Horticultural Society, [425]
— Market Hall, [423]
— News Room, [424]
— Old Hall, [425]
— Schools, [423]
— Streets, [427]
Welsh Frankton, [211]
— Hampton, [255]
Wem, [317]
Wenlock Much, [579]
— Edge, [589]
— Franchise, [554]
— Little, [565]
Wentnor, [705]
Westbury, [684]
West Felton, [202]
— Foreign Libty., [641]
— Hamlet, [549]
Westhope, [535]
Westley, [503]
Westley, [685]
Weston-by-Clun, [709]
Weston-by-Burford, [667]
Weston Cotton, [195]
Weston-by-Hopton, [579]
Weston Lullingfield, [218]
—Rhyn, [161]
— Coalworks, [161]
— Under Red Castle, [290]
— Stowe, [705]
Wettleton, [553]
Whattall, [236]
Wheathill, [663]
Wheathall, [503]
Wheel Green, [496]
Whetmore, [667]
Whitchurch, [337]
Whitcott & Hardwick, [704]
Whitcott Evan, [710]
Whitcott Keysett, [711]
White Ladies, [463]
Whitley, [676]
Whittington, [207]
Whitton-by-Westbury, [685]
Whitton-by-Burford, [667]
Wicherley Hall, [218]
Whixall, [307]
Whigmore, [685]
Whigwig, [589]
Wikey, [199]
Wilcott, [244]
Wilderhope, [547]
Wilderley, [508]
Willaston, [308]
Willey, [591]
Wilmington, [689]
Willstone, [524]
Winnington, [672]
Winsbury, [689]
Winscote, [496]
Winsley, [685]
Wirswall, [364]
Wistanstow, [706]
Wistanswick, [373]
Withington, [440]
Wittingslow, [707]
Wixhall, [291]
Wollascott, [142]
Wollaston, [672]
Wollerton, [291]
Wolf’s Head, [242]
Wolverley, [336]
Wombridge, [440]
— Priory, [441]
Woodbatch, [698]
Woodcote, [442]
Woodcote-by-St. Chad’s, [676]
Woodhall, [681]
Woodhouse, [477]
Woodhouse, [204]
Woodhouses New, [363]
Woodhouses Old, [363]
Woodlands, [297]
Woodseaves, [278]
Woodside, [477]
Woofferton, [545]
Woolstaston, [516]
Woolston, [206]
Woolston, [707]
Woore, [298]
Wooton, [196]
Wootton, [549]
Worfield, [491]
Worthen, [692]
Wotherton, [689]
Woundale, [469]
Wrentnall, [508]
Wrickton, [661]
Wrockwardine, [443]
— Wood, [447]
Wroxeter, [448]
Wycherley The Poet, [141]
Wyke, [476]
Wyke-by-Wenlock, [558]
Wyken, [496]
Wykey, [199]
Wytheford Magna, [312]
Wytheford Parva, [312]
Yeaton, [219]
Yockleton, [685]
Yorton, [134]
GENERAL HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF SHROPSHIRE.
SHROPSHIRE is an inland county on the borders of Wales, bounded on the north by Denbighshire, Cheshire, and a detached part of Flintshire: on the east by Staffordshire: on the south by Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Radnorshire: and on the west by Montgomery and Denbighshire. In length, from north to south, it is about forty-five miles, and its extreme breadth thirty-five. Its circumference is computed at 200 miles; and it comprises an area of 1,343 square statute miles, and, consequently, 859,520 acres. The county, in Saxon annals, is called Scrobbesbyrig and Scrobbescire, and by Latin authors, Comitates Salopiensis. It is one of the shires, which, in the time of the Romans, was inhabited by the Cornavii, whose province comprehended the counties of Cheshire, Salop, Stafford, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. At the census of 1801, the county embraced a population of 167,639 souls: 1831, 222,800: 1841, 239,048, of whom 119,355 were males, and 119,693 females. At the same period, there were 47,208 inhabited houses, 2,086 uninhabited, and 293 houses building. The number of persons born in the county in these returns was 203,689: in other counties, 3,240: in Scotland, 391: in Ireland, 1,199: in the British colonies, 14: foreigners in the county, 161: not specified where born, 1,144. Of the total population, 55,645 males, and 54,624 females, were under 20 years of age: 12,189 were between sixty and seventy years of age: 6,006 between seventy and eighty: 1,905 between eighty and ninety: 139 between ninety and one hundred: and the age of 5 persons exceeded one hundred years. The total population of the fifteen unions, into which the county of Shropshire is divided, at the census of 1851, are returned as containing 245,019 inhabitants, of whom 122,122 were males, and 122,997 females.
Shropshire is divided into the hundreds of Albrighton, Bradford, Brimstree, Chirbury, Clun, Condover, Ford, Munslow, Oswestry, Overs, Pimhill, Purslow, Stottesden, and Wenlock franchise, and contains 224 parishes, and 5 extra-parochial places. By the recent Reform and Division of Counties’ Acts, this county is divided into the northern and southern divisions, each of which returns two members to Parliament. The boroughs of Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Wenlock also return two members each. The expenditure of the county for the year ending December, 1850, was £12,156. 17s. 4¼d., of which £3,587. 10s. 2d. was expended on the Gaol and House of Correction; £2,257. 10s. 7d. in prosecutions; £605. 17s. 5d. on bridges and roads; £562. 13s. 4d. on the Lunatic Asylum; coroners, £501. 1s. 2d., and Clerk of the Peace, £436. 4s. 9d. Judge Blackstone says:—England was first divided into counties, hundreds, and tithings by Alfred the Great, for the protection of property and the execution of justice. Tithings were so called because ten freeholders formed one. Ten of these tithings were supposed to form a hundred or wapentake, from an ancient ceremony, in which the governor of a hundred met all the aldermen of his district, and holding up his spear, they all touched it with theirs, in token of subjection and union to one common interest. An indifferent number of these wapentakes, or hundreds, form a county or shire, for the civil government of which a shire-reeve or sheriff is elected annually. The magistrate above the hundredry was called the trithingman or lathgrieve, presided over three, four, or more, hundreds, formed into what was called a trithing, in some places a lathe, and in others a rape; hence the lathes of Kent, the rapes of Sussex, the parts of Lincoln, and trithings or ridings of Yorkshire. The kingdom was divided into parishes soon after the introduction of Christianity, by Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 636, and the boundaries of them, as marked in Doomsday book, agree very nearly with the present division. The custom, which still continues, of making the hundreds responsible for the excesses of a lawless mob, is an appendage of the Saxon system of tithing. As the extreme ignorance of the age made deeds and writings very rare, the County or Hundred Court was the place where the most remarkable civil transactions, were finished, and, in order to preserve a memorial of them, and prevent all future disputes, here testaments were promulgated, slaves manumitted, bargains of sale concluded, and, sometimes, for greater security, the most considerable of these deeds were inserted in the blank leaves of the parish Bible, which thus became a kind of register, too sacred to be falsified. It was not unusual to add to the deed an imprecation on all such as should be guilty of that crime. In the County Court or shiremotes, all the freeholders were assembled twice a year, and received appeals from the other inferior courts. They there decided all causes, ecclesiastical as well as civil, and the Bishop, together with the Alderman or Earl, presided over them. All affairs were determined without much pleading, formality, or delay, by a majority of voices, and the Bishop or Alderman had no further authority than to order among the freeholders. Where justice was denied during three sessions by the Hundred, and then by the County Court, there lay an appeal to the King’s Court; but this was not practised on slight occasions. Two-thirds of the fines levied in these Courts went to the King, and made no contemptible share of the public revenue.
Historians all agree that the Aborigines of Britain were a tribe of Gauls, who emigrated from the continent, probably a thousand years before the Christian era. Previous to the Roman conquest, the ancient Britons inhabiting the southern parts of the island had made some little progress towards civilization, but those in the north were wild and uncultivated, and subsisted chiefly by hunting and the spontaneous productions of the earth, wearing for their clothing the skins of animals killed in the chase, and dwelling in habitations formed of the interwoven branches of the forest. They were divided into small nations or tribes. Each state was divided into factions within itself, and was agitated with emulation towards the neighbouring states; and while the arts of peace were yet unknown, wars were their chief occupation, and formed the principal object of ambition among the people. Their religion was Druidical, but its origin is not known. Some assert that the Druids accompanied the Gauls in early ages, and others that Druidism was first introduced into England by the Phœnicians, who were the first merchants that traded to this island, and for a considerable time monopolized a profitable trade in tin and other useful metals. Their government, (according to Diodorus Siculus, the ancient historian,) though monarchical, was free, and their religion, which formed one part of their government, was Druidical. Justice was dispensed, not under any written code of laws, but on equitable principles; and on difference of opinion in the assembled congress, appeal was made to the Arch-Druid, whose decision was final. Their religious ceremonies were performed in high places and in deep groves, and consisted in worshipping the God of nature, and rendering him praise on the yearly accession of the seasons. The priests possessed great authority among them, besides ministering at the altar, and directing all religious duties; they enjoyed an immunity from wars and taxes; they possessed both the civil and criminal jurisdiction; they decided all controversies among estates, as well as among private persons, and whoever refused to submit to their decree, was exposed to the most severe penalties; the sentence of excommunication was denounced against him; he was forbidden access to the sacrifices of public worship; he was debarred all intercourse with his tribe, even in the common affairs of life; he was refused the protection of law, and death itself became an acceptable relief from the misery and infamy to which he was exposed.
The means by which religion was supported was by voluntary offerings and tithes, and in this respect we find a similarity with all nations of antiquity. Despite the corruptions and philosophical atheism in which the Druidical religion became involved, candour demands of us that the Druids were in possession of learning as extensive and more useful than some of their Christian posterity, who, from the eighth century to the Reformation, were almost wholly employed in scholastic divinity, metaphysical or chronological disputes, legends, miracles, and martyrologies, and Dr. Kennedy informs us that in St. Patrick’s time no fewer than 300 volumes of their books were burnt, and no doubt the same was practised so long as a volume could be found. By this destruction a wide chasm has been made in the historical details of this country. Julius Cæsar, in his “Commentarii de Bello Gallico,” informs us that the Druids inculcated the doctrine of the immortality and transmigration of the soul, and discoursed with the “Youth about the heavenly bodies, their motion, the size of the heavens and the earth, the nature of things, and the influence and power of the immortal Gods.” The misletoe was their chief specific in medicine, and nothing was held so sacred as the misletoe of the oak, which, being scarce, was gathered with great ceremony on a certain day appointed for their general festival. In the civil government of this ancient people capital offenders were sentenced to death, and sacrificed in the most solemn manner. The spoils of war were often devoted to their divinities on the altars of their temples. At the time of the Roman invasion the British Druids exerted their utmost zeal in opposing the usurpation of that foreign power. The invaders on the other hand fired with equal resentment, endeavoured to establish their security by the extermination of the Druidic order, and its priests were sacrificed to this barbarous policy; many fled to the island of Anglesey, and afterwards perished in the flames by the orders of Seutonius, and great numbers were cut off in an unsuccessful revolt of the Britons, under Queen Boadicea, after which the power and splendour of the Druids rapidly declined. No species of superstition was ever more terrible than that of the Druids; no idolatrous worship ever attained such an ascendant over mankind; and the Romans after their conquest finding it impossible to reconcile those notions to the laws and institutions of their masters, while it maintained its authority, were at last obliged to abolish it by penal statutes—a violence which had never in any other instance been practised by these tolerating conquerors.
The Britons had long remained in a rude and independent state, when Cæsar, having overrun all Gaul by his victories, first cast his eye on this island, and being ambitious of carrying his arms into a new world then mostly unknown, he took advantage of a short interval in his continental wars, and made an invasion in Britain fifty-five years before the birth of Christ. In his first expedition the Kentish Britons immediately opposed him, and compelled him to fight in the vicinity of Dover, combating even amongst the waves with singular courage; and, although Cæsar, observing his troops to be dispirited by the attacks of the enemy, ordered up his vessels with his artillery, and poured from their sides stones, arrows, and missiles; yet the natives sustained these unusual discharges with unshaken intrepidity, and the invaders made no impression until the standard bearer of the 10th legion rushed forward, exclaiming, “Follow me, unless you mean to betray your standard to your enemies.” Upon which the Roman legions were incited to that desperate and close battle, which at length forced back the Britons and secured a landing. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood then sent a message of peace, but four days afterwards a tempest dispersing the enemy’s fleet they attacked the Romans afresh. Cæsar’s invasion in the ensuing summer was more formidable: it was made with five well appointed legions, and two thousand cavalry, amounting in the whole to thirty thousand of the best disciplined troops then known, and under the ablest commanders. Terrified at the menacing approach of such a force, the inhabitants retired among the hills, and Cæsar having effected a landing without opposition, and chosen a proper place for the security of his fleet, (supposed to be where the town of Deal, in Kent, now stands), hastened on to the scene of conflict, and found the Britons had assembled in great numbers from all parts, who continued an unequal contest with the Roman legions for several days, but were at length utterly routed, and great numbers of them slain, nor did the Britons ever after this engage the Romans with their united forces. Cæsar then led his army to the river Thames, towards the territories of Cassivellaunus, the principal leader of the defeated Britons, on the submission of whom, and having imposed an annual tribute on the vanquished, and received the hostages which he demanded, marched back to the sea shore, and shortly after took his final leave of Britain. The civil wars which ensued, and which ended in the establishment of an absolute monarchy at Rome, saved the Britons from that yoke which was about to be imposed on them, the conquerors having little force to spare for the preservation of distant conquests; the Britons were therefore left to themselves, and for nearly a century after the invasion of Cæsar, enjoyed unmolested their own civil and religious institutions. In the interval between the first and second invasion of Britain by the Romans, the founder of the Christian religion had accomplished his divine mission, in a province of the Roman empire, but almost without observation at Rome. In the reign of Claudius the Romans began to think seriously of reducing the Britons under their dominion, and Plautius, an able general, sent over A.D. 43, gained some victories, and made considerable progress in subduing the inhabitants. Claudius himself finding matters sufficiently prepared for his reception, made a journey into Britain, and received the submission of several British states, among which were the Cantic, Antrebates, Regni, and Trinobantes, who inhabited the south-east part of the island. The other Britons under the command of Caractacus still maintained an obstinate resistance, and the Romans made little progress against them till Ostorious Scapula was sent over, in the year 50, to command the armies. This general rapidly advanced the Roman conquests over the Britons, pierced into the country of the Silures—a warlike tribe who inhabited the banks of the Severn, and fought a great battle with Caractaeus upon the hill called Caer Caradoc, not far from Clun, on which are the remains of an ancient fortification still to be seen. In this battle the British leader artfully availed himself of his knowledge of the country, and posted himself on a spot, the approaches and retreats of which were as advantageous to his own party as they were perplexing to the enemy. Caractacus running from one part of the camp to another, animated them by the valorous deeds of their ancestors, and told them that the work of that day would be the beginning of new liberty or of eternal slavery. The people received these animated harangues with loud acclamations, and engaged according to the solemn rites of their religion, never to yield to weapons or wounds. Their resolution astonished the Roman general, and the river which flows at the foot of the hill, together with the ramparts and steeps, presented to the assailants a formidable and resolute appearance. The Britons, who had no armour or helmets to shelter them, were at length thrown into confusion, and great numbers of them perished by the broad swords and javelins of the legionaries, who obtained an illustrious victory. The wife and daughter of Caractacus were taken prisoners, and his brother submitted to the conqueror. Caractacus threw himself upon the protection of the Queen of Brigantes, and was treacherously delivered up to the Romans shortly after. The fame of Caractacus had reached Rome, and the people were assembled as to some great sight when the British prisoners arrived there. First in the procession we are informed came the king’s dependants and retinue, and the trappings and collars and trophies which he had won in war; next his brothers, his wife and daughter, and last himself was presented to public view; his body was mostly naked and painted with figures of beasts; he wore a chain of iron about his neck, and another about his middle; the hair on his head hanging down in curled locks covered his back and shoulders. Caractacus neither by his looks nor language pleaded for mercy, and when he came before the Emperor’s seat expressed himself in these terms:—“Had I made that prudent use of my prosperity, which my rank and fortune would have enabled me to make, I had come hither rather as a friend, than as a prisoner; nor would you have disdained the alliance of one descended from illustrious ancestors, and sovereign over many nations. My present condition, disgraceful as it is to myself, reflects glory on you. Possessed as I once was of horses, men, arms, and wealth, what wonder is it if I parted from them with reluctance. Had I sooner been betrayed, I had neither been distinguished by misfortune nor you by glory. But if you now save my life I shall be an eternal monument of your clemency.” The Emperor generously granted the pardon of Caractacus, his wife, and brothers, who remained at Rome in the highest esteem. At this time Christianity was preached in the imperial city, and Brennus with others of his family became Christians. At the expiration of seven years they were permitted to return, and were thus furnished with a favourable opportunity of introducing the Gospel into their own country, and were instrumental in reclaiming many of the Britons from their ancient superstitions. It does not appear that Caractacus was converted to Christianity at Rome, but his son Cyllin, and his daughter Eigen, are both ranked among the British saints. Eigen bestowed her hand on a British chieftain, and Claudia, one of her sisters, is supposed to have become the wife of Pudens, a Roman senator.
Notwithstanding the misfortunes that befel Caractacus, the Britons were not subdued; and this island was regarded by the ambitious Romans as a field in which military honor might still be acquired. During the reign of Nero, Suetonius Paulinus was invested with the command, and prepared to signalise his name by victories over these barbarians. Finding that the island of Mona, (now Anglesey), was the chief seat of the Druids, he resolved to attack it, and to subject a place which was the centre of superstition, and which afforded protection to all their baffled forces. The Britons endeavoured to obstruct his landing on this sacred island, both by the force of arms and the terrors of their religion. The women and priests were intermingled with the soldiers upon the shore, and running about with flaming torches in their hands, and tossing their dishevelled hair; they struck greater terror into the astonished Romans by their howlings, cries, and execrations, than the real danger from the armed forces. But Suetonius exhorting his troops to contemn a superstition which they despised, impelled them to the attack, drove the Britons off the field, burned the Druids in the same fires which they had prepared for their captive enemies, destroyed all the consecrated groves and altars, and, having thus triumphed over the religion of the Britons, he thought his future progress would be easy in reducing the people to subjection.
The Britons, taking advantage of the absence of Suetonius, were shortly after in arms, headed by Boadicea, the Queen of the Iceni, who had been treated in the most ignominious manner by the Roman tribunes, and had already attacked with success several settlements of their insulting conquerors; the Romans, and all strangers, to the number of 70,000, resident in London, are said to have been massacred: thus determined were the British to cut off all hopes of peace or compromise with the enemy. But this cruelty was revenged by Suetonius, in a great and decisive battle, where 80,000 Britons perished, and Boadicea herself, rather than fall into the hands of the enraged victor, put an end to her own life by poison. But the dominion of the Romans was not finally established till A.D. 80, when the Roman legions were placed under the command of Julius Agricola. This celebrated commander formed a regular plan of subduing Britain, and rendering the acquisition useful to the conquerors. He carried his victorious arms northward, defeated the Britons in every encounter, pierced into the forests and mountains of Caledonia, reduced everything to subjection in the southern parts of the island and chased before him all the men of fiercer and more intractable spirits, who deemed war and death itself less tolerable than servitude under the victors. Agricola endeavoured to secure his conquest by erecting a chain of forts across the isthmus between the Frith of Forth and the Clyde, and in the year 84 he extended a chain of stations from Solway Frith to Tynemouth. He introduced laws and civilization among the Britons, taught them to desire and raise all the conveniences of life, reconciled them to the Roman language and manners, instructed them in letters and science, and employed every expedient to render those chains which he had forged both easy and agreeable to them. The inhabitants having experienced how unequal their own force was to resist that of the Romans, acquiesced in the dominion of their masters, and were gradually incorporated as a part of that mighty empire. The chain of stations erected by Agricola was afterwards connected by an earthen rampart, raised by the Emperor Adrian as an obstruction to the Caledonians, who frequently descended and committed the most dreadful ravages in the Roman territories.
The early commerce of the ancient Britons was carried on by barter, without the aid of money, but about the commencement of the Christian era a mint master was invited over to Britain from the continent. A mint was erected at Colchester, and money of gold, silver and copper was coined in that city; about forty different specimens have reached our times. Mines both of silver and gold were worked in the island during the reigns of Augustus and Trajan. The Romans drew their revenues from various sources; commerce, mines, legacies, houses, and lands all contributed to supply their exactions; and as they had suggested to the natives the mode of making money, they did not fail to supply the exhausted treasury of Rome from the industry of Britain. A succession of ages had almost identified the Britains with the Roman conquerors; and when the Emperors, pressed by difficulties at home, and weakened by their possessions abroad, began to withdraw their legions from this island, the inhabitants importuned them to remain, to protect them from the incursions of the Picts and Scots. The wall of Severus was no longer a barrier to these semi-barbarians. During the residence of the Romans in this island, comprehending a period of 400 years, many great public works were accomplished, and they left behind them numerous monuments of their skill and industry. The conquered country was divided into six provinces, each of them governed by a prætor and præstor, the former charged with the general administration of government, and the latter with the management of finances.
In the year 450, two years after the last Roman legion had quitted England, Hengist and Horsa, two brothers, reputed descendants in the fourth generation from Wodin, one of the principal gods of the Saxons, embarked their army, to the number of 1,600, on board three vessels, and landing in the Isle of Thanet, immediately marched to the defence of the Britons, who had invited them over to protect them against their northern invaders. Having expelled the enemy, the fertility and richness of the country presented a temptation too strong to be resisted by the ambition of these newly acquired friends, who soon began to aspire to the possession of the island. The Saxons of Germany soon after reinforced Hengist and Horsa with 5,000 men, who came over in seventeen vessels. Roused by this display of treachery, the native inhabitants flew to arms, and fought many battles under Vortimer with their enemies; the victories, however, in these actions are disputed by the British and Saxon annalist, but the progress made by the Saxons proves that the advantage was commonly on their side. It was about the year 455 the Hengists aiming at an independent sovereignty in Britain, began the conquest of the territory, and a series of battles ensued between Hengist and Horsa on the one side, and Vortimer and Catigern, two sons of Vortigern, on the other. The battle of Aylesford is memorable for the death of Horsa on the side of the Saxons, and of Catigern on that of the Britons. But Hengist, continually reinforced by fresh numbers from Germany, carried devastation into the most remote corners of Britain; and being chiefly anxious to spread the terrors of his arms, he spared neither age, sex, nor condition, wherever he marched with his victorious forces. The private and public edifices of the Britons were reduced to ashes, the priests were slaughtered on the altars; others deserted their native country and took shelter in Armorica, where, being charitably received by a people of the same language and manners, they settled in great numbers, and gave the country the name of Brittany.
King Arthur, in the year 518, almost expelled the Saxons from the island; but after the death of this monarch, the Saxons again prevailed under various leaders, and the island was divided into seven kingdoms. Thus was established the Heptarchy, Shropshire being included in the kingdom of Mercia, which reached from London to the Mersey. In the kingdoms of the Heptarchy, an exact rule of succession was either unknown or not strictly observed, and thence the reigning prince was continually agitated with jealousy against all the princes of the blood, whom he still considered as rivals, and whose death alone could give him entire security in his possession of the throne. From this fatal cause, together with the admiration of the monastic life, and the opinion of merit attending the preservation of chastity, even in a married state, the royal families had been entirely extinguished in all the kingdoms except that of Wessex; and Egbert was the sole descendant of those first conquerors who subdued Britain, and who enhanced their authority by claiming a pedigree from Woden, the supreme divinity of their ancestors. The Mercians, before the accession of Egbert, had very nearly attained the absolute sovereignty over the Heptarchy. He had reduced the East Angles under subjection, and established tributary princes in the kingdoms of Kent and Essex. Northumberland was involved in anarchy, and no state of any consequence remained but that of Wessex, which, being much inferior in extent to Mercia, was supported by the great qualities alone of its sovereign. Egbert led his army against the invaders, obtained a complete victory, and, by the slaughter executed on them in their flight, gave a mortal blow to the power of the Mercians. Egbert, however, allowed Mercia, East Anglia, and Northumberland the power of electing a King, who paid him tribute, and was dependent on him. Thus were united all the kingdoms of the Heptarchy, in the year 823, in one great state, near 400 years after the first arrival of the Saxons in Britain. The fortunate arms and prudent policy of Egbert at last effected what had been so often attempted in vain, by other princes. Union in the government gave the people hopes of settled tranquillity, but these fair expectations were speedily blasted by the re-appearance of the Danes, who for some ages had kept the Anglo-Saxons in a state of perpetual alarm. For upwards of forty years, and through five successive reigns, the Danes continued the struggle, and, at the death of Etheldred, his brother Alfred, the successor to the throne, was obliged to abandon the field, and seek an asylum as a swine-herd. Emerging afterwards from his retreat, he expelled the invaders, and contributed essentially to lay the foundations of those institutions on which the glorious superstructure of English liberty, was finally erected. Alfred soon perceived that an army without a maritime force, must ever be at the mercy of every piratical plunderer, determined to store his ports with shipping; and vessels larger than those in use in the surrounding nations were built, many of which carried sixty oars. The unremitting attention of this illustrious prince to the navy, contributed to increase the blessings of his reign, and has obtained for him the title of “Father of the British Navy.”
Of the Saxon system of government it may be observed, that it had in it the germ of freedom, if it did not always exhibit the fruit. In religion they were idolators, and their idols, altars, and temples, soon overspread the country. They had a god for every day of the week. Thor, the God of thunder, represented Thursday; Woden, the God of battle, represented Wednesday; Friga, the God of love, presided over Friday; Seater, the God of Saturday, had influence over the fruits of the earth; Tuyse, the God of the Dutch, conferred his name on Tuesday; they also worshipped the sun and the moon, each conferring a name on one of the days of the week; Sunnan, on Sunday; and Monan, on Monday. The merit of eradicating this baneful superstition, by the introduction of Christianity, was reserved for a Roman Pontiff. Gregory, surnamed the Great, who, in the year 597, sent Augustine, a monk, into the south, and Paulinus into the north of England, by whose preaching the Christian religion made such rapid progress, that it soon became the prevailing faith, and Augustine was elevated to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, and Paulinus was made Archbishop of York. He was the first to preach Christianity in Mercia, where he followed the victorious arms of Edwin, King of Northumbria.
The greater part of this country was inhabited by the Cornavii and Ordovices, the first of which occupied the eastern side of the Severn, whose capital was Uriconium, now Wroxeter, and the latter were confined to the western side of the Severn. Though the troops of the Cornavii were registered in the declension of the empire, it is supposed that they submitted to the Roman yoke upon easier terms than their neighbours, who held out some time ere their liberty was wrested from them. The Romans allotted one side of the Severn, eastward, to Britannia Prima, and the western side to Britannia Secunda. The Saxons made Watling street, that runs through the middle of the county, the boundary between them and the Danes, but when the compact with the Danes was broken, it returned to the former division of England and Wales. After the Romans had abandoned the Island, part of Shropshire was included in the kingdom of Powis, which comprised portions of the counties of Chester, Flint, Denbigh, Radnor, and Brecon, and the whole of Montgomeryshire, of which Pengwern (Shrewsbury) was the capital. For near two centuries this section of Powisland was the theatre of frequent and sanguinary contests between the Britons and the Saxons; it was finally subdued and incorporated with Mercia, the most powerful of the seven kingdoms forming the Saxon Heptarchy. When the Danes invaded this island, and, by their formidable incursions, seemed to threaten its total subjection, this part of the kingdom of Mercia, though it suffered less than others, came in for a share of the general calamity, and its chief city, Uriconium, was destroyed. About the year 777, the seat of the Prince of Powis was removed from Pengwern to Mantraval, in Montgomeryshire. The Britons, who had made incursions into Mercia, were forced not only to abandon all their conquests there, but also that part of their country which lay between the Severn and Offa’s Dyke, which that King threw up as a new boundary between them and Mercia, instead of Severn, their former boundary. The Britons had made their incursions into Offa’s territories, while he was employed in subduing the Saxon kings, and having no opposition, they were very successful, till at length Offa, being obliged to conclude a peace with the English, that he might dispossess them of their new acquisitions, in which he proved so successful as to force their retreat, and to prevent their ever returning, threw up the before-mentioned ditch. This ditch extended from the river Wye along the counties of Hereford and Radnor, to Montgomeryshire, and thence near the road between Bishop’s Castle and Newtown. It then passed by Mellington Hall, where there is an encampment, and on to Leighton Hall, not far from which it is lost for upwards of five miles, the channel of the Severn probably serving for that space, as a continuation of the boundary. It is again seen at Llandysilio and Llanymynech, from whence it runs to Tref-y-clawdd, and below the race course, at Oswestry. It then passes above Selattyn, whence it descends to the Ceriog, and goes by Chirk Castle, and crosses the Dee and Rhuabon road, near Plas Madoc, and being continued through Flintshire, ends a little below Holywell. Offa, after having carried his arms over most parts of Flintshire, and vainly imagined that his labours would restrain the Cambrian inroads, and prevent incursions beyond the limits which he had decreed to be the boundaries of his conquests. It is observable, says Pennant, that in all parts the ditch is on the Welsh side, and that there are numbers of small artificial mounds, the sites of small forts along its course. These were garrisoned, and seem intended for the same purpose as the towers in the famous Chinese wall, to watch the motions of their neighbours, and to repel hostile incursions. The folly of this great work appeared on the death of Offa, for the Welsh, with irresistible fury, carried their ravages far and wide in the English marshes. Harold made an ordinance that all Welshmen found beyond Offa’s Dyke, within the English pale, with a weapon about him, was to have his right hand cut off by the King’s officers.
In the year 1013, Seneyn, King of Denmark, landed with an army in this country to revenge a cruel massacre of the Danes, which had taken place a short time before; having brought his fleet up the Trent to Gainsborough, and landed his forces, it created such a terror that the whole kingdom was soon brought under his yoke; he, however, did not long enjoy his success, for he died the following year, and was succeeded by his son Canute, between whom and Edmund, the Saxon, several sanguinary engagements took place, and the kingdom was for a short time divided. In 1041, Edward the Confessor was by the unanimous voice of the people raised to the throne; having reigned twenty-five years he died, and with him ended both the Saxon and Danish rule in this kingdom. Harold, the son of Godwin, was the next to take possession of the throne, but he was opposed by his brother Tosti, who formed a confederacy with Harfrager, King of Norway; he entered the Humber with a considerable force, and landed his troops in Yorkshire, where, in a deadly conflict, they were completely overthrown by Harold, who left his brother and Harfrager among the slain. Harold having retired to York to rejoice over his victory, received information that William Duke of Normandy had landed with a numerous and warlike army at Ravensey, in Sussex, to meet this unexpected foe. Harold immediately marched his forces to Hastings, where in an unsuccessful battle he lost his life. William the Conqueror had no sooner taken possession of the throne, than he set up various claims to his new possessions, but his principal right was that of conquest, and if his sword had not been stronger than his titles, so many English estates would not have been placed at his disposal. William brought in his train a large body of Norman adventurers, and the roll of Battle Abbey, given by Ralph Holinshead, contains the names of 629 Normans, who all became claimants upon the fair territory of Britain, and the Saxon lords were forced to resign their possessions. The landed property in this county was chiefly given to Roger de Montgomery, his kinsman, whom he created Earl of Shrewsbury, and of him, it was mostly held by knights’ service; to William Pantulf he granted 29 lordships, of which Wem was the principal, and he therefore made it the head of his barony. Ralph de Mortimer had fifty manors, of which nineteen were held under Roger de Montgomery; Roger Lacy had 23 manors: Roger Fitz Corbet 24 manors; Osborne Fitz Richard nine; and Guarine de Meez one manor.
After so great an agitation as that produced by the conquest, some years were necessary to restore a calm. A violent struggle was made to expel the Normans, and York was the rallying point of the patriot army. To suppress this formidable insurrection, William the Conqueror repaired in person into the north at the head of a powerful army, swearing by the “splendour of God,” his usual oath, that not a soul of his enemies should be left alive. According to William of Malmesbury, confirmed by others, the whole of the country was laid waste from the Humber to the Tees, and for nine years neither spade nor plough was put in the ground, which was the reason why vasta so often occurs in Doomsday book. Knowing the detestation in which he was held, the Norman Bastard, as historians designate him, entertained a constant jealousy of the English, and he obliged them every night at eight o’clock to extinguish their fires and candles at the toll of a bell which obtained the name of “Curfew.” Having by these sanguinary atrocities reduced the country to repose, the Conqueror, in 1080, caused a survey to be taken of all the lands in the kingdom, on the model of the book at Winchester, compiled by order of Alfred the Great. This survey was registered in the national record called the Doomsday Book, in which is the extent of the land in each district, the state it was in, whether meadow, pasture, wood, or arable, the name of the proprietor, the tenure by which it was held, and the value at which it was estimated, were all duly entered. In order to make this document complete, and its authority perpetual, commissioners were appointed to superintend the survey, and the returns were made under the sanction of juries of all orders of freemen in each district. After a labour of six years the business was accomplished, and this important document, the best memorial of the Conqueror, written in Roman, with a mixture of Saxon, is still preserved in the Chapter House, Westminster. For many years Doomsday Book remained unprinted, but in the 40th of the reign of George III. his Majesty, by the recommendation of Parliament, and with a proper regard to public interest, directed that it should be printed for the use of the Members of Parliament, and also be deposited in all the public libraries in the kingdom. The counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Durham, are not described in Doomsday Book, probably owing to the desolation in which they were at that time involved. Through all ages this “book of judicial verdict” will be held in estimation, not only for its antiquity, but also for its intrinsic value. At the time it was completed, it afforded the king an exact knowledge of his own land and revenue; while the rights of his subjects in all disputed cases were settled by it; and to the present day, it serves to show what manor is, and what is not ancient demesne.
As the various parish histories of this county contains frequent extracts from this document, it may be necessary to explain the land measures and other obsolete feudal terms used at the time to which it refers. A perch, five yards and a half; an acre, 160 square perches; an ox gauge, or bovate, as much as an ox can till, or 28 acres; a virgate or yard of land, 40 acres; a carucate, carve, or plough land, generally eight ox gangs; a hide, as much as one plough would cultivate in one year; a knight’s fee, five hides, or 200 acres of land; berewicks are manors within manors; merchet, or maiden’s rent, a fine anciently paid by inferior tenants for the liberty to dispose of their daughters in marriage; a heriot, a fine paid to the lord on the death of a landholder; tol, a tribute for liberty to buy and sell; theane, a liberty to a lord of a manor for judging bondmen and villeins in his own court; infangtheof, a privilege of certain lords of manors to pass judgment of theft, committed by the servants within their district; thelonia, a writ lying for one who has the king’s demesne in fee-farm to recover reasonable toll; sockmen, tenants who hold by servile tenure; borderers, cottagers; villein, a member belonging to a manor. In the time of the Conqueror Earls began to be feudal, hereditary and patrimonial; and these, as appear by Doomsday, were styled simple Earls, as Earl Hugh, Earl Roger, &c. Afterwards Earls were created with an addition of the name of the place over which they had jurisdiction, or of the principal seat where they resided; and they had, as had been customary, the third penny from the county where they resided for their support. Soon after the conquest they began to be created by charter, without any ceremony further than the delivery of it. King John is the first mentioned who used the girding of the sword, by which they were said to be invested with this honour. Thereupon the Sheriff had command to make livery unto them the third penny of the plea of the county, after which the Earl had a certain sum only allowed him out of the profits of his county, as expressed in the patent for his better support and dignity, and sometimes great possessions were given in lands for the same purpose.
In the reign of William III., Hugh de Montgomery, second son of Earl Roger, and who succeeded him in the Earldom of Shrewsbury, with the Earl of Chester and Owen, a Welsh Lord, made an unexpected attack upon Wales, and committed great atrocities upon the inhabitants. Many of the Welsh fled into Ireland, and left their country to the mercy of the English. Their flight gave their enemies an opportunity of continuing their march, and they penetrated into Anglesey, where they destroyed all before them with fire and sword. While they were thus exercising their cruelties, Magnus, King of Norway, who had lately made himself master of the Isle of Man, advanced as far as Anglesey. On the English endeavouring to hinder him, the Earl of Shrewsbury was slain in the skirmish. His death was looked upon as a just judgment for the cruelties committed by him in that isle. The Earl’s death caused some disorder among the English troops, and constrained them to abandon the shore; when Magnus landed, and finding the English had left nothing to plunder, he shortly after re-embarked. Earl Roger, who succeeded his brother Hugh in the Earldom of Shrewsbury, being of a rash and discontented spirit, was among those who favoured the claims of Duke Robert, in place of Henry I. On the accession of Henry I. he rebelled, and fortified his castles in Shropshire, and at Shrewsbury built and fortified a flank wall from each side of the castle, across the isthmus, down to the Severn side; hereupon the king declared him a traitor, and marched with a considerable force against him. The earl perceiving that he had no forces to withstand the attack of the king, confessed his treason, and was shortly after banished to Normandy; but again appearing in arms, he was taken prisoner, and ended a miserable life in close confinement at Wareham. About this period the king sent several of his council to Shrewsbury, among whom were Richard de Belmarsh, bishop of London, warden of the Marches, and governor of the county of Salop, and others, to meet there Jorweth ap Blithyn, on pretence of consulting with him about the king’s affairs; but when he came there, contrary to all equity, he was condemned for treason and committed to prison. The Marches of Wales are supposed to have been settled by the Saxons, to prevent the incursions of the Welsh. The Lords of the Marches claimed to provide silver spears, and support the canopy of purple silk at the coronation of Queen Eleanor, consort of King Henry III. The court of the Lord’s Marches was held at Ludlow, and the jurisdiction extended from Chester to Bristol. All the country between Offa’s Dyke and England was called the Marches, the Lords of which had the power of life and death in their respective courts. In every frontier manor a gallows was erected, and if any Welshmen came over the boundary they were taken up and hanged; and if any Englishman was caught on the Welsh side, he suffered the same fate. The houses were frequently moated round, and palisades set round the edge of the moat, into which place the inhabitants every night drove their cattle for better security. If a Welshman got a cow or a horse over the bar he cried out “my own,” and any person pursuing them further would be at the risk of his life. After the death of the Earl of Macclesfield, the last lord president, the court was dissolved. Shropshire being the frontier between England and Wales, had more castles in it than any other county in England; on the west side they stood so thick, says Dr. Fuller, “that it might seem divided from Wales with a wall of continued castles.” Speed tells us, “that besides several towns strongly walled, there were two and thirty castles in this shire.”
In the year 1233, Richard, Earl of Pembroke, and several other noblemen, being disgusted with the conduct of the King, broke out into open rebellion, and taking advantage of the animosities subsisting between the English and the Welsh, fled into Wales and joined Llewellyn, Prince of Wales. Having collected an army, they laid waste all the Marches between Wales and Shrewsbury, which town they plundered and put the inhabitants to the sword. The King being then at Gloucester, called a council there, when it was determined that the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishops of Chester and Rochester, should be sent into Wales with offers of pardon for all past injuries, and proposals of peace if they would return to their obedience, which being accepted, peace was restored; notwithstanding, soon after this the Earl was treacherously drawn away into Ireland, and there killed, being stabbed in the back with a dagger. The peace with the Welsh had but a short continuance, for in the year 1241 the King marched with his army from Gloucester to Shrewsbury, designing from thence to have proceeded into Wales against David ap Llewellyn, but during his residence here, a submission being made by David, he stopped his march. In 1267, Henry again appeared in Shrewsbury at the head of his army, designing to march against Llewellyn, whose restless temper created new disturbances; but by the mediation of the Pope’s Legate, and upon Llewellyn’s submission, a peace was concluded. In the reign of Edward I. we find the disturbances of the Welsh still continued; upon which account the courts of exchequer and king’s bench were removed to Shrewsbury, that the Welsh might be awed into submission. The situation of the inhabitants of Shropshire at this period was peculiarly distressing: they were continually subject to the depredations and incursions of the Welsh, their hostile and unmerciful neighbours; and the wolves inhabiting the desolate mountains of that country, frequently came down in herds, and ravaged whole districts. A commission was given to Peter Corbet to destroy all he could find; and by offering a sum of money to those who killed a certain number, and brought their heads to Shrewsbury, they were in a short time considerably reduced.
Bishop Burnell was Chancellor in the year 1283, and the Lords and Commons assembled at his seat at Acton Burnell, the Lords sitting in the castle, and the Commons in a barn belonging to the monastery of Shrewsbury. On this occasion, the famous statute of Acton Burnell was made, called the statute merchant, by which act debtors in London, York, and Bristol were obliged to appear before the different mayors, and agree upon a certain day for payment, otherwise an execution was issued against their goods, for imprisonment for debt did not take place till some hundred years after this time. The Parliament was again summoned to meet at Shrewsbury, on the morrow after Michaelmas day, to consult what course should be taken with David, Prince of Wales, whom the King declares he had received in his banishment, had nursed while an orphan, and enriched out of his possessions. David, having fled from his brother Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, who had imprisoned his two brothers, Owen and Roderick, the King received him into his service, created him Earl of Denbigh, and gave him land to the yearly value of a thousand marks, in lieu of those possessions he ought to have had in Anglesey, and, to attach him to the interests of England, gave him to wife a rich English heiress; David, however, never ceased to excite his brother Llewellyn, to free himself from the English yoke, because, as his brother had no children, he was his presumptive successor. Llewellyn took up arms, and penetrated into the territories of the English, where he defeated two of their armies. Edward, in hopes of being more fortunate, marched, at the head of a numerous army, when Llewellyn retired to Snowdon Hill, where he could not be attacked, but at length, regardless of the inequalities of his forces, he descended into the plain, to fight the English. The English proved victorious, Llewellyn was slain on the spot, and his army entirely routed, and David, his brother, after some time roving about the country, was taken by the English, and, with his wife, two sons, and seven daughters, sent to Rhyddlan Castle, where the King then was. As he was the last of the race of the Welsh Princes, Edward was inclined to secure his late conquest by his death; accordingly, after having been for some time kept prisoner, he was brought to Shrewsbury, where he was tried by the Parliament, and, by their advice, on the 30th September, 1283, he was condemned to die. Thus the last of the ancient British princes was ignominously drawn at a horse’s tail about the town, then hanged, afterwards beheaded, his body quartered, and his bowels burnt; his head was fixed near that of his brother, on the tower of London, and his four quarters were sent to York, Bristol, Northampton, and Winchester. This barbarous execution is said to have been the first of the kind, and it was afterwards usually inflicted upon traitors. An account of the Great Parliament, held in Shrewsbury, in the time of Richard II., and of the famous battle of Shrewsbury, will be found noticed at a subsequent page.
Rivers.—The Severn is the principal river in the county. This magnificent stream ranks next to the Thames in point of celebrity, for the extent of its course, the distance for which it is navigable, and the commerce it sustains. It has its rise on the mountain of Plynlimmon, on the verge of Montgomeryshire, and enters Shropshire, near Melverley, and at Cymmeran Ferry receives the waters of the river Vernieu. Between Montford Bridge and Fitz, the river Perry falls into the Severn, which here makes a great bend, and encloses a fine estate, of five miles in circuit, called the Isle, the property of the Rev. H. Sandford. It then passes Berwick House, and speedily arrives at Shrewsbury, from whence it takes a circuitous route to the rural village of Uffington, and passes by Longnor Hall, to Atcham, where it is crossed by a noble stone bridge, not far from which it receives the waters of the Tern. Winding its devious way, the Severn skirts the village of Cound, and near the ruins of Buildwas Abbey, is crossed by a neat iron bridge. It shortly after passes by Coalbrook dale, near to which it is crossed by a second iron bridge, which gives name to the populous district surrounding it. Two miles below is Coalport, celebrated for the extensive porcelain manufactures. The river, having passed here, proceeds to Apley Castle, and shortly after reaches the town of Bridgnorth, and is here crossed by a magnificent stone bridge. Thence proceeding to the south-east, it passes by Quatt, and leaves this county by the parish of Alveley, passing through a narrow slip of the county of Stafford, it arrives at Bewdley, in Worcestershire. From its source in Plynlimmon Hill to the sea, the Severn runs about 220 miles. It is navigable to Shrewsbury, but few vessels, however, proceed further than Ironbridge, the navigation being interrupted by shallows, and the great irregularities of the water. By means of numerous canals the navigation is extended into every part of the kingdom, being united with the Thames on the east, and with the Trent, the Humber, and the Mersey, towards the north; thus forming the grand outlet and channel for the commerce of the kingdom on the south east. The river takes its name from Sabi and Sabrin, sandy; in Latin Sabrina; in Welsh, Haurian, signifying the queen or chief of rivers. By the statute of 23rd of Henry VIII., it is enacted, that no person shall ask or demand any toll for going on the path, by the side of the said river, upon pain to forfeit forty shillings. These statutes were to supersede all patents and commissions granted to particular persons by the prerogative of the Crown. Excellent fish are caught in this river, particularly salmon, trout, pike, shad, flounders, and carp.
Among the waters which contribute to swell the current of the Severn, in addition to the Vernieu and Perry, already noticed, is the Meole-brook, a considerable stream, which enters the river at Coleham. The Meole is increased by the Rea, before it joins the Meole, the former receiving upwards of a dozen smaller streams, before it has its confluence with the Meole. The Tern has its rise from a large pool in Staffordshire. At Willow Bridge, it first takes the name of Tern, and, from this place to within a short distance of Drayton, divides the counties of Salop and Stafford. A little below Ternhill, it crosses the turnpike road, where there is a stone bridge, called Tern Bridge; it then proceeds by Stoke, Bolas, Upton Waters, and has its junction with the Severn a little below Atcham Bridge. This river has a course of about thirty miles, and receives the Cherrington brook, the Strine, the Roden, and several other nameless streams, on its route. Between Cound and Bridgnorth the Severn receives five or six small brooks, which flow from the western part of the county, and two small streams join it from the east. Below Bridgnorth the river Worfe and several small brooks, add their influence to swell the current of the majestic Severn.
The streams that irrigate Shropshire, north of the Severn, and do not fall into it, are the Morles, which rises in Sellatyn, and runs into the Ceiriog, which joins the Dee near Chirk. Shel-brook runs into the Dee from near Welsh Hampton. Elf-brook, near Whitchurch, and the Weever, with three contributary streams, become a considerable river through Cheshire. South of the Severn, and not far from the course of the Camlet, we meet with the Clun, which joins the Teme, near Leintwardine, in Herefordshire. Kemp brook, and four others, fall into the Clun. The Ony joins the Teme near Oakley Park. This river, for some distance, runs parallel with the Camlet, which, in its course, has a fall of about 300 feet. Stadbrook, and another small stream, having joined the Ony, have their confluence with the Teme, and at Ludlow the Teme is augmented by the Corve, which flows for many miles through a valley, to which it gives name. The Corve is augmented by two brooks, one of which is a junction of three small streams. Ledwick brook, with three contributary streams, and the Rea, with five, joins the Teme, which, having formed the boundary of the county, finally leaves it near Tenbury, in Worcestershire, and falls into the Severn below the capital of that county. The Rodon is formed by the confluence of three streams, which, in very dry summers, lose their currents. The first of these rises on Whixall Moss; the second, on Bettesfield Heath, in Flintshire; and the third proceeds from the White Meer, in the township of Lee. The three rivulets meet on Wolverly meadows, and passing by Loppington, runs on to Wem, and thence by Shawbury, to Roddington, and has its confluence with the Tern not far from Withington.
Canals.—The first canal in Shropshire was formed by William Reynolds, Esq., in 1788, for the purpose of conveying ironstone and coal from the Oaken Gates to Ketley. Shortly after an act of parliament was obtained for the Shropshire Canal, which was finished in 1792. It commences at Donington Wood, and proceeds about one hundred yards on a level; it then descends one hundred and twenty feet, by an inclined plane of three hundred and twenty yards from the top of this inclined plane, which is the highest level of the canal; it proceeds by Wrockwardine and Snedshill, and near to Oaken Gates, where it is joined by the Ketley canal. From this junction it is continued to Southall Bank, where a branch strikes off to the right, and terminates at Brierly Hill. The main line, turning to the Southall Bank, goes on to the Windmill farm, and passes to the east of Madeley, until it reaches the banks of the Severn; here it descends 207 feet by an inclined plane, which is 350 yards in length, from whence it proceeds parallel with the river to Coalport, where it terminates. Immediately after the completion of this, the Shropshire Canal was projected. The Company, having purchased about a mile of the north end of the canal cut by Mr. Reynolds, erected an inclined plane of 233 yards in length, and 75 feet of fall. From the termination of this plane the canal passes on by Eyton Mill, to Long lane, where it traverses a valley of considerable length, and crosses the river Tern, 16 feet above the surface of the Meadow, by means of an aqueduct and an embankment. Near this place it crosses the turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Wellington, then passing on to Rodington, and over the river Roden, through Wellington, to Atcham, it enters a tunnel of 970 yards in length. Thence it passes at the base of Haughmond Hill, and along the banks of the Severn, it terminates in a large basin, near the Castle Foregate, at Shrewsbury.
The Ellesmere navigation, or the Shropshire Union railway and canal company may be called a system of canals extending through the large and fertile tract of country which lies between the banks of the Severn and those of the Mersey, and between the confines of North Wales on the west and the borders of Staffordshire on the east—a space of fifty miles in length, and more than twenty in breadth, exclusive of the valleys which open into North Wales. Its grand object is to unite the Severn, the Dee, and the Mersey, and by that means to open a communication from the above mentioned districts to the ports of Liverpool and Bristol. There is a short canal formed by the Marquis of Stafford, which commences at Donington Wood and proceeds to Pave-lane, near Newport, a distance of nearly seven miles, with a branch to his lordship’s lime works at Lilleshall, This canal was made for conveying coal to the latter place from the works at Donington, now held on lease by the Lilleshall company. The Montgomeryshire canal, a branch of Ellesmere, also passes through a portion of this county.
Lakes of Shropshire.—The lakes of this county are neither numerous nor extensive. At Marton, near Baschurch, is the Marton and Fennymere pool, covering 96a. 2r. 15p. At Marton, near Chirbury, is a pool covering 40a. 2r. 37p., from which issue three streams running in different directions. At Ellesmere is a magnificent sheet of water covering 116 acres; Colemere 87 acres; Crosemere 44 acres; Whitemere 62 acres; Blackmere and Newtonmere are in the same neighbourhood. A fine sheet of water at Shrawardine covers 40 acres. South of the Severn are a few small lakes, but not of any considerable extent. Thus the part of the country which abounds most in running water has the fewest pools. At Walcot and Hawkstone are lakes of considerable extent, the latter stretches two miles in length. Sundorne, Halston, and Tong, have embellishments of the same kind.
Roads and Railways.—The principal line of road crossing this county is the London and Holyhead parliamentary mail road, which between Wolverhampton and Shiffnal, runs through Shrewsbury and enters Denbighshire, near Chirk. The traffic on this road has been much diminished since the opening of the railways between London and Liverpool. The Chester, Shrewsbury, and Bristol road enters near Whitchurch, and runs southward by Shrewsbury, Church Stretton, and Ludlow, into Herefordshire. A branch leads from Ludlow to Bishop’s Castle and Montgomery. Mail and other roads run between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Birmingham, across the Clee Hills, Ludlow, Wenlock, and Coalbrook-dale, and Ludlow and Bridgnorth. There are also various other communications between Newport, Drayton, and Wellington, &c. The principal railroads are the Shrewsbury and Chester, the Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and the Shropshire Union. The former on leaving the station at Shrewsbury crosses the Castle Foregate by a cast iron bridge, and proceeding by Leaton Heath, Baschurch, and Whittington, passes on to Gabowen, where there is a short branch to Oswestry, having ten trains running daily. The trunk line then proceeds to Preesgwene, where there is a station, and shortly after passes into the county of Denbigh, and on to Chester. The Shrewsbury and Birmingham and the Stafford branch of the Shropshire union railways have a line formed by the joint companies, extending from Shrewsbury to a little beyond Wellington, where one branches off to Shiffnal and Wolverhampton, and the other to Newport, and from thence to Stafford. An act of parliament has been obtained for a railway from Shrewsbury to Hereford, which will open a communication with the southern parts of the county of Shropshire. The works between Shrewsbury and Ludlow are in a rapid state of progress, and the line to the latter place is expected to be open for traffic in December, 1851. The length of this railway will be fifty miles, and the estimated cost £354,822. The line from Ludlow to Hereford is expected to be completed in 1852. It is to Shropshire, and some of its intelligent and enterprising natives that the all absorbing system of railways, which now intersect Great Britain, and cover its surface like net-work, owes its discovery and establishment. It was adopted in the year 1767, by that celebrated firm of iron masters, the Coalbrook-dale Company, who hit upon the expedient of laying the pig iron upon the wood rails throughout their extensive works, bearing in mind that in the event of a rise in the price of iron, the rails could easily be taken up and vended as pig iron. Thus, to this somewhat accidental appropriation of iron, and the facilities it rendered to the easy and safe carriage of heavy materials, coupled with the important discovery of steam power, and the general improvement in engineering incident to railroad travelling, this important discovery and attainment of modern times may justly be ascribed.
Mines and Manufactures.—The minerals of this county are of great importance. Its rich coal formations, and the limestone and ironstone associated with them, afford employment to thousands. There are coal pits in many parts of the county, but more particularly in the east, at the several places of Lilleshall, Stirchley, Dawley, and the neighbourhood. An immense quantity of the coal is consumed in the iron furnaces, the principal of which are at Coalbrook-dale, Horse-hay, Old-park, Ketley, Snedshill, and Oakengates. About seven per cent. of the iron manufactured in the whole kingdom is raised from the mines in this district. Lead is got in considerable quantities on the western verge of the county, but is chiefly confined to the hundred of Ford. The Snailbeach, Gravels, and Bathole mines, are the most productive; the lead ore got is usually of very superior quality. Calamine is also met with, and the rock at Pimhill is strongly tinctured with copper. Symptoms of both copper and lead appear in the Cardington hills, and at Pitchford a mineral pitch exudes from the red sandstone. Freestone, slate, and pipe-clay are found. At Ashford, on the banks of the Tern below Ludlow, is the Salt-moor Spring, where salt was made at the period of the Norman Conquest.
China, of great excellence and exquisite workmanship, is made at Coalport; earthenware is also manufactured, particularly Wedgewood-ware, at Coalport and Broseley. Carpets are extensively made at Bridgnorth, and there are three establishments for the manufacture of hair seating at Market Drayton. There is an extensive factory at Shrewsbury where linen thread is made, and woollens of a coarse texture are made at Church Stretton. Nails are made in several places. At the Coalbrook-dale Company all kinds of castings and almost every article in which iron is used is there manufactured. Paper is made at two or three places in the county. The chief manufacture of the county is that of iron. The beautiful art of glass staining has been brought to great perfection by Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury.
Agricultural Produce.—The whole country is in general well cultivated, yielding good crops of all kinds of grain, turnips, peas, and potatoes. There are many fine orchards scattered throughout the county, particularly in the southern division, and hops are cultivated on a small scale on the southern border. The meadows near the Severn are extremely fertile, being frequently enriched by the overflowing of that river; but the grass land receives less attention from the farmer than the arable. The northern part of the county is remarkable for its dairy produce, the cheese being equal to the most celebrated dairies of the adjoining county of Chester. The sizes of the farms are various, but large farms of from 400 to 800 acres are much more numerous than in the adjoining counties. In many parts of the county five or six small holdings have been taken from the humbler class of farmers and let to one tenant. In one township visited by our agent the land held by fourteen different tenants, within memory of man, is now held by three farmers. Barley and wheat in many parts are grown to a considerable extent. The arable and pasture lands are found in about equal proportions. The cattle are mostly of a fine breed, many of the farmers being noted for the superiority of their stock, but there does not appear any peculiar breed which can be affirmed as exclusively belonging to this county. In the northern division of the county and on the western borders large flocks of sheep are kept, in some parts the old Shropshire breed may frequently be observed; they are distinguished by their black mottled faces and legs, and are in size nearly as large as the south-down. About half a century ago a breed of neat cattle prevailed very much, resembling the Lancashire long-horns. The old Shropshire ox was remarkable for a large dewlap. This county was formerly famous for a breed of pigs which is now almost extinct.
Climate, Soil, and Aspect. The climate of this county is in general very salubrious; but, from the irregularity of its soil and surface, it varies in dryness and geniality. On the east, where the land is warm and flat, the harvest is frequently ripe sooner than in the middle of the county, where the vales are extensive, but the surface light, and the bottom often clayey. But hay and grain are both gathered earlier in the middle of the county than on the western side, where the vales are narrow, and the high lands frequent and extensive, although the ground in general is not so stiff, and lies for the most part on the rock. The easterly winds prevail in spring, and westerly in autumn. Few counties are possessed of a greater variety of soil than this, as will be seen on reference to the respective parishes. Divided into nearly two equal parts by the Severn, its southern portion assumes the mountainous character peculiar to the counties of Montgomery and Denbigh, whilst the north half approaches more nearly to a level, agreeably relieved by bold swells, and romantic valleys finely wooded. The landscape possesses every variety of natural charms, the bold and lofty mountain, the woody and secluded valley, the fertile and widely cultured plain, the majestic river, and the sequestered lake; and is no less rich in those remains of ancient times which awaken a thousand enthusiastic reflections by engaging us in the contemplation of the memorable events of our history.
Agricultural Improvements. Great improvements by draining, enclosure, and superior management have been progressing for the last half century in most parts of the county. This has been accomplished on many estates by the united efforts of the landlords and tenants; the former finding tiles and materials, and the latter performing all the draught work at their own expense. The farms in Shropshire were formerly much smaller than they now are, which was found a great obstacle to improvement. They did not invite men of capital, and to manage a farm successfully, like any other occupation or business, it is necessary that the occupant should possess sufficient capital; for without it, it is useless to expect improvement or profitable cultivation. The want of it is unfortunately too common among farmers. Wanting it in the onset, they have not been able to acquire any, and thus have gone on from year to year with difficulty, perhaps deteriorating the soil, and reducing the little capital they possessed. The farmers’ clubs, established for the discussion of practical husbandry, have had a tendency to develop many hidden facts, and to dispel deep-rooted prejudices by friendly argument and interchange of thought. Farmers seldom meet to exchange ideas but at these associations, which may be considered in the character of Normal schools, where the old and young may impart and receive information on many things connected with their occupation. On the whole Shropshire is before many other counties in agricultural improvements. The judicious application of capital, superintended by men of true practical science, will make it one of the finest agricultural counties in England. The farm houses are mostly composed of brick, and have been greatly improved within the last thirty years, particular attention having been paid to the conveniency of the outbuildings and farm yards, which in many instances are of great extent and admirably contrived.
The following returns of the population of the fifteen Unions into which the county of Shropshire is divided, are copied from the Parliamentary reports of the census taken March 31st, 1851; viz:—Atcham Union, 19,318 inhabitants, 3,767 inhabited houses, and 125 uninhabited; Bridgnorth, 15,590 inhabitants, 3,164 inhabited houses, and 248 uninhabited; Church Stretton, 6,160 inhabitants, 1,192 inhabited houses, and 43 uninhabited; Cleobury Mortimer, 8,632 inhabitants, 1,771 inhabited houses, and 131 uninhabited; Clun, 10,118 inhabitants, 2,054 inhabited houses, and 125 uninhabited; Ellesmere 15,667 inhabitants, 3,148 inhabited houses, and 125 uninhabited; Ludlow, 17,045 inhabitants, 3,420 inhabited houses, and 172 uninhabited; Madeley, 27,626 inhabitants, 5,545 inhabited houses, and 154 uninhabited; Market Drayton, 14,160 inhabitants, 2,774 inhabited houses, and 131 uninhabited; Newport, 15,623 inhabitants, 3,018 inhabited houses, and 69 uninhabited; Oswestry, 22,795 inhabitants, 4,618 inhabited houses, and 228 uninhabited; Shiffnal, 11,482 inhabitants, 2,239 inhabited houses, and 99 uninhabited; Shrewsbury, 23,095 inhabitants, 4,574 inhabited houses, and 252 uninhabited; Wellington, 20,760 inhabitants, 4,089 inhabited houses, and 156 uninhabited; Wem, 16,948 inhabitants, 3,469 inhabited houses, and 146 uninhabited. At the same period there were 112 houses building in the various Unions throughout the county.
Monastic Institutions. The following is a list of the religious houses and monastic institutions which formerly existed in Shropshire, with their annual value as returned at their suppression. The Benedictine monks had a great Abbey at Shrewsbury, returned as of the annual value of £132. 4s. 10d. Haughmond Abbey, £259. 13s. 7¼d. Buildwas Abbey, £110. 19s. 3d. Wombridge Priory, £65. 7s. 4d. Battlefield College, £54. 1s. 10d. Tong College, £22. 8s. 1d. Lilleshall Abbey, £229. 3s. l½d. Bridgnorth Hospital, £4. Ludlow Hospital, £17. 13s. 3d. Wenlock Priory, £401. 0s. 7¼d. St. Chad’s College, Shrewsbury, £14. 14s. 4d. St. Mary’s College, £13. 1s. 8d. According to Speed there was also a Monastery of Black Monks at Bromfield, a Priory at Chirbury, with various cells and chantries, which will be found noticed in the several parishes in which they were respectively situated. It was one of the singular characteristics of the Roman Catholic Church, that it gave scope to partial reformation. What among Protestants would be called a new sect, became in that church merely a new order. From time to time, men arose to recall attention to some doctrine or practice, which had fallen into disuse, and for a revival of which a necessity was felt. The church gave scope to their zeal, and benefited by their efforts till they, in turn, became rich and corrupt, and other reformers were needed. About the year 1120, the rule of St. Augustine was reformed by St. Norbet. He professed that the Virgin Mary had pointed out the site on which he was to found a new church, and that she had prescribed the white habits the monks were to wear.
Abbeys.—In a society of religious persons, whether male or female, where an abbot or abbess presided, it was styled an abbey. The governor had the sole power over the convent, could appoint or discharge any officer at pleasure, and prescribe what rules the monks or nuns should be obliged to observe. The abbots have enjoyed the privilege of conferring the lower orders of priesthood, but in the essential points of jurisdiction they were everywhere subject to the diocesan bishop. The consequence of the abbots grew with the wealth of their monasteries, several received episcopal titles and privileges, all held rank next to that of a bishop, and had a vote in the ecclesiastical councils. Equal privileges and rights appertained to the abbesses, as the superior of the nunneries, except that they were not allowed to vote at synods. When the society of religious persons consisted of men, it was called a monastery. There is reason to believe that there were monasteries in Britain before the end of the 4th century. In the course of the 7th century many monasteries were founded in all parts of England. These monasteries were designed in some places for the seats of the bishops and their clergy; in others, for their secular priests, who preached and administered the sacraments over the neighbouring country, and in most instances, they were seminaries of learning for the education of youth. If a monastery or nunnery was subject to another, it was called a CELL. The great English abbeys had many such cells in distant places.
Priories.—When the chief person in a Monastery bore the name of Prior, it was styled a Priory. These religious houses were of two sorts—either they were such whose prior was independent, or they were such as depended upon some great abbey, from which they received their Prior, and to which they were often obliged to pay a small pension or annual acknowledgment. Whenever the Convent to which they belonged was beyond the seas, then it was styled an alien Priory. These last transmitted their revenues to their foreign superior, for which reason their estates were generally seized to carry on the wars between England and France.
Preceptories.—Whenever the Knights Templars, or Hospitallers, had any considerable manors or farms, they erected a church for the service of God, and built a convenient house of habitation, to which they sent out their fraternity, under the command of a Preceptor. Chantries were chapels erected and endowed for the singing of masses for the souls of the deceased. Chantry rents are still paid to the Crown by the purchaser of their lands. Hospitals were small convents, occupied by a few monks, for the entertainment of all who went any pilgrimage on religious pretence. Guilds were societies of lay brethren, who lived together like monks, but were of no professed order. The Grey Friars were at first called Franciscans, from the name of their founder, St. Francis: they were likewise called Minorites, from their being the lowest and most humble of all orders; and Observants, from their great strictness to the rules of their order. They were styled mendicants, from their professing wilful poverty, subsisting chiefly upon alms, which they used to ask from door to door, by which they were distinguished from monks, who kept at home within their convents, and lived in common upon their substance. Their habit was a long grey coat down to their heels, with a cowl or hood, and a cord about their loins, instead of a girdle. Many privileges were granted them, and many of high degree were ambitious of living, dying, and being interred in the habit of these Franciscans. The Black Friars, so called from their habit, a black cope and cowl over a white coat, were likewise called Dominicans, from their having been founded by St. Dominick; and black preaching friars, because they were the only preachers of all the friars. These monks obtained extensive grants of land, and had many persons of note within their convents. The White Friars took their name from the dress they wore. They came into England in 1325, and first settled at Canterbury.
Ecclesiastical Revenues.—The Ecclesiastical Commissioners were appointed under an act passed in the 6th and 7th of William IV., for the general improvement and equalization of the dioceses, for the dividing of extensive parishes, and augmenting small livings, and the adopting such other measures as may conduce to the efficiency of the Established Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Bishop of Gloucester, the Lord High Chancellor, the President of the Council, the Lord High Treasurer, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with others, form a body politic and corporate, by the name of the “Ecclesiastical Commissioners of England,” for the purpose of the said act. The Commissioners reported, in 1835, that the total amount of the gross annual revenues of the several Archiepiscopal and Episcopal Sees of England and Wales was £181,631. The total amount of the net annual revenues of the several cathedral and collegiate churches in England and Wales was £284,241; and the total amount of the net revenues of the same, £208,209. The total amount of the gross annual separate revenues of the several dignitaries and other spiritual persons, members of the cathedrals and other collegiate churches, in England and Wales, was £75,854. The total number of benefices, with and without cure of souls, the incumbents whereof have made enquiries to the returns of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, omitting those which are permanently or occasionally annexed to superior preferments, are 10,540; the gross annual revenue of these benefices is £3,197,225; giving an average income of £303. The total number of benefices, with and without cure of souls, in England and Wales, including those not returned, but exclusive of those annexed to other preferments, (about 24 in number) is 10,718; the total gross income of which, calculated upon the average of those returned, amounts to £3,251,159; and the net income thereof, £3,055,451. The number of curates returned, as employed by resident incumbents, was 1000, whose annual stipends or payments in money amounted to £87,075; affording an average of £86, Those employed by non-residents were 4,124; the amount of their stipends, £337,620; average, £79: and the average of the whole of the curates’ stipends, £81. In concluding their report, the commissioners state that the archbishops and bishops in possession of their preferments, are subject to heavy expenses, and that the charges for first fruits and fees generally exceed the amount of their receipts for the first two or three years, after entering office.
Queen Anne’s Bounty; First Fruits and Tenths.—From the earliest periods every bishop and clergyman has been required to pay the amount of his first year’s incumbency into a fund, and every succeeding year one tenth. These first fruits and tenths were formerly collected at their full value, and applied to the use of the pope, as early as the time of Pope Nicholas (A.D. 1200). For this purpose a valuation was made of all the livings in England, which is still preserved in the Remembrancer’s office, and designated, “Valor of Pope Nicholas IV.” At the time of the Reformation, King Henry VIII. passed a law, with the sanction of Parliament, declaring that the first fruits and tenths should be appropriated to the use of the state; and he caused an accurate and full valuation to be made of all the ecclesiastical livings in England and Wales, which were accordingly paid into the public exchequer, till the reign of Queen Anne, with the exception of a short period in the reign of Philip and Mary. Queen Anne, deploring the wretched condition in which many of the clergy were placed, owing to the insufficiency of their livings, came to the determination that the first fruits and tenths should be paid into a fund, called Queen Anne’s Bounty, and that the amount should be appropriated to the livings of the poor clergy. No fresh valuation has been made since 1535, and registered in what is now called the King’s Book, till that made by order of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, in 1835, on which the payments are now regulated. That the payments might not operate oppressively, the first year’s income was to be paid in four annual instalments; and livings of small value were entirely exempt, and hence, called “Discharged livings.” During the time of Popery, a large portion of the tithes had been alienated from the parishes, for the endowment of religious houses, or for chantries, to say masses for the dead. These endowments, at the Reformation, being seized by Henry VIII., left the greater part of the parochial livings very poor. The governors of Queen Anne’s Bounty, sometimes aided by benefactions, and at others by Parliamentary grants, for the endowment of churches, have been able to augment many of the poorest livings, and now the resources at the command of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, by various reductions in cathedral and collegiate churches, will cause the church livings, in a few years, to be considerably equalized: The receipts for the year 1846, amounted to £206,502.
Charities.—The parochial accounts of the posthumous charities are given from the voluminous reports of the commissioners deputed by parliament to enquire into the state and appropriation of public charities in England. This commission commenced in 1817, and was not finished till the year 1839. The charities bequeathed by numerous individuals for the education and relief of the poor of this county, produce collectively the large sum of £21,578. 6s. 4d. In addition to this a very large amount is subscribed by the benevolent inhabitants, for the support of the various charitable institutions, among which are free schools, hospitals, dispensaries, lunatic asylums, and various societies for relieving the poor, &c. The summary of the reports of the Commissioners of Inquiry into charities show that in England there are 442,915 acres, or about 690 square miles, belonging to charities, which is little less than the area of Worcestershire. The rent of these lands is £874,313 per annum. The amount of rent charge is near £80,000 per annum, a great part of which is made up of very small sums. The interest of the money (above £6,000,000) which belongs to charities is £255,151 per annum; the whole income of the charity property inquired into by the commissioners is £1,209,395 per annum. Now all this is not derived from one plain single source, but from all the counties of England; from numerous rent charges, money in the funds, mortgages, personal and turnpike securities, &c. Further, this only includes the charities inquired into by the commissioners. We believe that the commissioners have here and there missed a few charities. New charities are daily increasing, and those not included in the inquiry are very numerous.
Parish Registers.—The earliest of the parish registers date from the establishment of the Church of England, injunctions to this effect having been issued by Cromwell, Henry’s vicegerent in ecclesiastical matters in 1538. The canons now in force date their authority from the beginning of the reign of James I., A.D. 1603. One of these prescribes minutely the manner entries are to be made in the parish registers, and contains a respective clause, appointing that the ancient registers, as far as they could be procured, should be copied in a parchment book. This new regulation appears to have been carried into effect, so that the only parish registers now extant are transcripts commencing with Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The parish register act of 1812 obviated some of the previous sources of error, and insured the further usefulness of the registers of that period. But a satisfactory system of registration was not established until the year 1837, when the act for registering births, deaths, and marriages came into operation in England and Wales. The registration of births is considerably more complete than the old parochial registers of baptism, and the register of deaths is believed to be very complete.
A LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL
SEATS & RESIDENCES OF THE NOBILITY, GENTRY, & CLERGY,
IN THE COUNTY OF SHROPSHIRE.
*** To avoid increasing this List, the Villa Residences in the suburbs of the Towns are not inserted, but will be found in the Directories of the respective Parishes in which they are situated.
THOSE WITH * AFFIXED ARE ACTING MAGISTRATES.
Abertannat Hall, 1½ mile S.E. of Blodwell, John Edwards, Esq.
Acton Burnell Hall, 8 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, * Sir Edward Joseph Smythe, Bart.
Acton Reynald, 7 miles N.E. by N. of Shrewsbury, * Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart.
Adderley Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Drayton, * Richard Corbet, Esq.
Admaston Hall, 1½ mile N.W. of Wellington, The Hon. Charles Noel Hill; Philip Buchannan, Esq.
Albrighton, 4½ miles S.E. of Shiffnal, Rev. George Woodhouse, The Vicarage; Thomas Plowden Presland, Esq.
Aldenham Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Bridgnorth, Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart.
Apley Castle, 1¼ mile N. of Wellington, * St. John Chiverton Charlton, Esq.
Apley Park, 4 miles N. of Bridgnorth, * Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P.
Argoed Hall, 7 miles S.E. of Oswestry, Edward Downes, Esq.
Ash Magna, 2 miles S.E. of Whitchurch, The Rev. William Bryans.
Ashford Hall, 3 miles S.W. by S. of Ludlow, * Major General Russell, C.B.
Astley House, 5 miles N.N. by E. of Shrewsbury, John Bishton Minor, Esq.
Aston Hall, 1 mile N.E. of Shiffnal, * Uvedale Corbet, Esq.
Aston, 2 Miles S.E. of Oswestry, * Edward Harvey Lloyd, Esq., The Hall; Mrs. Lloyd.
Aston, 9 miles N. of Ludlow, * Francis Marston, Esq.
Atcham, 3 miles S.E. by E. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. Henry Burton.
Attingham Hall, 4 miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, The Right Honourable Lord Berwick.
Badger, 5 miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, * Robert Henry Cheney, Esq., The Hall; The Rev. Thomas T. Boddington, The Rectory.
Balswardyne Hall, 8½ miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, Sir George Harnage, Bart.
Baschurch, 8 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Edward Birch, Esq.; Rev. William Jones.
Beckbury, 4 miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, Walter Stubbs, Esq.; Rev. Walter Ralph Smythe.
Bellaport House, 4 miles N.E. of Drayton, Rev. Hugh Ker Cockburne.
Belleview, 1½ mile S.W. by S. of Oswestry, William Banning, Esq.
Belmont, near Oswestry, * Joseph Venables Lovett, Esq.
Berrington, 4½ miles S.E. by S. of Shrewsbury, The Hon. and Rev. T. H. Noel Hill; Charles Arthur Williams, Esq., Eaton Mascott.
Berwick Upper House, 2½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, The Hon. Henry Wentworth Powys.
Berwick House, 2 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, * Thomas Henry Hope, Esq.
Besford, 3 miles S.E. of Wem, Joseph Taylor Reynolds, Esq.
Betton Hall, 2 miles N.E. of Drayton, William Church Norcop, Esq.
Bewdley, 8 miles E. of Cleobury Mortimer, * William Lacon Childe, Esq., Jun.; * Slade Baker, Esq.; * Arthur Lyttleton Annesley, Esq., Arley Castle.
Birch Hall, 1 mile S.E. of Ellesmere, * Richard George Jebb, Esq.
Bishop’s Castle, 20 miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. John Bright, Totterton; * Rev. John Rogers, The Home.
Bitterley, 4 miles N.E. of Ludlow, * Rev. Charles Walcot; Sir Charles Cuyler.
Blodwell, 6 miles S.S. by W. of Oswestry, Rev. John Parker; William Lyons, Esq.
Bobbington, 8½ miles S.W. of Wolverhampton, Rev. Henry Pennant Cooke.
Boningale Hall, 5 miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, George Taylor, Esq.
Boreatton Park, 9½ miles N.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, Rowland Hunt, Esq.
Bridgnorth, 8 miles S.E. of Much Wenlock, Rev. George Bellett, St. Leonards; Rev. Wm. K. Marshall, St. Mary’s Rectory; J. Baker, Esq., Walsbatch. (See also p. [626].)
Broadway, near Shrewsbury, * John Owen, Esq.
Bromfield, 2 miles N.W. of Ludlow, The Hon. Robert Henry Clive, Oakeley Park.
Broseley, 4 miles E. of Wenlock, The Hon. and Rev. O. W. W. Forester, The Rectory; * George Pritchard, Esq.; John Pritchard, Esq.; John Onions, Esq., White Hall; * Richard Thursfield, Esq.
Bryn Harford near Oswestry, Charles Scarlett Andrews, Esq.
Brynn, 1½ mile N.W. of Blodwell, John Hamor, Esq.
Bryntanat Hall, 2¼ miles W. of Blodwell, William Henry Perry, Esq.
Buildwas Park, 4½ miles N.E. of Much Wenlock, Walter Moseley, Esq.
Buntingsdale Hall, near Drayton, John Tayleur, Esq.
Burcott, near Wellington, Charles Emery, Esq., The Hall; John Stanier, Esq., Leaton Hall.
Burford, near Tenbury, * George Rushout, Esq., M.P., The Hall; * Rev. James Wayland Joyce, The Rectory; Rev. Herbert MacLaughlin, Boraston Rectory; Rev. Caleb Whiteford, Whitton Rectory.
Burleigh Villa, 7 miles W. by N. of Wellington, Thomas Taylor, Esq.
Burlton, 5 miles S.W. of Wem, Robert Chambre Vaughan, Esq., The Hall; Edward Goldsborough Chambre Vaughan, Esq., Wood Gate.
Burwarton, 9 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, The Hon. G. F. H. Russell, The Hall.
Calverhall, 3 miles N.E. of Prees, John Whitehall Dod, Esq., Jun., Rev. Edw. Mainwaring.
Cheswardine, near Market Drayton, Thomas Hudson, Esq., The Hall; Rev. Charles Miller.
Cheshire Coppice, 3 miles N. of Wellington, William Henry Dickinson, Esq.
Chetwynd, near Newport, * John Charles Burton Boroughs, Esq.; Thomas Collier, Esq., Beech Hill; Robert Fisher, Esq., The Lodge; William Washbourne, Esq.; Rev. Thomas Whately, The Rectory.
Childs Ercall, 6½ miles N.W. of Newport, Rev. B. E. Johnson.
Chirbury, 2½ miles E. of Montgomery, Rev. James Wilding, The Vicarage; Edward Humphries, Esq., Walcot.
Chorley, near Stottesden, Thomas Crump, Esq., The Hall.
Church Aston, near Newport, Ralph Ormsby Gore, Esq., The Hall.
Church Preen, 5½ miles W. by S. of Wenlock, Frederick Thomas Webster, Esq.
Church Stretton, 13 miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, Duppa Duppa, Esq., Kington; Rev. Hugh Owen Wilson, The Rectory.
Citadel (The), near Hodnet, Reverend John Hill.
Claverley, 6 miles E. of Bridgnorth, Rev. George Hilder Betterton Gabert, The Vicarage: William Wilson, Esq., Beobridge; * Farmer Taylor, Esq., Chykenell.
Cleobury North, 8 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, Henry George Mytton, Esq., The Hall; The Misses Mytton.
Clive Hall, 3½ miles S. of Wem, George Harding, Esq.
Cloverley Hall, 6 miles S.E. of Whitchurch, * John Whitehall Dod, Esq., M.P.
Clungunford, 8 miles S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, John Rocke, Esq., The House.
Copthorne House, 2 miles W. from Shrewsbury, Thomas Brocas, Esq.
Condover, 4¾ miles S. of Shrewsbury, * Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., The Hall; Rev. J. W. Harden, John Loxdale, Esq., The Lyth; Robert Steward, Esq., Ryton Grove.
Coreley, 4½ miles N.N.E. of Tenbury, Rev. Walter Haliburton, The Rectory.
Coton, 3 miles N. of Wem, * George Bowen, Esq.
Cotsbrook House, near Bridgnorth, Orlando Jack Bridgman, Esq.
Cound, 6 miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Henry Thursby, The Hall.
Court of Hill, near Tenbury, * Major Arthur Charles Lowe.
Creamore House, near Wem, John Unsworth, Esq.
Cruck Meole, 4½ miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, * Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.
Cruckton Hall, 4 miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, * Francis Harries, Esq.
Dalicott House, near Claverley, George Mackenzie Kettle, Esq.
Davenport House, near Bridgnorth, * William Sharington Davenport, Esq.
Daywell, near Oswestry, * Joseph Venables Lovett, Esq.
Diddlebury, 8 miles N. of Ludlow, Henry Wood, Esq., The Hall.
Dodington, near Whitchurch, George Brookes, Esq.; William Lee Brookes, Esq.; George Harper, Esq., Mossfield House; John Faulkner Wood, Esq.
Donington, 5 miles S.E. of Shiffnal, The Rev. Henry John Howard, The Rectory; George Jones, Esq., Shakerley.
Dorrington, 6½ miles N. of Church Stretton, John Thomas Hope, Esq., Netley House.
Drayton in Hales, 18 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. John Lee; John Edward Wilson, Esq., The Grove; Thomas Whitfield, Esq.
Dudleston, 4½ miles N.W. of Ellesmere, George Bennett, Esq., Sodylt Hall; Edward Morrall, Esq., Plas Warren; Robert Morrall, Esq., Plas Yollen; Richard Ellerton, Esq., The Erway.
Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth, * William Wolryche Whitmore, Esq.
Eardington, near Bridgnorth, John Henry Cooper, Esq., The Knowle Sands; Mr. Thomas Austin Jackson, The Forge; Rev. George Leigh Wasey, The Knowle Sands.
Easthope, 5 miles S.W. of Much Wenlock, Moses George Benson, Esq., Lutwyche Hall; Rev. Robert Armitage, The Rectory
Edgeley House, near Whitchurch, John Lowe, Esq.
Edgmond, near Newport, Captain Clement Hill; Rev. John Dryden Pigott.
Edstaston, near Wem, Daniel Boote, Esq., The Hall; Rev. John Stewart, The Rectory.
Ellerton Hall, 4½ miles N.W. by N. of Newport, Robert Masefield, Esq.
Ellesmere, 16 miles N.N.W. of Shrewsbury, William Aldrick Cotton, Esq.; Rev. John David Day, The Vicarage.
Elm Lodge, near Ludlow, James Davies, Esq.
Ensden House, 5½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Evan Bowen, Esq.
Ercall High, 8 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Robert Townsend Forester, The Vicarage; George Townsend Forester, Esq., Sherlowe; William Holt Midgley, Esq., The Park; Edward Blakeway Steedman, Esq., The Hall.
Eyton on the Wildmoors, near Wellington, Thomas Eyton, Esq., The Hall.
Faintree, 5 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq., The Hall.
Fern Hill, near Whittington, * Thomas Lovett, Esq., The Hall.
Fitz, 5¾ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, R. Middleton, Esq., The Hall; * Rev. Daniel Nihill.
Frodsley, 9 miles S. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Peter Downward, Longnor Green; Rev. T. L. Gleadow, The Rectory.
Gatacre Hall, 5 miles S.E. of Bridgnorth, * Edward Lloyd Gatacre, Esq.
Gatacre Park, 5½ miles S.E. from Bridgnorth, * Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.
Grafton Lodge, 5½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, John Henry Denston, Esq.
Great Ness, near Baschurch, George Edwards, Esq., The Hall; Rev. Mr. Kenyon, The Vicarage; Thomas Justice Bather, Esq.
Gredington Park, near Whitchurch, * The Right Hon. Lord Kenyon.
Greet, 5 miles S.E. of Ludlow, Rev. Joseph C. Bradney, The Rectory.
Grinshill, 7 miles N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. John Wood, The Rectory; William Embrey Wood, Esq., The Vineyard.
Hadley, near Wellington, Mrs. Thorneycroft, The Hall; Matthew Webb, Esq.
Halston, near Whittington, Edmund Wright, Esq., The Hall.
Hardwick Grange, 6 miles N. of Shrewsbury, The Misses Hill.
Hardwick Hall, 2 miles W. of Ellesmere, * Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart.
Hawkstone, 4 miles N.E. of Wem, * The Right Honourable Viscount Lord Hill.
Highley, 7 miles S.S.E. of Bridgnorth, William Jordin, Esq.; Rev. Samuel Dupre.
Hinstock, 5 miles S.E. by S. of Market Drayton, * Henry Justice, Esq.
Hodnet, 6 miles E. of Wem, * Algernon Charles Heber Percy, The Hall; Rev. Samuel Herrick Macauley, The Rectory.
Hopesay, 6 miles S. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, Rev. Philip B. Adams, The Rectory.
Hopton Wafers, nr Cleobury Mortimer, Mrs. Lucy Botfield, The Court; Rev. S. Woodward
Hopton Castle, 9 miles S. of Bishop’s Castle, Rev. George D. Pardoe.
Hurst, near Ludlow, * Philip Morris, Esq.
Ightfield, 4 miles S.E. of Whitchurch, Rev. John Justice.
Isle The, near Shrewsbury, Rev. Humphrey Sandford.
Kemberton, 2 miles S.W. by S. of Shiffnal, Rev. George Whitmore, The Rectory.
Ketley, 2 miles E. of Wellington, Rev. Thompson Stoneham; John Williams, Esq.; George Bradbury, Esq., The Grove.
Kilhendre, near Dudleston, Captain Johnson.
Kingsland, near Shrewsbury, * Richard Frederick Hill, Esq.
Kinlet Hall, 5 miles N.E. of Cleobury Mortimer, * William Lacon Childe, Esq.
Kinnerley, 7 miles S.E. of Oswestry, Rev. Edmund W. O. Bridgman.
Kinnerley, 4 miles N.E. by N. of Wellington, Rev. Andrew Burn.
Knockin Hall, 6½ miles S.S.E. of Oswestry, The Hon. Captain Charles Orlando Bridgman.
Leaton Knolls, 4½ miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, * Jonathan Arthur Lloyd, Esq.
Leegomery House, near Wellington, William Shakeshaft Lawley, Esq.
Leighton Park, 3½ miles N. of Much Wenlock, Sir George Harnage, Bart
Leighton, 1½ mile S.E. by S. of Welshpool, John Naylor, Esq.
Leighton, 9 miles S.E. of Shrewsbury, * Robert Gardner, Esq., The Hall.
Lilleshall House, 4 miles S.W. of Newport, * The Marquis of Stafford.
Lilleshall, 3 miles S.W. of Newport, Rev. Henry George Bunsen, vicar, The Old Hall.
Linley Hall, 5 miles N. of Bishop’s Castle, R. B. More, Esq.
Llwyny-groes Hall, 6¼ miles S. of Oswestry, R. N. Broughton, Esq.
Longford, near Newport, * Ralph Merrick Leeke, Esq., The Hall; Rev. John K. Charlton.
Longford Hall, near Shrewsbury, Rev. Waties Corbet.
Longnor Hall, 3½ miles E. of Shrewsbury, * Robert Burton, Esq.
Longnor Hall, 5 miles N. of Church Stretton, * Panton Corbet, Esq.
Longnor Hall, near Shrewsbury, * Edward Corbett, Esq.
Loppington House, 3 miles W. of Wem, * Thomas Dickin, Esq.
Loton Park, 8 miles W. of Shrewsbury, * Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.
Ludford House, near Ludlow, Francis Lechmere Charlton, Esq.
Ludlow, * Rev. George Dansey Pardoe; * Richard Betton, Esq., Overton House; James Baxter, Esq., (see also Directory, page [605].)
Lydham, 2 miles N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, Rev. Arthur Oakeley, The Rectory.
Marnwood, near Ironbridge, Rev. John Bartlett.
Marsh Hall, near Shrewsbury, John Wood, Esq.
Marton, near Middle, David Francis Atcherley, Esq., The Hall.
Mawley Hall, near Cleobury Mortimer, Sir Edward Blount, Bart.
Melverley, 9 miles S.E. by S. of Oswestry, Rev. Henry Rogers, The Rectory.
Middle, 7 miles N.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. George Henry Egerton, The Rectory; Sir John Majorbanks, Bart.
Middleton Scriven, 5 miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Thomas Rowley, D.D., The Rectory.
Millichope Park, near Munslow, Charles Orlando Childe Pemberton, Esq.
Milson, 3 miles S.W. of Cleobury Mortimer, Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D., The Rectory.
Moreton Corbet, 4½ miles S.E. of Wem, Rev. Robert F. Wood, The Rectory.
Moreton Say, 3 miles N.W. by W. of Drayton, Rev. Robert Upton.
Munslow, 6 miles S. of Church Stretton, Rev. Thomas C. Powell; John Downes, Esq.
Nash Court, 6 miles S.E. of Ludlow, * George Pardoe, Esq.
Neachley, near Donington, * George Holyoake, Esq.
Neen Savage, near Cleobury Mortimer, * Rev. Charles R. Somers Cocks.
Netley Hall, 6½ miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, * John Thomas Hope Esq.
Newport, 18 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, (see Directory, page [409].)
Norbury, 4 miles N.E. of Ludlow, * Rev. William Henry Cynric Lloyd.
Norton-in-Hales, 3½ miles N.E. by N. of Drayton, Rev. Frederick Silver, The Rectory.
Nursery The, 4½ miles S. of Oswestry, John F. M. Dovaston, Esq.
Oakley House, two miles E. of Bishop’s Castle, William Oakeley, Esq.
Oakley Park, 2 miles N.W. of Ludlow, * The Right Hon. Robert Henry Clive, M.P.
Oldbury, 1 mile S.S.W. of Bridgnorth, Mrs. Margaret Wynne Jones, The Lodge.
Onslow Hall, 4 miles W. from Shrewsbury, Colonel Wingfield.
Osbaston House, 5½ miles S. of Oswestry, Captain Thomas Evans, R.N.
Oswestry, 17½ miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, Richard Jones Croxon, Esq.; Rev. Thomas Salway, The Vicarage; Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq.
Oteley Park, near Ellesmere, * Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq.
Oxon, near Shrewsbury, * Edward Morris, Esq.
Park Hall, near Oswestry, * Richard Henry Kinchant, Esq.
Peatswood, near Market Drayton, * Thomas Twemlow, Esq.
Pell Wall, near Market Drayton, * Purney Sillitoe, Esq.
Pentra Ucha Hall, 2½ miles W. of Kinnerley, Frederick Alexander Payne, Esq.
Peplow, 7½ miles N.W. of Newport, * George Staveley Hill, Esq.; Captain George Hill, The Hall.
Petton Hall, 6 miles S.E. of Ellesmere, * William Sparling, Esq.
Pitchford, 7 miles S. of Shrewsbury, * The Right Hon. Earl of Liverpool; Rev. Charles Powell Peters, The Rectory.
Pontesbury, 7½ miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. Charles Drury; Rev. William Harrison; Rev. William Vaughan; Frederick Jones, Esq., The Hall.
Porkington, near Oswestry, William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P.
Powis Castle, near Welshpool, * The Right Hon. Earl Powis.
Pradoe, 5 miles S.E. of Oswestry, * The Hon. Thomas Kenyon.
Prees, 5 miles S. of Whitchurch, * Sir Robert Chambre Hill, K.C.B., The Hall; The Ven. Archdeacon Allen, The Vicarage.
Prees Gwene House, 2½ miles from St. Martins, Richard Powell, Esq.
Preston Gubbals, 4½ miles N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. William Stevens.
Preston Montford, 4 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Miss Wingfield, The Cottage; Mrs. Wingfield, The Hall.
Priors Lee Hall, near Shiffnal, John Horton, Esq.
Quatt, 4½ miles S.E. of Bridgnorth, * Rev. Edmund Carr, The Rectory.
Quatford, 1½ mile S. of Bridgnorth, John Smalman, Esq., The Castle; John Clayton, Esq., The House; John Sing, Esq., The Hall; Stephen Wolryche, Esq., The Villa.
Quarry Place, near Shrewsbury, * John Thomas Smitheman Edwards, Esq.
Quinta, 3 miles W. of Saint Martins, Rowland Jones Venables, Esq.
Rednal, near West Felton, William Mostyn Owen, Esq.
Reilth, near Mainstone, Richard Sankey, Esq.
Rossal, 3 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Dowager Countess Fielding.
Rowton Castle, 7 miles W. of Shrewsbury, Henry Lyster, Esq.
Rudge Hall, 8 miles S.W. by S. of Bridgnorth, Thomas Boycott, Esq., The Hall; Rev. W. G. Greenstreet, The Vicarage.
Ruyton, 10 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Rev. George Evans; Rev. Leonard Slater.
Ryton, 3½ miles S.E. by S. of Shiffnal, Rev. Robert William Eyton, The Rectory.
Saint Martins, 5 miles N.E. of Oswestry, Rev. William Hurst, The Vicarage.
Sandford, 5½ miles N.E. of Wem, * Thomas Hugh Sandford, Esq.
Sansaw Hall, 4 miles S.E. of Wem, Captain Martin.
Selattyn, 3 miles N.N.W. of Oswestry, Rev. Gerald Carew, Pentre Pant Hall; Rev. Albany Rosendale Lloyd, The Rectory; William Williams Edward Wynne, Esq., Sion House.
Shavington Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Drayton, The Right Hon. Earl of Kilmorey.
Shawbury, 6 miles S.S.E. of Wem, Rev. W. S. Marvin, The Vicarage.
Shineton, 2¾ miles N.N.W. of Much Wenlock, Rev. Henry Bagnall, The Rectory.
Shipton Hall, 7 miles S.W. of Much Wenlock, * Thomas Mytton, Esq.
Sibdon Castle, 8 miles S.S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, James Baxter, Esq.
Sion, near Oswestry, William Williams Edward Wynne, Esq.
Shiffnal, 7½ miles S. of Newport, Mrs. Botfield, Decker Hill Hall; Rev. John Brooke, Haughton Hall; Rev. Townshend Brooke, Idsal Vicarage; William Cope, Esq., Park House; John Eyke Esq., Stanton House; Michael Goodall, Esq., Evileth; Rev. T. O. Durant, Evileth Hall; William Henry Slaney, Esq., Hatton Grange.
Smethcott, 5½ miles N. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Robert Joseph Buddicom, The Rectory.
Stanage Park, near Ludlow, * Edward Rogers, Esq.
Stanton-upon-Hine-Heath, 5 miles S.E. of Wem, Rev. James Thomas Holloway, D.D., The Vicarage; Thomas Faulkner Wood, Esq., The Woodlands.
Stapleton, 5½ miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, The Hon. and Rev. E. R. B. Fielding.
Stirchley, 5 miles S.E. of Wellington, Rev. Hugo Moreton Phillips, The Rectory.
Stockton, 4½ miles N. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Charles Blaney Cavendish Whitmore; Wm. Hazledine Austin, Esq., South Lodge; Richard S. Darby, Esq., Crow Greaves.
Stoke Hall, 4 miles N.W. of Burford, Philip Henry Williams, Esq.
Stoke-upon-Tern, 4½ miles S.W. of Drayton, Rev. John Gladstone, The Rectory.
Stottesden, 8 miles S.W. by S. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Charles John Maddison, The Vicarage.
Styche, 2½ miles N.W. of Market Drayton, Henry B. Clive, Esq., M.P., The Hall.
Sundorne Castle, 3 miles N.E. of Shrewsbury, * Andrew William Corbet, Esq.
Sutton Hall, 4½ miles S.E. of Oswestry, Geo. Dawes Brittain, Esq.; Jas. Hargreaves, Esq.
Sutton, 5 miles N.E. by N. of Ludlow, Charles Powell, Esq.
Sweeney Hall, 2 miles S. of Oswestry, * Rev. John Parker; Mrs. Parker.
Tedsmere Hall, near West Felton, Thomas B. B. Owen, Esq.
Tern House, 2 miles S.E. of High Ercall, Thomas Jukes, Esq.
Terrick Hall, near Whitchurch, William Halstead Poole, Esq.
Tilstock, 2½ miles S. of Whitchurch, Rev. Wm. Renton, Rectory; Danl. Kempster, Ivy House.
Tong Castle, 3 miles E. of Shiffnal, G. C. S. Durant, Esq., Rev. G. S. Harding, The Rectory.
Trefarclawdd House, 2½ miles S.W. by S. of Oswestry, John Croxon, Esq.
Trefonen, 4 miles S.W. of Oswestry, Rev. Daniel Lloyd.
Tunstall Hall, near Market Drayton, * Peter Broughton, Esq.
Tyn-y-Rhos, 4 miles W.W. by N. of St. Martin’s, Rev. John Crozon Phillips.
Uffington, 3 miles N.E. by E. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. John Oliver Hopkins.
Uppington, 7 miles S.E. by E. of Shrewsbury, S. H. Ashdown, Esq.; Chas. Stanier, Esq.
Upton Magna, 4 miles E. of Shrewsbury, Miss Arabella Pigott, The Cottage.
Vineyard The, near Wellington, Thomas Campbell Eyton, Esq.
Walcott Hall, 4 miles S. of Bishop’s Castle, The Right Honourable Earl of Powis.
Walford Manor, 6½ miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, * Robert Aglionby Slaney, Esq.
Wallop Hall, near Westbury, * John Michael Severne, Esq.
Westbury, 9 miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, Joseph Dickinson, Esq.; Rev. Wm. Cureton.
Welsh Hampton, 2¾ miles N.E. by E. of Ellesmere, Rev. George S. Master, The Rectory.
Wellington, 8 miles S.W. of Newport, Rev. Benjamin Banning, The Vicarage; Rev. Charles Campe; William Wyley, Esq., Dothill Park. (See also directory).
Wem, 11 miles N. of Shrewsbury. John Henry Barker, Esq.; Thomas Dickin Brown, Esq.; Roger Spencer Dickin, Esq.; Rev. J. W. D. Merest, The Rectory; Sir John Beckerton Williams, Knt., The Hall; Charles Oldham, Esq.; J. H. Walford, Esq.
West Felton, 13 miles N.W. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Thomas Hunt; Rev. Peter Geo. Bentley.
Whitchurch, 20 miles N. of Shrewsbury, Thomas Burgess, Esq.; Rev. William Henry Egerton, The Rectory; Sir John Hanmer, Bart., Bettisfield Hall; Richard Parry Jones, Esq.; Robert Darwin Vaughan, Esq.
Whittington, 2½ miles N.E. by E. of Oswestry, Rev. Charles Arthur Albany Lloyd, The Rectory; Richard Henry Kinchant, Esq., Park Hall.
Whitton, 9½ miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, * Rev. Charles Leicester.
Whixall, 4 miles N. of Wem, Rev. John Evans, The Rectory.
Willey Park, 3 miles E. of Much Wenlock, the Right Honourable Lord Forester.
Winsley Hall, near Westbury, John Phillips, Esq.
Withington, 5½ miles E. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Corbet Browne, The Rectory; Rann Dolphin Edwards, Esq.
Woodcote, 3 miles S.E. by S. of Newport, * John Cotes, Esq.
Wood Hill, 4 miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, Lazarus Jones Venables, Esq.
Woodhouses, 2½ miles S.E. of Whitchurch, James Goulbourn Etches, Esq.
Woodlands, 3 miles S.S.W. of Bridgnorth, Thomas Whitmore Wylde Browne, Esq.
Worfield, 3½ miles N.E. by E. of Bridgnorth, Rev. Cornelius Broadbent, The Rectory; Captain Brazier, Bradney; John Bach, Esq., Chesterton; George Smith Dorset, Esq., Hilton House; Thomas Wilson, Esq., Stanlow; Joseph Parkes, Esq., Wyken.
Worthen, 9 miles N.E. of Montgomery, * Rev. Charles Awdry.
Wrockwardine, 2½ miles W. of Wellington, Miss Anne Maria Cludde, The Hall; Mrs. Cludde, Orleton Hall; Rev. George L. Yate, The Vicarage.
Wroxeter, 5¾ miles S.E. by S. of Shrewsbury, Rev. Edward Egremont, The Vicarage; Wm. Henry Oatley, Esq.; Edward Stanier, Esq., The Hall.
Yockleton, 2 miles N.E. of Westbury, Thomas Nicholls, Esq., The Hall.
Yorton Villa, near Broughton, Rev. William Jeudwine.
ERRATA. [32]
Page [145], fourth line from top, for R. R. Slaney, Esq., M.P., read R. A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.
Page [172], sixteen lines from bottom, for two trains read ten trains.
Page [251], eleventh line from top, for Maxton read Marton.
Page [329], seventeenth line from top, for excelent read excellent.
Page [337], sixth line from top, for in the year 1804 read 1404.
Page [346], tenth line from top, for Breveton read Brereton.
Page [365], twenty-ninth line from top, for Buxton read Burton.
Page [372], fourth line from top, for exort read extort.
Page [445], fifth line from bottom, for Nowell read Noel.
Page [491], twenty-fourth line from top, for Kingleford read Ringleford.
Page [500], sixteenth line from top, for Burner read Burnel.
HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY.
SHREWSBURY is a market town, and borough corporate and parliamentary, situate 153 miles N.W. of London, 40 miles S. from Chester, 40 miles W. from Lichfield, 44 miles W.N.W. from Birmingham, 53 miles N. from Hereford, 58 miles S. from Liverpool, 109 miles N. from Bristol, and 108 miles S.E. from Holyhead. The town stands nearly in the centre of the county of which it is the capital, and occupies two hills of gentle ascent, which gradually rise from the bed of the river Severn, whose stream gracefully bends its course around three sides of the town; thus forming a peninsula, having a narrow isthmus, not more than three hundred yards across, to the north east. Shrewsbury covers nearly the whole peninsula, excepting a narrow margin of meadow and garden grounds, which runs between the walls and the river. It has gradually extended beyond the boundaries of the river, forming the populous suburbs of Abbey Foregate and Coleham on the east, Frankwell on the west, and Castle Foregate, beyond the neck of the isthmus, stretching towards the north. The bold situation of the town, rising amidst a vast plain, backed with mountains—the frowning castle—the elegant towers and tapering spires of the churches—the noble bridges, and picturesque buildings, produce, altogether, a scene of singular beauty and grandeur. The delightful prospects from every side of the town, over a rich and finely wooded country, adorned by the meanderings of the Severn, are surpassed by none, and equalled but by few other towns of our island.
The streets, in common with those of almost all our old towns, are irregularly disposed, some of them steep and narrow, and indifferently paved. In this respect, however, considerable improvements have been made in some of the principal thoroughfares. Many of the houses have the characteristics of high antiquity impressed upon them; and the domestic architecture of former days, with projecting gables, is often intermixed with that of modern erection, and of elegant appearance. The close wooden-built alley, called a “shutt” in the provincial dialect of the place, is everywhere seen connecting the principal streets with each other. Although the gravelly banks on which the town stands afford a fall in every direction, by which it might easily be kept from filth and damp, yet the peculiarly pleasant situation was for a long period but little regarded. Many important alterations have, however, been made under the provisions of an Act of Parliament obtained in 1821, for removing obstructions, watching, lighting, and the general improvement of the town; the powers of which are vested in trustees, who must be persons occupying property rated at £50 per annum, or worth £2,000. The streets are now lighted with gas, and the town is supplied with an abundance of excellent water. Its elevated situation, the natural dryness of the soil, and its pure water, contribute, doubtless, to the salubrity for which it is so remarkable. Speed quaintly observes:—“Wholsom is the aire, delectable and goode, yeelding the springe, and the autumne, seed time and harveste, in a temperate condition, and affoordeth health to the inhabitants in all seasons of the yeere.” The ancient Britons gave the place the name of Pengwern, the Saxons, Scrobbes-byrig; both of which imply a fenced eminence planted with shrubs. The poet and antiquary, Leland, thus beautifully accounts for its name:—
Built on a hill, fair Salop greets the eye,
While Severn forms a crescent gliding by;
Two bridges cross the navigable stream,
And British alders gave the town a name.
At the census in 1801, the borough of Shrewsbury contained a population of 14,739 souls. In 1841 there were 18,285 souls; of whom 8,444 were males, and 9,841 females. Of the former, 3,589, and of the latter, 3,803 were under the age of twenty years. Of the entire population, 14,341 persons were born in this county, and 3,944 elsewhere. At the same period, there were 3,727 inhabited houses, 342 uninhabited, and 23 building.
Shrewsbury is supposed to have been built by the Britons, between the years 520 and 594, as a refuge from the Saxons, who levelled their ancient fortress of Wroxeter with the ground, and forced them to retreat beyond the Severn; which river then became the boundary of the kingdom of Mercia, the most considerable of all the kingdoms of the Heptarchy. On this subject, the celebrated historians of Shrewsbury, Messrs. Owen and Blakeway, observe: We conceive that our town was built after the Saxon invasion; but that it owed its foundation to the Britons. We cannot claim any pretensions to the dignity of a Roman station. No vestige of that imperial people has ever been discovered within its circuit. But a few miles lower down the river, at the present village of Wroxeter, was the flourishing town of Uriconium; and here, doubtless, after the Romans had finally withdrawn their forces from the island, the Britons continued to occupy the seats deserted by their ancient masters, until they were driven from them by superior force, to the time of which we may approximate within no very wide range of years. We are in possession of the valuable poems of Llywarc Hên,—valuable, notwithstanding their great obscurity, for the few rays of light which they scatter over the darkest period of our history. He was a prince of the Cambrian Britons; who, pressed by the Northumbrian Saxon, retired towards the end of the sixth century to his countrymen in Powis, among whom he is said to have protracted his life to the unusual extent of 145 years, deriving thence the epithet of hen or the old. His writings contain several proofs of his acquaintance with the district now called Shropshire. Its streams, Severn, and Morlas, and Tern; its mountains, Digoll, Nescliff, and Digon; its towns, Baschurch, Ercall, Hodnet, all appear in his poems. And when he speaks also of Pengwern, and when it is known that this was the Welsh name for Shrewsbury, we need not doubt that he designed by that to mark our town, and consequently that it had then arisen.
At the time the Britons abandoned Wroxeter, the situation of Pengwern was one of eminent natural strength. We must not estimate the degree of protection imparted to the place by the Severn from our ideas by the condition of the river in the present advanced state of cultivation. Whenever any country is thinly inhabited, trees and shrubs spring up in the uncultivated fields, and, spreading by degrees, form large forests, which, confining the exhalations of the soil and obstructing the course of streams, cause the rivers to overflow and stagnate into lakes and marshes. The Severn, on the eastern side of Shrewsbury, formerly ran in five channels, and spread into a marshy lake from the foot of Wyle Cop as far as the site of the Abbey. Thus the fugitives were protected by the deep bed of the river, its sinuous windings, and the morasses of its banks, where they might shroud themselves in the underwood which hid the foot, and the thickets which crowned the summit of the lofty and peninsular knoll now covered by the capital of Shropshire. How long the fugitives remained in possession of their new seat it is vain to enquire. But they were followed hither by the Saxons, who reduced the place to ashes, and the elegy of Llywarc calls upon the maidens of Pengwern “To quit their dwellings, and behold the habitation of Cynddylan, the royal palace of Pengwern, wrapped in flames.”
The importance of the peninsular situation of Pengwern could not long remain without an occupant; and a few years after its destruction under Cynddylan, we find it inhabited by a king of Powis, the capital of his kingdom, and even ranking among the twenty-eight cities of Britain. The kingdom of Powis at this time comprised the south-western parts of the counties of Cheshire, Flint, and Denbigh, the whole of Montgomeryshire, with portions of the counties of Radnor, Brecon, and the adjoining parts of Shropshire, as far as the river Severn. Of the state of the town, under its native princes, we possess no information. The arts of civil life, which the Britons had cultivated under their Roman masters, had totally disappeared in the course of three centuries of uninterrupted warfare. A ditch, or a rude rampart of unhewn logs, inclosing a few hovels for the residence of the prince and the offices of religion, some wattled huts, with a fold or two for sheep and cattle, probably composed the whole of Pengwern Powis. On the invasion of the Saxons, the new possessors gave it the appellation of Scrobbes-byrig—a fenced eminence, but overgrown with shrubs.
King Ethelred, in the year 1006, kept his court at Shrewsbury; and in 1016 the inhabitants revolted to the Danish chief, Canute. They were afterwards compelled to return to their allegiance, and were severely punished for their defection by Prince Edmund, son of Ethelred. Alphelm, a prince of the blood, having been invited by Edric, duke of Mercia, and son-in-law to Ethelred, to a banquet at Shrewsbury, and afterwards to a hunting party, was treacherously murdered during the chase by one Godwin, a butcher of the town, whom Edric had hired for the purpose. This circumstance probably gave rise to a custom prevalent during the reign of Edward the Confessor, of twelve of the principal persons keeping guard over the king’s person when he came down to Shrewsbury, and the same number attending him whenever he went out a hunting. In this reign Shrewsbury had two hundred and fifty-two houses, besides the mint, which was under the direction of three officers, who were compelled to pay into the royal treasury twenty shillings at the end of every fifteen days, while the money was current. After the Norman conquest, Owen Gwynedd, Prince of Wales, laid siege to Shrewsbury; but William the Conqueror, who had just returned from a visit to his native country, in order to quell the rising tumults which everywhere began to threaten his British dominions, soon raised the siege, and punished the English chiefs, while he took ample vengeance on the Welsh. In this reign, Roger de Montgomery, the relation and favourite of the Conqueror, was created Earl of Shrewsbury, Arundle, and Chichester, and had a grant of nearly the whole of the county of Shropshire, besides a hundred and fifty manors or lordships in other parts of the kingdom. In one of the deeds transferring these manorial grants, Roger styles himself Rogerius, Dei gratia, Scrobesburiensis Comes—Roger, by the grace of God, Earl of Shrewsbury.
At the Doomsday survey, 1086, Shrewsbury is styled a city, and the Abbey is said to have been founded where the parish church of the city stood. This book also contains a summary of several municipal laws, customs, and usages, for the internal regulation of the place, and for increasing the king’s revenues. The amount of taxes at this period was £20, of which the king had two-thirds and the sheriff one, Hugh de Montgomery, who had succeeded his father Roger in the earldom of Shrewsbury, having been shot by an arrow from the skilful hand of Magnus, King of Norway, was succeeded by his brother, Robert de Belesme. Earl Robert united with the party who opposed the pretensions of Prince Henry, son of William Rufus, and espoused the claims of Robert, Duke of Normandy. He afterwards broke out into open rebellion, strengthened his castles in Shropshire, and at Shrewsbury built and fortified a flank wall, from each side of the castle across the isthmus, down to the side of the Severn. Upon this, the earl was publicly declared a traitor, and King Henry marched against him with a considerable force. The surrender of Bridgnorth to Henry induced the earl to quit Shrewsbury, and to commit its defence to three generals and eighty soldiers hired expressly for the purpose. With the assistance of a few Welsh, with whom he had made peace, he frequently disturbed the royal forces, till, being much harassed, he was compelled to return to Shrewsbury. Soon afterwards, the town was surrounded with an army of 60,000 men; and Robert de Belesme had scarcely seated himself in the castle, when the king demanded the immediate surrender of the place, threatening, in case of refusal, in three days to besiege the town, and hang every one found in the castle. The earl, perceiving that he had no forces to withstand the attack of the king, confessed his treason, implored the royal clemency, and sent the keys of the castle by the hands of Ralph, Abbot of Seez, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, which the king accepted, and banished the restless earl to Normandy. The spirit of revenge and ambition, however, rekindled in his breast, and he contrived once more to appear in arms against Henry; but was at length taken prisoner, and ignominously conveyed in chains to England, where he ended a miserable life a close prisoner at Wareham.
In 1139, William Fitz Allan, a powerful baron, was governor of the town and sheriff of the county. During the wars between Stephen and the Empress Maude, this baron espoused the cause of the empress, and with several noblemen opposed the forces of the king. He left the castle, which he had strongly fortified, under the command of a deputy governor, whom he compelled to swear never to deliver his trust to the king. This, however, did not prevent the monarch from taking the castle: after which the king hanged several of the garrison for their contumacy. In 1260 the English army rendezvoused at Shrewsbury, and shortly after the town and castle fell once more into the hands of the rebels. They soon after reverted to their former owners, and the government of the town and castle was conferred by the king on his eldest son Edward. In 1277 the Courts of Exchequer and King’s Bench, during the reign of Edward I., were removed to Shrewsbury, in which place they appear to have been held at least for some months.
David, Prince of Wales, the last of the princes of the ancient Britons, having at length become a prisoner in the hands of Edward, in 1283, was sent in chains to Shrewsbury. A writ having been issued for assembling the parliament on September 30th at this place, for the express purpose of taking into consideration the measures necessary to be adopted with respect to this rebellious prince. This is remarkable, as “the first national convention in which the commons had any share by legal authority.” Twenty cities and towns, Shrewsbury being one, were directed to send two deputies, and every high sheriff to send two knights. The parliament met in the chapter house, or refectory of the abbey, where David was condemned to be drawn about the town at the tail of a horse, then hanged, afterwards quartered, his bowels burnt, his four quarters sent to York, Bristol, Northampton, and Winchester, and his head fixed near that of his brother Llewelyn, on the Tower of London. Thus, with the death of the last of the ancient British princes, commenced a mode of execution, usually exercised on traitors, disgraceful to humanity, and barbarous in its example.
In the 20th of Richard II. the parliament was adjourned from Westminster to Shrewsbury. On the king’s arrival, he gave a sumptuous feast to the peers and commons in the abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. The parliament was held in the Chapter House, and so numerous were the members and their retinues that Speed calls this “THE GREAT PARLIAMENT.” It was certainly an important one. Chester was on this occasion made a principality, and among the articles of accusation afterwards brought against the king by Henry Bolingbroke were the oppressive laws which it enacted. The next account on record relative to this place is the memorable Battle of Shrewsbury; the skirmishing of which began under the walls of the castle gates, but the principal scene of action was at Battlefield. This engagement between Henry IV. and the Earl of Northumberland, fought on the plains and heaths of Battlefield and Albright Hussey, was one of the most important recorded in English history. The origin of the quarrel was a mandate from the monarch to the earl not to ransom his Scottish prisoners taken at Homedon, which that nobleman deemed an infringement of his rights. The jealous policy of Henry in this proceeding, and his ingratitude for the services which raised him to the throne, roused the indignation of Northumberland, and inflamed the high soul of his son, Lord Henry Percy, whose warlike disposition had gained him the characteristic appellation of Hotspur. Thomas, Earl of Worcester, younger brother to Northumberland, participated in their discontents, entered into their views of revenge, and offered his assistance to overthrow the usurper whom they had united to establish. Hotspur, who was the life of the conspiracy, released and made a friend of his valiant rival, Douglas, entered into a correspondence with Glyndwr, and reared the standard of rebellion, around which all his vassals and adherents rallied. He was joined by a powerful army from Scotland, under Earl Douglas and other chiefs, who, impelled by a rooted animosity to the King of England, warmly espoused the cause of the conspirators. Henry, who was apprised of their movements, placed himself at the head of a body of troops, and hurried into Shropshire, having previously ordered his sons, the Prince of Wales and Lord John of Lancaster, and his steady adherent, the Earl of Westmorland, to meet him with reinforcements at Bridgnorth. Aware that every thing depended on celerity of movement, he took possession of Shrewsbury, just as the forces of Lord Percy were preparing to assail it. Owen Glyndwr having mustered a numerous levy of Welshmen at Oswestry, sent off a detachment of 4,000, but, on being apprised of the king’s success, thought proper to suspend the march of his main body. Had the valour of Hotspur been tempered by discretion, he would have paused until the junction of his ally had given him better assurance of success. His army consisted of 14,000 chosen men; but the king’s army is said to have been nearly double that number. Had Glyndwr made good his engagements, the armies would have been about equal. Percy, however, had confidence in his own prowess, and his experience of that of his compeer, Douglas, banished every doubt of victory from his mind. His ardour received a momentary check from the following incident, which strikingly exemplifies the universal superstition of the times:—In preparing for the field, he called for his favourite sword, when he was informed that he had left it at the village of Berwick the preceding night. The name of the place startled him, and heaving a sigh, he exclaimed, “Alas! then, my death is near at hand; for a wizard once told me that I should not live long after I had been at Berwick, which I thought was a town in the north so called. Yet, I will not be cheaply won.”
The abbot of Shrewsbury and one of the clerks of the privy seal, were sent by the King to offer pardon to Hotspur if he would lay down his arms, but to no purpose. Percy completed all his military arrangements, and stationed his troops in a field still called the Hateleys—the royal forces occupying ground immediately opposite. A flourish of trumpets, mingling with the contending shouts of “St. George and victory,” and “Esperance Percy,” was the signal of onset, which was answered by a tremendous discharge of arrows from both sides. The Scots, who were too impatient to fight at a distance, rushed with great fury upon the centre of the royal army, and threw it into disorder; but the King hastening with fresh succour rallied his broken troops and recovered their ground. He frequently exposed himself in the thickest of the battle, which indeed he might the more safely do, since he had diminished the chances of personal danger, by investing several of his knights in regal habiliments. Events soon proved the prudence of the stratagem. Percy sought him in every part of the field, and Douglas with equal impetuosity slew three of these mock-monarchs with his own hand. The fight extended from Berwick westward, to the vicinity of Haughmond Abbey in the east, and continued for three hours with various success. The bravery of the King was nobly seconded by the valour of his son, Prince Henry, who that day performed his noviciate in arms, and gave earnest of the future glory of Agincourt. The Scottish champion, seconded by Hotspur, made another furious attack on the royal station—slew the standard bearer, and came within a sword’s point of the king, who fled for his life. In one of these charges Hotspur was shot through the brain by an arrow, and fell gloriously in the midst of his foes. Shortly after his army gave way on all sides, and a total rout ensued. Douglas fled, and being hotly pursued, he was thrown down from his horse while taking a desperate leap on Haughmond-hill, and seized by the enemy. Phillips, the historian, says, “1,600 royalists were slain, and 3,000 wounded; on the side of Percy 6,000 were killed, among whom were Lord Percy and most of the knights and gentlemen of Cheshire; there fell on that day 2,291 men of note.” Henry having put a period to the slaughter, halted to return thanks on the field of battle, and decreed the erection of a collegiate church at Battlefield. The pious gratitude of the victorious monarch but ill accorded with the punishment he subsequently inflicted on the vanquished. The Earl of Worcester, Sir Theobald Trussel, and Sir Richard Vernon, were executed at the high cross of Shrewsbury, and their heads exposed to public view on London bridge. Hotspur’s body, which was found among the slain, was placed between two mill stones, in the market place, after which it was quartered, and hung on the gates of Shrewsbury, and other places in the kingdom. The King released Douglas without ransom, because he feared the Scots would avenge the death of a man so dear to them, and from similar motives he afterwards accepted the submission of Northumberland.
During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, which deluged England with blood, almost to the total extinction of her ancient nobility, the town of Shrewsbury espoused the party of the White Rose. In the records of the corporation is preserved a letter from Richard, Duke of York, requesting the burgesses to assist him with men in the enterprise he meditated of removing his rival, Somerset, from power. After his defeat and death at Wakefield, his son Edward, Earl of March, went to Shrewsbury, and obtained in its neighbourhood a powerful levy, which enabled him to revenge his father’s cause, in the great victory of Mortimer’s Cross. He was shortly after proclaimed king. The attachment of the inhabitants, and the great strength of the town, induced him to choose it as the asylum for his queen during the subsequent vicissitudes of the war. Whilst she resided here she had two sons, Richard and George Plantagenet; the latter died young, and the former, with his elder brother, Prince Edward, was, according to history, murdered in the Tower, at the instigation of their uncle, the Protector. On the usurpation of the crown by Richard III. his agent, the Duke of Buckingham, deserted him and fled into Wales, where he took up arms, and endeavoured to excite a general insurrection against the tyrant whom he had formerly served. Being abandoned by his followers, he fled in disguise into Shropshire, and concealed himself in the house of his steward, who, tempted by the price offered for his apprehension, betrayed him to John Mytton, sheriff of the county. He was immediately taken to Shrewsbury, where, by the king’s peremptory order, and without trial, he was executed on a scaffold erected before the High Cross.
The despotisms of Richard soon alienated the hearts of his subjects, and disposed them to receive his rival, the Earl of Richmond, with open arms. That prince, afterwards King Henry VII., landed at Milford Haven in August, 1485, with a force of about 2,000 men. The Welsh, who regarded him as their countryman, flocked to his standard and gave him every assurance of support. Having mustered his army he determined to march for Shrewsbury. On arriving at the Welsh bridge, he found the place in a posture of defence; and on summoning the town he was unexpectedly refused admittance by the head bailiff; a curious conference ensued, of which an account is given in a manuscript belonging to the school library. “The head-bailey Maister Myttoon, being a stout wyse gentilman, on demand being made of entrance, answered, sayinge that he knew no kynge but only kynge Richard, whose lyffetenants he and his fellows were; and before he should entir there, he should go over his belly, meaning thereby, that he should be slayne to the ground, and that he protested vehemently on the othe he had tacken; but on better advice Maister Myttoon permitted the kynge to pass; but to save hys othe, the sayd Myttoon lay along the ground, and his belly upwards, and soe the said erle stepped over hym and saved his othe.” The earl was first proclaimed king on his entrance into Shrewsbury; the inhabitants testifying their joy at his coming, and their vows for his success. He is said to have lodged in a house in the Wyle Cop, three doors below the Lion Inn. In 1488, when quietly established on the throne, he paid a visit to Shrewsbury, in testimony of his gratitude for its services to his cause; and in 1490, he, with his Queen and Prince Arthur, were present at a solemn festival, and attended mass in the collegiate church of St. Chad. Five years after, Henry again visited the town, and was nobly entertained in the castle by the corporation. The spring of the year 1551 was fatally distinguished by the commencement of a dreadful epidemic in this town called the “sweating sickness.”
In the year 1642, the ill-fated Charles I. came hither from Nottingham, at the head of his army, which was here amply reinforced and provisioned. The King was joined by Prince Rupert, Prince Charles, and the Duke of York, and many other noblemen and gentlemen of the neighbouring counties. Charles set up a mint here, at which was coined money for his own use, from the voluntary contributions of plate which were sent by the inhabitants and others. The corporation about this time filed a bill in Chancery against Richard Gibbons, late mayor, and Thomas Challoner, schoolmaster, who kept the keys of the free school chest, to recover the sum of £600, which they had surreptitiously taken from the funds of the charity, and lent to his Majesty. It appears the bill was dismissed without any relief, but it took the right honourable the Commissioners of the Great Seal eleven years before they could decide on its rejection. What, however, of justice was wanting to the plaintiffs in this cause was made up in assurances of thankfulness, and gracious promises by the royal receiver, who had given his note of hand, to refund the money whenever it should be called for. Some time after the king’s arrival he summoned the gentlemen and freeholders of the county, and addressed them in the following terms, on a plot of land called the Soldiers’ Piece, now converted into a race course:—“It is some benefit to me, from the insolence and misfortunes which have driven me about, that they have brought me to so good a part of my kingdom, and so faithful a part of my people. I hope neither you nor I shall repent my coming hither; I will do my part that you may not; and of you I was confident before I came. The residence of an army is not usually pleasant to any place, and mine may carry more fear with it, since it may be thought (being robbed and spoiled of all my own, and such terror used to fright and keep all men from supplying me), I must only live upon the aid and relief of my people. But be not afraid, I would to God my poor subjects suffered no more by the insolence and violence of that army raised against me (though they have made themselves wanton even with plenty), than you shall do by mine. And yet I fear I cannot prevent all disorders; I will do my best; and this I promise you, no man shall be a loser by me, if I can help it. I have sent hither for a mint; I will melt down my own plate, and expose all my land to sale or mortgage, that if it be possible, I may not bring the least pressure upon you. In the meantime, I have summoned you hither to do that for me and yourselves, for the maintenance of your religion, and the law of the land (by which you enjoy all that you have) which other men do against me. Do not suffer so good a cause to be lost, for want of supplying me with that, which will be taken from you by those who pursue me with violence. And whilst these ill men sacrifice their money, plate, and utmost industry to destroy, be you no less liberal to preserve. Assure yourselves, if it please God to bless me with success, I shall remember the assistance that every particular man here gives me to his advantage. However, it will hereafter (how furiously soever the minds of men are now possessed) be honour and comfort to you, that with some charge and trouble to yourselves, you did your part to support your king and preserve the kingdom.” During the king’s residence here he kept his court at the Council House. The Princes Rupert and Morris were stationed with the army, which exercised in the fields near the Hall. The king caused the castle gates to be repaired, pulled down many houses near the castle, and brought the water from the Severn up to the gate, by means of a draw bridge. He also built a strong fort at the upper end of Frankwell, in which he planted cannon.
Sir Michael Earnley was governor of the castle in 1644, and during the storming of the town by the parliamentary forces had command of the garrison. At this time, Colonel Mytton, a soldier of great valour, was governor of a small garrison at Wem, and general of Cromwell’s army in this county. Having made two unsuccessful attempts, on the night of the 3rd of February, he came with his forces consisting of two hundred and fifty foot, and the same number of horse, and marched towards Shrewsbury, where they arrived about three o’clock on Saturday morning. Eight carpenters went up the river in a little boat, and landed within the enemy’s breast work, under the castle hill on the east side. The sentinels, after some pause fired upon them, but they very soon sawed down so many of the palasades as gave the men a free passage.
The first that stormed were forty-two troopers dismounted, with their pistols, and about as many firelocks. They were led on by Mr. Huson, a puritan preacher, Captain Willers, and Lieutenant Benbow; then followed some other musqueteers along the side of the Severn, under the Castle Hill, and entered the town at the Water-lane Gate; after these marched three hundred and fifty infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Rinking. Having entered the streets of the town they marched to the market place, surprised the guard, and put the captain to death; the rest marched to the castle Foregate, which was also soon gained; the guard having basely deserted it. The town being in possession of the parliamentary forces, they let down the draw bridge, near the castle, and the horse immediately entered under the command of Colonel Mytton and Bowyer. It was now about break of day, and the inhabitants were filled with consternation and surprise at beholding the enemy in the very heart of the town, which, on retiring to rest the preceding night, they thought the most secure in the island. About twelve o’clock the castle after a feeble resistance surrendered, on condition that the English part of it should march to Ludlow, but the Irish were delivered up to the conquerors. At the time of the assault the governor, Sir Michael Earnley, was confined by sickness to his bed; but waked by the noise of the tumult, he sprang up at the moment the enemy were rushing into his chamber, and with great courage refused to submit to the conquerors, rejecting all quarter, he wantonly perished, covered more with wounds than with glory. The loss in killed and wounded was inconsiderable; but the prisoners and property seized by the victors was of great importance, for here were taken eight knights and baronets, forty colonels, majors, captains, and others of quality, besides the common soldiers, also fifteen pieces of ordnance, several hundred stand of arms and powder, &c. For these important services the general received the thanks of parliament, and was made governor of the castle. The late lieutenant governor was tried by a court martial at Gloucester, and afterwards hanged, for negligence and cowardice, in suffering the place to be surprised without his having made a suitable resistance. Prince Maurice made his escape before the castle surrendered, but the whole of his magazine fell into the hands of the victors.
In the contest between the king and the parliament, Colonel John Benbow, uncle to the celebrated Admiral Benbow, united with the parliament forces; but afterwards deserted his principles, and espoused the cause of the monarch. He distinguished himself by opposing his former associates at the taking of Shrewsbury, for which vacillating conduct he was condemned by the parliament, and shot on the green before the castle, October 15th, 1651. At the same time the parliament in order to strike terror into those who favoured royalty, adjudged the Earl of Derby to suffer at Bolton. Several other gentlemen of the first families in England were also sentenced to death at the same period. An attempt was made to reduce the town to loyal obedience, after the death of the protector Cromwell, but the governor of the castle secured the place in the interest of parliament.
At the restoration, notwithstanding the joy which was diffused through the kingdom, it is probable there were some in every county who still sighed for the Commonwealth. The municipal bodies of the realm, terrified by the example of London, made haste to surrender the charters they had received from former monarchs into the hands of the sovereign. The corporation, however, of Shrewsbury stood out for a twelvemonth. At length, on the 13th of June, 1684, it was agreed unanimously, that the charter of the town should be surrendered and yielded up to his majesty, when his pleasure should require it. On the 20th of August, it was “Ordered that the mayor and committee attend the Lord Chief Justice Jones, to discourse him, touching the renewing of the charter, and unanimously agreed, that in the new charter there shall be only twelve aldermen and twenty-four assistants.” The king’s death prevented this instrument from passing the great seal in his name. Within a week after that event, the corporation sent up an address to their new sovereign, expressive of “their joyfulness in his succession, and humbly thanking him for his gracious declaration in preferring the Protestant religion;” no obscure intimation of their wishes on that momentous subject, which engaged all ranks with an intensity of interest difficult to be conceived by the present generation. On the 17th of March, 1684, the corporation received their new charter, in which the king expresses his gracious affection for the melioration of the town of Salop, and hopes that, if the burgesses and inhabitants have more ample liberties and privileges, they will be the better enabled and the more bound to render him the more special service. He grants that the town shall be “a free town of itself, and the burgesses and inhabitants shall be a body corporate, and sue and be sued; that there shall be one good and discreet man of the aldermen of the town who shall be mayor; twelve good and discreet men (the mayor being one) who shall be aldermen; and twenty-four good and discreet men, assistants.” Then follow various other officers, and a clause empowering the corporation to supply vacancies occasioned by death, &c. When James II. made a progress through this part of his dominions, the corporation resolved to expend £200 in entertaining and making a present to the king. They despatched two gentlemen to Gloucester and Worcester for the purpose of ascertaining the manner in which the royal traveller was entertained in those cities. They resolved that the conduits should run with wine on the day of his majesty’s entrance, and that the corporated companies should appear with their drums, colours, flags, and streamers. The king arrived on the 24th of August, and took up his abode at the Council House, where the corporation presented him with a purse of gold containing one hundred guineas. On the following morning, he exercised the gift of healing, by touching several persons for the king’s evil. The king issued a proclamation on the 17th of October for restoring corporations to their ancient charters and franchises, and orders were the same day made in council for removing all corporate officers, who had been put in by the crown since 1679. Richard Mickleston was at this time mayor of Shrewsbury; under the new charter of 1685 he was discharged from his office, and John Hill, Esq., elected in his room, under the charter of 1638.
The various “compositions” which the burgesses of Shrewsbury appear to have entered into amongst themselves for the government of this borough, clearly indicate that a large share of power was exercised by “the commons” in its municipal institutions. The liberties and customs of the burgesses or commons were confirmed by the charter of Henry II., and by various others granted before and after the date of the compositions alluded to. But the constitution of the borough was materially altered by a charter of the 14th of Charles I., transferring to a select body the functions previously exercised by the commons. This charter continued to be the governing one till the passing of the new municipal act, in 1835. The corporation by it was appointed to consist of a mayor, twenty-four aldermen, and forty-eight assistants, with an indefinite number of burgesses or freemen, under the style of the “mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the town of Shrewsbury, in the county of Salop,” instead of the “bailiffs and burgesses,” as in the old charter. The ministerial officers named in the charter were, the recorder and his deputy, the steward, town clerk, two coroners, four auditors, two chamberlains, a sword bearer, three serjeants-at-mace, and three serjeants-yeomen. Exclusive jurisdiction in the borough was granted, the magistrates being the mayor and ex-mayor, the bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, the chancellor of the diocese, the recorder, steward, and three senior aldermen. Few of them, however, continued to act. Petty sessions were authorised to be held weekly, quarter sessions for all criminal actions not capital, a weekly court of record for all personal suits to any amount, and for ejectments, and a court leet, with view of frank-pledge. A court of requests was established in the 23rd of George III. for the recovery of debts under 40s., which was held every alternate week. The number of suits in the court in 1839 was 1011. This court has been superseded by the new county court act.
Under the new municipal act, the borough is included in schedule A, amongst boroughs to have a commission of the peace, which has accordingly been granted, and the court of quarter sessions and recorder re-appointed; and in section I. of that schedule among those the parliamentary boundaries of which were to be taken till altered by parliament. The limits of the borough extend considerably beyond the ancient boundaries, and now include the whole town and its suburbs. It has been divided into five wards, and appointed to be governed by ten aldermen and thirty councillors under the usual corporate style. The income of the corporation in 1840, was £1903. 10s. 8d. The income for the year ending September 1st, 1850, was £3184. 6s. 9d. of which £515. 11s. 3d. arose from the rental of premises; £1750. 1s. 11d. from the borough rate; and the remainder from miscellaneous sources. The principal items of expenditure for the same period are—police, £832. 1s. 4d.; salaries, £346. 14s.; rent and taxes, £42. 8s.; reparations, £187. 6s. 5d.; turns in the quarry and other annual payments, £267. 19s. 2d.; prosecutions, £217. 19s. 5d.; maintenance and removal of prisoners, £245. 17s. 11d.; expenses at sessions, including fees, &c., £395. 1s. 4d.; inquests and coroners expenses, £72. 4s. 6d. There was also a balance of £265. 0s. 9d. in the treasurer’s hands. Shrewsbury has regularly returned two members to parliament since the reign of Edward I. Previous to the passing of the reform act the franchise was in the burgesses inhabiting within the ancient limits of the borough, paying scot and lot, and not receiving alms or charity. The county assizes, and quarter sessions, are held here; petty sessions are held every Tuesday, and the borough magistrates sit daily.
The following is a list of the members of parliament, the corporate body, and the municipal officers of the borough of Shrewsbury for the year 1851:—
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
Robert Anglionby Slaney, Esq., and Edward Holmes Baldock, Esq.
BOROUGH MAGISTRATES.
Edward Hughes, Esq., mayor; Joseph Birch, Esq., ex-mayor; Robert Burton, Esq.; Edward Haycock, Esq.; William Henry Perry, Esq.; James Watkins, Esq.; T. G. Gwyn, Esq.; Edward Morris, Esq., John Hazledine, Esq.
Mayor—Edward Hughes, Esq.
Aldermen—John Thomas Smitheman, Esq.; Edward Haycock, Esq.; William Wyburgh How, Esq.; John Loxdale, Esq.; James Watkins, Esq.; John Bowen, Esq.; Robert Burton, Esq.; Thomas Groves, Esq.; John Legh, Esq.; Charles Lloyd, Esq.
COUNCILLORS.
Castle Ward Within—William James Clement, Joseph Birch, William Henry Perry, Edwin Foulkes, Thomas Hall, Richard Jeffreys Mulckleston.
Castle Ward Without—James Smith, Thomas Birch, John Bishton Minor, Joseph Chune, Benjamin Birch, James Moore.
Stone Ward Within—Thomas Campbell Eyton, William Richard Stokes, David Evans, James Burrey, Edward Hughes, Lewis Meredith.
Stone Ward Without—William Burr, Charles Bowen Teece, John Hazledine, George Harper, Richard Taylor, William Butler Lloyd.
Welsh Ward—Thomas William Trouncer, Robert Mortimer Healing, Robert Baugh Blakemore, William Onions, Robert Haycock, Henry Keate.
Recorder, Charles Harwood, Esq. Coroner (borough), Henry Keate, Esq. Town Clerk, J. J. Peel, Esq. Clerk of the Peace, G. Gordon, Esq. Magistrates’ Clerk, W. H. Cooper, Esq. Chief Constable, Captain Mayne. Borough Treasurer, Mr. Henry Pidgeon. Surveyor, Mr. Thomas Tisdale. Governor of the Gaol, Mr. John Sheppard, Town Marshall and senior Serjeant, S. Farlow. Chief Constable, William Harper. Serjeant of Mace, John Thomas. Town Crier, George Rowe.
The Borough Police Force consists of a chief constable, two superintendents, two inspectors, and thirteen constables.
The County Constabulary consists of a chief constable, two first class superintendents, four second class superintendents, ten first class constables, and forty second class constables.
In the year 1756, thirty-seven colliers were brought to gaol for rioting and committing outrages in the county, it being a time of scarcity for all kinds of provisions. The trial took place at the spring assizes of the following year. Ten of the rioters were left for execution; but the judge sent his report express to the attorney-general, with an intimation fixed for the day of execution, and the individuals two in number, who, as he deemed it should suffer the sentence of the law. The report having been transmitted to Mr. Pitt, then secretary of state, it lay there untouched, and was never laid before the king. The day of execution arrived, without any reprieve, and Mr. Leek, the deputy sheriff, was advised by several of the principal gentlemen in the town to leave the prisoners to their fate. But he was so much shocked at the thought of executing so large a number, which he was convinced could not be the intention of the judge, that he ventured to postpone the execution, and sent off an express to London, on the return of which he had the satisfaction of finding that his conduct was highly approved of, and still more, the consciousness that he had saved eight lives. The following is part of a letter written to him on the occasion by Lord Chief Justice Willes:—“Till I saw your letter I was under the greatest uneasiness,—for I took it for granted that all the ten rioters had been executed on Saturday last; and, upon my return from the Home Circuit, on Thursday last, I found that by a shameful neglect in one of the secretary of state’s officers, no reprieve had been sent down; and, as it was then too late to send one down, I saw no reason to hope that their execution would be deferred to a longer time. But though, to be sure, you have acted contrary to your duty, you have acted a wise, prudent, and most humane part; and you have not only my thanks, but the thanks of some of the greatest men in the kingdom, for the part you have acted on this occasion.” In a letter from Mr. Leek’s agent in town it is stated, “My Lord Commissioner Willes was so afflicted . . . that it really made him ill; and he did not for two days go into the king’s closet, so much he feared the effect it might have upon the king’s mind, if the affair was communicated to his majesty while it was under that state of uncertainty. Thank God, your prudent and well judged respite has prevented all the uneasiness and mischiefs that might have happened; and I have the pleasure to assure you that no step was ever taken that has given more satisfaction, than this of yours has done. My Lord Commissioner Willes waited this day upon the king with your letter, and has directed me to acquaint you, by his majesty’s orders, that his majesty entirely approves of what you have done.”
CHURCHES.
St. Mary’s Church stands in a commanding position in St. Mary’s street, and is one of the most interesting ecclesiastical edifices in the country. This fine structure is cruciform, and consists of nave, side aisles, transept, chancel, two side chapels, and a tower, crowned with a lofty and beautiful spire. In common with most of our early churches there is no opportunity of ascertaining the precise date of its erection; it is said to owe its foundation to Edgar, who, at the suggestion of Archbishop Dunstan, placed in it a dean, seven prebends, and a parish priest, with a stipend of £6. 6s. 8d. per annum. There is, however, every probability that the foundation was antecedent to his reign. In the time of Edward the Confessor, this college possessed a landed estate of about 1300 acres, which it continued to hold at the Domesday survey, but of which it was soon after deprived. From a very early period this church enjoyed the privilege of a royal free chapel, and was therefore exempt from the jurisdiction of the Bishops. These privileges formed a frequent ground of contest between the sovereign pontiffs and the kings of England. A particular instance relates to the church now under consideration. About the year 1270, the dean had a dispute with the Abbot of Salop, touching the right of presentation to the Church of Fittes, or as it was then written, Fitesho, to which one Robert de Acton had been instituted by the Bishop of Lichfield, and forcibly ejected by the dean. Acton, being a crusader, was under the especial protection of the pope, whose officer called “the Executor of the Cross,” sent an order to the Abbot of Shrewsbury to restore the incumbent to his benefice. This being done the king’s attorney-general filed an information against the abbot, requiring him to answer ‘whereof he exercised jurisdiction in the Chapel of Fitesho,’ appertaining to the King’s Free Chapel of St. Mary, of Salop, which is exempt, so that neither our lord “the pope, nor any other ecclesiastical judge hath jurisdiction therein.” Judgment passed against the abbot, and he was sentenced to pay damages to the king and to suffer imprisonment.
The Dean of St. Mary’s, had, from time immemorial, the power of collecting and paying into the king’s exchequer, the tenths or other subsidies arising from the deanery and prebends. Edward the first confirmed this privilege; and his grandson, in the eighteenth year of his reign, recognized by directing the sheriffs of Salop and Hereford not to enter the jurisdiction of the royal chapel, or to levy a distress on the possessions thereof, for any subsidies or tenths, unless the dean should neglect to make a due return. At the dissolution of collegiate churches 1. of Edward VI., the revenues which consisted chiefly of tithe, amounted to £42, the greatest portion of which was granted by that monarch towards the endowment of the Free Schools. According to Leland it had a dean and nine poor prebendaries, also vicars choral, two chauntry priests, a parish priest, and a clerk or assistant. The peculiar jurisdiction of the Royal Free Chapel remained till the recent act of parliament restored it to the bishop of the diocese, and was held in lease at an annual rent of £1. 6s. 8d., of the corporation to whom Queen Elizabeth granted it by charter, dated 23rd May, 1571. The usual style of the minister was “ordinary and official, principal of the peculiar and exempt jurisdiction of the Free Royal Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In his courts wills were proved, letters of administration were granted, and all ecclesiastical matters, arising within the parish and its subordinate chapelries, adjudicated. In 1632, King Charles I., during his residence at the council house, attended divine service here, received the sacraments, and made solemn protestations of his fidelity to the principles of the reformed religion.
This venerable edifice exhibits various styles of architecture: the Anglo-Norman of the 12th century in the basement of the nave and most of the doors; the lancet style of the 13th century, in the chancel and transept, and the obtuse arch of the 15th century in the side aisles and chapels. The basement of the tower is of red sand stone, and the upper portion of grey, and in the Anglo-Norman and early pointed styles of architecture. The dimensions of the church are—length from east to west 160 feet—breadth of nave and side aisles 53 feet—transept 90 feet, and height of tower and steeple 223 feet; the height of the steeple from the bed of the river 300 feet. The beautifully proportioned octagonal spire which rises from a tower of noble proportions, is a conspicuous ornament to the town, and is seen from the adjacent country to a considerable distance. The nave and side aisles externally, in the pointed style of the 15th century, are of the Grinshill free stone, and entered on the north and south-west by beautiful semi-circular arches, adorned with chevron, lozenged and foliated mouldings; the south-west porch is in the Anglo-Norman style, having zigzag mouldings, issuing from clustered columns, with foliated capitals. On each side is a small pointed window, exhibiting specimens of the earliest rudiments of the millioned Gothic architecture, in which has lately been placed some highly interesting painted glass, of German execution, on which are depicted various incidents, chiefly from the Apocrypha. A stone porch, entered by a pointed arch, had recently been erected before the corresponding door on the north side.
The interior of this venerable edifice is spacious, lofty, and strikingly noble; the nave is separated from the side aisles by four semicircular arches, resting on elegant clustered columns, with foliated capitals of varied and beautiful designs. Above is a clerestory, which is continued along the walls of the chancel, lighted by a short double window, bluntly pointed and bisected by single mullions. The ceiling of the nave is of panelled oak, richly studded with elegant and exquisitely carved pendants and foliated bosses, and merits attention not only on account of its elaborate workmanship, but as being one of the richest and most highly preserved specimens of its kind now in existence. A lofty pointed arch, including in its span the entire breadth of the nave, rises from richly clustered piers, with foliated capitals, and divides the nave from the ancient choir. Eastward is a similar arch of like dimensions, springing from the same pier. From these, the wings of the transept, corresponding in size, branch off to the north and south. At each extremity of the transept is a fine triple lancet window, highly enriched with slender shafts, foliated capitals, and delicate mouldings, filled with beautiful stained glass, illustrative of Scripture history; the most prominent figures are those of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and Evangelists, and an escutcheon of the arms of George III., executed by Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury. The chancel is elevated above the rest of the church. The ceiling, like that of the transept, is excellently painted, and adorned with some of the rich fret work removed from the wreck of the churches of St. Chad and St. Alkmund. On the north side of the altar is a beautiful triple lancet window, with arches remarkably acute, resting on two insulated columns, with capitals adorned with foliage. This window contains some fine stained glass, representing the history of the life of St. Bernard. The great east window occupies the whole extremity of the chancel, and exhibits the debased style of English architecture of the Elizabethan era. In this window is the curious and beautiful ancient stained glass which filled the window of the old St. Chad’s church, prior to its demolition, and which was presented to this church in 1791. The subject is the genealogy of Christ from the root of Jesse. Jesse is represented reclining in sleep, from his loins spring a vine, which overspreads the whole window, enclosed in his branches the several kings, his descendants—the series of which is finished by the husband of the Virgin Mary in a devotional posture at the feet of his progenitor. Many of the figures are depicted with their peculiar emblems, the ground of the whole is exquisitely beautiful, and the clusters of grapes, and the bright verdure of the vine leaves, are displayed with great effect. Underneath is an inscription requesting our prayers for “Mons. John de Charlton, and Dame Hawis, his companion,” from which, and from the armorial bearings, we learn that this beautiful piece of ancient art was set up by the great Sir John de Charlton, lord of Powis, and must have been executed about the middle of the fourteenth century. It has been conjectured the glass was presented to the grey friars of this town, to which religious house Sir John and his wife were great benefactors, and that it was removed to St. Chad’s at the dissolution. This is a singular circumstance of so fragile a material surviving the destruction of two vast and substantial edifices. Within the last few years the window has been judiciously restored. The organ is a powerful and fine toned instrument, erected by Harris and Byfield, in 1729. By the munificence of the present incumbent, the west end has been enriched by an elegant organ screen of the most elaborate workmanship, executed by Mr. John Carline. On the south side of the chancel is the Trinity or “Leybourne chapel,” which communicates with the south transept by a fine Norman arch, and with the chancel with an arch in the pointed style. It is said to have been founded about the year 1300, by one of the Leybournes, of Berwick, as a place of sepulture for the family, and was subsequently enlarged into its present form by the Draper’s company. In the south east wall are three stone sedilia, with canopied arches, and near the north east wall is an altar tomb (probably of Simon de Leybourne, lord of Berwick, who died between 1300 and 1315), the sides of which are adorned with canopied niches formerly containing figures; and on the tomb reclines a figure of a knight cross-legged, and in chain armour. In this tomb the headless corpse of Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester, who was taken prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, 1403, and beheaded, is believed to have been interred. Underneath the south window is a neatly executed gothic monument in memory of Heathcoate Wigram, of Woodhouse, in the county of Essex; he was a pupil to the Royal Free Grammar School, of this town, and was drowned whilst bathing in the Severn, on September 1st, 1838, aged 14 years. The monument was erected by the masters and pupils in memory of him whom they loved and lamented. Against the east wall are monuments to John Jendine, Esq., and Thomas Sutton, Esq., and between them is the statue of Bishop Butler, erected by his pupils at the cost of eight hundred guineas. The figure is full length, sitting in an easy and graceful position, clothed in the episcopal robes; the right hand hanging over the chair, and the left hand supporting the head, which is leaning in thought. The figure is of the purest statuary marble, and the pedestal which supports the statue of dove coloured marble from the Clee Hill; it was sculptured by F. H. Baily, Esq., R.A. On the north side of the chancel is the vestry, recently erected in the Norman style, the windows of which are ornamented with antique German and Flemish glass; immediately adjoining is the chauntry chapel of St. Catherine; these windows are also beautified with stained glass, illustrating various portions of Scripture history. This chapel is now used as a baptistry, and the ancient stone font, which is beautifully carved, stands in the centre, on a rich pavement of encaustic tile. An alabaster slab, against the north wall, engraved with figures of a warrior and a lady, commemorates Nicholas Stafford, Esq., and Catherine, his wife, who died in 1643. A white marble monument, recently erected by subscription, over the door leading into the vestry, remembers the brave admiral Benbow, a native of the parish. It represents an obtuse pyramid of black marble, against which leans an oval medallion bust of the admiral, surrounded with anchors, flags, and cannon, and below a delicately sculptured representation in bas relief of a naval fight. In the north transept is placed a most beautiful free stone monument to the late Rev. J. B. Blakeway, which for elegance of design, and beauty of execution, has rarely been surpassed in modern times; it is upwards of 12 feet in length and 16 feet in height, and is divided into three compartments by clustered buttresses, which sustain richly crocheted pinnacles. The centre compartment comprises a large pointed arch canopied and crocheted, the back of which is deeply recessed, and contains the following inscription in ornamental Roman capitals:—
To the Memory of the Reverend
John Brickdale Blakeway, M.A., F.A.S.,
Thirty-one years ordinary and official,
And thirty-two years Minister of this Parish.
This Monument is erected
By the voluntary subscription of his parishioners,
As a tribute of respect for his talents,
Esteem for his virtues,
And gratitude for his long and faithful services,
As their friend and pastor.
He died the tenth day of March, MDCCCXXVI,
Aged sixty years.
As a preacher, Mr. Blakeway was admired for his forcible illustration of Holy writ, and the valuable admonitions which his discourses generally contained. As an author he was known to the world by the publication of several sermons, and controversial tracts; and as an historian his name will be immortalized in the elaborate History of Shrewsbury, which he commenced in 1820, in conjunction with the venerable Archdeacon Owen, and just lived to see the general history and ecclesiastical portions published in two quarto volumes. There are other memorials, exquisite specimens of monumental skill, unrivalled in elegance of design and richness of execution, in various parts of the same edifice, which our limits will not allow us to notice. On the exterior wall of the tower are the following quaint verses to the memory of Robert Cadman, who, on February 2nd, 1793, lost his life in an attempt to descend from the top of the spire of St. Mary’s along a rope which he had fixed to its highest part, and extended to a field on the opposite side of the river. In the midst of his passage the rope broke, as he was passing over St. Mary’s Friars, and he fell lifeless on the ice-bound earth:—
Let this small monument record the name
Of Cadman, and to future times proclaim,
How from a bold attempt to fly from this high spire,
Across the Sabrine stream he did acquire
His fatal end! ’Twas not for want of skill,
Or courage, to perform the task, he fell;
No, no, a faulty cord, being drawn too tight
Hurried his soul on high to take his flight,
Which hid the body here beneath; good night.
The patronage of St. Mary’s church is vested in five trustees, the living is returned at £312, and is enjoyed by the Rev. W. G. Rowland; the Rev. V. B. Johnstone and T. G. Galway are the curates.
St. Chad’s Church.—The old collegiate church of St. Chad, of which only a small part, called the Lady Chapel, is standing, occupies the eminence between College Hill and Belmont. The collegiate establishment consisted of a dean, ten secular canons, and two vicars choral; and was founded soon after the subjugation of Pengwern, in the 8th century, by Offa, King of Mercia, who, as tradition states, converted the palace of the kings of Powis into his first church. In the time of Edward the Confessor, this church held twelve hides of land, which it retained at the Domesday survey. Subsequently other considerable possessions were acquired by the college, so that at the dissolution the yearly revenues amounted to £49. 13s. The college was dissolved in the 2nd Edward IV., and the crown leased the collegiate property for a term of twenty-one years, and a few years afterwards it was appropriated to the Free School of Shrewsbury, in which it is now vested. Respecting the various changes which this ancient edifice must have undergone during a period of nearly 1,000 years, few notices have been preserved. In the year 1393, a considerable part of it was consumed by fire, occasioned by the carelessness of a plumber, who, alarmed at the conflagration, endeavoured to escape over the ford of the Severn, and was drowned. The damage was so extensive, that the inhabitants of the town obtained from Richard II. a remission of certain taxes to enable them to rebuild it.
In this church, at a very early period, the doctrines of the Reformation were promulgated. William Thorpe, a priest, obtained leave in the year 1407 to deliver a sermon before the principal inhabitants. On this occasion he boldly exposed the corruptions of the Romish church, in consequence of which the bailiffs of the town preferred charges of heresy and sedition against him to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who brought him to trial. In his examination, he candidly admitted the charges laid against him, but adhered to his opinions with manly and unshrinking steadiness, when he was remanded to prison; but of his subsequent fate we possess no account. The progress of the Reformation effected a wonderful change in the minds of men. In the 1st of Edward VI. the bailiffs of Shrewsbury, whose predecessors had denounced one of its boldest champions as a heretic, ordered the pictures and superstitious ornaments of St. Chad’s to be publicly burnt; and in the 26th of Elizabeth, the service of the Church of England was solemnly established there.
The old church was a majestic edifice, and from its situation, on a commanding eminence, presented from a distance a cathedral-like appearance. It was cruciform, with a central tower, and chiefly in the Anglo-Norman and lancet styles of architecture, with subsequent additions, having the characteristics of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The misfortune which befel this venerable edifice in 1788 is a striking proof of the mischiefs occasioned by the interment of the dead in the interior of places of worship. Early in the year, one of the four pillars, which supported the tower in the centre of the church, shrunk in so alarming a manner as to endanger the safety of the fabric. An architect of the town advised that the whole tower should be taken down, but the parish vestry, rejecting this advice, employed a mason in the rash attempt of underbuilding the pillar. The second morning after the work had commenced, July 9th, when the clock had struck four, the decayed pillar gave way, the tower was instantly rent asunder, and falling with its heavy peal of bells on the roof of the nave and transepts, sunk, with a great part of the building, in one tremendous crash to the ground. The ruins, on the following day, presented an awful spectacle; and pews, pulpit, organ, monuments, and bells, were seen broken and dispersed in a thousand forms. Among the rubbish were found pieces of Saxon sculpture, which had probably belonged to the ancient church, and had been used in the repairs after the calamitous fire which happened in 1393. Any attempt at rebuilding the edifice being now deemed inadvisable, the remaining fragments were taken down, except the Lady Chancel, to prevent further mischief. The fine stained glass of the west window having fortunately escaped destruction, was carefully preserved, and afterwards placed in the chancel of St. Mary’s church. The figure of St. Chad, in his episcopal vestments, which stood on the summit of the organ, was also preserved, and is now placed in the vestry of the new church. Such funeral monuments as could be rescued from the ruins, were placed at the disposal of the families to whom they belonged, and others were removed to the chapel before mentioned. This chapel, originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was rebuilt in 1571, by Humphrey Onslow, Esq., being the burial place of his family, and is now solely used for reading the funeral service over those who are buried in the ancient cemetery. One of the monuments now removed to the Abbey Church remembered Richard Onslow, an eminent lawyer, and speaker of the House of Commons in the 8th of Queen Elizabeth. He was the ancestor of Sir Richard, afterwards Lord Onslow, who filled the chair of the House of Commons in the 8th of Queen Anne; and also of Arthur Onslow, Esq., who so ably exercised the office of speaker during many successive parliaments. There is a small tablet to the Rev. Job Orton, who was interred in the same grave as Mr. Bryan, a former minister of this church, who quitted his benefice on the act of uniformity.
The New Church of St. Chad.—From the site of the old edifice being deemed ineligible, the new church was built on a commanding eminence bordering on the Quarry. It is constructed of the beautiful white free stone brought from Grinshill. The body of the church forms a circle one hundred feet in diameter, and externally consists of a rustic basement, with square windows, on which reposes a superstructure, containing a series of large arched windows, between each of which are coupled Ionic pilasters, resting on the basement and supporting a bold cornice, crowned with an open balustrade. Attached to the main edifice is a small circular building with similar enrichments; and beyond which is the steeple, consisting of three stories. Upon a square rustic basement rises an octagonal belfry, enriched with Ionic pilasters, and above, a small cupola supported on a heavy cylinder, surrounded by eight slender Corinthian pillars. A heavy cross and vane crowns the summit. On each side of the tower is a plain square wing, which are used as vestries. Before the front is a handsome portico, elevated on a flight of steps, and supported by four Doric columns. The exterior beauty of this church consists more in the fineness of its materials, and the splendour of its ornaments, than in the harmonious proportion and disposition of its several parts. The interior is handsomely and conveniently arranged; and though possessing much of the theatrical air, yet, by the ingenuity of the circular arrangement, all the congregation can distinctly hear and see the officiating clergyman. A capacious gallery, ornamented in front with a handsome balustrade, surrounds the whole church except the chancel, and reposes on a double row of short pillars with Ionic capitals. From these a corresponding tier of slender fluted shafts rises to the ceiling, which is adorned with a glory in the centre, and a rich cornice of angels and wings interlaced. The chancel, contrary to general custom, is towards the north, and is separated from the body of the church by a handsome arch, springing from an entablature supported by composite columns, with capitals richly gilt. Over the chief entrance is a powerful and fine-toned organ, built by Gray, of London, in 1794, and enlarged and improved in 1848. The font formerly belonged to the parish of Malpas, and is that in which the late Bishop Heber was baptized.
The principal monuments are, a handsome panelled marble tablet, with a fine bust by Chantrey, commemorative of Mr. John Simpson, an eminent architect, and builder of this church. A similar tablet and bust, by Chantrey, to William Hazledine, Esq., the builder of the Menai bridge; an oblong Grecian tablet, with an elegant latin inscription, to the Rev. Francis Leighton, his lady, and two grandchildren; and in the vestibule an elegant marble mural monument to the officers and privates of the 53rd, or Shropshire Regiment, who were killed on the 10th of February, 1846, in the battles of Subraon, Aliwal, and Loodhiana, on the Sutluj. The window above the altar is ornamented with painted glass, representing the descent from the cross, after Rubens, the Salutation and Representation in the Temple, executed by Mr. Evans, of this town, whose skill has also been exercised in four other windows of this church, of which the subjects are, the raising of Lazarus, Christ receiving little children, healing of the sick, and the tribute money, the whole of which were presented by the Rev. R. Scott. The church was commenced building March 2nd, 1790, and consecrated August 20th, 1792; there is accommodation for a congregation of 2200 persons. The total cost, including site, organ, and bells, £19,352. The living is a vicarage, returned at £350, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor; incumbent, Rev. John Yardley, M.A.
The Church of the Holy Cross, commonly called the Abbey Church, is situated in the Abbey Foregate. It is built of red sand stone, and consists of nave, side aisles, and a massive tower at the west end. Though the beauty of the church has suffered both from dilapidation and mutilation, yet it displays many interesting features of ancient Norman architecture, combined with the earlier pointed style. It originally formed part of the richly endowed monastery founded by Roger de Montgomery, the first Earl of Shrewsbury, and was built on the site of a small wooden church dedicated to St. Peter, which it is said was erected in the time of Edward the Confessor, by Siward, a Saxon gentleman, then resident in Shropshire. The nave or great western aisle, was in very early times appropriated to the use of the neighbouring inhabitants, who were in general servants of the Abbey. It was called the Parish Church of the Holy Cross, within the monastery of St. Peter’s, of Salop. For this reason it was spared in the general destruction of the Abbey, and being now one of the parochial churches of the town, retains the name of Holy Cross. When entire it was a stately cruciform building, equal in size to some of our cathedrals, but two-thirds of the structure was destroyed at the dissolution of monasteries in the time of Henry VIII. The principal entrance is at the west end under the tower, through a pointed doorway, with mouldings skilfully inserted within a deeply recessed semi-circular arch, the exterior rib of which springs on each side from a Norman pillar, with indented capital. Above this rises a magnificent and elegantly proportioned window, divided horizontally by embattled transoms, and perpendicularly by six upright mullions into seven compartments; the arched head is gracefully pointed and filled with a profusion of the most delicate tracery. On each side of the window is a canopied niche, containing statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, the tutelar saints of the Abbey. The nave is separated from the side aisles by the semi-circular arches, resting on short mosaic pillars in the Anglo-Norman style. The western portion has two pointed arches in the Gothic style, rising from clustered pillars, with capitals composed of small horizontal mouldings; a lofty and graceful arch opens from the nave of the tower, and affords a view of the fine west window, the upper part of which is filled with armorial bearings. The fine eastern window filled with stained glass was executed by Evans, of Shrewsbury, with his usual taste. Underneath this window is a beautifully executed stone altar screen, composed of an arcade of five Norman arches, with varied mouldings, surrounded by a pierced balustrade. The communion table is fenced by stone railing uniform in style, the whole of which was designed and executed by Messrs. Carline and Dodson, of this town, through the liberality of the late Rev. R. Scott. The north east window of the north aisle contains a figure of St. Peter, the arms of the see of Lichfield, of Lord Berwick, the donor, and of thirteen incumbents since the reformation. In the south aisle is a beautiful mosaic window of stained glass, containing the armorial bearings, of the families connected with the Rev. John Roche. At the west end of the church is a spacious gallery, and an excellent organ, erected in 1806, at the cost of 365 guineas.
There are several ancient monuments which have been removed hither on the demolition of other sacred edifices in the town and county, which are preserved in the ample side aisles. The oldest in the church is in the south aisle, a mutilated figure of a warrior in the costume of the reign of King John, and supposed to represent the founder of the Abbey, Earl Roger de Montgomery, who died in the year 1094. In the north aisle is the recumbent figure of a person in the robes and coif of a judge brought from St. Chad’s. In the south aisle is a monument brought from St. Giles’s church, with a figure in priestly vestments. Opposite the last is the effigy of a knight in linked armour, removed from the priory church of Wombridge, conjectured to commemorate Sir Walter de Dunstanville, who died in the 25th of Henry III., 1240. In the south aisle an alabaster altar tomb, bearing the recumbent figures of a man (in the habiliments of war) and his wife, remembers William Charlton, who died in 1524. This monument was originally erected in Wellington church. An altar tomb in the north porch, in the style of the fifteenth century, has a figure of a knight in plate armour, partly covered with a monastic dress, and another figure in the dress of a hermit of the Romish church. Near the east end of the north aisle, is a large altar tomb with full length figures, to the memory of Richard Onslow, Esq., speaker of the House of Commons, in the 8th of Elizabeth, who died 1571, and his lady. This memorial was formerly placed in the chancel of old St. Chad’s church. Above this is a mural monument brought from St. Chad’s, representing a gentleman in a ruff, and a lady with long veil thrown back, kneeling under two arches; above, a lady in a habit and coif, and a little girl kneeling, to the memory of Thomas Edwardes, Esq., who died 1634, and of Mary, the wife of his son, Thomas Edwardes, Esq., who died 1641. In the south aisle is an alabaster altar tomb, in the Grecian style, bearing the figure of an alderman in his civic robe, and a lady in the scarlet gown formerly worn by the lady mayoresses of Shrewsbury, commemorative of William Jones, Esq., who died 1612, and his wife, who died in 1623. The monument was originally placed in St. Alkmund’s church. There are numerous other mural monuments, of more modern dates, which are elegantly designed, in memory of deceased members of some of the principal families of the parish. In the vestry is an old painting of the Crucifixion, which in 1728 occasioned much strife between the minister and his flock. In that year Mr. Latham, who had been lately inducted to the vicarage, presented a petition to the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, praying that a picture representing our Saviour upon the cross might be removed out of the church. A counter petition was also presented by the parishioners, but the wardens shortly after received an order from the bishop for the removal of the picture. It was afterwards long possessed by the family of Hilton, by whom it was again restored to the parishioners of the Holy Cross. The living is a vicarage with St. Giles annexed, valued in the king’s book at £8. The small tithes are commuted for £363, and the impropriator, Lord Berwick, receives £110. The patronage is vested in the Right Hon. Lord Berwick, who received it in exchange for three small livings in Suffolk; incumbent, Rev. Robert L. Burton, M.A. The vicarage of the Holy Cross is a small fabric of wood and plaster situated in the Abbey Foregate, now converted into two cottages. From time immemorial certain lands have been vested in the churchwardens and their successors; they now produce an income of £250 per annum. “The vicar and churchwardens are a corporation with power of making leases of the landed possessions, &c., and have a common seal which is appended to such documents. The seal is kept in a chest secured by three locks, and the keys are severally in the possession of the vicar and two churchwardens. It is of brass of the visica piscis form, and has in the centre a baton or mace, and on each side a clothed arm projecting towards the centre, that on the dexter side holding a pastoral crook, that on the sinister side a naked sword; the ground work studded with stars, and around the margin this inscription:—S.COMMVNE DE FFORYATE MONACHOR.” The space of ground on the east side of the church, containing 7300 yards, whereon formerly stood the choir and Lady Chapel of the monastery, was in 1840 converted into a public cemetery.
The Church of St. Giles stands at the eastern extremity of the suburb of the Abbey Foregate, the living of which is annexed to that of Holy Cross. It is a small plain building consisting of nave, chancel, and north, aisle, with a small bell turret at the west end. Of its foundation we possess no record, but the structure is doubtless as old as the early part of the twelfth century, and some confirmation is afforded to this conjecture by the arches of the northern and southern doors, having the characteristics of that era. The nave is divided from the side aisle by three pointed arches, sustained on plain round pillars. It is highly probable that the north aisle was made for the accommodation of persons afflicted with leprosy—the hospital of which formerly stood near the church, and from which they had access by a pointed doorway, when they might hear the offices of religion without endangering other worshippers with their contagious malady. A lofty pointed arch separates the nave from the chancel, which is terminated by a flat arched eastern window, which is exquisitely beautified with stained glass, executed by Mr. Evans. The four lower compartments have full length figures of the Evangelists, standing upon hexagonal pedestals. Over each figure is a beautiful canopy of tabernacle work, and the intersections of the tracery contain the symbols of the Evangelists. In the three principal compartments of the upper division, are fine representations of the salutation, the wise men’s offering, and the presentation in the temple. The small lancet window on the north side, contains a figure of the patron saint, St. Giles, exquisitely executed. On the floor are several ancient stones bearing crosses, probably denoting the interment of some of the masters of the old hospital. From an entry in the parish registrar of the date 1655, it appears this church formerly possessed a steeple at the west end. In the steeple was a great bell and two smaller ones, which were taken down in 1672, and used in the following year, with four lesser bells, and the great “Wenefrede bell,” in the recasting of the present ring of bells in the Abbey church. For a long period this venerable edifice exhibited a rude appearance of damp and neglect, and divine service was celebrated only on two Sunday evenings during the year. In 1827, however, the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the liberal donor of the beautiful east window, thoroughly repaired and happily rescued it from the ruin and decay to which in its previous condition it was fast hastening. Subsequently the massive oak benches were removed, and replaced with new ones; a new pulpit and altar screen of oak, beautifully carved in unison with the architecture were added, and the whole building fitted up for divine service by the munificence of the Rev. Richard Scott, who also gave £500 towards augmenting the salary of the officiating minister. Since June, 1836, divine service has regularly been performed on the Sabbath. The Rev. Joseph Simpson, M.A., is the officiating minister. In the parish book is the following memorandum:—“1585, paid Barnett and his sonne for pulling down the crosse of St. Gyles, xviij d.” This cross formerly stood in the church yard, and was curiously sculptured. A large stone which now lies in the church yard, with a cavity on the upper side, was most probably the base and socket of the cross. It is now termed the pest basin, which tradition states to have been used during the time of the plague for holding water, in which to avoid the spread of the disease the people deposited their money in their bargains for provisions with the country folk.
St. Alkmund’s Church, situated in St. Alkmund’s Square, is a neat structure of freestone, erected in 1795, with the exception of the tower and spire, which fortunately escaped the fate of a former edifice, inconsiderately destroyed under a mistaken apprehension of its stability. The original church was founded by Ethelfleda, daughter of Offa, King of Mercia, who governed that kingdom at the beginning of the ninth century. King Edgar, by the advice of St. Dunstan, gave other lands and possessions, and placed here a dean and ten prebends. Its patron saint was a prince of the Northumbrian family, who is said to have been buried at Lilleshall. At the Doomsday survey, this church had possession of nine manors, in all about 4,020 acres, out of which 620 were in demesne, and a rent of £8. 8s. 8d., which, with other rents, produced a revenue of £500 per annum. The manner in which it lost this appendage, as recorded in Dugdale, is an example of the fluctuations to which, in those days of turbulence, even the most sacred property was liable. King Edward the Confessor wrested these lands from one Spirtes, a canon of St. Alkmund’s, and gave them to Godfrey Wiffesune. On his death, about two years after the conquest, Nigel, an ecclesiastic, obtained them. After his decease, one Gilbert de Cundore, a layman, had possession of them, and retained them till he was excommunicated by the bishop. In order to obtain absolution, he and his knights submitted to do penance, and were flogged by the canons at the altar of St. Alkmund’s church. The property finally centred in Roger, Earl of Hereford, who held it by force of arms.
“The superior and dean of this collegiate church had, in common with those of other Saxon foundations, the right of hereditary succession, and even claimed a privilege of alienating the property to other than religious uses. In the year 1150, when monastic institutions were universally popular, and the colleges of the secular clergy had fallen into disrepute, Richard de Belesme, then dean of St. Alkmund’s, voluntarily surrendered the estates of the deanery, which lay at Lilleshall, towards the endowment of an abbey of canons regular of St. Augustine, about to be erected on that spot made sacred by the sepulchre of the patron saint of his church; and so great was his zeal for this new institution, that he solicited and obtained the consent of the Pope and King Stephen for dissolving the college entirely, and for transferring all its estates to the new abbey. Thus stripped of all its landed property, the benefice sank from a collegiate establishment to a poor vicarage, which continued in the patronage of the monks of Lilleshall till the dissolution, when it became vested in the crown.”
The old church was a spacious structure, exhibiting various styles of architecture, from the Anglo-Norman period to the middle of the sixteenth century. Of its antiquity, however, few features remain; for the panic caused by the sudden fall of St. Chad’s church, induced the parishioners of St. Alkmund to petition parliament to pull down the body of the old church, and erect a new one on its site. The modern building is in the ancient pointed style of architecture; an oblong square, eighty-two feet by forty-four feet, with a recess for the altar. The ancient tower, terminated with crochetted pinnacles, remains, and is seventy feet high, surmounted with a chaste and elegantly proportioned spire, one hundred and fourteen feet—making a total of 184 feet from the ground. Over the altar is a window of painted glass, executed about fifty years ago by Eginton, representing Evangelical Faith, in a female figure as large as life kneeling on a cross, with the eyes elevated and the arms extended towards a celestial crown, which appears amidst the opening clouds, This window was erected at a cost of two hundred guineas. The church is handsomely fitted up, and will accommodate a congregation of 800 persons. Upon the gallery, at the west end, is a good organ, erected by subscription in 1823. The tower contains a peal of eight bells, recast in 1813. The sound of church bells was supposed to be very efficacious in chasing away the spirit of darkness by our superstitious ancestors. The following curious notice will shew that they were not at all times proof against infernal agency:—
“This yere, (1533) upon twelfe daye, in Shrowsbury, the dyvyll appearyd in St. Alkmund’s churche, there when the preest was at high masse, with great tempeste and darknesse, so that as he passyd through the churche he mountyd up the steeple in the saide churche, tering the wyers of the saide clocke, and put the print of his clawes upon the 4th bell, and took one of the pinnacles away with him, and for the time stayed all the bells in the churches within the saide towne, that they could neyther toll nor ringe.”
Of the ancient tombs and mural monuments which abounded in the old edifice, none were preserved in the present structure worthy of notice, with the exception of a tablet to Chief Justice Jones, who died in 1692. Several tablets of a modern date adorn the walls. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £6, now returned at £219. Patron, the Lord Chancellor; incumbent, the Rev. Charles Edward Leopold Wightman, M.A.
St. Julian’s Church is situated upon elevated ground, at the top of the Wyle-cop, near to St. Alkmund’s church. Of its early foundation in Saxon times we possess no particulars. It was distinguished through several reigns as a rectory and a royal free chapel, with a peculiar jurisdiction. According to Tanner, at a very early period it was annexed to the free chapel of St. Michael, within the castle, and so continued until the reign of Henry IV., when they were both resigned into the king’s hands. Subsequently, the rectory was granted, among other things, to augment the new foundation of Battlefield College, and thenceforth the living became a mere stipendiary curacy. On the dissolution of that college, the living was granted by the crown to John Capper and Richard Trevor; and after many subsequent transfers, passed into the family of Prince, from whom it has descended to the present patron, the Earl of Tankerville.
The present church, built in 1749 on the site of a former edifice, which had become ruinous, is an oblong structure in the Grecian style, consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a tower at the west end. This tower is the only existing portion of the old church which remains, and is crowned with eight crochetted pinnacles. It has an excellent illuminated clock; and a peal of six bells, which were recast in 1706. The interior has a handsome appearance: four Doric pillars on each side the nave support the ceiling, which is carved and decorated with the fret-work of the old church. Over the side aisles and west end are commodious galleries, in the latter of which is a superior organ, erected by subscription in 1834. The east window contains a figure of St. James, in ancient stained glass, which was purchased from a splendid collection brought from Rouen in 1804. Several of the other windows are ornamented with armorial bearings. There is only one monument of any antiquity: a coarse marble slab, inscribed in Longobaric capitals to a member of the Trumwin family. Among the memorials of a modern date is one to the memory of Mr. John Allatt, the benevolent founder of Allatt’s Free School. The south aisle contains a neat memorial, of the Grinshill freestone, to commemorate the liberality of the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D., who expended upwards of £1,500 in the reparations of this church, and other improvements connected with the fabric. It contains the following inscription, dated 1847, in reference to the improvements made by Mr. Scott: “Who, in Christian love, and a desire to honour God with his substance, has caused an effective architectural character to be given to the exterior of the south side of this sacred edifice, which, from the limited funds raised for its re-edification in 1750, necessarily induced brick as a material, and a design possessing little claim to taste; stone piers are now set at each end of the building and between the lower windows, which have been lengthened. Above, on a block cornice, are Roman Doric pilasters which sustain an entablature, crowned by an open balustrade and vase-shaped acroteria. Fretted console tables have been added to the upper windows, the architecture entirely renewed, and, like those below, re-glazed with metallic frame-work. A new portal and door at the eastern end of the south aisle, and the surface of this portion of the church and chancel, covered with stucco; the apex of the gable being finished with an appropriate ornament.”
In the north aisle is a similar memorial, inscribed to the same individual for his munificent beneficence “In erecting an ornamental stone wall and parapet round the church-yard, flagging the foot-path underneath and that on the eastern side, and likewise along the basement of the church, renewing the steps at the south-east thoroughfare, and lowering, repairing, and enclosing those which form the main approach from the street to the cemetery; also for a new pavement in the area leading to and from before the south door, rebuilding the steps of the portico with the addition thereto of a continuous pedestal, painting the north side of the church, and cleaning the stone work, roofing the chancel, and placing thereon a stone cornice and blocking course, with a foliated cone at each angle, as well as for other useful improvements connected with the fabric.” The living of St. Julian’s is a perpetual curacy, returned at £159, in the patronage of Earl Tankerville, and incumbency of the Rev. James Jardine Rogerson, M.A. The chapel of Ford was formerly an appendent of this church.
St. George’s Church, situated at Frankwell, is a neat cruciform structure, in the Gothic style, with a short tower at the west end, ornamented with four pinnacles. It is built of the beautiful Grinshill freestone, from a design by Mr. Haycock. The cost was nearly £4,000, raised by voluntary subscription. It was consecrated for divine service on January 30th, 1832. The interior has a chaste and elegant appearance, and will contain a congregation of 750 persons. Of the sittings, 460 are free and unappropriated. By the liberality of the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D., the chancel has been beautified with an altar screen, the gallery with a small organ, and the triple lancet windows filled with splendid stained glass. The centre window contains a full-length figure of Isaiah, clothed in a brilliant vest of purple, over which is thrown a green robe lined with ermine, denoting his royal descent. The windows on each side have spirited figures of St. Matthew and St. Mark. The former exhibits deep and serious meditation, and holds a manuscript in his left hand; and the latter, a venerable figure, is pointing to an open gospel, which he holds in his left hand. The windows in the north and south transepts are also embellished with glass of a rich and elaborate mosaic pattern, which contributes to the imposing effect of the splendid east window. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £118, in the patronage of the vicar of St. Chad; incumbent, the Rev. John Harding, M.A.
St. Michael’s Church, situated in the populous suburb of Castle Foregate, is a neat brick structure, in the Grecian style of architecture, consisting of nave, side aisles, and elliptical recess for the communion, with an octagonal tower in three divisions, rising to the height of seventy feet, over the side aisles are galleries which are free; there is also a spacious gallery in the west end for the use of the school children, in which stands a small organ the gift of the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A. The pulpit and reading desk are octagonal, and placed on opposite sides of the church; the roof is panelled in large square compartments, and painted in imitation of oak. Three windows of stained glass which decorate the chancel are the exquisite productions of Mr. David Evans. The centre one is illustrative of the Nativity, from the celebrated “La Notte” of Correggio. The windows on each side represent the Annunciation, and the Presentation in the Temple; the former from a picture by Guido, and the latter from a celebrated painting by Rubens. These windows were the gift of the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A., to whose liberality the parishioners are also indebted for the service of communion plate, the peal of six bells, which hang in the tower, and the erection of the adjacent school rooms, for the education of the poor children of this populous portion of the parish of St. Mary’s. The church was erected at an expense of £2000, raised by subscription, and consecrated on the 24th August, 1830, as a chapel of ease to St. Mary’s church. The edifice contains 800 sittings, of which 600 are free and unappropriated.
The Church of the Holy Trinity, situated on the Meole-road, was erected in 1837, for the accommodation of the inhabitants of the populous suburb of Coleham. It was built at a cost of nearly £1900, raised by subscription, aided by the grant of £600, from the Lichfield Diocesan Society, and a further grant of £150, from the Incorporated Church Building Society. The structure is a neat fabric of brick with a short tower; the body of the church has five windows on each side, and an elliptical recess for the communion, separated, internally, from the nave by a circular arch. The church contains 812 sittings, of which 504 are free. The window over the altar contains beautifully executed figures in stained glass, of the Evangelists, and St. Peter and St. Paul; several of the other windows are beautified with scriptural medallions, in stained glass, which together with a handsome service of communion plate, were presented by the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D. This place of worship was formed into a district parish church in 1841. The living is a perpetual curacy enjoyed by the Rev. James Colley, M.A.
Ancient Chapels.—Several ancient chapels formerly stood in various parts of the town, the most considerable of which seems to have been the collegiate chapel of St. Michael, within the castle. No vestige of its site now remains, though it probably existed, at least in a ruinous state, in the reign of James II., for, it appears at that time, an order was made by the corporation, “that enquiry should he made after the stones taken away from the ruins of St. Michael’s chapel within the castle.” Part of the Chapel of St. Nicholas, on the left hand entrance to the council house, is still standing; it is of the early Norman era, and most probably was built by the first Norman, Earl of Shrewsbury, for the use of such of his retainers as resided in the outer works of the castle. The only portions of this edifice at present remaining are the nave, a massive arch formerly opening into the chancel, and two similar side arches. The building is now converted into a stable. St. Catherine’s Chapel is stated to have occupied an elevated site upon Coton-hill. The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, a site near Trinity Church. St. Blase’s Chapel was situated in the Murivance. A tea garden near the site of the Belle-vue, was formerly called the Hermitage. These and other ecclesiastical edifices which once adorned this eminent town, have now disappeared; yet their faint traces still afford matter of interesting speculation for the antiquary.
DISSENTING CHAPELS.
The Presbyterian Chapel, situated in High-street, as the first dissenting place of worship established in the town, claims our first attention. To the act of uniformity, which, on St. Bartholomew’s day, 1662, drove from their livings upwards of two thousand clergymen of the church of England, Shrewsbury is indebted for its first dissenting church. It was formed by the Rev. John Bryan, M.A., and the Rev. Francis Tallants, M.A., ejected from the livings of St. Chad’s and St. Mary’s. Their meetings were first held in the house of Mrs. Hunt, and after experiencing various alternations of suffering and indulgence during the unsettled times that followed the act of uniformity, in 1683 their meetings were suppressed, and these eminent preachers of the gospel were forced into obscurity. On King James II. allowing liberty to Dissenters to meet for worship, they assembled as before in Mrs. Hunt’s house. In 1691, they built a chapel in High-street, and Mr. Tallants caused the following (with the latter sentence the Hugonists, of France, usually began their worship,) to be painted on the walls:—“This place was not built for a faction or a party, but to promote repentance and faith in communion with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. ‘Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.’” The year 1715 was particularly unfortunate for Protestant Dissenters; mobs and riots arose in various places, particularly in Lancashire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire—among the chapels pulled down in Shropshire were those of Wem, Whitchurch, and Shrewsbury. The chapel, in High-street, was soon after rebuilt by the government, and the liberties of Dissenters confirmed and fixed upon a solid foundation. In 1839 the venerable chapel was almost entirely taken down, owing to the building being considered unsafe, and because the commissioners under the street act required a part of the premises. It was rebuilt nearly on the old site, and re-opened for public worship in July, 1840. The interior has a simple and primitive appearance, the fittings are of old oak; there is accommodation for about 300 worshippers. The Rev. Richard Astley has been the respected pastor of the congregation since the year 1831. For a more extended and very pleasing account of this place of worship, we beg to refer our readers to the “History of the Presbyterian Meeting House of Shrewsbury,” published by the present minister in 1847.
The Independent Chapel, situated on Swan-hill, had, its origin in some unhappy disputes which arose in the congregation worshipping in High-street chapel, relative to the invitation of a minister being invited to settle among them. The chapel is a substantial brick edifice, with a neatly furnished interior, and contains six hundred sittings. On a stone tablet in the front is the following inscription:—“This building was erected in the year 1767, for the public worship of God, and in defence of the rights of majorities in Protestant Dissenting congregations, to choose their own ministers.” There is a cemetery adjoining the chapel. The Rev. Thomas Weaver has been the pastor of the congregation worshipping here for 52 years.
The Independent Chapel, Castle-gates, a handsome building of free stone, is the most imposing structure in connection with the nonconformists in the town of Shrewsbury. It was erected in 1845, at a cost (including the site) of £3000. The interior has a very chaste, and beautiful appearance; it will hold six hundred persons. The Rev. Edward Hill is the minister.
The Catholic Chapel is situated in Beeche’s-lane, near the southern portion of the town walls. It is a neat building erected in 1776, and enlarged in 1825; the front is stuccoed, and surmounted by a plain cross. The interior has a tasteful and elegant appearance; the altar rests on a sarcophagus, on the front of which is a painting of the last supper, above is a figure of Christ on the cross. On the gallery is a small organ, and on each side the entrance an elegant marble shell for the holy water. The chapel will hold about three hundred worshippers. The Rev. Eugene Egan is the priest. A plot of land, extending from Belmont to the southern walls, has been purchased, with the intention of erecting a new Catholic church, on a scale commensurate with the wants of an increasing congregation. The Catholics formerly met for worship in an upper room of an old house in St. Alkmund’s-square.
The Baptist Chapel, situated in Claremont-street, a plain brick building, was opened for divine worship in 1780, and enlarged in 1810. A society of this persuasion is stated to have existed in this town, in the time of the Commonwealth. In the chapel is a small memorial, of Mr. Palmer, who was pastor of the congregation for twenty-seven years.
The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel is a commodious building, on St. John’s-hill, erected in 1804, and subsequently enlarged and decorated. It is neatly fitted up, and surrounded with galleries, in which is a small organ. It is calculated to hold 700. The Methodists have also small places of worship in the Castle Foregate and New-street, Frankwell.
The Wesleyan New Connexion Chapel, (Ebenezer,) situated at Tower-place, is a handsome building, having two entrances, with a Doric portico to each. The cost of the structure was £1500, and it was opened for divine worship, June 13th, 1834. The interior has a light and pleasing appearance; it is without galleries; in the centre of the chapel are two rows of pews, with a row on each of the sides, which ascend gradually from the floor; the blank walls display arches and pilasters, supporting a frieze and cornice.
The Friends’ Meeting House, a plain brick structure, in a retired situation, on St. John’s-hill, is fitted up with much simplicity and neatness. It was erected in 1746, and enlarged in 1807.
The Welsh Calvinistic Chapel, a brick structure, erected on the site of a former edifice, is situated in Hill’s-lane. It is calculated to accommodate about 400, and was opened for divine worship in December, 1826. The Dissenters of this persuasion have also a small chapel, situated in the Wagon and Horses passage, Pride-hill. The service in both these chapels is in the Welsh language.
The Primitive Methodists have a place of worship to accommodate about four hundred, situated in Castle-court. They have also a small chapel, at the Old Heath.
SCHOOLS.
The Royal Free Grammar School, situated near the Castle gates, is a noble institution for the education of youth, founded by King Edward VI., in 1552, and endowed with the greater portion of the revenues of the two dissolved colleges of St. Mary and St. Chad. Queen Elizabeth greatly augmented the endowment, in 1571, by adding the rectory of Chirbury, with additional tithes and estates in St. Mary’s parish. The structure is large and lofty, and occupies two sides of a quadrangle, with a square pinnacled tower at the angle, partly rebuilt in 1831. The original school was of timber, and the present tower, chapel, and library, were added in 1595. The wooden building was taken down in 1630, and its place supplied by the present stately edifice of Grinshill free stone. In the centre is a gateway, adorned on each side by a rude Corinthian column, supporting statues of a scholar and a graduate bareheaded, in the costume of the times. Over the arch is an inscription in Greek, importing that a love of literature is essential to the formation of a scholar. The whole structure exhibits an incongruous mode of building, and that mixture of styles, “where the Grecian and the pointed, however discordant and irreconcilable, are jumbled together, and compose a fantastic species, hardly assignable to any class or name.” The principal school room, which occupies the upper story, was originally divided by three partitions with folding doors, but these being removed, it forms a very spacious and noble apartment. The chapel, in which prayers are read by the head master every morning, occupies the ground floor, and is divided from the ante-chapel by a very handsome oak screen carved in the grotesque manner prevalent in the days of Elizabeth. The ceiling is adorned with fret work, preserved from the ruins of St. Alkmund’s church. Above the chapel is the library, which was rebuilt at considerable expense in 1815. It contains a valuable collection of manuscripts and books—one side being occupied by the library of the late Dr. Taylor. Two large pointed windows, with mullioned tracery, afford light to this apartment;—in the northern window are the arms of Edward VI., Queen Elizabeth, St. John’s College, Cambridge; the See of Lichfield and Coventry impaling Cornwallis, and those of the town;—in the south windows are the arms of the four principal benefactors, with appropriate inscriptions in Latin. Around the walls are portraits of Henry VIII., Edward VI., an Admiral in the costume of the time of Charles II., and several of the former head masters.
Among the curiosities in the library are three sepulchral stones, discovered in ploughing a field near Wroxeter. The largest has on its summit, a pine-cone between two lions, and beneath the pediment a rose. The first is taken from the Picea, called by Pliny, Feralis Arbor, expressive of its melancholy subject, and not unfrequent on memorials of this kind; the inscription denotes the death of C. Mannivus Secundus, of the town of Polentia, a beneficiarius, or veteran of the twentieth legion, who had served his time, and was called again into the service by the entreaties of the chief legate. The second stone has, on the upper part, a human face, two dolphins, and two serpents. The third is inscribed to M. Petronius, sigifer, or standard bearer, to the Legio quatuor-decima gemina, the fourteenth double legion, or a legion formed from two. As this legion never was in Britain, the learned Dr. Ward supposes that Petronius only came for his health and died here. There are also various other interesting antiquities, chiefly found at Wroxeter, and a small collection of fossils and natural curiosities. In front and at the back of the schools are play grounds, contiguous to which are houses for the master and the assistant-masters, with ample accommodation for boarders who come from all parts of the kingdom. The grammar school has long maintained a pre-eminent rank among the public seminaries of sound learning and religious education in this country, and has sent forth numerous individuals who have been distinguished for their eminent classical attainments. Under the care of its first master, Thomas Ashton, we learn there were two hundred and ninety scholars, among whom were the sons of many of the first families in England. Camden, when he wrote, says—“it was the best filled in all England, being indebted for their flourishinge state to provision made by the excellent and worthie Thomas Ashton”—who was a munificent contributor to the school himself, and was instrumental in procuring the grant of augmentation from Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Ashton resigned his office some years before his death, but he continued to cherish the seminary over which he had presided with paternal care. He drew up the code of laws by which it was governed for more than two centuries; and one of his last acts was to visit the school, when he preached a farewell sermon to the inhabitants of the town, after which that “Godlie father,” accompanied with the tears and blessings of the people, returned to Cambridge, near which he died at the end of a fortnight, 1578.
The school is open for the gratuitous instruction of burgesses of Shrewsbury, who are not under six nor more than sixteen years of age, provided they are qualified to begin the Latin accidence. By act of parliament, 38th George III., the whole management of the school and revenue was vested in the Bishop of Lichfield, as visitor, and thirteen governors and trustees. The appointment of head master rests with the Fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge. The under master is appointed by the head master. Among the many persons of eminence who have received their education in this school, we may enumerate Sir Philip Sidney; Sir Fulke Greville; Lord Brook; Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York; Judge Jeffries; Lord Chief Justice Jones; Dr. Bowers; Bishop of Chichester; Dr. Thomas Bishop, Salisbury; Dr. Taylor, editor of Lysias and Demosthenes; James Harrington, the author of Oceana; Wycherley, the dramatist; Ambrose Phillips, the poet; and the Rev. J. B. Blakeway and the Venerable Archdeacon Owen, the learned historians of Shrewsbury. Through the exertions and learning of the late venerable head master, Dr. Butler (late Bishop of Lichfield), the school attained to unrivalled celebrity, and the learned prelate observed, on resigning his arduous duties to his talented successor, “That he considered Dr. Kennedy as the most brilliant scholar he had ever sent forth, as the brightest star in that galaxy of distinguished pupils whose names adorn the ‘boards’ of Shrewsbury school. That from Dr. Kennedy’s experience of his system, both as a pupil and assistant master at Shrewsbury school, from his constant practice as a lecturer and private tutor at College, and as an assistant master for six years or more at Harrow, as well as from his own unrivalled talents and high literary distinction, from his fine taste and sound learning, there was not a shadow of doubt but that he would fully maintain the reputation which Shrewsbury school had already acquired, and would add at least as many distinguished names to its ‘boards,’ during his superintendence of this important foundation, as had been inscribed there by himself in an equal period.” We are happy to observe that the bright anticipations of the venerable bishop have been already realised. By an act of parliament, passed 33rd George III., for the better government and regulation of the Free Grammar School in Shrewsbury, it was ordered, that, after the payment of all taxes, salaries, scholarships, exhibitions, and repairs of the school, and all expenses about the necessary business of the school, the surplus should be employed in founding and maintaining exhibitions in the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, as the governors and the bishop of the diocese for the time being should think fit; and that such surplus should, when and as often as it should amount to £100 or upwards, be laid out in the purchase of lands and tenements, or in the purchase of stock, or in such other way as the governors and bishop should deem advisable. At this period the annual income of the school amounted to £900.
From the Charity Commissioners’ Report, published in 1830, we learn that the total income of the school property for the year ending December 31st, 1828, amounted to £2,740. 2s. 9d. The following will show the particulars of the property held by the governors:—The tithes of Albrighton, in the parish of St. Mary, £101. 15s. 6d.; the tithes of Chirbury, £1,045. 13s. 4d.; tithes of Clive, in the parish of St. Mary, £347. 13s.; tithes of Astley, £221. 15s.; tithes of Oxon and Shelton, £71. 4s.; tithes of Frankwell, £56. 14s.; tithes of Betton, £129. 1s.; tithes of Whitley and Welbatch, £99.; tithes of Leaton, £150; tithes of Wollascot, £13.; tithes of Woodcote, Horton, Bicton, and Calcot, £397.; tithes of Almond Park, Berwick, and Newton, £52. 10s.; tithes from Castle Foregate, £18. 18s.; schoolhouse at Grinshill, built in pursuance of one of the orders of Thomas Ashton, for the scholars to retire to in case of infectious disorders, let for £4. 4s.; spiritual jurisdiction of St. Mary’s, demised by the corporation to the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the office of the said ecclesiastical, spiritual, peculiar, and exempt jurisdiction, with all the profits thereto belonging, and the seal of office for twenty-one years, at the yearly rent of £1. 6s. 8d., payable to the governors and trustees of the Free Grammar School, dated 29th January, 1828; Chief rents at Astley and Sansaw, 18s. 3d.; for encroachments on school garden, 3s.; and £30 per annum arising from the sum of £1,000 invested in the three per cent. consols, purchased in 1828. In January, 1829, the amount of stock was £14,570. 10s. 4d. three per cent consols. This was subsequently reduced by sales, made under the directions of the Court of Chancery, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of repairs on the estates, to £13,311. 19s. 6d.
The income arising from the school property now (1851) amounts to upwards of £3,000 per annum, which is appropriated in the payment of the salaries of the masters, the maintenance of scholarships and exhibitions in the universities, the stipend of the Vicar of Chirbury, and the curates of St. Mary’s, Clive, and Astley, and the necessary repairs of the school buildings. The surplus is employed in founding additional exhibitions in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The following list will show the great advantage presented to meritorious scholars of Shrewsbury School:—Four exhibitions, of £63 each, founded by James Millington, D.D., in 1724, at Magdalen College, Cambridge, tenable during residence till M.A.; two exhibitions of £40 each, founded by the same donor, for sons of burgesses born in Frankwell, and who have been educated at the school, in Millington’s Hospital, founded by the testator; also one fellowship of £126 per annum at Magdalen College, tenable during residence till M.A.; one exhibition, of £23 per annum, founded by the Rev. John Taylor, D.D., in 1766, open to any college. The scholars chosen are allowed to enjoy the exhibition for the term of six years, provided they reside in the college the greater part of each term. One exhibition of £10 per annum, the gift of Mr. Noneley; one of £30 per annum, founded by Mr. Podmore. There are also four foundation exhibitions of £70 per annum each; one Butler foundation of £100 per annum; and one of £66 per annum;—all limited to the sons of burgesses of Shrewsbury. Two exhibitions, founded by Oswald Smith, of £25 per annum; four exhibitions to Christ Church, Oxford, founded by Mr. Careswell, in 1689, for natives of Shropshire, of £60 per annum.
Head Master: Rev. Benjamin Hall Kennedy, D.D.—Second Master: Rev. William Burbury, M.A.—Assistant Master: Rev. John Mort Wakefield, M.A.—Mathematical Teacher: Rev. Alfred Tolver Paget, M.A.—Assistant Master: Rev. Vanden Bempde Johnstone, M.A.—Modern Languages: Mr. Thomas Amand Bentley.—Writing Master: Mr. Thomas Northage Henshaw. The head master has a salary of £300 per annum, and the second master £150.
Bowdler’s, or the Blue School, situated in Beeches-lane, a plain brick building with a cupola, was founded in 1724, pursuant to the will of Mr. Thomas Bowdler, alderman and draper, for the instruction, clothing, and apprenticeing poor children of St. Julian’s parish. Twenty-five boys and an equal number of girls are now educated and clothed; the dress of the children is blue, whence the school is called “The Blue School.” The master has a salary of £40 per annum, and the privilege of taking twenty day scholars, and the mistress £20 per annum. Robert Rogerson and Mary Ann Sharrat are the teachers. The foundation of the several charity schools will be more particularly noticed with the general charities of the borough.
Allatt’s Charity School, situate in St. John’s-row, is a neat structure of free stone, comprising commodious houses for the master and mistress, connected by arcades, with spacious school rooms. The school was built in 1800, pursuant to the will of Mr. John Allatt, who bequeathed his property for the educating and clothing of the children of the more respectable class of poor persons resident in the town. There are forty boys and forty girls educated, clothed once a year, and a certain number at a proper age apprenticed. The funds of the school consist of a capital stock of £14,200, of which £10,800 are invested in three per cents, as the educational fund, and £3,400 as a clothing fund. Thomas Bagley and Frances Buttery are the teachers.
Millington’s School stands in the rear of the hospital, and was founded by the munificence of Mr. Millington, for the instruction of twenty-five boys, and as many girls, natives of Frankwell. The children are completely clothed twice in every year, and at the age of fourteen apprenticed with a small premium; on producing a certificate of good conduct during their apprenticeship they are rewarded with a gratuity. Two exhibitions of £40 a year each, in Magdalen College, Cambridge, are founded, to which scholars originally on the hospital foundation have the preference, or in default of such, two born in Frankwell, educated at the free schools. Sarah Bishop and Francis Cullis are the teachers.
Shrewsbury National School, situated in the Abbey Fore gate, is also called the “Brown School,” from the brown dress of the children. The schools are commodious, and there is a convenient residence for the teachers. It is supported by subscriptions, and sermons annually preached in aid of its funds. There are now 190 boys and 96 girls educated in this school. Joseph Barker Molynaux and Mary Ann Williamson are the teachers. The annual income amounts to £250 per annum.
St. Chad’s Parochial School is a plain substantial edifice, situated in Barker-street. It is supported by subscriptions and donations, and a small weekly sum contributed by the children. The average number of children that attend the school may be calculated at a hundred boys and an equal number of girls. Edward Evans and Jane E. Turner are teachers.
Holy Trinity School is a spacious building of brick, situated in the rear of the Holy Trinity Church, at Coleham; a residence for the teachers adjoins the school. There are about 100 boys and girls, and 120 infants, receiving instructions in these schools. James Owen and Martha Clarke are the teachers.
St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s Schools, situated in St. Michael-street, owe their origin in a great measure to the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the incumbent of St. Mary’s, who was a munificent contributor towards their erection. The schools were built in 1832, in the old English style of architecture. They are supported by voluntary subscriptions, and the scholars are provided with books, and gratuitously educated, with the exception of a number of the children from the extensive factory of Messrs. Marshall and Co., whose instruction is paid for by the proprietors of the mill. Richard Jones and Sophia Evans are the teachers. About 120 boys and 100 girls attend. Adjoining the school premises are ten neat cottages, built by the Rev. W. G. Rowland, the income arising from which is expended in bread, and distributed amongst the necessitous poor, in St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s churches.
The Diocesan Schools, Swan hill, in connection with the Lichfield Board of Education, was established in 1842. This is an institution for the general education of youth, ably conducted by Mr. Henry Newsham. Particular attention is paid to the mathematical education of the youth of this establishment. A limited number of boarders are taken.
The British or Lancasterian Schools were first established in Shrewsbury in 1812, when a commodious school was built opposite the county gaol, for conducting education on the plan suggested by Mr. Joseph Lancaster. Subsequently the premises were taken down, and the site is now occupied as a railway station. A building was afterwards taken in Watery-lane, where the school was conducted till the present year (1851), when a neat school-house, measuring forty-eight feet by twenty-eight, was erected at the rear of the county gaol, at an estimated cost of £700. About 150 boys and 100 girls attend the school. Mr. Thomas Harris is the teacher.
St. Alkmund’s Parochial School, situated between St. Mary’s-street and St. Alkmund’s-place, is numerously attended both by boys and girls. The teachers are William Donellan and Martha Badger.
Infant Schools.—St. Chad’s Infant School is situated in Barker-street, not far from the National School. One hundred and twenty attend the school, which is conducted by Segismunda Roberts. The Infant School, Castle Foregate, has an attendance of eighty. Ann Townsend is the teacher. There is also an infant school in Frankwell, which was built by the late Dr. Darwin, and is now chiefly supported by Miss Darwin. These are interesting institutions for giving an early moral bias to the mind, and calculated to effect much good.
Sunday Schools.—The Sunday schools of Shrewsbury have existed nearly from the earliest formation of such institutions. Schools are connected with the established churches, and the different congregations of dissenters, which are very numerously attended.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The Salop Infirmary.—This excellent institution, situated near St. Mary’s churchyard, was established in 1747, and has the honour of being one of the earliest of these Samaritan institutions in the kingdom. The building, which preceded the present stately fabric, was a plain brick structure, designed for a private residence; although repeatedly enlarged, it was found too small for the additional number of patients consequent upon an increasing population, and at a meeting held on November 16th, 1826, it was resolved that a new infirmary should be built on the site of the old one. The present building was erected in 1830, from a design by Mr. Haycock, at the cost of £18,735. 18s. 10., of which £12,994. 1s. 3d. was raised by subscriptions, and the remainder disbursed from the funded property of the charity. The structure has a noble appearance, and stands in a commanding position on the verge of an eminence overlooking the Severn; it is 170 feet in length, by 80 feet in height, having a handsome Doric portico in the centre. There is ample accommodation for 150 patients, and the internal arrangements are admirably adapted for the purpose they are designed to fulfil. The principal floor is appropriated to the board room, dispensary, waiting room for patients, with private apartments for the house surgeon and matron; the first floor has seven wards for male patients, with day room, scullery, and baths; the upper room contains a spacious operation room, with wards for females; in the attics above are four other wards with nurses’ room, &c. A staircase at each end communicates with spacious galleries extending the length of each story. The whole is thoroughly ventilated, and an uniform temperature preserved by a patent hot water apparatus. A spacious terrace has been constructed on the eastern side, that such of the patients as are able may possess every benefit resulting from pure air and exercise. From this the eye commands an uninterrupted view of an extensive and finely wooded country, bounded by the long ridge of Haughmond Hill, the Wrekin, and the Stretton Hills. The pecuniary concerns of the institution are superintended by a board of directors; a treasurer is also appointed annually, who, on the anniversary day in the hunt week, is accompanied to church by the subscribers and patrons of this charity, where, after a sermon, a collection is made in aid of the funds. From its establishment to midsummer, 1849, the sum of £219,934. 16s. 7¼d. has been received for its support; 60,077 in-patients admitted, and 117,747 out-patients recommended as fit objects for its benefits. The weekly average number of patients in the house during the year ending midsummer, 1849, was 103; out-patients on the books, 603. The total receipts for the year ending at the same period was £3,237. 7s. 5d., of which £1,669. 11s. was received from yearly subscriptions; £355. 2s. 6d. from benefactions and legacies; £627. 6s. 11d., the interest and dividends of funded stock, and £585. 7s. 6d. from miscellaneous sources, which includes £183 8s. 6d. collected at the anniversary sermon in St. Chad’s church. Of this stock £16,400 is secured in the three per cent consols, £3,449. 10s. new 3¼ per cents; £100 on the Watling-street road, and £150 on the Bridgnorth-road. Subscriptions have been made amounting to £1,227. 6s. 8d., as a “Chaplain’s Endowment Fund.” “The house surgeon is allowed to take three pupils at a premium of twenty guineas to himself, and 200 guineas to the infirmary, which entitles the pupil to board and residence for five years.” Attendance at this hospital is recognized by the Royal College of Surgeons, and the apothecaries’ company, London.—Physicians: Henry Johnson, M.D., Thomas James Drury, M.D., Henry Parker, M.D.—Surgeons: H. E. Burd, J. Dickin, and J. Y. Arrowsmith.—House Surgeon: John Robert Humphreys. Secretary: Henry Bevan.
The Dispensary, like most other institutions of this kind, is supported by annual subscriptions and benefactions. It was established in 1843, and although the funds do not allow the full extent of usefulness which the charity is capable of, yet it is pleasing to observe from the annual reports that it is making steady progress in the estimation of the public. It appears from the report ending September, 1849, that the total number of patients have been 3,391. The receipts for the year ending at the same period were £160. During the year 560 cases received attention, of which 403 were cured, 123 relieved, 30 died, and 4 were dismissed.—Patron: His Grace the Duke of Sutherland.—Surgeon: Mr. G. P. Gill,—Hon. Secretary: Folliott Sandford, Esq.—Dispenser: Mr. G. S. Whitney.
The Eye and Ear Establishment, Castle-street, was established in 1818, under the management of a committee of gentlemen, for the special object of affording relief to the humbler members of society, who may be suffering from any calamity incident to those delicate organs of the human frame, the eye and ear. The number of patients admitted from the opening of this institution has been 6,224.—President: Viscount Hill.—Surgeon: Edwin Foulkes. The institution is open every Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
The County Hall, situated in the Market-square, is a handsome and commodious building, completed in 1837, at the cost of about £13,000. It is built from a design of Sir Robert Smirke, of beautiful white free stone, the principal front measuring 112 feet in length, and exhibits the Italian style of architecture. In the interior of the structure the different apartments are convenient, lofty, and well adapted to the various purposes for which they are intended. On the ground floor is a commodious vestibule, which communicates with rooms on each side, for the mayor, and counsel at assizes and witnesses. Opposite the entrance door is a noble staircase; on the first landing, the centre one leading to the judge’s room, and those on each side to the respective courts, which are of equal dimensions, forty-two feet by thirty-six feet. The bench is elevated three feet above the floor, on each side is accommodation for the magistrates; immediately before the judge is a large table, with seats provided for the councillors. In each court is a gallery for the public, and the ceiling is panelled and ornamented. From this division the staircase leads to another large room, adapted for a third court, or other public purpose; above it are offices for the clerk of the peace, and for the town clerk.
The ancient Guild or Shire Hall was a low timbered fabric, with a high clock turret, erected in the reign of Henry VIII., and stood across the market square. The lower part was appropriated to retail shops, and the upper story contained the rooms in which the business of the town was transacted, and the assizes held. The municipal records were preserved in a strong square tower near the south east side, erected in 1490. At the summer assizes, in 1783, in consequence of the pressing remonstrance of the judge, enforced by the threat of a fine upon the county, an act of parliament was obtained the following year for this purpose. To render the new building more handsome and commodious, and to remove the inconvenience occasioned by the old one standing across the street of the greatest resort, several houses, together with the ancient tower of the Exchequer, were taken down, and various other improvements made, in the adjacent parts. The new hall was completed in 1785, at an expense of £11,000, raised by a county rate. In consequence of sinkings having in 1832 been observed in different parts of the structure, the building was surveyed by different architects and pronounced unsafe and dangerous. The proper authorities immediately determined to take down the whole edifice, and erect a more commodious one on its site. For this purpose some adjoining premises were purchased, and the present substantial structure, admirably adapted for the purposes intended, was completed, as already noticed, by Messrs. Birch, builders, in 1837.
The Town and County Gaol stands on a salubrious cliff of gravel, a short distance from the castle, and contiguous to the railway station. The building was erected in 1793, on the principles of the benevolent Howard, at an expense of £30,000. The front of the prison displays a bold and massive appearance, having two rusticated stone lodges and a gateway in the centre, over which is a fine bust of Howard, by Bacon. The building is of brick, and is spacious, airy, and well supplied with water, by means of a pump worked by the prisoners. Immediately in front of the gateway is the governor’s house, which, with certain offices, forms the southern front of the building. The chapel is an octagonal structure in the centre of the prison, and is contrived so as to separate every class of prisoners, yet, so that the minister may be seen by all the congregation. The remainder of the structure is divided into four principal courts, with several smaller ones, around which are cloisters, with sleeping rooms above for the prisoners, and cells for the refractory. A regard to the gradation of vice is strictly observed in the classification of the prisoners, many of whom are employed in some useful trade, such as shoemakers, tailors, blacksmiths, &c., others are employed in picking oakum and wool. The galling and disgraceful restraints of irons are altogether dispensed with, except in cases of capital and very refractory offenders. Great attention is paid to the moral culture of the inmates by the assiduous chaplain, in order to reclaim the wanderer. Divine service is performed twice every day, except Saturday; and the prisoners are all separately catechised several times during the week. The water to supply the gaol is pumped from the Severn into a large reservoir, which will hold 2,000 gallons. The gaol is calculated to accommodate 300 prisoners, and there are 135 separate cells. During the year ending September, 1849, there was a total of 1,291 prisoners; greatest number of prisoners at any one time in the year, 203; daily average of criminals, 147; daily average of debtors, 9. Gross expenditure for the same period, £3,337. 17s. 8d. Mr. John Shepherd is the governor; and the Rev. David Winstone, chaplain. The corporate magistrates are entitled, under the act for erecting this gaol, to send to it prisoners, both criminal and civil, for whose maintenance, of course, the borough pays.
The Market House, situated in the Market Square, an antique and interesting fabric, is one of the handsomest structures of its kind in the kingdom. In Dr. Taylor’s MSS. is the following account of the first Market House in this town of which any record remains:—“This yere, 1567, Maister John Dawes, of Shrosbery, an alderman of the sayde towne, began and buylded two fayre houses in the Corne Market there, for the saffe placinge of corne from wether, so that the owners thereof may stand saffe and drye, the which buildings was at his own coste and charge, which place servyth for the inhabitantes as also strangers to walke in, and the loft above for soondry profitable purposes.” To these timber buildings others were added in 1571, for the like purpose. In 1595 the whole was removed, and the present structure built on the site. The principal front is towards the west, and has in the centre a spacious portal, over which are sculptured the arms of Elizabeth. On each side of the portal is an open arcade of three round arches, supported by massive pillars, over which a range of square mullioned windows lights the upper story. Large open arches occupy the north and south ends, which are terminated with pointed gables. Above the northern arch is a tabernacled niche, containing a statue of Richard, Duke of York, in complete armour, with his armorial bearings, removed from the tower of the old Welsh Bridge, on its demolition in 1791. At the south end is the figure of an angel, in a canopied niche, bearing a shield of the arms of France and England. This fragment of antiquity formerly stood in the southern tower of the Castle, or North Gate, and was removed here in 1825, when that building was taken down to widen the street. The basement of the Market House is 105 feet long, and 24 feet wide. The upper story is devoted to the purposes of a Mechanics’ Institution. The market is held on Saturday, is numerously attended by farmers from the surrounding district, and considerable quantities of corn are sold, chiefly by sample.
The Music Hall and Public Rooms occupy the southern side of the Market Square, and form a handsome pile of building, erected in 1840 from a design by Mr. Haycock. On the ground floor is the Post Office; and immediately above, the Public News Room, which is supported by annual subscription. The Music Hall, a noble apartment, occupies the remaining portion of the second floor. It measures 90 feet in length, 42 feet wide, and 38 feet high. The orchestra, which is situated at the south end, contains a fine-toned and powerful organ, the munificent gift of the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D., to the Choral Society of the town. On the third story are Billiard Rooms, &c.
The Theatre, situated in the Shoplatch, has a lofty stuccoed front, with three niches, containing statues of the immortal Shakspere, and of the comic and tragic muses, which give it a bold and imposing effect. The lower part consists of a rusticated base, one hundred feet in length, comprising a range of good shops, and a dwelling for the manager. The interior is conveniently arranged, and handsomely decorated with appropriate devices. It will accommodate a numerous audience; and was opened September 8th, 1834. It stands on the site of a former Theatre, which, if we may credit the affirmation of Phillips, was part of the ancient palace of the Princes of Powisland, who, in their frequent transactions with the sovereigns of England, often resided in Shrewsbury. The ancient boundary wall of this mansion inclosed all the space contained between Cross Hill, St. John’s Hill, Murivance, Swan Hill, and Shoplatch. It is probable that the old edifice was part of the great chamber, appropriated, according to the usage of the times, for receiving company, and occasionally for exhibiting shows and dramatic interludes.
The Shropshire and North Wales Natural History and Antiquarian Society was established on the 26th of June, 1835. The Museum, situated in Dogpole, is principally designed to illustrate the natural history of the district in its various branches of geology, mineralogy, zoology, and botany, by the gradual formation of complete and systematic arrangements of its productions in each of these departments. It is also open to other objects of scientific interest, and in particular is a suitable repository for such remains of antiquity as are found within the district, or illustrate its general history. The library contains many valuable books, illustrative of natural history and antiquities. It is deeply to be regretted, that hitherto the council have been able to do little more than maintain the museum in existence. Had they been entrusted with a larger amount of funds, they might have very considerably enlarged its collection, and extended its interests. Many donations are still in store for exhibition, whenever a more commodious building can be procured. It is, therefore, hoped that a district of so much scientific and antiquarian resource may, before long, be furnished with a building, in which specimens of its own productions may be placed for inspection, and which may also be a repository for objects of general interest and national importance. President: The Right Hon. the Earl of Powis.—Treasurer: Thomas Eyton, Esq.—Honorary Secretary: Henry Johnson, M.D.
The Mechanics’ Institution was originally established in 1825, and in the year 1833 a building was erected for their meetings, in Howard Street. The committee of management subsequently took the Corn Market chambers, which are found admirably adapted for the objects of the institution, which affords to mechanics, artisans, and others, opportunities of acquiring, at their leisure hours, the principles of science and the arts; and for the cultivation of literature. The library comprises upwards of 2,000 volumes, and the reading-room is supplied with the leading London and provincial newspapers and magazines. There are classes for the English and French languages, arithmetic, mathematics, writing, drawing, music, and modelling. The present number of members is two hundred. The income for the year ending September, 1849, was £110. 15s. 10d. President: Mr. Edward Elsmere.—Honorary Secretaries: Mr. W. P. Scoltock and Mr. Robert France, jun.
The Church of England Literary and Scientific Institution was established in 1850, under the patronage of the Lord Bishop of Lichfield. Its general object is to afford the young men of the town of Shrewsbury the means of spending their leisure hours in a rational and profitable manner, and of acquiring useful knowledge on literary and scientific subjects, in subservience to the doctrines and precepts of revealed religion. A library and reading room have been established, and competent persons employed to deliver lectures on various interesting and scientific subjects. All persons subscribing twelve shillings and sixpence annually, or five guineas in one donation, to the funds of the institution, are members; and all persons elected by the committee, on the payment of six shillings per annum, have the advantages of the institution. Treasurer, W. B. Lloyd, Esq. Honorary Secretary, Mr. Henry Newham.
The Subscription Library, on St. John’s hill, contains a valuable collection of books in the various department of literature and science, numbering upwards of nine thousand volumes. It was established in 1785. Proprietary members pay one guinea admission, and an annual subscription of a guinea and a half. Elinor Urwick is the librarian.
The News Room.—The public News Room in the Corn-market, immediately above the Post Office, is supported by annual subscriptions; the members have the advantage of perusing the principal London and provincial newspapers, magazines, and journals, &c. The walls are adorned with some fine pictures, presented at various periods to the corporation of the town, among which are Charles I., Charles II., William III., George I., George II., George III., Admiral Benbow, Lord Hill, and others.
The Circus, a spacious building situated near the Welsh bridge, was formerly used for equestrian performances. It is now used as a depot for the immense quantities of butter and cheese which are brought to the town for sale at the monthly fairs; considerable quantities of these commodities are brought from Wales.
The Butter and Poultry Market, situated at the top of Pride-hill, was erected in 1819 by voluntary contributions amounting to £2000. It is not at all commensurate with the wants of the town, and of the ample produce brought to its weekly markets large quantities are exposed for sale in the streets.
The New Butter and Cheese Market, situated in Howard-street, is a spacious building containing an area of 5400 feet. The exterior consists of a centre and two wings, and has a handsome appearance; the roof is supported by four rows of cast iron pillars—and there is ample room to dispose of the large quantities of butter and cheese which are brought for sale on the Wednesdays following the first fair in each month.
The House of Industry was originally built as an asylum for the reception of orphans from the Foundling Hospital in London. This spacious structure is situated at Kingsland, and crowns the steep eminence above the river, whence a most delightful and picturesque view of the town and country is obtained. The governor of the Foundling Hospital began the building in 1760, and finished it in five years, at an expense of £12,000. Children were sent down from London in great numbers, and put out to nurse with the neighbouring cottagers, under the inspection of the gentlemen in the vicinity. At a proper age they were taken into the house, where they were employed in the manufacture of wool, and afterwards placed out as apprentices. At one time there were more than four hundred orphans in the hospital; but the funds of the institution not proving adequate to the plan of sending children to provincial hospitals, it was discontinued in 1774. After being shut up several years, it was converted into a place of confinement for the Dutch prisoners taken in the American war. It was afterwards used as an infirmary, whilst the present noble structure was building. The rapid increase of the parochial rates, of Shrewsbury, induced the inhabitants to petition parliament for an act to incorporate the five parishes of the Town and Meole Brace, so far as concerned the poor, and to establish a general House of Industry. In 1784, they purchased the orphan hospital from the governors of the foundling charity, for the admission of the poor, who, in their declining years, here find an appropriate shelter, and are supplied with decent and comfortable necessaries of life. The situation is highly salubrious, and the terrace in front of the house commands a fine view of the quarry, the town, its suburbs, and the whole range of mountains in Salop, Montgomery, and Denbigh. The internal arrangements have a clean and orderly appearance, and the kind attention of the governor and guardians to the wants of the inmates, who are chiefly the aged, infirm, and helpless poor children, is highly creditable. [When we visited the house there were six old women of the age of 75 and upwards, one had reached the age of 95 years.] There is accommodation for 350 inmates, exclusive of that portion of the building which has been let off as a private asylum; the inmates are now 75. The infirmary and vagrant ward are in the rear, as are the schools, which are held in a building formerly used for hand-loom weaving; adjoining which are four acres of land, cultivated by the scholars; it is chiefly used in raising green crops, and is highly productive. The union embraces the parishes of St. Chad, St. Mary, St. Alkmund, St. Julian, Holy Cross, and Meole Brace, for which ten guardians are appointed. Chairman, Mr. Charles Lloyd. Surgeon, Henry Keate. Chaplain, Rev. W. J. James. Governor, Mr. William N. Kindellon.
The Savings’ Bank, situated on College-hill, was erected in 1838, at a cost of £2000, which includes a sum of £600 given for the site. The capital stock of the bank, on November 20th, 1849, amounted to £179,990. 6s., at which time 4461 depositors, 56 Charitable societies, and 42 Friendly societies had accounts with the bank. Of the depositors there were 2329 whose respective balances did not exceed £20; 1138 were above £20 and not exceeding £50; 587 were above £50 and not exceeding £100; 253, not exceeding £150; 134 not exceeding £200; and 20 exceeding the latter amount. The bank is open on Monday and Saturday, from 11.30, a.m. to 1.30, p.m. Mr. Charles Blount, Actuary. The gross amount of the capital invested by the Charitable Societies, amounts to £307. 14s. 5d.; and of the Friendly Societies, to £18,362. 5s. 4d.
The Royal Baths, situated at Benbow-place, were established in 1831, by Mr. William Onions. The front of the building exhibits a chaste design, being ornamented by a portico, supported by two Ionic pillars, and two pilasters. The conveniences, are varied and ample, and such as are only to be met with in the first rate establishments in the kingdom. The moderate charges and strict attention to cleanliness and comfort will, no doubt, insure to them an extensive patronage. The swimming bath is of sufficient dimensions to enable persons to learn or practice the art of swimming; there are also hot, air, vapour, shower, warm, medicated, salt, and fresh water baths in constant readiness. A charge of 21s. per annum is made for the use of the swimming bath, and sixpence for a single bath.
The Shrewsbury Waterworks were established, by a company of shareholders, under an act of parliament, obtained in 1830, for the purpose of affording the inhabitants a constant supply of water from the Severn. The works are situated in Chester-street, and the water is raised by means of a steam engine, capable of throwing up 20,000 gallons per hour, into a large reservoir near the top of Pride-hill, and thence distributed in pipes to all parts of the town. The town is also gratuitously supplied with excellent water from a fine spring called Broadwell, near Crow Meole, distant about two miles, being conducted thence to conduits placed in different parts of the town for the convenience of the inhabitants. Few towns have such an excellent and abundant supply of this fine beverage of nature.
The Gas Works are situated in the Castle Foregate, near the goods depôt of the Shrewsbury and Ellesmere canal. They were established in 1820 by a company of shareholders with a capital stock of £10,000 raised in £10 shares. The luminous vapour is supplied from three gasometers which will hold together 80,000 cubic feet of gas.
The Railway Station.—The united station of the Shrewsbury and Chester, the Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and the Shrewsbury and Stafford branch of the Shropshire Union Railway, is a magnificent structure in the perpendicular style of architecture, situated near the Castle-gates. It exhibits a frontage of 150 feet in length, and two stories in height, with a square tower in the centre, ornamented with a richly carved battlement, with octagonal turrets of considerable elevation, at the corners. On each side of the tower extends a large wing, divided into four equal spaces by projecting turrets. The ridge of the roof is finished with an ornamental cast iron crest, and the windows are divided by stone transoms and mullions. The total cost of the station-house, offices, and engineering works, was £51,000; the goods, engine-station, and other necessary works £20,000. The gross cost of the above works, including the viaduct of the Severn, contiguous to the station, and the bridge over Castle Foregate, exceeded £100,000.
The ground floor is appropriated to booking offices, waiting rooms, and a large refreshment room; above are the offices for the clerks, and other offices. The platforms respectively measure 600 feet, and 450 in length, and 16 feet wide. A wrought iron roof, beautifully designed, of 70 feet span, covers the platforms and lines of rails for a space of 450 feet. The goods and coal depots are situated between the station and Coton-hill, with convenient access from Castle Foregate-street: here an abundance of coal, lime, and slates is always on hand. Near the station is the Viaduct over the Severn, consisting of seven elliptical arches, 45 feet span. The rails are 36 feet above the ordinary level of the river. A cast iron bridge of sixty-four feet span, from the Brymbo iron works, carries the Shrewsbury and Chester railway over the Castle Foregate. The whole of the works were executed by Mr. Brassey, the contractor, under the direction of Mr. James Baylis, the resident engineer, at the joint expense of the several companies whose lines unite in Shrewsbury.
Lord Hill’s Column, erected to commemorate the brilliant victories and achievements of that distinguished warrior, stands on rising ground near the entrance of Abbey Foregate, from the London road, and forms a conspicuous and interesting object to the surrounding country. This fine Doric pillar, considered to be the largest in the world, was completed on the 18th of June, 1816, at a cost of £5,973. 13s. 2d. The pedestal, which is square, has a buttress at each angle, on which is a lion couchant, worked out of Grinshill free stone, of which material is the column. The chastely fluted shaft is surmounted by a cylindrical pedestal, supporting a statue of his lordship, of colossal proportions, executed in artificial stone, by Messrs. Coade and Sealey, London. The statue is 17 feet high, and the height of the pillar 116 feet, making a total height of 133 feet from the ground to the top of the statue. A beautiful spiral staircase, the munificent donation of the builder, Mr. Straphen, winds round the interior of the shaft, and opens on the summit, at the base of the pedestal of the statue, whence the visitor will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Shrewsbury and the fertile plains of Shropshire, unrivalled in extent and splendour. On the sides of the pedestal are inscriptions, recording the victories of the gallant general, to whose honour this voluntary tribute of Salopian esteem was erected.
The Armoury, situated near to St. Giles’ church, is a spacious brick edifice, built by government in 1806, at an expense of £10,000, and intended as a depôt for containing the arms of the volunteer corps of this and the adjoining counties. The principal building is 135 feet long by 39 feet wide, divided into an upper and lower story, capable of containing 25,000 stand of arms; at each angle is a small residence, and within the enclosure are two magazines for ammunition. The arms having been removed to Chester, the premises have remained unoccupied ever since. The structure now presents a dilapidated appearance; it has become by purchase the property of Lord Berwick.
The County Court Offices for the recovery of debts not exceeding £20 are situate in Wyle Cop. The court contains within its jurisdiction the following parishes and places, viz.:—Acton Burnell, Alberbury, Albrighton, Astley, Atcham, Baschurch, Battlefield, Berrington, Cardington, Cardiston, Church Preen, Church Pulverbatch, Church Stretton, Condover, Cound, Cressage, Easthope, Eaton-under-Haywood, Eaton Constantine, Fitz, Ford, Frodesley, Great Harwood, Great Ness, Habberley, Hadnal, Harley, Haughmond Demesne, Hope Bowdler, Hughley, Kenley, Leebotwood, Leighton, Little Ness, Longnor, Melverley, Meole Brace, Middle, Minsterley, Montford, Petton, Pitchford, Pontesbury, Preston Gubballs, Ruckley and Langley, Rushbury, Shineton, Shipton, Shrawardine, Shrewsbury—viz.: St. Chad, St. Julian, St. Mary except Clive, and Holy Cross and St. Giles, and Smethcott, Stapleton, Sutton, Uffington, Uppington, Upton Magna, Westbury, Withington, Wolstaston, Wollaston and Wroxeter.—Judge: Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall.—Clerk: Joshua John Peele, Esq., Murivance.—High Bailiff: Mr. Henry Bloxham, St. Mary’s square.—Bailiffs: Edward Bury and Richard Prinn.
The Cattle Market or New Smithfield, situated near the banks of the Severn, on a plot of land called Raven Meadow, is approached from the lower part of Mardol, and the Castle gates nearly opposite the railway station. This market covers four acres of land, and is not surpassed by any provincial market in England for the conveniences it affords, and its adaptation to the purposes intended. It was opened on November 19th, 1850. The total cost has been £15,000, of which £2500 was expended in raising the ground. A lofty brick wall surrounds the market, which is capable of affording accommodation for 700 horses, 1400 cattle, 5000 sheep, and 1000 pigs, with suitable trial ground for the horses, appropriate pens for the sheep and pigs, and a long range of sheds under the north wall for the cattle. If the tolls are not sufficient to pay the interest of the money borrowed for the formation of the market, the act of parliament authorizes a rate upon the town to meet the deficiency. The market or fair is held every alternate Tuesday, when stock of all kinds is brought in very considerable quantities for sale.
Fairs for cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and fat stock are held every alternate Tuesday. The following will be the dates for the year 1851, viz.:—January 14, 28; February 11, 25; March 11, 25; April 8, 22; May 6, 20; June 3, 17; July 1, 15, 29; August 12, 26; September 9, 23; October 7, 21; November 4, 18; December 2, 16, 30.
Butter and Cheese Fair is held on the Wednesday following the first fair in each month.
The Wool Fair takes place on July 1 and August 26.
The English Bridge is a substantial and elegant structure, 400 feet in length, and composed of seven arches, crowned by a bold balustrade. It was erected in 1774, at an expense of £15,710, of which £11,494 was raised by voluntary subscriptions. The central arch is sixty feet in width, and forty in height, which is double the height of the end arches, and consequently disagreeably steep; the breadth of the thoroughfare is also inconveniently narrow (only twenty-five feet) for the innumerable carriages and passengers which are continually passing over it. The object in its construction was to contrive as much space as possible for the water during floods. With the exception of this defect, its architectural beauty is surpassed by few bridges in the kingdom; it is highly ornamental to the town, and an equally noble monument of the public spirit of the gentry of the county. The keystone of the central arch is adorned with a fine head of Sabrina, “goddess of the river,” and that on the opposite side with a head of Neptune, the “father of fountains.” The keystones of the other arches are worked into a shell; on the central piers of the arches are finely carved dolphins.
The old English bridge, built probably by the abbots and burgesses conjointly, was taken down on the completion of the present structure. It was constructed on seventeen arches, and extended over the main stream, also an arm of the river now filled up which flowed into the Meole Brook; its length was 864 feet, and the breadth only 12 feet, being greatly encumbered with houses. Near the eastern extremity was a gate and a strong embattled tower, with chamber and portcullis, and beyond a draw-bridge.
The Welsh Bridge, so called on account of the road from Shrewsbury to a considerable part of North Wales lying over it, is situated at the foot of Mardol, and crosses the river into the populous suburb of Frankwell. It is a bold and substantial structure, consisting of five arches, the length being 266 feet and the breadth 30 feet, completed in 1795, at an expense of £8000, raised by subscriptions. The old Welsh bridge taken down on the erection of the above structure, was situated a few yards higher up the stream than the present fabric. It was a most interesting monument of antiquity, and consisted of seven arches, with massive gate towers at each extremity, in the finest style of castellated building. Leland, who visited Shrewsbury in 1539, in describing this bridge says:—“It is the greatest, faynest, and highest upon the stream, having six great arches of stone; it standeth on the west syde of the towne, and hath at the one end of it a great gate to enter by into the towne; and at the other end towardes Wales a mighty stronge towre to prohibit enemies to enter on the bridge.” Above one of the gates stood an armed statue of a knight, which was removed in 1791, and placed in a niche in front of the Market-house. This effigy was an important object of attraction to the Welshmen, from a tradition, that it represented Llewelyn, Prince of Wales. Antiquaries, from its attendant embellishments, state it represented Richard Duke of York. The tolls arising from marketable goods over this bridge were abolished by the payment of £6000 to the corporation, which sum was raised by public subscriptions.
The Railway Viaduct over the Severn, situated a little east from the station, consists of seven elliptical arches, forty-five span, and thirty-six feet above the ordinary level of the river. The whole has a bold, massive, and elegant appearance.—A BRIDGE of cast iron of sixty-four feet span, crosses the Castle Foregate, and carries the four lines of rails of the Chester and Shrewsbury railway.—A WOODEN BRIDGE, consisting of two timber arches, eighty-five feet span each, on the bow and spring principle, leads from the public walk called the Dana, over the railway station, to the front of the county gaol.
Trade and Manufactures.—The trade of this town was once esteemed of great importance to the kingdom, and though its consequence has been eclipsed by the subsequent increase of other places, yet it has never been destitute of a considerable share of internal commerce. In early times it was distinguished for its glove cloth, and shoe manufactories, but its ancient traffic in Welsh woollens was in a great measure the cause of the former opulence of Shrewsbury. Camden, in his account of the town in 1586, observes:—“It is a fine city, and of good commerce; and by the industry of the citizens and their cloth manufacture, and their trade with the Welsh, is very rich, for hither the Welsh commodities are brought as to the common mart.” Pennant, who wrote more than half a century ago, says:—“From very early days this place possessed almost exclusively the trade with Wales, in a coarse kind of woollen cloth called Welsh webs, which were brought from Merinoth and Montgomeryshire to a market held here weekly on Thursday. They were afterwards dressed, that is, the wool raised on one side, by a set of people called shearmen. At the time of Queen Elizabeth the trade was so great, that not fewer than 600 persons maintained themselves by this occupation. The cloth was sent chiefly to America to clothe the negroes, or to Flanders, where it is used by the peasants. At present the greatest part of this traffic is diverted into other channels, and not more than four or five hundred thousand yards are brought to the ancient mart.” The stout Welshmen were accustomed to come to the market, with troops of hardy ponies, each with a halter of twisted straw, and laden with bales of cloth.
It was a practice of the drapers and shearmen to assemble at the Market-house at two o’clock, and according to ancient usage proceed up stairs in seniority. The traffic was a ready money business, and as the Welshmen left much of their cash behind them, in exchange for groceries, malt, and other commodities, the loss of such a trade may easily be conceived, when it is said that more than six hundred pieces of web have been sold in one day. The Welsh flannels were formerly made by the rural population, and the small farmers employed their female domestics at leisure hours in this business. These seldom made more than four or five pieces during the year, and those from the wool of their own flocks. The principal manufacturers were farmers, who maintained servants solely for that purpose, and hired weavers by the year. They produced forty or fifty pieces annually at market, each measuring from 100 to 150 yards; and, as it was a ready money trade, many of them made considerable sums. At present, chiefly from the introduction of spinning mills and the power loom, this ancient domestic manufacture is almost swept away. The market, formerly held here every Thursday, is now removed to Welshpool, Newton, and Llanidloes, which has nearly caused the total extinction of this branch of local commerce. There are now only two flannel merchants in the town, and they visit the different localities in which the flannels are manufactured to purchase their goods.
The general trade and prosperity of Shrewsbury are said to have been very much injured by the exactions of its guilds or incorporated companies, the most considerable of which are the drapers and the mercers. The former were incorporated by Edward IV., and united with an ancient guild or fraternity of the Holy Trinity, founded in the church of St. Mary. Their company is recognised by several subsequent acts of parliament. They have now a considerable estate, originally purchased by the voluntary contributions of the members, which is expended in the support of the inmates of St. Mary’s almshouses, in liberal subscriptions to the charitable institutions of the town, and in relief to widows and families of deceased members. On the south-west side of St. Mary’s church is the Drapers’ Hall, a curious half-timbered building, erected, probably, about the time of Elizabeth. The large room, finely wainscotted with old oak, contains two massive oak tables, and a fine old chest, with richly carved ornaments. Portraits of the royal founder of the company, and of Degory Watur and his spouse, decorate the wainscot. Among the records of the Drapers’ Company are the following:—“25 Elizabeth, 1583, ordered that no draper set out for Oswestry on Monday before six o’clock, on forfeiture of 6s. 8d., and that they should wear their weapons all the way, and go in company. Not to go over the Welsh Bridge before the bell tolls six.”—“27 of Elizabeth, 1585, a market was held at Knocking, and a halfpenny paid by the drapers for every piece of cloth bought.”—“1621, agreed to buy no more cloth in Oswestry.”
The Mercers were incorporated by Edward IV., on condition that they should maintain a priest to sing at the altar of St. Michael in the collegiate church of St. Chad; that they should give a penny a week to thirteen poor men, to pray for the good estate of the king, his family, and themselves; and also find a wax taper to be carried before the holy sacrament on the procession of Corpus Christi, on the celebration of which day it was customary for all the companies to unite as their grand anniversary, and preceded by their masters and wardens, ornamented with colours and curious devices they attended the bailiffs and members of the corporation, who, with the friars of the convents and the parochial clergy, followed the holy sacrament, which was borne by priests under a rich canopy of velvet, to a stone cross without the town (probably that now called the Weeping Cross). Here all joined in bewailing their sins, and in chanting forth petitions for a plentiful harvest; they then returned in the same order to the church of St. Chad, when a grand mass was celebrated. Three days of unbounded jollity and recreation followed this magnificent festival. These were held on a piece of ground called “Kingsland,” where each company had its “arbour,” and the several incorporated communities, accompanied by bands of music, flags, and devices emblematical of their craft, preceded by a “King” or some other principal personage, assembled at their respective arbours and spent the time with much festivity. After the reformation the religions ceremony was abolished, but one day of entertainment is still observed under the denomination of the Shrewsbury Show, now held on the second Monday after Trinity Sunday. Each company has still its arbour or pavilion, adorned with the arms of the company, in which refreshments are provided. These are visited by the mayor and corporation, who used formerly to wear their robes of office upon this occasion. The following is an entry from the books kept by the bailiffs, dated 1521:—“Wine to the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, president of our lord the king’s council in the marches of Wales at the general procession of Corpus Christi, 3s. 8d.” The show was revived and kept up with much pageantry in 1850. The ancient Tailors’ Hall formerly stood on College Hill; the Weavers’ Hall on Wyle Cop; the Cloth Workers’ Hall in High-street, and the Mercers’ Hall in the King’s Head Shutt. The chief manufactories at the present time in Shrewsbury are the extensive establishment of Messrs. Marshall and Co., for flax spinning and the manufacture of linen thread, where upwards of 800 operatives are employed. The factory is a spacious and lofty building, situated in St. Michael-street; the aggregate amount of steam power employed is equal to 116 horses. Linen was formerly extensively manufactured here; a linen and flax mill was taken down about fifteen years ago; there are now only about half a dozen hands employed in weaving linen. The cotton manufacture was introduced into Shrewsbury in 1790, when several factories were built at Coleham, and the trade was carried on in a spirited manner. In 1817 the proprietor, in consequence of a great depression in trade, declined business, since which the mills have been closed, and some portion of them converted into cottage tenements. Malting is very extensively carried on, as will be seen in reference to the trades’ list, which will show thirty different firms. Glass Staining has been brought to the highest state of perfection by Mr. David Evans, whose ingenious talents and consummate skill have raised the art to a degree of perfection unequalled in modern times. The beautiful specimens visible in the restorations of Winchester and Lichfield cathedrals, in most of the churches of Shrewsbury, and in churches almost in all parts of the kingdom, will compare with some of the finest works of the ancient masters, and speak his merits more forcibly to the refined taste than whole volumes of feeble encomiums. There are several Iron-founderies, and the manufacture of Agricultural Implements is carried onto a considerable extent, with Tanning and other branches of trade as will be seen on reference to the trades’ directory. Among the delicacies for which the town is noted is the Shrewsbury Cake, a delicious sweet cake, which the poet Shenstone speaks of as “Rend’ring through Britain’s isle Salopian’s praises known.” The Simnel Cake is also much admired, and great quantities are made about the season of Christmas. It consists of an exterior crust or shell deeply tinged with saffron, enclosing a compound of rich fruit. The Shrewsbury Brawn is highly celebrated among the connoisseurs of this ancient Christmas dish.
The Quarry.—This fine public promenade occupies a rich sloping meadow of about twenty acres, on the west side of the town, and derives its name from a disused stone quarry nearly in the centre, which supplied a considerable part of the red sand stone visible in the older portions of the walls and churches of Shrewsbury. An avenue of lofty lime trees, more than five hundred yards in length, follows the windings of the Severn; to the middle and at each end of which, three other shaded walks lead from various parts of the town. “The still retirement and pleasing gloom of this delightful grove, from which the noise of the busy town, and even a prospect of its buildings, are almost entirely excluded—the refreshing coolness of its shade—the rich verdure which ever clothes its meadow—the fine sweep of its umbrageous arch—and the majestic flow of the river, which here combine to render it the favourite and constant resort of the inhabitants, and a principal attraction to the stranger.” The opposite bank of the Severn rises abruptly, and is crowned with the House of Industry, an extensive and handsome building, and some modern plantations, contribute greatly to embellish the scene, and render it one of the finest public walks in the kingdom. The ground was planted and laid out during the mayoralty of Henry Jenks, Esq., in the year, 1719, previous to which it was a waste plot of land, where the inhabitants were used to indulge in feats of wrestling, tilting and other sports. In a place called the Dingle, planted with a clump of magnificent trees, are the remains of a rude amphitheatre, with ascending seats cut in the bank, where the friars of the adjacent convent entertained the Salopians with those ancient, sacred dramas, called mysteries or Whitsun plays, so famous in the days of our ancestors. Here, also, during the reign of Elizabeth, many plays were exhibited, in which the scholars of the free school sustained the principal characters; among which, in 1565, was a play called Julian the Apostate, and two years afterwards was exhibited the passion of Christ. It is said that the Queen herself intended to have honoured the last with her presence, and had even arrived as far as Coventry on her way, but hearing that it was over she returned to London. The corporation in the year 1569 leased the quarry to three persons for ten years, for the consideration of a red rose yearly, on condition that they should bring the water from Broadwell, near Crow Meole, in leaden pipes as high as it would run into the town of Shrewsbury. By this means the water was first brought into the town; the work was completed in the year 1574, and then the conduits were first opened.
The Horse Races are held annually in the second week in May, and continue for two days; they attract a considerable influx of visitors to the town, but are not so celebrated as they were in former times. The race course is situated a quarter of a mile N.N.E. from the Abbey Church, on the road leading to Monk Moor. It also bears the name of “the soldiers’ piece,” and is pointed out by tradition as the spot on which the unfortunate Charles I., when at Shrewsbury in 1642, drew up his army and addressed the assembled gentry of the county on the subject of his distresses.
The Assembly Room was erected in 1777, at the back of the Lion Hotel; the room is commodious and suitably decorated, and the balls are usually attended by the rank and fashion of the county.
The Billiard Rooms are situated in the Market-square; the third story of the Music Hall has been divided into convenient apartments, which are now occupied as billiard rooms, of which Mr. Edward Vaughan is the proprietor.
Aquatic Excursions.—Much pleasure and healthy exercise is afforded on the Severn during the summer months, and an emulation of skill is frequently excited among the rowers. Boats may be hired at a moderate charge, and pleasure parties frequently take an excursion up the river to the picturesque and shady banks of Berwick and the Isle, or to the rural village of Uffington. The Severn also affords much pleasure to the votaries of the “gentle craft,” the river being celebrated for the excellency of its salmon, besides which trout, pike, grayling, perch, and many other sorts of fish are caught.
Kingsland is a plot of ground covering twenty-seven acres on the south west side of the town, the common property of the burgesses, thirty of whom in rotation receive annually 4s. 6d. from its produce, in lieu for a “turn for their kine.” It is studded with small enclosures and “arbours,” to which the several incorporated trading companies of the town annually resort in procession on the Monday after Trinity Sunday, accompanied by bands of music and devices emblematical of their craft; a more particular account of which has been noticed with the various guilds.
Monastic Foundations.—The Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, which stood on the eastern banks of the Severn, in the suburb which still bears its name, owes its foundation to Roger de Montgomery, the first Norman Earl of Shrewsbury. In the time of the Saxons it is said a church stood on or near this spot, and a community of monks was in all probability united to it. The Danes, during their ravages in the ninth century, plundered and depopulated monastic institutions, and this it is conjectured fell with the rest. The kingdom becoming more settled under the reign of Edgar, many of the abbey churches which had till then laid desolate were taken possession of by secular priests, who, swerving from the strictness of monastic life, engaged in the active concerns of society. Such, apparently, was the state of the monastery of Shrewsbury at the time of the Norman invasion. The church, then a rude edifice of wood, was governed by Odelirius, a priest, who as archpresbyter, presided over a college of married secular clergy. Its district was called the parish of the city. From the fact that the portion of each prebend, at the death of the incumbent, should revert to the monks of a new abbey, there can be no doubt that at this period it was collegiate. This was the cause of much litigation, it being customary for ecclesiastical livings to descend as by inheritance to the next of blood. These claims were, however, abolished during the reign of Henry I. In the seminary belonging to this ancient church, a priest named Seward is mentioned as an eminent teacher, and to him the historian Ordericus Vitalis owed his education.
When Roger de Montgomery took possession of his territories in Shropshire, he determined to refound the monastery, and to introduce into it the monks of his favourite order, St. Benedict, whom he invited over from a religious house founded on the estates of Mabel, his first Countess, at Sees, in Normandy. He obtained the land on which the monastery of Shrewsbury stood from Siward, a Saxon nobleman, and in 1083 laid the foundation of a magnificent abbey, which, when finished, was re-dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, the patrons of the ancient monastery. With the consent of his Countess, Adelaisa, he retired to the holy solitude of his monastery and received the tonsure and habit of a monk, on which occasion he presented the fraternity with the tunic of Hugh, the sainted abbot of Clugin, in Burgundy, which vestment he occasionally wore, doubtless in anxious hope of its communicating some portion of the sanctity of its former possessor. In the immediate prospect of his dissolution he invested himself with this precious relic, thus exemplifying the pitiable superstition of those who “put on the weeds of Dominic or Franciscan and think to pass disguised.” He was buried in the Lady Chapel, between the two altars.
His second son, Hugh, succeeded to the Earldom of Shrewsbury, soon after which he paid a solemn visit to the abbey, to do homage to the tomb of his father, on which occasion, though of a profligate and cruel character, he added greatly to the endowments of the institution; and, among other things, conferred on the monks the tithe of all the venison of his forests in Shropshire, that of Wenlock excepted. The barons who attended Earl Hugh, imitated his munificence and conferred large estates on the abbey. By these and other acquisitions the revenues of the house were greatly enriched, and the abbot obtained the honour of ranking among those spiritual barons who sat and voted in parliament, had the authority of bishops within their houses, wore the mitre, sandals, and gloves, carried silver crosiers in their hands, gave their episcopal benediction, conferred the lesser orders, and in some instances were exempt from all authority of the diocesan. It is uncertain when these high functions were first exercised, but the abbot of Shrewsbury is mentioned among the spiritual lords who voted in parliament in the 49th of Henry III.
In the days of King Stephen, when the popular passion for relics had attained an unbounded extravagance, the monks of Shrewsbury determined not to be behindhand with their brethren in availing themselves of so fruitful a source of opulence; therefore, during the abbacy of Herbert, the third abbot, they commenced business on their own account. After ransacking the legends of Wales for a subject, they at length had the good fortune to pitch upon one sufficiently absurd for their purpose, in the bones of the martyred Virgin St. Wenefrede, which lay interred in the churchyard at Gwytherin, in Denbighshire. After much fruitless negotiation with the priest and the people of Gwytherin, the abbot of Shrewsbury procured an order from Henry I. for the translation of the sacred dust to his monastery. The Welshmen honoured their saint more than their king, and turned a deaf ear alike to entreaties and menace. The Salopian monks persevering in their purpose, held a chapter, in which Robert Pennant, their prior, a Denbighshire man, who is supposed to have fabricated the legend, was commissioned to make a pilgrimage to Gwytherin, and to leave no expedients untried for obtaining possession of the relics. Assisted by a priest in Wales, two clever monks of his abbey, and the prior of Chester, he practised on the credulity of the Welsh by pretended visions and divine warnings. The prize was given up, and the delegates returned with it in triumph to Shrewsbury, where it was enshrined with great pomp and solemnity, near the high altar of St. Peter and St. Paul. The speculation of the monks was completely successful; multitudes of pilgrims flocked with gifts to the shrine, and even nobles contended who should offer the richest donations. In addition to these treasured bones the monks in after times appear to have possessed a most extensive and varied assortment of other relics, doubtless of equal value and efficacy. In 1486 the abbot Thomas Mynde incorporated the devotees of St. Wenefrede into a religions guild or fraternity, founded by him in her honour. A great bell was also dedicated to her memory. One of the most remarkable persons this house produced was Robert of Shrewsbury, a monk, who was promoted to the see of Bangor, in the reign of Henry II. His influence in Wales excited the jealously of King John, who imprisoned him in his own cathedral, and for his ransom obliged him to pay three hundred hawks. This eminent prelate, it is said by his will, ordered his body to be buried, not in his cathedral church, but in the middle of the market place of Shrewsbury. At the various visits with which the English sovereigns honoured Shrewsbury, it is highly probable that they took up their residence in the abbey, and there can be little doubt that the parliament of Edward I., 1283, and that of Richard II., 1398, called the Great Parliament, were held within the monastery. At the dissolution of 1513, when the property and possessions of this monastery fell to the crown, the burgesses of Shrewsbury presented a petition that the abbey might be converted into a college or free school, to which request Henry refused to accede, alleging as a reason his intention of erecting Shrewsbury into a bishopric, the diocese of which was to include the counties of Salop and Staffordshire, and the endowments to consist of the monastic revenues. Dr. Bouchier, the last abbot of Leicester, was actually nominated Bishop of Shrewsbury, and hence it is said arose the appellation “Proud Salopians,” founded on the tradition that the inhabitants rejected the offer of having their borough converted into a city. The bailiffs and principal inhabitants of the city in vain petitioned their monarch to spare the buildings of the monastery. On the 22nd of July, 1546, Henry VIII. granted the site of the dissolved abbey to Edward Watson and Henry Henderson, who the next day conveyed the same to William Langley, a tailor, in whose family it continued for five generations, until 1701, when Jonathan Langley, Esq., devised it to Edward Baldwyn, Esq., and he in like manner in 1726 passed it to his sister Bridget, wife of Thomas Powys, Esq. In 1810 the premises were sold by the trustees of the wife of Thomas Jelf Powys, Esq., to Mr. Simon Hiles, in whose devisees they are now vested. The property with which the abbey had been endowed at various periods, comprised seventy manors, twenty-four churches, and the tithes of thirty-seven parishes, besides very extensive and valuable privileges and immunities of various kinds. In 26 Henry VIII., their possessions were found of the yearly value of £572. 15s. 5¾d., equal to £4700 in the present day. Pensions were assigned to the late abbot, Thomas Boteler, and the seventeen monks.
The abbey presents few features of its ancient grandeur, the chapter house, cloister, and refectory are entirely destroyed. In the stately chapter house occurred the early authorised assembly of that popular representation in the constitution of this kingdom, to which, under Providence, Englishmen have been indebted for much of their subsequent prosperity. From the important state affairs which were transacted here in 1307–8 it was denominated the Great Parliament. The cross of Canterbury was brought here, upon which the lords spiritual and temporal were sworn to observe and keep all the statutes which were then made. Here too, Richard II., attended by a numerous guard of Cheshire men, entertained the members of his parliament with a sumptuous feast. The site of the abbey embraced upwards of ten acres, but it is no longer possible to trace the wide circuit of the ancient embattled walls. In 1836, on excavating near the site of the chapter house, a leaden seal was found, which had once been appended to a bull from the pope, whose name is thus inscribed on it:—INNOCENTUS. P.P. IIII. The most interesting portions of the ruins is a little octagonal structure, six feet in diameter, which is generally called the Stone Pulpit, the admiration of every antiquary and person of taste. Some broken steps lead to the interior through a narrow flat arched door on each side. The south part stands upon a portion of a ruined wall, and originally looked into one of the outer courts. The corresponding moiety projected considerably within the hall, and rests upon a single corbel, terminating in a head. From this point it gradually spreads, with a variety of delicately ribbed mouldings, until it forms the basement under the floor. The whole is crowned with a dome of stone work, at about eight feet from the base, supported on six narrow pointed arches, rising from pillars similar to the mullions of the windows. One of the remaining sides of the octagon is a solid blank wall, and the other contains the door. The roof within is vaulted on eight delicate ribs springing out of the wall, and adorned at their intersection in the centre, by a boss representing an open flower, on which is displayed a delicate sculpture of the crucifixion. The spaces between the divisions of the three northern arches, are filled up four feet above the base, with stone panels, over which they are entirely open, and the light thus introduced is productive of a beautiful effect. On the centre panel is a rich piece of sculpture designed to represent the annunciation. The right hand panel bears the images of St. Peter and St. Paul; that on the left St. Wenefrede and the abbot Beuno. The architecture of this interesting structure is referred to the time of Henry VIII. Much conjecture has arisen among antiquaries respecting its probable use, but there can be little doubt that it originally projected from the wall of the refectory, and was used as a pulpit, from which one of the junior brethren of the monastery, in compliance with the rule of the Benedictine order, daily read or recited aloud, during meal times, a subject of divinity to the monks during dinner. Southward from the pulpit is a range of red sand stone building, now incorporated with the abbey house. To the south east is the abbot lodge, of which the only remnant is a portion of the cloister, consisting of three pointed arches. The dormitory was cut through on the formation of a new line of road in 1836.
Shrewsbury Castle.—The events which belong to the Castle are intimately connected with the history of the town, where they are more fully noticed. Its founder, Roger de Montgomery, made it his residence soon after the Conquest, and it became the chief seat of his baronial power. As his new possessions had been acquired by the sword, Earl Roger considered the inhabitants as his property; therefore, to afford an eligible site for his new buildings, he is stated to have destroyed fifty houses; a fifth part of the town at that period. After the fall of the great house of Montgomery, in the reign of Henry I., on the forfeiture of Earl Robert de Belesme, the Castle became a royal fortress. Its defence was entrusted to a constable, usually the sheriff, who maintained the prison of the county within its walls; and the vast possessions annexed to it were parcelled out among various knights, on the condition of their keeping castle-ward for a certain number of days during war. During the turbulent reign of Henry III. the castle fell into great dilapidation; but his son, Edward I., immediately on his accession, almost entirely rebuilt the structure. The stronger portion of the castle now remaining was probably erected by direction of that monarch, being in the style generally adopted during his reign.
It was at this time considered rather as a place of great consequence in protecting the country from the invasions of the Welsh, than as a royal or baronial residence. By the union with Wales all apprehensions on this ground vanished, and the importance of the castle as a fortress ceased. In the time of Henry VIII. it seems to have been rapidly hastening to decay. Leland, who then saw it, observes that it had been a “stronge thynge, but now much in mine.” In the reign of Elizabeth, a grant was made of its site and buildings to Richard Onslow, Esq., who subsequently transferred his interest in it to the corporation.
During the civil war, in the reign of Charles I., the Castle resumed some share of its former importance, and was garrisoned for the royal party. The dilapidated walls were repaired, and its gates strongly fortified. After its surrender to the parliamentary forces, in 1645, it escaped the destruction that fell upon many other castles, owing to the circumstance of its being entrusted by the House of Commons to the government of Colonel Mitton, a native of the county, who, displeased with the virulent persecution of the king, soon after resigned his commission. Colonel Mackworth was then appointed governor, and he was succeeded by Colonel Hunt. On the restoration of Charles II., the property of the Castle returned to the burgesses, who in 1663 surrendered it to the king. That monarch shortly afterwards presented it to Viscount Newport, afterwards Earl of Bradford. The garrison at this time consisted of two companies with their officers; the daily expenses of which, as given in an old record, are stated at £8. 17s., or £3,230. 5s. per annum. The Castle continued in a fortified state, and had a large magazine of arms, which was not removed till the reign of James II. It is probable that the out-works were in a great measure destroyed, and its ancient chapel demolished, about this period. The part still remaining was leased by the Earl of Bradford to Mr. Gosnell. About the year 1730, this gentleman converted it into a gloomy habitation, in which state it remained until Sir William Pulteney repaired and greatly improved it. The outer walls of the Castle are now undergoing a complete reparation by the present proprietor, the Duke of Cleveland.
The Castle stands boldly elevated on a considerable eminence on the narrow isthmus formed by the windings of the Severn, which in every other part, by surrounding Shrewsbury, formed a portion of its defence. It has undergone so many changes, and has suffered so much from the dilapidations of time, that it is not easy to form any correct notion of its original state. Its appearance does not convey an adequate idea of the size, stateliness, or the strength of a great baronial fortress, placed in so important a position as Shrewsbury was once esteemed. The present buildings are of red free stone, and consist of the keep, the walls of the inner court, and the great arch of the interior gate. How far the original fortifications extended cannot now be absolutely determined. It is probable that the usual appendages of feudal castles, the outer court or ballium, with its strong gate, portcullis, and towers, once made part of the fortress, and extended, perhaps, beyond the Council House. The keep is a square building of great strength, connected with two round towers, embattled and pierced, and originally consisted of one great apartment on each of the upper floors. The interior as well as the exterior has been greatly altered. In the vestibule is a statue of the founder, Roger de Montgomery. A handsome stone staircase, of modern construction, leads from the vestibule to the principal apartments. The drawing room, a spacious and handsome apartment, was used as a guard chamber in the time of Charles I. A narrow stone staircase within the wall, lighted by chinks, leads to an apartment in the western tower, in which was a recess, with a strong groined ceiling, and small sharp pointed windows. This building does not appear older than the time of Henry III.; the beams are of an immense size, and the walls are ten feet in thickness. The battlements of the walls are pierced with narrow cruciform openings, called loops or oilets, which were intended for the convenience of the cross-bowmen. The noble arch of the gateway is the only existing part of the original Norman fortress of Roger de Montgomery. It is eighteen feet high, semi-circular, and with plain round facings; and its walls appear to have sustained a tower, from which hung the portcullis. On the east side of the court is a postern, built probably in the time of Charles I., when the fortress was restored; and near it are the massive foundations of an ancient tower. The Castle still retains one mark of its ancient dignity, for in the area of the inner court the knights of the shire are nominated, and from time immemorial have been girt with their swords by the sheriff.
On the south side of the court is a lofty mount, which rises abruptly from the Severn, the summit of which is crowned with ruinous walls, and an ancient watch tower for the purpose of descrying an enemy at a distance. This was rebuilt about thirty years ago, and converted into a beautiful summer room, commanding a fine panoramic view, and now called Laura’s Tower. From the above mount there is also a view of uncommon grandeur and beauty—the sides of the mount are richly clothed with foliage, the Severn winds majestically below—the eye of the spectator beholds in succession, the town, with its spires and turrets, its beautiful suburbs, and a wide sweep of finely wooded and diversified country, with the most extensive amphitheatre of mountains of which perhaps the island can boast. The majestic Wrekin is connected by the hills of Acton Burnell and Frodesley with the towering heights of the Lawley and Caradoc, from whence the Long Mynd, Stiperstones, and Long Mountain, form an uninterrupted chain, with the bold and precipitous cliffs of Kefn-y-Castyr and Breddyn;—thence the horizon is bounded by the stupendous Berwin range, losing its blue summit in the clouds,—while the northern prospect is terminated by the humbler eminences of Grinshill, Pymhill, Hawkstone, and Haughmond.
When the frontier situation of Shrewsbury is considered, and that for four centuries it was, perhaps, the most important station on the marches of Wales, it is extraordinary that, though it has several times fallen into the enemies’ power by treachery and surprise, yet it never sustained more than two sieges, and those in rather early periods of its history. This circumstance may partly be attributed to the slender hopes an adverse army must have entertained of reducing by regular approaches a place so strongly fortified both by nature and art; for it was not only defended by its castle, but by the river, and a wall which completely surrounded it.
The Town Walls.—The following account of the ancient walls of Shrewsbury is chiefly taken from Phillip’s history of the town:—The walls were built across the isthmus, from the castle down to the river on each side, by Robert de Belesme, son of Roger de Montgomery. The other part of the walls surrounding the town was built in the reign of Henry III., who earnestly pressed the inhabitants to fortify and strengthen their borough, lest the enemy should surprise them unawares. This part of the wall was thirty-two years in building; it was finished in 1252, to defray the charge of which the king, at sundry times, granted the burgesses leases of the tolls of the town, and other favours; among which, every barge laded with merchandise upon the river had to pay the charge of fourpence. That part from the north end of the above-mentioned wall to the Welsh bridge, called Roushill, was built by Oliver Cromwell in the year 1645, the stone of which was brought from Shrawardine Castle. The more accessible parts of the town walls, particularly on the south and south-western sides, were formerly strengthened by towers, which are now demolished, excepting one, situated near the Murivance; it is square, embattled, and of two stories high, lighted by narrow loop holes, the entrance of the upper story being from the top wall. The only portions of the ancient walls now left standing are those on the north side of the town, extending from the Castle gates towards the Welsh bridge, and on the south-west side, where they stretch to a considerable distance. Although reduced in height, and stripped of the battlements, they form an agreeable walk to the inhabitants of the town.
Gates and Posterns.—In an exchequer manuscript, without date, several gates or posterns are mentioned, to the keepers of which the coroners of the town delivered bolts and locks for their security. Those at Shepelache and at Kaymeplace no traces of the names remain. That called Bulgerlode was under the place formerly called the Gulph, at the bottom of the Wyle Cop, and Cleremont, on the top of Claremont Hill. There were also gates in Milk Street, Barker Street, and Water Lane. The latter only remains, and is memorable as the avenue through which the parliamentary forces were treacherously admitted into the town, at the siege of Shrewsbury, on February 22nd, 1644.
Streets, &c. The following are some of the ancient names of the principal streets given in Phillips’ History of Shrewsbury, many of which have become obsolete.
Mardol, anciently written Marlesford, Mardefoie, and Mardvoll. It had the name of Marlesford from the ford through the Severn at the bottom of the street, near the welsh bridge.
Chepynges-street.—An ancient name probably of the street leading from the Corn Market to Murivance.
Stalles.—The street leading from Mardol head to High-street.
High-street, formerly called Baxter’s-row, also Barker’s-row.
Ickeslode.—A lane that went from Dogpole to the Walls.
The Sextry was the Shutt from the passage from Kiln-lane to High-street.
Frankwell, anciently Frankvill; the Frank’s Vill, probably inhabited by the Franks, for in Doomsday book it is recorded that a part of the town containing 45 Burgase were inhabited by those people, who are there called Francigence.—This place seems to have been regarded as unconnected with the other part of the town; they had a strong work erected there for their defence, which at the time Shrewsbury was taken by the parliamentary forces surrendered upon bare quarter; and in the year 1640, when the plague began there, the inhabitants made an attempt to come into the town, but were beaten back by the bailiffs and townsmen.
Cheddelode.—A lane that went to the Severn, by Stury’s Close.
Bulgerlode.—A place at the bottom of the Wyle Cop, taken down in 1766.
Murivance.—A name of French extraction signifying before the walls, or within the walls.
Murivance-lane, led from the town wall down to the river.
Sheteplace, in old records written Sotteplace, and Soetteplace, is now called Shoplatch. Behind the Walls, from its situation behind the walls, now the Quarry.
Priest’s-lane, led from the walls near the tower, to Murivance, now inclosed.
Romboldesham, now called Barber-street.
The Bailey.—That part of the town which lies before the castle.
Hound-street.—A street leading from the playhouse to Barber-street.
Grope-lane.—A narrow “shutt” leading from High-street to Fish street.
Corvisor’s-row.—The same as that which is now called Pride-hill.
Shoemakers’-row.—In Speed’s map the lower part of Pride-hill.
Hawmon-strete.—Probably that now called Castle-street, or Raven-street.
Merival.—At the east end of the New bridge. Early in the 16th century, Merival was separated from the jurisdiction of the corporation, and considered a hamlet within the liberty of the town.
Altus Vicus.—The high pavement, near the Cross made in 1570.
Ancient Mansions.—The Council House, was so called from having been the residence of the Council of the Marches of Wales, during their occasional visits to Shrewsbury. It is situated in the precincts of the Castle, on a bold acclivity which rises abruptly from the Severn, and commands a most delightful prospect of the surrounding country. The house has been modernized, and divided into several tenements; that portion which comprises the hall and the great chamber over it, includes nearly the whole of the building which retains any resemblance of its original features. It was built about the year 1501. The unhappy Charles I. resided here for six weeks, upon the commencement of his troubles in 1642. James II. on his visit to the town 24th August, 1687, held his court here. These once magnificent apartments have been subdivided and despoiled of their rich furniture and beautiful stained glass. A fine old porch, and the entrance hall with other relics have been carefully preserved. The present proprietor, William James Clement, Esq., has furnished several of the apartments with antique oak furniture, elaborately carved. The gateway of the council house is an interesting specimen of the style of architecture which prevailed in the early part of the 15th century.
The White Hall, situated near the Abbey Foregate, is a stately mansion, and exhibits a fine specimen of the Elizabethan style of architecture. It is a lofty structure with numerous pointed gables; the roof is adorned with ornamental chimnies, and crowned with a central octagonal turret. At the back of the mansion is a magnificent walnut tree, probably coeval with the house. It was formerly the manorial seat of Richard Prince, Esq., by whom it was built in 1758.
Rowley’s, on Hill’s Mansion, said to have been the first brick building erected in Shrewsbury, was built in 1618, by William Rowley, Esq. He amassed great wealth by fortunate speculations in Barbadoes. His son, Roger Rowley, Esq., was the first person in this town who kept his carriage. The daughter and heiress of the latter married John Hill, Esq., who lived in this mansion, from whom the street received the appellation of Hill’s-lane, instead of Knuckin-street. The house has been unoccupied some time, it now presents a dilapidated appearance.
Ireland’s Mansion, situated in High-street, a noble timbered residence four stories high, terminating in pointed gables, was formerly the town residence of the ancient family of Ireland, long seated at Albrighton. When entire it must have presented an imposing appearance; it is now divided into three excellent tenements.
Jones’s Mansion, situate near St. Mary’s Church, was built by Thomas Jones, Esq., who was appointed by Charles I. in 1638 the first mayor of Shrewsbury. Subsequently the mansion became the residence of Chief Justice Jones. The Duke of York was lodged here in 1624, during the stay of Charles I. in Shrewsbury, and Prince Rupert made it his residence after the battle of Worcester.
The Judges’ Lodgings, situated at Belmont, is a spacious residence purchased by the county in 1821, for providing suitable accommodation for the Judges during their attendance at the assizes.
In various parts of the town are seen many curious old timbered houses, interesting as specimens of the domestic architecture of the honest burghers of former days. Nearly opposite the Butter Cross stood the mansion of the Prides, who gave their name to the street. This house has been greatly modernized, and partly rebuilt. In the Butchers’-row, is one of the largest, and supposed to be one of the oldest timber houses in the town. History is silent as to the time or by whom it was erected. It may have been the town mansion of the Abbot of Lilleshall, who had a residence in this part of the parish, and to which monastery the patronage of this church belonged.
Annals of the Town of Shrewsbury.
The following is a brief chronological sketch of the most remarkable events which have at different periods taken place in the town of Shrewsbury:—
A.D. 961—Land about Shrewsbury sold for one shilling per acre. The price of an ox was 2s. 6d., a cow 2s., a sheep 1s., a pig 8d.
1110.—A great earthquake, and great mortality among men and cattle.
1225.—Three gallons of ale sold for one penny in the town, and four out of town.
1315.—The price of provisions settled by the bailiffs.—A corn fed ox 24s., a grass fed ox 16s., a cow 12s., a fat sheep 1s. 8d., a fat hog 3s. 4d., a goose 2d., a hen 1d., a capon 2d., four pigeons 1d., twenty-four eggs 1d.
1347.—A fine horse 6s. 8d., an ox 4s., a sheep 4d., a lamb 2d.
1349.—The sweating sickness desolated the town.
1421.—Rees-ap-Doe, a Welsh Esquire, was hanged, drawn, and quartered here for treason.
1454.—Wheat sold for 14d. a quarter (eight strikes).
1490.—Wheat sold for one shilling and eightpence a bushel.
1509.—Provision made for building upon waste land and repairing decayed houses, by an Act of Parliament.
1519.—A general Chapter of the Grey Friars held here.
1520.—Griffith Wickham drawn through the town and afterwards hanged.
1532.—George Goldsmith drawn through the town and afterwards hanged, for coining money.
1537.—The plague raged frightfully during this year.
1542.—Rowland Lee, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, burned before the high altar of St. Chad’s church.
1563.—The bailiffs agree that no foreigner should be a freeman of the town without paying £10 and the usual fees.
1570.—Two men killed by the falling of the clapper out of St. Wenefrede’s bell, in the Abbey Church.
1571.—Humphrey Onslow built the chapel of our Lady in St. Chad’s church, and paved the causeway from the Lord’s place, (the Council House) to the cross, at his own cost.
1575.—That fearful malady, the plague, again visited Shrewsbury.
1581.—John Capper, clerk of the Abbey Church, was hanged at Kingsland for treason.
1582.—John Prestige was hanged upon a gibbet near the abbey mill, for the murder of his wife.
1588.—Richard Reynolds was put into the pillory and had both his ears cut off, for setting fire to a sheep-cote.
1591.—After the assizes in September, eight men were hanged at the Old Heath, one of whom was hung in chains there.
1596.—Wheat sold for 20s. a bushel, rye for 16s. a bushel.
1630.—Great numbers died of the plague. In 1632 and 1634—many fell victims to the same malady.
1647.—December 23rd. A woman was burnt in the dingle of the quarry for poisoning her husband.
1683.—An earthquake felt here, February 7; a dreadful fire in the Abbey Foregate.
1708.—Wheat sold for 9s. a bushel, muncorn 8s., rye 7.
1715.—It being the time of the rebellion new gates were made to the walls and the trained band called together.
1726.—Lamps were put up in several parts of the town, at the expense of the several parishes.
1727.—An earthquake felt here. A great meeting of quakers from all parts of England.
The judges of the assize were refused the usual compliments by the mayor, on which account the next assize was held at Bridgnorth.
1756.—Thirty-seven colliers brought to gaol for rioting and committing outrages in the county; four died in gaol, and two were executed.
1758.—The country butchers were again admitted to sell meat in the town, and shambles were erected for them near St. Alkmund’s church.
1762.—A great fire happened in New-street, Frankwell, on the 23rd February.
1766.—February 12th, 13th, and 14th, there fell a great snow in Shrewsbury, which lay on the ground several days, eighteen inches deep.
1772.—A smart shock of an earthquake was felt, which occasioned much terror and consternation.
1774.—On Good Friday, April 1st, a fire broke out in the Abbey Foregate, by which forty-seven houses were burnt down, and several others much damaged.
1775.—September 8th, the inhabitants were much alarmed with the shock of an earthquake; in the midst of a calm a rumbling noise much like that of a strong wind was heard; this was soon followed by two tremulous motions of the earth, succeeding each other instantaneously.
1778.—The Shropshire militia marched from Shrewsbury on May 7 to Bridgnorth, where they were reviewed; from thence they marched into Kent.
1780.—A stage coach began to run between Shrewsbury and Holyhead.
1782.—Baron Hotham laid a fine of £2000 upon the county, till they should build a new Shire Hall; the new hall was built 1786.
1789.—July 23rd, T. Phipps, a lawer, and his son, just twenty years of age, were executed at the old heath for forgery; Mr. Phipps had an income of about £300 a year from landed property.
1793.—May 13th, the first stone of the new Welsh bridge was laid.
1794.—April 28th, John Pritchard died in Frankwell in the 101st year of his age; he had ten children by the first wife, and twenty-two by the second.
1795.—February 7th to 11th, one of the greatest floods ever remembered in the Severn; Mr. Johnson and his man were both drowned in endeavouring to recover a large barrel.
1802.—A sturgeon eight feet six inches long, three feet four inches in girth, and weighing 192lbs. was caught near the wear below the castle.
1809.—February 7. The suburbs of the town deeply inundated by the Severn.
1811.—May 27th. An extraordinary flood in the Meole Brook, which inundated all the houses in Coleham, situated near the confluence of the brook with the river Severn, and caused the latter river to rise four feet in less than ten minutes; although the Meole Brook is an inconsiderable stream, the rush of water actually turned the current of the Severn at its confluence with that river.
1811.—August 24th. Four persons executed on the new drop for a burglary at Betton, near Market Drayton.
1814.—June 30th. Lord Hill paid a visit to Shrewsbury after the peace of Paris. The day was one of general festivity among the inhabitants; thousands went out to meet him, and in the evening partook of tea in the quarry. On the 17th of December the first stone was laid of the column in honour of Lord Hill.
1827.—July 19th. First stone of the new infirmary laid by General Lord Hill; opened for the reception of patients September, 1830.
1828.—August 4th. Three persons executed on the new drop of the county gaol for murder. On the 24th of the same month Ann Harris was executed for the same offence.
1831.—February 10th. In consequence of the sudden melting of the snow, the suburbs of the town were deeply inundated.
Though the flood in 1831 was considered a very high one, according to evidence of brass plates affixed to the inside of the window jambs of a house in Frankwell, the Severn at that end of the town was 3½ inches lower than the great flood in 1795. The lowest plate bears the following inscription:—
“This is to let you know
The Severn up to me did flow.
December 21, anno 1672.”
A second plate two inches above the preceding, records—
“To this line flowed Severn.
November 8, 1770.”
On the third plate six inches higher than the second is inscribed—
“This plate is fixed to let you know
That Severn to this line did flow.
February 11, 1795.”
1832.—The cholera morbus in its destructive career through the kingdom visited Shrewsbury, when about a hundred persons fell victims to that direful malady.
1849.—The cholera again made its appearance in Shrewsbury; the fatal cases were fewer than in 1832.
CHARITIES.
Sir Thomas White, in 1566, bequeathed certain monies for charitable uses, in respect of which £100 is annually paid to twenty-four corporate towns in rotation (Salop being one), to be lent out, without interest, for a period of ten years, to poor young men of the said towns.
Robert Allen, by will 24th August, 1568, bequeathed £200 to be lent out to the poor inhabitants of the town of Salop, in sums of £10, to be held for three years; each recipient to find a bondsman for the repayment of the same at the expiration of the term, and to pay 4d. per annum, to be divided among the inmates of the almshouses of St. Mary and St. Chad.
Paul Clarke, April 15th, 1606, bequeathed £20 to be lent out, in sums of £10, to persons of his name and kindred only for the space of two years, and then to be returned to the bailiffs of the town, to be again put forth by the said bailiffs, from time to time, on sufficient security being given for the repayment of the same.
Sir Samuel Jones, by will, dated 10th March, 1670, gave to the town of Shrewsbury £500, to be employed for the setting poor people on work there, which sum he directed should he paid to the mayor and corporation of the said town, and should be by them, from time to time, lent on good security, without interest, to young tradesmen who should set up there.
Rev. John Hilton, in 1697, bequeathed £50 in trust to the mayor and corporation, to be lent out to five young tradesmen of the town, £10 to each, for the term of five years, interest free.
The foregoing abstracts are taken from the recitals in a decree of the Court of Chancery, made in the year 1772, in a cause between the attorney-general and the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, of the town of Shrewsbury. By this decree it was ordered that the sum of £2,404. 14s. 6d., found to be in the hands of the corporation, should be apportioned to the preceding charities, in a ratio proportionate to their several bequests. It appears that shortly after these proceedings in Chancery, the whole of the funds of these charities were lost; that a sum exceeding £3,000 was raised by subscription to replace the money so lost, which was subsequently repaid to the subscribers by the corporation. In addition to the above sum found to be in the hands of the corporation, two sums of £100 each have been since received from Sir Thomas White’s charity, leaving £2,596. 5s. 3d. in the hands of the corporation to be accounted for. In lending out the different sums of money, particular attention is paid to the directions of the several donors. No applications for loans are refused, provided the parties are properly qualified, and sufficient securities are proposed.
David Lloyd ap Rogers, by will, bearing date May 1st, 1623, devised certain premises at Frankwell, in trust to the bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Shrewsbury, and directed out of the yearly income thereof, 10s. to be paid to the minister of St. Chad, 10s. to be employed in repairing the bridges in Shrewsbury, 10s. to be expended in repairing Buttington bridge, in the county of Montgomery, and the residue thereof to be distributed to the poor of the parish of St. Chad. The premises now consist of two tenements, the estimated value of which is upwards of £30 per annum.
Henry Smith’s Charity.—The corporation are in possession of an estate in Chelmick, purchased with part of the personal property given by Henry Smith for charitable uses. It consists of a farm house, outbuildings, and 129a. 2r. 15p. of land. In 1805, upon the enclosure of the waste lands, an allotment was set out to the corporation; but the situation was remote from the remainder of the farm, and it was accordingly sold for £201. 10s.; £100 of which was subsequently laid out in improving the farm, and the residue put out at interest. The income arising from the above sources amounts to £85. 1s. 6d., which is carried to the Burlton estate account.
In an old book of accounts, belonging to the corporation of Shrewsbury, there is an entry stating that gifts and legacies had been given to the poor of the town of Shrewsbury previously to the year 1663, amounting in the whole to £1,301. 11s. 11d. The principal legacy is one of £300, left by William Spurstow. Six other donors left legacies of £100 each, and the remainder is made up of smaller items. In the whole there are names given of twenty-four several donors. The sum of £1,200 was laid out in the purchase of an estate at Burlton. In 1796 a sum of £925, which arose from the sale of timber on the estate, was laid out in the purchase of the tithes of corn, grain, and hay, in the said parish. In 1829, the sum of £264. 12s. was received for timber cut on the estate; and in the same year £266. 9s. was expended in rebuilding and improving the farm premises, £50 of which had been advanced by the tenant. The income derived from the Burlton estate and the farm at Chelmick, belonging to the charity of Henry Smith, amounts to £297. 7s. 6d. per annum. The principal part of this income is applied in putting out apprentices, with a premium of £10 each, and in distributing coals among the necessitous poor.
James Phillips, Esq., of London, in 1661, devised certain tenements in the borough of Southwark, in trust to the corporation of Shrewsbury, out of the rents and profits thereof, to maintain a lecture on the Thursday in every week in the year, in the parish churches of Ellesmere, Oswestry, Whitchurch, and Shrewsbury; such lectures to be delivered by able and orthodox divines. The residue of the said rents to be expended in gowns or clothes for the poor people of the said parishes. In 1825, the corporation sold two tenements, situated in the parish of St. Saviour, left by the same donor, for the sum of £1,685, which was laid out in the purchase of £2,146. 10s. three per cent. consols. Out of the income, amounting to £232. 7s. 10d. per annum, there has been appropriated for many years £10 per annum to the officiating ministers of Ellesmere, Oswestry, Whitchurch, and Shrewsbury; and the residue is expended in flannel, and distributed among the poor of the above-mentioned parishes.
Edward Donne, in 1668, bequeathed £200, and directed his executors to dispose of the same in the purchase of lands, and lay out the yearly proceeds in apprentice fees, upon poor children born in the parishes of St. Chad, St. Mary, St. Alkmund, and St. Julian. It appears the amount was invested in a rent charge of £10 per annum, arising from certain lands situated at Bulchey, Bryn-y-Koppall, and Wollaston. Dr. Gardiner took possession of this property under the will of his father, in 1801, and considerable arrears were allowed to accumulate in his hands. He, however, in March, 1801, offered to discharge the arrears by paying £60 a-year till the whole were liquidated, and to pay the amount of the rent charge in future to the corporation.
William Jones.—From an entry in one of the books of the Company of Drapers, in the town of Shrewsbury, under the date of March, 1653, we learn that William Jones conveyed the manor of Wigmore, in the parish of Westbury, upon trust, that there should yearly be paid out of the said premises £11. 6s. 8d. to the master warden and assistants; £10 thereof to be yearly distributed among the most necessitous poor of the town of Salop, more especially those dwelling in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Alkmund. The residue, £1. 6s. 8d., to be paid to the Vicar of St. Alkmund, for reading morning prayers.
Widow Baugh bequeathed twenty marks per annum; one-third thereof for the better maintenance of the minister of St. Chad, and the other two parts to the relief of the poor of Shrewsbury. Certain lands in Preston Montford are charged with the payment of the twenty marks, or £13. 6s. 8d., one-third of which has been paid to the minister of St. Chad, and two-thirds thereof to the directors of the House of Industry for the united parishes of the town of Shrewsbury. [We conceive that the two-thirds of the annuity which has usually been paid to the directors of the House of Industry, in aid of the parish rates, ought to be discontinued; and the amount distributed among proper objects of charity in the town of Shrewsbury, according to the intentions of the donor.]
John Allatt, by will, bearing date 7th April, 1792, after bequeathing certain legacies directed all his personal estate, not specifically disposed of, to be held in trust, to apply such sums as the trustees should think proper in the erection of a school house and residences for the teachers; and the residue to be invested in government stock, to be applied in support of the school. By a codicil to his will, dated October 31st, 1796, he directed £1,600 to be invested in the three per cent. consols, the dividends thereof to be expended in the purchase of gowns for poor widows, poor single women not less than the age of 40 years, and coats for poor men of the age of 50 years and upwards. The testator died in 1796, and the school buildings were erected in 1800, at an expense of upwards of £1,500. In addition to the sum laid out in erecting the school premises, £4,497. 4s. was laid out in the purchase of three per cent. consols, and also the sum of £1,600 left for the purpose of providing clothing for the poor. With the former, £8,743 stock was purchased; and with the latter, £3,257. Subsequent purchases have been made with the surplus of the income; and a legacy of £45 left for the same use, by the will of Sarah Mason, in 1809. There is, therefore, now a capital of £14,000, of which the dividends of £10,800 are appropriated as the educational fund, and £3,400 as the clothing fund.
Sarah Darley, by will, 29th January, 1821, bequeathed £100 upon trust, and directed the yearly produce should be applied in the purchase of four tons of coals, for the use and benefit of all the prisoners who might be confined in the county gaol of Shrewsbury; and that the residue should be applied in aid of the prison charity. And she further bequeathed £500, to be placed out at interest by her executors, and the interest applied in releasing one or more debtor or debtors who should be confined in the gaol of Shrewsbury, but who, through misfortune, is forced into confinement; and that particular regard should he paid to those whose families should be suffering from their confinement.
Esther Jones, by will, dated 2nd July, 1823, bequeathed to the treasurer for the time being of the county of Salop, £300 three per cent. consols, upon trust, to apply the dividends towards the relief of the industrious poor prisoners, who should, from time to time, be confined in Salop gaol.
Upon a table, containing the benefactions to poor prisoners, it is stated that Isaac Hawkins, Esq., bequeathed £100, in 1803; Rowland Hunt, Esq., in 1810, gave £25; and that Mrs. Knight gave £25. In respect of Hawkins’ gift, there is a sum of £189. 11s. 6d. three per cent. consols, the dividends of which amount to £5. 13s. 8d.; and in respect of the two latter benefactions, the sum of £75. 3s. 9d., three per cent. consols, producing £2. 5s. yearly. The amount of these subscriptions is paid over to the treasurer of the prison charities, and is added to subscriptions raised for the purpose of enabling debtors to gain a livelihood while in confinement, to reward them for good behaviour, and to furnish them with implements on quitting prison to support themselves and their families; and also to encourage industry and good behaviour in criminal prisoners, and to furnish them with the means of returning home. The subscriptions usually amount to upwards of £70 per annum, and the whole is applied under the direction of the visiting magistrates.
Samuel Shuker, by will, 18th June, 1821, gave to John Edwards, Esq., £1,200, upon trust, to purchase therewith a government annuity, determinable on the death of Mary Watkins; and if she should marry, or dispose of the said annuity, the proceeds should thenceforth be applied for the benefit of the Infirmary of Shrewsbury. The testator also devised to another person a copyhold messuage and premises in Twickenham for her life. And upon her marrying, or disposing of her life interest, he directed his trustees to sell the same, and stand possessed of the monies arising from the sale thereof, for the benefit of the said Infirmary.
PARISH OF ST. ALKMUND.
Charities.—Robert Owen, by will, bearing date 14th March, 1603, gave £40, and directed the interest to be distributed to the poor; William Williams, and Sarah Street, each gave £5 for the same purpose; George Lyndon, in 1706, bequeathed £50 for the benefit of the poor; Esther Hill gave £5; Honour Dryden, in 1715, gave £20; Edward Donne directed the interest of £20 to be given among poor housekeepers receiving no alms; Elizabeth Hanmer gave £20, the yearly proceeds to be expended in bread for the poor; Lucy Minors, in 1692, gave £10, the interest to be distributed in bread among the poor of the parish, on St. Luke’s day, yearly; Thomas Jones, Esq., gave to the parish of St. Alkmund £50, out of the yearly proceeds the clerk of the parish to have 10s. yearly for his care in looking after the testator’s tomb in the church, and the residue to be distributed among the poor parishioners; Thomas Lloyd, in 1721, bequeathed £20 to the minister and churchwardens of St. Alkmund, on trust, to place the same out at interest, and to pay 10s. yearly to the minister for preaching a sermon in the parish church on the 1st of November, yearly; 9d. to the sexton and clerk for officiating on that day, and the remainder to be distributed in twopenny loaves immediately after the sermon on the 1st of November. Of the several legacies above-mentioned amounting to £245, it appears that certain lands were purchased in Meole Brace and Coton, with part of the money, and the residue invested in the purchase of £175 three per cent. consols. The stock was subsequently sold, and there is now a sum of £200 secured on bond, the interest of which £10 per annum, and the yearly sum of £5. 5s., to which is added £2 10s., arising from the charity of Jane Brooks; with these sums bread is purchased, and sixty-three penny loaves are given away on the Sunday after St. Thomas’s day, and on every succeeding Sunday till the whole is exhausted. The rents of the land above-mentioned, amounting to £35 per annum, are given away every St. Thomas’s day, among the most necessitous poor of the parish, in sums varying from 3s. to 12s., a preference being given to those not receiving parish relief.
Sarah Brook, in 1760, left a rent charge of £5 per annum, issuing out of certain lands in Uffington, the amount to be paid to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of St. Alkmund, and St. Julian, in Shrewsbury, to each parish 50s., to be by them respectively laid out in twopenny loaves, and given among poor, old, and decayed people of honest life.
Ann Parry gave to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of St. Alkmund £20 to be placed out at interest, and the proceeds to be paid to four widows of the said parish yearly at Christmas. Francis Wingfield, in 1813 bequeathed £20, the interest to be distributed to poor persons of the parish on St. Thomas’s day yearly. These two legacies are held by the churchwardens, for which £2 yearly is paid as interest; the churchwardens and overseers distribute the interest according to the donors’ intentions.
Josina Pemberton, by a codicil to her will, bearing date 17th September, 1817, desired that her sister would pay yearly, during her life, the sum of two guineas, to the churchwardens for the time being of each of the parishes of St. Mary, St. Julian, and St. Alkmund, to be by them respectively laid out in coals, and distributed among the poor of the respective parishes, and she requested that her nephew, Robert N. Pemberton, would continue the annual payment during his life. The amount is laid out in coal, and distributed among thirty poor housekeepers on new year’s day.
PARISH OF ST. CHAD.
Charities.—Millington’s Hospital.—James Millington, by his will, bearing date 8th February, 1734, devised the greater part of his ample fortune for the erection and endowment of an hospital and free school. The hospital is pleasantly situated upon elevated ground in Frankwell, and consists of a handsome pedimented front with a stone portico; the central portion comprises the chapel and school room, and the houses of the master and mistress, and in the wings on each side are the apartments of the hospitallers. The property purchased by the trustees in 1753 and 1794 is wholly situated in the parish of Llanvair Waterdine, in the county of Salop, and in the parish of Beguildy, in the county of Radnor, except an estate of 15a. 0r. 9p., situate in the parish of Kinnerley. The entire property comprises 2,429a. 2r. 9p. of land, and produces a yearly income of £1227. The hospital consists of twelve in-hospitallers and ten out-hospitallers. These persons are appointed by the trustees as vacancies occur. They are required to be parishioners of St. Chad, and inhabitants of that part of the parish called Frankwell. No persons are selected except poor decayed housekeepers, and the preference has usually been given to females. Each of the in-hospitallers has a dwelling house in the hospital, consisting of a room above and another below, with a small garden, and other conveniences. The four senior of the out-hospitallers are allowed to occupy four sets of apartments over the schools, and they generally succeed as vacancies occur to the situation of in-hospitallers. Each of the inmates receives £10 10s. a year by quarterly payments, and three tons of coals, and a sixpenny loaf every Wednesday and Saturday. They are also supplied with a certain quantity of clothing. The out-hospitallers receive £4 per annum, and each has a like allowance of bread and clothing. A clergyman of the church of England is paid a salary of £50 a year as chaplain. He attends at the hospital every school day and reads prayers to the scholars and in-hospitallers, and the first Thursday in every month catechises the children. The minister in addition to his yearly stipend receives one guinea for preaching a sermon on the 12th of August. In the schools twenty-five boys and twenty-five girls are instructed. The schoolmaster receives £50 a year, and the mistress of the girls’ school £42 per annum, and each of them has an allowance of coal. The scholars are the children of parishioners of St. Chad’s, living in Frankwell, and are appointed by the trustees. They are admitted between six and nine years of age, and are allowed to remain till they are fourteen. During their stay in the school they are completely clothed and supplied with books and stationery; and when they are of sufficient age, the boys are bound out to trades, and the girls placed out in service. A premium of £10 is allowed with each apprentice, and £5 is paid to them when they have completed their time. The girls are allowed £3 when going out to service, and a like sum as a reward for good behaviour afterwards. There is a good garden for the schoolmaster and mistress, and a plot of garden ground for each of the twelve hospitallers, which they generally let for their own benefit, being worth about £2 per annum.
St. Chad’s Almshouses, situated on the east side of old St. Chad’s church yard, consist of eleven miserable tenements, containing one room each. They are extremely dilapidated, there being no fund for keeping them in repair. It is stated that they were founded in 1409, by one Bennet Tupton, a common brewer, and that there were formerly thirteen tenements, but that two fell down. They were endowed in 1640, by David Ireland, with a rent charge of £4 per annum, issuing out of land in Lythwood, and a further rent charge of £3. 18s., the gift of the widow of Mr. Ireland, which is also payable out of land in the same place. There is also a yearly sum of £1 6s., payable out of a piece of land in Sutton Lane, left by Robert Owen, and a small payment of 2s. 2d. yearly, made by the Mercers’ company. These several sums amounting in the whole to £9. 6s. 2d. are distributed in equal proportions among the inmates. The Rev. Richard Scott, B.D., bequeathed £150 in 1848, and directed the interest to be expended in coals for the poor of St. Chad’s almshouses.
Richard Lleweylln, who was bailiff of Shrewsbury in 1637, devised certain lands in the township of Shelton, and directed the yearly income to be employed in binding out poor children apprentices born in the parish of St. Chad; the children of his kindred to be preferred. The property left by the testator produces an income of about £12. 12s. per annum.
Thomas Owen, one of the justices of the court of common pleas in 1598, devised to the bailiffs and commonalty of the town of Salop the yearly rent of his farm at Calcott, and directed that they should employ the profits thereof in giving assistance to poor decayed householders of the parish of St. Chad. This gift in after times merged into a rent charge of £20 per annum. The amount is now received by the chamberlain of the corporation, and distributed with the produce of the following charity.
Edward Owen, by will, dated 25th November, 1612, gave to the bailiff and burgesses of the town of Salop a rent charge of £10 per annum, issuing out of his lands in Kilgurgan, in the county of Montgomery, the same to be distributed among 200 of the poorest holders in the parish of St. Chad, wherein he was born. This sum of £10 is carried to one account with that of £20 derived from Thomas Owen’s charity, and £1 10s. from the gift of David Lloyd ap Rogers, and distributed on the first Thursday in the year to poor persons in the parish of St. Chad.
Thomas Edwards, in 1641, charged certain lands in the parish of Middle, with the payment of £12 per annum, 20s. thereof annually to be given to poor maidens at their marriage, £10 to be distributed among the poor of the town, and £2 to be paid to the curate of St. Chad.
Richard Winne, in 1679, gave £100 to the Haberdashery Company, London, on their giving a covenant to pay £5 yearly to the minister and churchwarden of the parish of St. Chad, for the benefit of the poor. This gift is distributed by the churchwardens among twenty poor widows.
Hester Farmer, by will, 1691, devised a parcel of land in Castle Foregate, and directed the rents to be paid successively to the several parishes of St. Chad, Guilsfield, Kinnerley, and Great Ness. The land produces £23 per annum, and once in four years the amount is distributed in small sums among the poor of St. Chad’s parish.
Elizabeth Williams, in 1712, charged certain lands at Llansianfraid, in the county of Montgomery, with the payment of 40s, yearly, to the minister of St. Chad, upon trust, to dispose of 20s. thereof yearly, for clothing two of the poorest boys in the parish of St. Chad, and the remaining 20s. in buying coats or gowns for three poor women.
Francis Swift, in 1717, bequeathed £100 to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish. This gift was laid out in the purchase of three tenements, in Shrewsbury, for a workhouse; together with £100 arising from the charity of Gabriel Rogers; £10 the charity of John Lloyd; £10 given for a distribution of bread, and £100 given to the parish officers for the general benefit of the inhabitants. This workhouse was sold about the year 1799, and out of the sale £220, the amount of the several sums given for charitable uses, with the further sum of £40, the gift of John Lloyd, was lent on the security of the Shrewsbury House of Industry, bearing interest at five per cent. In respect of Swift’s gift, £5 is given among poor persons in sums varying from 2s. 6d. to 5s. each.
Martha and Mary Harwood’s Charities.—There is an annual sum of upwards of £80 arising from an estate, at Faxley, and a dwelling house situated in Belmont, Shrewsbury, which is distributed among poor decayed housekeepers and aged widows, chiefly parishioners of St. Chad, excepting £5 per annum which is used as a clothing fund for poor widows. There were two houses in Belmont, devised by Mary Harwood in 1734; but they were subsequently converted into one.
Josena Pemberton, by a codicil to her will, dated 10th December, 1817, desired that her sister would pay yearly during her life the sum of five guineas, to be laid out in coals for the poor; and she further desired that her nephew, Rev. Robert N. Pemberton, would, within one month of her sister’s decease, lay out the sum of £100 in the names of the trustees, or some other safe security, and apply the annual income in purchasing coals for poor needy persons of the parish of St. Chad. When the Charity Commissioners published their report, Miss Pemberton and her nephew were both living, and the annual sum of £5. 5s. was paid to the churchwardens.
Easter Jones, in 1823, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens of the parish of St. Chad £400 three per cent consols, in trust, to distribute the yearly dividends every Easter Monday, in proportions of 10s. each, to twenty-four poor women of the said parish.
Mary Jukes, by will, in 1700, devised certain premises on Claremont Hill, and directed the yearly income to be appropriated to charitable uses. The property consists of four houses, producing a yearly rental of £46; out of which 10s. is paid to the vicar for an annual sermon, one moiety paid in apprentice fees, and the residue distributed among the poor.
Edward Tomkis, by will bearing date 24th January, 1771, bequeathed £400 upon trust, that the interest should be annually spent in buying twelve blue coats for men, and twelve gowns and petticoats of the same colour for an equal number of women. In respect of this Charity, there is a sum of £717. 10s. three per cent. consols, the dividends of which amount to £21. 10s. 6d. The amount is expended in coats and gowns, except a yearly sum of £5 which has been given to the Vicar of Meole Brace for clothing poor boys, belonging to St. Chad’s, but resident in Meole Brace.
Hopton Estate Charity.—The following legacies were noticed on a table of benefactions put up in the Church in 1640, viz.:—Sarah Giles, £50; John Hill, £50; Henry Swinnerton, £50; Stephen Rogers, £50; Thomas Phillips, £10; John Cotton, £50; Hester Lloyd, £100; Thomas Cotton, £10; John Hall, £20; Richard Lloyd, £10. These several sums may have formed the purchase money of the Hopton estate, as it is stated it was purchased with the proper money of the poor of the parish of St. Chad; but it does not state the source from whence the money was obtained. The estate consists of 83a. 1r. 37p. of land, with farm house and out-buildings, the whole of which was let on lease in 1748, for 99 years, at a yearly rental of £15. The farm is valued at upwards of £100 a-year. Of the rent one moiety has been paid in aid of the National Schools, and the other to the general fund of the poor.
Astley Estate Charities.—The estate at Astley consists of a farm house with outbuildings and lands, containing together 120a. 3r. 27p., let at a yearly rental of £100. The following legacies are mentioned in a book containing an account of the Charities of the parish, as having been laid out on the estate. Benjamin Muckleston gave £40, the interest to be expended in coats for poor boys; Susanah Loxon £200, for a weekly distribution of bread; Elias Evans, £20; William Peers, £20; and Elizabeth Hamer, £20, also for a distribution of bread. Thomas Bright, in 1730, gave £20 per annum, payable to the minister of Astley, for preaching every Lord’s day throughout the year. There is a sum of £260, the produce of the sale of timber cut on the Astley estate in 1804, which is secured on the Shrewsbury House of Industry, and for which interest is paid at the rate of five per cent. Out of the rents and interest above mentioned, being £113 per annum, there is paid £20 to the chapelwardens of Astley; £3 for the repairs of the chapel; £3. 9s. 5d. for land tax and chief rent; £2 for purchasing four coats for poor boys, and the remainder is carried to the general charity account for a distribution of bread.
William Spurtson bequeathed £100 which was expended in the purchase of a rent charge of £6 per annum, issuing out of certain messuages in Burleton. The amount is carried to the general charity account hereafter mentioned. Rowland Newett bequeathed £10; John Lloyd, £10; Richard Mather, £20; John Dodd, £20, for a distribution of bread—and a further sum of £10, given by an unknown donor, with the above is carried to the general charity account. There is also a sum of £200 secured on the Church of St. Chad, which was lent from an accumulation of charity money. The surplus of the produce of the several charities before mentioned, not specifically applied, is carried to one general account, and disposed of chiefly in bread. There is also, occasionally, a sum of money distributed by the churchwardens.
Nathaniel Tench, in 1674, conveyed the lands and tithes of the farm and grange of Crow Meole, in trust, to pay the yearly proceeds to the minister of St. Chad’s, on condition that he preached an anniversary sermon on the 6th of June, yearly, being the birth-day of the said N. Tench; and in case the minister should refuse or neglect to preach the said sermon, or should not reside, or not personally officiate in the said parish, then the rents and profits thereof should be distributed among the poor of St. Chad’s parish. The value is about £160 per annum.
Lost Charities.—Eleanor Griffith gave £40; John Atkins, £20; Thomas Clemson, £10; Elizabeth Forster, £30; Mary Bowdewin, £20; and Mrs. Pigott, £20. Up to the year 1747, the interest of the several benefactions above mentioned was paid out of the churchwardens’ account. Subsequent to the year 1747, a considerable sum was for many years disposed of annually in bread, but it does not appear from what benefactions such bread was provided; and from this period there is no distinct trace of the several gifts above mentioned. Mary Pelton left £2. 10s., yearly, and Hester Lloyd bequeathed £100; it appears that formerly apprentice fees were paid from the interest of this money, the last was in the year 1755. There is now no evidence to shew how the capital has been appropriated.
John Evans, in 1844, bequeathed £150, in trust, to the minister and churchwardens of St. Chad’s, and directed the interest to be distributed among poor persons, not receiving parochial relief.
The Rev. Richard Scott, B.D., in 1848, bequeathed £300, in trust, to the minister of St. Chad’s, to apply the interest yearly, in purchasing coals for the necessitous poor of the parish.
PARISH OF HOLY CROSS.
Charities.—St. Giles’ Hospital, situated near St. Giles’ Church, was originally established for the reception of persons afflicted with leprosy. Henry II., for the support of the hospitallers, granted 30s. yearly out of the rent of the county of Salop, and a handful of two hands of every sack of corn, and a handful of one hand of every sack of flour exposed for sale in Shrewsbury market. Henry III., in 1232, gave a horse load of wood, daily, from his wood of Lythwood. The right of nominating the inmates of the hospital is exercised by the Earl of Tankerville, and the following payments are made to them by one of his lordship’s agents:—To each of the four inmates, 1s. 6d. per week; 3s. at midsummer for coals; and 12s. 6d. at Christmas for a garment
Peter Langley, in 1650, gave £200 for charitable uses, and John and Jonathan Langley bequeathed £100 for the same purpose. These gifts were laid out in the purchase of lands and premises in Castle Foregate, which produced an income of £82 per annum at the time the Charity Commissioners published their report. The amount is distributed in sums, varying from 2s. to 10s., among the most aged and needy parishioners.
Mathusalem Jones charged an estate at Underdale with the payment of so much money, as should furnish five coats for men and five garments for women, to be given to ten paupers every 5th of November.
Elizabeth Prynce, in 1711, bequeathed £100, and directed the same to be laid out in lands or hereditaments, the yearly produce thereof to be distributed among the poorest inhabitants of the parish. There are no deeds in the parish relating to the laying out of this bequest; but the property supposed to have been purchased therewith consists of four cottages in the Abbey Foregate, producing a yearly rental of £4. 10s. each.
Thomas Doughty bequeathed £50, the interest thereof to be laid out in bread. This bequest, and five others, amounting in the whole to £85, were probably carried to the church account, as the interest, £3. 18s., has been considered as a charge upon the estate held by the parish. The amount is expended in bread, which is given away every Sunday.
Thomas Jenkins, Esq., in 1730, directed that six poor people, parishioners of Holy Cross, should be clothed once in every year. Three poor men and three poor women are supplied with coats and gowns at the expense of R. Jenkins, Esq., of Bicton.
Thomas Talbot Gorsuch, by a codicil to his will, bearing date 4th June, 1819, gave to the vicar and churchwardens of the parish of Holy Cross and St. Giles, £300 three per cent. reduced annuities, upon trust, to distribute the interest to such poor persons of the said parish as should be most regular in attendance at divine service in the parish there, and be the most deserving objects of charity. Not less than ten shillings to be given to each poor person.
There is an entry in the old churchwardens’ book, under the date of 1634, reciting that divers lands and messuages had been formerly given to the repair of the churches of Holy Cross and St. Giles, and so decreed by commission of charitable uses, James II. The amount of these rents, £127. 4s. 10d., with such payments as are received for opening graves and for pew rents, the two latter amounting to about £20 per annum, supply the place of a church rate, and are sufficient for the repairs and ornaments of the two churches in this parish.
ST. MARY’S PARISH.
Charities.—St. Mary’s Almshouses were founded by the Company of Drapers, at a very early period, and are usually called the Drapers’ Almshouses. They appear to have been remodelled in 1461, during the wardenship of Degory Watur, a draper of Shrewsbury, who devoted a portion of his substance towards their endowment. This beneficent man is said to have “dwellyd in the almeshouse hall amongst the poor,” and when deprived of sight, and bowed with the weight of ninety-six years, he daily accompanied the participators of his bounty to the “church of our lady,” where he “wold kneele amongst them in a fayre longe pewe made for them and hym selfe.” In his will, dated 28th July, 1477, he devised certain lands to the wardens of the Drapers’ Company, to “sufficientlie susteyne poore people in St. Mary Allmeshouse.” Other charitable individuals have made subsequent additions to the endowment, which are under the management of the Drapers’ Company. The old almshouses stood on the west side of St. Mary’s church-yard, and having become much dilapidated, were taken down in 1825, when the stun of £476. 16s. was awarded to the Company of Drapers, as a compensation for the site and materials for the purpose of improving the town. The company then purchased a piece of ground on the opposite side of the street, for £750, and they have since built sixteen tenements, at an expense of about £2,000. The inmates receive about £6 per annum, and are appointed by the Drapers’ Company from amongst the poor parishioners of St. Mary’s.
Elizabeth Lord, in 1696, bequeathed £100, and directed the profits to be employed in clothing ten poor persons. This sum is in the hands of the corporation, and £5 annually is paid as the interest thereof, which is laid out in warm clothing for poor women.
Sarah Bolles, in 1747, bequeathed £100, the yearly income to be given to eight poor housekeepers. On account of this charity there is £132. 0s. 2d. new four per cents. standing in the names of certain trustees, who receive the dividends, amounting to £5. 5s. 6d.
Ann Parry, in 1755, gave £60, being a benefaction intended by her sister, Mary Tench, deceased, the interest to be given to eight poor housekeepers, not burthensome to the parish; and in 1776 bequeathed £20, the interest to be given annually to four poor widows. These two sums were laid out in the year 1790 in pewing the church, and since that period £4 has been annually paid out of the church rate.
Elizabeth Price, in 1780, bequeathed £50, the interest to be given in bread to the poor of the parish. This money is lent to the guardians of the house of industry.
Edward Lloyd, in 1789, left £190, the interest to be given to ten poor housekeepers. This sum is secured by a bond given in pursuance of an act of parliament passed for the rebuilding of the church of St. Chads, and £4 10s. is paid annually as the interest thereof.
Richard Lister, in 1793, bequeathed £100, and directed the interest to be laid out in bread and given to the poor after divine service every Sunday morning. In respect of this gift there is the sum of £154 14s. 10d. three per cent consols, producing annually dividends to the amount of £4. 12s. 8d.
Pemberton’s Charity. The particulars of this charity will be found amongst those for the parish of St. Alkmund. The sum of £2. 2s. is expended annually in coal, and distributed amongst poor housekeepers.
Lost Charities. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 there is mentioned a legacy left by Madam Honor Dryden, and several others, amounting in the whole to £180. This sum was in the hands of a person who became insolvent, and only £19 9s. was received from his estate. Nothing is now known even of this sum.
PARISH OF ST. JULIAN.
Charities.—Thomas Bowdler, in 1733, bequeathed £100, to be placed out at interest, the profit to be given away in twopenny loaves every Lord’s day. He also gave his executors the sum of £1000 upon trust, to lay out such part thereof as they should think fit, in purchasing or building a school-house and residence for the teachers, and the residue to be invested in land, the yearly profits thereof to be applied in maintaining a master and mistress to teach poor children born in the parish of St. Julian, and in clothing them and putting some of them out apprentices, or such useful occupation as the trustees should think proper. The property now vested in the trustees consists of an estate at Treffnant and Llanercrockwell, in the parish of Guilsfield, consisting of 168a. 3r. 22p. of land, with suitable house and outbuildings, producing a rental of £150 per annum. On the enclosure of commons in 1788 an allotment was made to the trustees, which was conveyed to Thomas Loxdale, Esq., for a term of 500 years, in consideration of which Mr. Loxdale paid the sum of £200 to the trustees; this amount was subsequently employed in the reparations of farm buildings, and other improvements on the school estate. The school is situated in Beeche’s lane, and twenty-five boys and an equal number of girls are clothed and educated from the funds of the charity.
Catherine Smith, in 1621, left a rent charge of £4 per annum, to be distributed among four poor widows of this parish. The amount is paid from the property of the corporation, and they appoint the poor widows.
Thomas Davies, in 1668, directed his trustees to raise the sum of £300, and dispose of the same in the purchase of a rent charge, to be disposed of as follows:—40s. to the minister of the parish for preaching four sermons, one on the 3rd September and the other three sermons quarterly; 20s. yearly among poor housekeepers; £4 to eight poor widows; £4 for maintaining two scholars at the university, and £4 to be paid in apprentice fees. In 1689 a rent charge of £12. 5s. was purchased with £250, but it does not appear how the remaining £50 was disposed of. The estate is situate at Sutton, from which the rent charge issues, and was the property of the late John Hiles.
Richard Williams, in 1576, left £50, and directed the interest to be distributed among poor householders of this parish on Christmas day. He also bequeathed the residue of his personal estate, after payment of his debts and legacies to the executors, to be held in trust, and to dispose of the yearly income in clothing poor men or women or in putting out apprentices. It appears that the produce of the testator’s residuary estate amounted to £266. 18s., and that £6. 18s. was distributed to the poor, and £260 was placed out at interest secured on bond given by the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses.
General Charities.—The sum of £308 17s. was expended in the purchase of an estate at Ellesmere, in 1726, which consists of 19a. 3r. 22p., producing a yearly rental of £45. Of the said purchase money £200 was the gift of Thomas Baker, in 1685; £30 the gift of Thomas Cotton, in 1683; £50 the bequest of Stephen Rogers; and £20 the gift of Richard Presland. The rent is received by the churchwardens, and carried to one account with the produce of several other charities, and disposed of in bread, and small sums of money, to deserving objects of charity.
The sum of £1. 6s. is received every alternate year from a farm in Willstone, which was bought subject to this payment, about forty years ago. This is known by the name of Diana Robert’s Charity, the like payment being made every alternate year to the parish of Cardington.
Brook’s Charity. The particulars of this charity will he found noticed with those of St. Alkmund. The yearly sum of £2. 10s. is received on account of this parish, and carried to the general charity account noticed above.
The Rev. Samuel Presland, by will, in 1750, as appears from an entry in the book of charities, gave £10 to be placed out by the overseers, and the interest to be distributed to the poor. In the same book it is stated that Thomas Presland gave £20, and directed the interest to be given among poor housekeepers. These two sums, with £50, the legacy of Richard Williams, are placed out on the security of the house of industry, and the interest carried to the general charity account.
Mary Griffith, in 1781, left £50 to the churchwardens and overseers, the interest to be distributed every Sunday in twopenny loaves. This sum is placed out on the security of the tolls of the Leighton turnpike road, and £2. 10s. annually received as the interest thereof.
The Rev. Philemon Hayes left to the minister of the parish 10s. for a lecture on Candlemas day, and the same sum to be distributed to poor people by the churchwardens. John Bryan by his will made an addition to Mr. Hayes’s gift of 10s. for the said sermon and 10s. to the poor. In respect of these charities the sum of £2 is charged upon land called the Tenter Field, near the Quarry, Shrewsbury.
Elizabeth Hanmer, in 1755, left £20, the interest to be distributed in bread; she also left a house on the stone bridge, the rent to be paid to the clerk of the parish. The stone bridge above-mentioned with the house thereon has since been taken down, and a sum of money was awarded to the clerk as compensation for it, with which sum, and the £20 left to be distributed in bread, another house was bought for him. The house is now let by the clerk, and he receives the rent and pays thereout 20s. yearly, as the interest of the legacy of £20.
Richard Breathen gave to the churchwardens and overseers the sum of £20, the interest to be given to the poor. This money was placed in the hands of a person who died insolvent, and after a lapse of some years his son repaid the principal, and in 1820 it was carried to the general charity account.
Josina Pemberton. The particulars of this charity will be found noticed with the charities of St. Alkmund parish. The yearly sum of £2. 2s. is divided among thirty poor housekeepers.
The average annual income of the Charities of Shrewsbury amounts to about £2,000, exclusive of the Loan Charities, which produce no income, being gifts of sums of money to be lent out for limited periods to young tradesmen and others, free of interest. The Loan Charities amount to £840. 8s. 4d. In 1837 the High Court of Chancery appointed certain trustees to administer the charities of which the Corporations of Shrewsbury were previously the trustees. The following is a list of the trustees:—The Right Hon. Lord Berwick, Sir F. Brian Hill, John Bather, Esq., Mr. R. Beacall, Peter Beck, Esq., Robert Burton, Esq., W. J. Clement, Esq., T. G. Gwyn, Esq., J. Hazledine, Esq., Rev. C. Leicester, Rev. W. G. Rowland, A. Spearman, Esq., W. R. Ward, Esq., R.N., John Wingfield, Esq., Mr. John Woodward, William Butler Lloyd, Esq., John Whitehurst, Esq., Mr. Thomas Woodward, Mr. Richard Jeffreys Muckleston, and Mr. J. G. Brayne. Treasurer and Solicitor, William Cooper, Esq. Clerk and Secretary, Mr. William Poole, Scoltock-offices, Guild-hall and Corn-market Chambers.
The liberties of Shrewsbury were abolished by the municipal boundary act, and now form part of the county of Salop. The several parishes which they comprised are now returned in the Albrighton Division, in the Wem Division of North Bradford Hundred in the Condover Division, Condover Hundred, and in the Ford and Pontesbury Divisions, of Ford Hundred. The following are places included within the liberties of the borough, the residents of which are included in the Shrewsbury Directory:—
Alkmund St.—A parish partly returned in the Albrighton Division, and partly in Ford Division of the Ford Hundred. The parish, in 1841, contained 303 houses and 1641 inhabitants, of whom 1396 were included within the parliamentary borough. The rateable value of the parish is £9,041. 11s.
Chad St.—The parish of St. Chads is partly returned in the Albrighton Division, partly in Condover Hundred, and partly in the Ford Division, of the Ford Hundred. The entire parish, in 1841, contained 7625 inhabitants, of whom 4524 persons resided within the boundaries of the borough, exclusive of those residing in Frankwell. There were also 912 inhabited houses, 80 uninhabited, and 4 houses building.
Frankwell is a populous township in St. Chad’s parish, forming a suburb on the north-west side of Shrewsbury, from which it is approached by the Welsh bridge. In 1841 it was returned as containing 413 inhabited houses, 37 uninhabited and 2 building, with a population of 1895 souls, of whom 902 were males and 993 females.
Holy Cross and St. Giles forms the eastern suburb to the town of Shrewsbury, and contains the township of Abbey Foregate and part of Coleham. Abbey Foregate stretches from the English bridge to Lord Hill’s column, upwards of a mile in length; the street is wide and for some distance planted on each side with trees; it contains many genteel residences, and is by far the handsomest approach to the town. In 1841 the township was returned as containing 358 inhabited houses, 22 uninhabited, and 14 building, and 1638 inhabitants—of whom 701 were males and 937 females. That part of Coleham, returned as in the parish of Holy Cross and St. Giles, contained 30 houses and 104 souls.
St. Julian’s parish is partly in the Condover Hundred and partly in the Ford Division of the Ford Hundred. The entire parish, in 1841, contained 3252 inhabitants, of whom 2902 were in the limits of the borough of Shrewsbury, of the latter number 986 persons were resident in Coleham. In 1841 there were 387 inhabited houses and 22 uninhabited. Rateable value of the parish £12,890.
Coleham is a township, partly in St. Julian’s parish and partly in that of Holy Cross and St. Giles; in 1840 there were 332 houses and 1090 souls—of whom 986 were in the parish of St. Julian and 104 in the parish of Holy Cross and St. Giles. Coleham lies on the south bank of the river Severn and forms the southern suburb to the town of Shrewsbury. Here the manufacture of cotton goods was formerly carried on to some extent; the factories are now unoccupied. The houses are for the most part small, and occupied as cottage residences. A neat church has been built here which is noticed at a preceding page.
St. Mary’s parish is partly in the Albrighton Division, and, in 1841, contained a population of 6684 souls—of whom 6684 were returned as in the borough of Shrewsbury. The return includes the Castle, extra-parochial, containing 7 persons; 168 in the County Gaol, 186 in the County Infirmary, 94 in the Shrewsbury Free Grammar School, and 35 persons in boats. At the same period there were 1048 inhabited houses, 112 uninhabited, and 2 building.
Meol Brace parish is chiefly in the Condover Hundred, the entire parish contained, in 1841, 1195 inhabitants—of whom 361 persons were returned as in the liberty of the borough of Shrewsbury.
A LIST OF
STREETS, COURTS, GATES, ROWS, PLACES, SQUARES, &c., IN THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY.
Abbey foregate, English bdge
Abbey terrace, Abbey foregate
Ann’s hill, St. Michael’s st
Backlane, Belmont
Barker street, Shoplatch
Barrack passage, Wyle cop
Baschurch road, Coton hill
Beckbury terrace, London rd
Beeches lane, Wyle cop
Belmont, Milk-street
Belmont bank, Belmont
Bellevue, Meol road
Benbow terrace, Chester st
Benbow place, Benbow ter
Bridge court, Wyle cop
Bridge street, Barker street
Butter market, Pride hill
Butcher’s row, Pride hill
Cadogan row, The mount
Canal buildings, Spring fields
Canal wharf, Castle foregate
Cardan place, Castle fields
Castle fields, Castle foregate
Castle gates, Castle street
Castle gates lane, Castle gates
Castle street, Pride hill
Chester street, Castle gates
Church st., St. Alkmund sq
Circus yard, Bridge street
Claremont bank, The priory
Claremont blds, Claremont bk
Claremont ct., St. Austin’s
Claremont-hill, Barker-st
Claremont street, Mardol
Coffee house pas., Corn mar
Coleham, English bridge
Column ter., Abbey foregate
College hill ct., College hill
College hill, Swan hill
Copthorne crescent, Copthorne road
Corn market, Market square
Council house ct., Castle st
Coton hill, Chester street
Coton terrace, Coton hill
Crescent, Belmont
Crescent fields, Water lane
Cross hill, St. John’s hill
Cross street, Castle foregate
Dana, Castle gates
Derfold court, St. Michael st
Ditherington, Old heath
Dog pole st., St. Mary street
Double btchrs’ rw., Pride hill
English bridge, Foot of Wyle Cop
Fish street, High street
Frankwell, Welsh bridge
Gashouse ln., Castle foregate
Golden cross pas., High st
Gullett passage, Corn market
Hazledine’s blds., Coleham
High-street, Market square
Hill’s lane, Mardol
Holywell terrace, Abbey fore
Howard St., Castle foregate
Islington, Abbey foregate
John’s row, St. Michael’s st
Judith’s Butts, nr race course
London rd., Abbey foregate
Mardol head, High street
Mardol, Shoplatch
Marine terrace, Wyle cop
Market street, Corn market
Market square, High street
Meadow pl., Castle gates ln
Meol road, Coleham
Milk street, High street
Monk’s well ter., Abbey fore
Mount fields, Frankwell
Mount pleasant, Old heath
Nackin street, Bridge street
Old heath, St. Michael’s st
Pound close, Coleham
Pride hill, High street
Priory street, Austin’s friars
Princess street, Corn market
Quarry place, St. John’s hill
Quarry terrace, St. John’s hill
Quarry view buildings, New St. Frankwell
Railway station, Castle foregte
Raven road, Mardol
Reabrook place, Coleham
Reabrook view, Abbey foregte
Roushill bank, Pride hill
School court, Castle street
School lane, Coleham
Severn place, Mardol
Shoplatch, Mardol head
Smithfield market, Mardol
Spring gardens, Castle foregte
Spring terrace, Meol road
Stamp office, Market square
St. Alkmund’s sq., Dog pole
St. Alkmund’s place, St Alkmund’s square
St. Austin’s ct., St. Austin’s priory
St. Austin’s priory, St. Austin’s street
St. Austin’s st., Barker st
St. George’s place, Frankwell
St. John’s blds., Shoplatch
St. John’s court, Tower pl
St. John’s hill, Shoplatch
St. John’s row, St. John’s hill
St. Julian’s friars, Wyle cop
St. Mary’s court, Dogpole
St. Mary’s pl., St. Mary’s st
St. Michael’s gardens, St. Michael’s street
St. Michael’s st., Castle foregt
Sutton road, Coleham
Swan hill, Market street
Swan hill court, Swan hill
Theatre blds., Shoplatch
The mount, Frankwell
Tower place, Belmont
Trinity terrace, Meol road
Water lane, Windsor place
Welsh bridge, Mardol
Whitehall place, Abbey foregt
Whitehall st., Abbey foregate
Whitehall ter., Abbey foregte
Windsor place, Castle street
Wyle cop, High street
POST OFFICE, CORN MARKET.
MR. JOHN WILLIAM TOWERS, POST MASTER.
Letters from London, Birmingham, and the midland counties, Wolverhampton, Shiffnal, Wellington, West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Bilston, Bristol, the south and west of England, Liverpool, Manchester, and the north of England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, arrive at 3 a.m. and 4 p.m., and are despatched 6 a.m. and 9.51 p.m.
Letters from Aberystwith, Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Westbury Ford, Alberbury, Chirbury, and Montgomery, arrive at 9.1 p.m., and are despatched at 4.1 a.m.
Letters from Bishop’s Castle, Pontesbury, Minsterley, Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Wem, &c., arrive at 8 30 p.m. and are despatched at 4 45 a.m.
Letters from Church Stretton, Dorrington, Ludlow, Munslow, and Wistanston, arrive at 8 30 a.m. and are despatched at 4 30 p.m.
Letters from Oswestry, Nesscliff, West Felton, and Montford bridge, arrive at 8 40 p.m. and are despatched at 4 35 a.m.
Letters from Acton Burnell, Ruyton, Baschurch, Shawbury, Middle, Wroxeter, and the adjacent district, arrive by foot posts at 7 30 a.m., and are despatched at 5 30 p.m.
Receiving Houses at Frankwell, Castle Foregate, Abbey Foregate, and Coleham, for the reception of stamped letters only.
Money Orders granted and paid from 10 a.m. until 4 30 p.m.
Town Delivery, by letter carriers, at 7 a.m. and 4 30 p.m.
SHREWSBURY ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY
OF
NAMES, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, AND RESIDENCES.
Adams William Henry, professor of music, College hill
Alcock John, beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Allcock Thos. & Sons, tailors, Claremont st.
Allart George, tailor, Frankwell
Allen and Benson, druggists, Wyle Cop
Allen Mary, vict. Bird in Hand, Coton hill
Allen Sarah, shopkeeper, Coton hill
Allnatt Charles Blake, Esq., barrister-at-law, the Crescent
Alltree Ann & Amelia, milliners, Windsor place
Alltree Jemima and Henry, ironmongers, bell hangers, gas fitters, stovegrate manufacturers, and zinc and tin plate workers, Corn market
Ambler Misses Emma and Mary Castle st
Amphlett James, newspaper editor, Mardol
Andrew Jas, travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Andrew John, travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Andrew Robt., travelling tea dealer, Coleham
Andrew Wm., travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Antlett Jas., beerhouse keeper, Spring gardens
Arblaster Charles Jas., chemist and druggist, Castle street
Armstrong John, tailor, Coleham
Armstrong Wm., tailor & woln. draper, High st
Arrowsmith John Y., surgeon, Swan hill court
Arrowsmith Louisa Ann, boarding school, Belmont
Arrowsmith Mary Elizabeth, boarding school, College hill Court
Arrowsmith & Stephens, surgs., College hill
Arthur Richard, shopkeeper, Princess st.
Arthur Wm., travelling tea dealer, Wyle cop
Ash Mr. Richard, Whitehall place
Ashley Geo. beerhouse keeper, Barrck. passage
Asterly Samuel, grocer, tallow chandler, and seed and hop merchant, Frankwell
Astley Rev. Richard (Presbyn.) Claremont hill
Atcherly John, gentleman, Summer house, the Mount.
Atcherly the Misses, College hill
Atkin Henry, agent to Allsop & Co., (Burton ales,) Golden cross passage
Atkin Joseph, accountant, Column villa
Atkinson William, supervisor of inland revenue, Sutton lane
Attfield George, clerk inland revenue office, Barker street
Badger John, shoemaker, Marine terrace
Badger Joseph, beerhouse keeper, Kingsland
Badger Samuel, beerhouse and shopkeeper, Coleham
Badger Thos. vestry clerk & assistant overseer of St. Alkmund’s, St. Alkmund’s place
Bagley John, herbalist, Theatre buildings
Bagley Thomas, school master, St. John’s rd.
Bagnell John, grocer and tea dealer, Pride hill
Barker Mr. John, Monk’s well terrace
Baker Wm., silversmith, jeweller and cutler, Corn market
Ball Mrs. Mary Ann, Chester street
Ballham James, baker, Coleham
Ball William, brush manufacturer, Wyle Cop
Barcley Wm. Jas., grocer, tea dealer, hop merchant, and agent for Guiness’s Dublin porter, 1, High street
Barnaby Isabel, milliner and bonnet maker, Market square
Barnaby Wm. W., law stationer, Market sq.
Barnett Emma, dress maker, Frankwell
Barnett George Shuttleworth, silversmith and jeweller, Market street
Barron Mrs. Ann, Swan hill court
Barron Anthony, linen draper and silk mercer, Pride hill
Barton Thos., tailor and beerhouse keeper, Bellevue
Bates Ann, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Bates Richard, butcher, Chester street
Bates Richard, jun., butcher, Shoplatch
Bather, Mrs. Elizabeth, The Abbey
Bather Wm., boot and shoemaker, Coton hill
Batho John, vict., Robin Hood, St. Michael st
Batho Thos., vict., Old Anchor, Frankwell
Baxter Mary, green grocer, Gullett passage
Bayley, Misses Ann and Mary, Quarry terrace
Bayley Edward, baker, Castle Foregate
Bayley Wm., gentleman, Claremont buildings
Baylis James, civil engineer, Claremont bank
Baylis James, nail maker, New street
Bazeley John, linen draper, silk mercer, and milliner, High street and Pride hill
Beacall Ann and Eliza, booksellers and stationers, Mardol head
Beacall Henry, currier and leather cutter, Castle street
Beacall Misses Mary and Eliz., Castle street
Beacall Rd., ironmonger & nail manr., Mardol
Beacall Sarah, currier and leather cutter, Castle street
Beck, Mrs. Margaret Susannah, Benbow ter.
Beck, Peter and William, wine and spirit mer., Claremont st., residence St. John’s h.
Beddoes Jn., skinner & wool stap., Frankwell
Beddow Richard, hair dresser, Barker street
Beetlestone Geo., boarding school, Hills lane
Bell Misses, mill, & dress makers, Wyle Cop
Bentley Thos. Amand, professor of languages, Castle street
Betton Nathaniel, Esq., Abbey Foregate
Betton William, shoe maker, Frankwell
Bevan Henry, accountant and law stationer, Abbey Foregate
Bickerton Richard, corn merch., Severn place
Bickley Thomas, hair dresser, Castle Forgate
Birch Benj., architect, surveyor, and builder, Castle gate, residence Upper Green Fields
Birch James, blacksmith and victualler, Buck’s Head, Frankwell
Birch John, stone mason, Coleham
Birch Jh., arch., surveyor & builder, Castleg.
Birch Thomas, painter and glazier, Belmont
Bishop John, cabinet maker, Wyle Cop
Blake Lieut. Edward and John, Bellevue
Blair Wm. H., wheelwright, Welsh Bridge
Blair Chas., boot & shoe m., Abbey Foregate
Blakemore Robert Baugh, confectioner and baker, Mardol
Blakeway Richard and William, corn millers and dealers, Castle Foregate
Blanchard Joseph, cabinet maker, Frankwell
Blent Charles, chair maker, St. John’s build.
Blockley William, timber merchant, Longden Coleham
Blount Chas., actuary, Savings Bk., College h.
Blount Chas., shoe maker, Claremont hill
Blount Mary, dress maker, Princess street
Blount Walter, tailor, Princess street
Blower John, cabinet maker, upholsterer, and general furnishing warehouse, Pride hill
Blower Tim., corn and cheese fac., Wyle Cop
Blower, Thos. Jh., prov. & corn deal., Coleham
Bloxham Henry, Esq., solicitor and high bailiff to County Court, St. Mary’s place
Blunt Henry, chemist and druggist, Wyle Cop, residence Meol road
Blunt Thomas, chemist and druggist, Wyle Cop, residence Abbey Foregate
Blythe Mr., draper & silk mercer, Market sq.
Bodenham Thos., Esq., Column terrace
Bond John, bricklayer and beerhouse keeper, Claremont hill
Boodle John, brickmaker, Coleham
Boodle Mary, dress maker, Coleham
Botevyle Mr. Thomas, Hills lane
Bottwood, George, hair dresser, Castle street
Boucher Geo., musical repository, Castle st.
Boulton Samuel, shoe maker, Chester street
Bourlay Wm. V., dancing master, Castle st.
Bowen John, painter & glazier, St. Mary’s pl.
Bowen Mr. William, Judith’s Butts
Bowman Mrs. Catherine, Belmont Bank
Bowdler, Mrs. Ann, Dogpole
Bowdler and Barnett, silversmiths, jewellers and cutlers, market street
Bowdler Mrs. Jane, silversmith, Market st
Bowdler Thomas, hair dresser and perfumer, High street
Bowdler William, carpenter and victualler, Shrewsbury Arms, Church street
Boyce Thos., register for St. Chad’s district, Claremont street
Boycott Richard, baker, Spring gardens
Branscomb Fred. A., news agent, Church st.
Bratton James, surgeon, Claremont hill
Bratton Richard, cabinet maker, Wyle Cop
Bratton Richard, victualler, Dog and Partridge, St. Mary’s place
Brayne John Gregory, tanner and maltster, Abbey Foregate
Brayne William (executors of), braziers and tin plate workers, Mardol head
Brazier John, agent to Cowley and Co., general carriers, Castle Fields
Breeze Charles, veter. surgeon, Coton Hill
Breeze Edward, tailor, Frankwell
Breeze Henry, painter and glazier, Castle st.
Breeze James, blacksmith, Abbey Foregate
Breeze Richard, victualler, Anchor, Hills lane
Breeze Richard, tailor and clothes dealer, High street
Breeze Sarah, baker, Coton Hill
Brereton James, cabinet maker, Castle street
Brightwell William, boarding school, Belmont bank
Brighty Margt., vict., Nag’s Head, Wyle Cop
Broadbent Miss Jane, The Abbey
Bromfield Jacob, Spring Cottage, Meol road
Bromley Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Bromley John, grocer and tallow chandler, Wyle Cop
Bromley Joseph, butcher, Castle Foregate
Bromley Marg., butcher, Double Butchers’ row
Bromley Sml., butcher, Double Butchers’ row
Bromley, Wm., butcher, Double Butchers’ row
Broughall Jno., Esq., solicitor, St. John’s hill
Brown Ann, beerhouse keeper, Coleham
Brown Mrs. Catherine, Benbow place
Brown Mr. David, Claremont bank
Brown Edwin, carver and gilder, Wyle Cop
Brown Edward, cabinet maker, Mardol
Brown Jacob, butcher, Pride hill
Brown John, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Brown Philip, artist, Castle street
Brown Sarah, butcher, Pride hill
Brown Captain Valentine, White Hall terrace
Brown William, confectioner, Castle street
Brown Wm., painter & glaz., Abbey Foregate
Broxton Rd., chemist and druggist, Mardol
Bryan Henry, haberdasher, Princess street
Bryan William, dyer, Coton hill
Bryant Wm., boot and shoe maker, Mardol
Budgett Wm., grocer & tea dealer, Pride hill
Burbury, Rev. Wm., M.A., second master of Grammar School
Bull John, butcher, Pride hill
Bullock Saml., carpentr. & builder, Frankwell
Burd Edward, physician, Corn market
Burd, Timotheus and Son, land and estate agents, Abbey Foregate
Burnett Ann and Harriet, Swan hill court
Burr Brothers, lead merchants and manufacturers of white, red, and sheet lead, Wyle Cop
Burr Geo., lead mer, Wyle Cop r. Kingsland
Burr Thos. Wm., lead mer., &c., Wyle Cop, residence Kingsland
Burrey James, cabinet maker, upholsterer, auctioneer and appraiser, College hill
Burrey and White, cabinet maters and upholsterers, College hill and Pride hill
Burrows John, nail maker, Roushill bank
Burton Adam, victualler, Bear, Fish street
Burton Miss Anna, Abbey Foregate
Burton Miss Helen, Claremont buildings
Burton Rev. Rob. L., vicar of Holy Cross, Abbey Foregate
Butler Jane, hosier, Castle Foregate
Butler James, hairdresser & hosier, Coleham
Butler Thos., hosier & gen. dealer, Castle st.
Butler William, shoe maker, Castle Foregate
Buttriss Robt., maltster and victualler, Elephant and Castle, Mardol
Buttriss Richard, maltster, Frankwell
Bythell Thos., chemist & druggist, Pride hill
Cadwallader Ann, vict., Wagon and Horses, Pride Hill
Cadwallader John, bookseller, printer, and stationer, 3, High street
Cadwallader Wm., spirit vaults, Castle gates
Calcott John, boot and shoemak., 4, High st.
Canadine J., shopkeeper, Longden Coleham
Carden Robt., linen & woollen drap., Mardol
Carline John, architect and stone and marble mason, Abbey Foregate
Cartwright Ann, wine and spirit vaults, Theatre buildings
Cartwright Francis, market gardener, New street, Frankwell
Cartwright John, engineer and agricultural implt. maker, Castle Foreg., res. Castle st.
Caswell James, cheese factor, Mardol
Cavell Henry, shoe maker, School lane
Cawthron Wm., painter, plumber, glazier, and glass dealer, Frankwell
Charlton Charles W., solicitors’ clerk, Islington cottage
Chester George, tailor, Shoplatch
Chester Geo., boot & shoe mak., Shoplatch
Chidlow Wm., boot & shoemak., Castle Fds.
Chipp Mr. Samuel, Trinity terrace
Cholton Samuel, butcher, Coleham
Chune Geo. & Jph., timber mer., Chester st.
Clarke Chas. Thos. Hughes, surg., Chester st.
Clarke Gavin, sheriff’s officer, Crescent Fields
Clarke John, gentleman, Town Walls House
Clark Rd., registrar of marriages and agent to the Sun fire office, Swan hill
Clarke William, maltster, Frankwell
Clay Joseph, veterinary surgeon, Wyle Cop
Clayton Geo., wool. drap. & tailor, Clement hill
Clayton John, farmer, Old Heath
Clayton Mr. Jas., St. Alkmund place
Claxton William Dickson, chemist & druggist, High street
Cleaver John, coffee house keeper, Castle gates
Clement Wm., gentleman, St. John’s row
Clement Wm. Jas., surgeon, Council house
Climie Daniel, civil engineer, Spring terrace
Clinton Henry, baker, Abbey Foregate
Clorley S., blacksmith, St. Austin’s street
Cock John, baker, Longden Coleham
Cock John, shoe maker, Abbey Foregate
Coggin Jabez, shoe maker, Chester street
Cohen Louis, clothes dealer, Mardol
Cole Thomas, painter and glazier, Wyle Cop
Colley Rev. James, M.A., incumbent Holy Trinity, Belmont
Collier, brazier & tin plate worker, Wyle Cop
Cooke Henry, painter, Cross hill
Cooke Jn., dyer & scourer, St. Alkmund’s pl.
Cooke Joseph, corn merchant, maltster, and corn miller, Abbey Foregate
Cooke Mary, schoolmistress, Swan hill
Cooke Wm. Hy., hatter & hosier, Pride hill
Cooper George, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregate
Cooper Richard, coach proprietor, Meol road
Cooper Wm., Esq., Claremont buildings
Cooper Wm. Henry, Esq., solicitor, St. John’s hill, residence Claremont buildings
Cooper William, rope maker, Castle street
Cooper & Broughall, solicitors, St. John’s hill
Corbet Miss Josepha, St. Mary’s place
Corbet Philip, artist, Belmont
Corbet Walton, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Corfield, Mrs. Jane, White Hall place
Corfield Rd., engineer (water wks.), Chester st.
Corser George Sandforth, Esq., solicitor, Market street, residence Abbey Foregate
Cottrell Mrs. Elizabeth, Belmont
Cotton Ann & Sarah, milliners, Princess st
County Constabulary office, Corn market
Cox John, shoemaker, Longden, Coleham
Craig Alex. Samuel, Esq., sol., The crescent
Craig Charles Dixon, Esq., solicitor, The crescent, residence Claremont bank
Crane Mrs. Mary, White hall place
Craston Edward and Co., hat manufacturers, Pride hill
Crawford David, surgeon, St. John’s hill
Cripps Gordon H., wine & spirit merchant, Claremont street
Cripps Lewis G., wine & spirit mer., High st
Cross James, stone mason, Raven road
Cross Sarah and Ann, milliners, Mardol head
Cross W. Gowen, chemist & druggist, Mardol
Crowe Henry, veterinary surgeon, Castle st
Crowley Hicklin and Co., general carriers, Welsh bridge
Crump Vincent, confectioner, by special appointment to her Majesty, Wyle cop
Crumpton James, baker, Frankwell
Crumpton Jonathan, brazier and tin plate worker, Wyle cop
Crumpton Joseph, bookseller, printer, stationer, and bookbinder, and agent for the sale of poor law books, Mardol
Crwys William, dyer and scourer, Swan hill
Curtis, the Misses, Skelton road
Dakin John, cooper, Chester street
Dale Samuel, vict., Bell Inn, Princess street
Dales Rd., saddler & harness maker, Wyle cop
Dance Sarah, Raven hotel (posting house), Castle street
Daniel John, vict., Spread Eagle, Wyle cop
Darwin the Misses, The mount
Davenhall John, hair dresser, Shoplatch
Davis Mrs. Ann, St. Julian’s friars
Davis Edward, mathematical and optical instrument manufacturer, 43, High street
Davies Brothers, cabinet makers, Wyle cop
Davies Charles, shoemaker, and grindery dealer, Barker street
Davies Mr. Daniel, White hall place
Davies Daniel, confectioner, baker, and British wine dealer, Castle gates
Davies Daniel, clock maker, Mardol
Davis David, news agent, Mardol
Davies Edward, shopkeeper and wheelwright, Coleham
Davies Edward, shopkeeper, Meol road
Davies Ellen, straw bonnet maker, Frankwell
Davies Emma, milliner, Pride hill
Davies Evan, carver and gilder, Pride hill
Davies Mrs. Harriett, Tower place
Davies Harriett, dress maker, Marine terrace
Davies Helen, dress maker, Dogpole
Davies Henry, boot and shoemaker, St. John’s hill
Davies James, millwright, Chester street
Davies James and Son, ironmongers, nail manufacturers, and saddlers’ ironmongers, Wyle cop
Davies John, bookseller, printer, stationer, and bookbinder, 15, High street
Davies John, ale and porter brewer, Chester street; residence, Castle gates
Davies John, supervisor of inland revenue, Frankwell
Davies, John, shopkeeper, Wyle cop
Davies John, agent to Black Park coal works, Castle foregate
Davies John, butcher, Fish street
Davies John, cooper, Mardol
Davies John, vict., White Hart, Mardol
Davies John and Charles, drapers and silk mercers, 26, High street
Davies Joseph, street inspector and collector of rates, Claremont hill
Davies Joseph, coal agent, Wyle cop
Davies Joseph, boot & shoemaker, Mardol
Davies Joseph, vict., Three Tuns, Longden Coleham
Davies and Hortins, eating house, Pride hill
Davies Margaret, vict., Swan, Frankwell
Davies Mrs. Mary, Abbey foregate
Davies Miss Mary Eleanor, Bellevue
Davies Mary, dressmaker, Barker street
Davies and Oldroyd, milliners, Pride hill
Davies Misses Sarah and Eliza, London rd
Davies Richard, bookseller, printer, and stationer, &c., 7, High-street
Davies Richard, tailor, St. John’s hill
Davies Richard, cow keeper, Frankwell
Davies Robert, bankers’ clerk, Princess street
Davies Robert, rope maker, Frankwell
Davies and Son, confectioners, Corn market
Davies Walton, baker, St. Mary’s place
Davies William, currier, Pride hill
Davies William, currier, Bridge street
Davies Wm., boot and shoe maker, Wyle cop
Davies William, book binder, Meol road
Davies Winefrede, dressmaker, Barker street
Day Wm., grocer and tea dealer, Pride hill
Deakin Edward, baker and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Deakin Thomas, confectioner and baker, Market street
Deaves James, clothes dealer, Princess street
Deaves George, bookseller (old), Shoplatch
Deaves Hannah, milliner, Shoplatch
Denston, Mrs. Elizabeth, Belmont
Deshormes Francis U. G., professor of languages, Crescent fields
Dibbin James, butcher, Double butcher’s row
Dickin John, surgeon, St. John’s hill
Dixon Miss Betsy, Abbey foregate
Dixon John, malster and vict., Dun Cow, Abbey foregate
Dodson Richard, builder and statuary, Abbey foregate
Done Robert and Co., wholesale tea and coffee merchants, Mardol head and Castle foregate
Donnellan James, hatter, Barker street
Donnellan William, schoolmaster, Barker st
Downing Enoch and Elijah, glass, china, and earthenware dealer, Pride hill
Downward Rev. George Richard, The castle
Drakewood William, shoemaker, Abbey fore
Drayton Edward, wheelwright, Welsh bdge
Drayton Geo., bookseller, printer, and stationer, Shoplatch
Drayton John, timber merchant, New street, Frankwell
Drinkwater Rd., woolstapler, St. Austin friars
Drury, Miss Eliza Ann, Claremont street
Drury John (executor of), grocer and tea dealer, Pride hill
Drury Thomas James, M.D., Quarry place
Dugard Mrs. Mary Ann, Column terrace
Dukes Mrs. Elizabeth, Windsor place
Durnford, Mrs. Ann, College hill court
Dyas Edward, shopkeeper, Castle street
Dyas Edward, butcher, Wyle cop
Dyas Jane, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Dyas William, shoemaker, Abbey foregate
Easthope William, cooking apparatus manufacturer, High street
Eaton, Misses Emily and Susannah, Claremont buildings
Ebrall Samuel, gun maker, Wyle cop
Eccleston John, grocer & tea dealer, Frankwell
Eccleston Thomas, stone mason, Frankwell
Eddowes George, linen and woollen draper, Mardol
Eddowes, Mrs. Martha, newspaper proprietor, Bellevue
Edgerley Henry, cheese factor and paper warehouse, Pride hill
Edisbury Thos., beerhouse keeper, Castle frgt
Edson John, saddler and harness maker, & brush & portmanteau manufac., Wyle cop
Edwards Ann, plumber, Claremont street
Edwards Ann, cow keeper, Coleham
Edwards Ann, vict., Hen & Chickens, Dogpole
Edwards Edward, bookseller, printer, and bookbinder, Dogpole, and vict., Bull Inn, Abbey foregate
Edwards Edward, hosier, Mardol
Edwards Edward, beerhouse keeper, Castle foregate
Edwards Emma, vict., Britannia Inn, Mardol
Edwards John, bookbinder, Coton hill
Edwards John, plumber, Mardol; residence, Hill’s lane
Edwards John, boot & shoemaker, Market sq
Edwards John Hawley, Esq., solicitor, Pride hill; residence, Belvedere
Edwards, Miss Mary, Abbey foregate
Edwards John Thomas S., Esq., Quarry place
Edwards, Mr. Robert, Holywell terrace
Edwards Rd., vict., Falcon & Castle, Mardol
Edward Richard, baker, St. Michael’s street
Edward Samuel, vict., Grapes, Castle foregate
Edward Thomas, auctioneer, appraiser, and accountant, Mardol head; residence, Coton hill
Edward Thos. & Son, bricklyrs, St. John’s ct
Edward William, beerhouse, Chester street
Egan, Rev. Eugene, catholic priest, Beeches ln
Ehn Henry and Co., furriers and straw bonnet manufacturers, 38, High street
Ehn Jane, milliner, 38, High street
Elias Hannah, bonnet maker, Barker street
Elkes Edward, confec. and baker, Pride hill
Elledge James, agent to Pickford and Co., general carriers, Castle foregate
Elliott, Mrs. Charlotte, The Priory
Ellis Mary, stay maker, Coleham
Elsmere Edward, managing director to Shropshire & North Wales Fire Office, High st
Elsmere Peter, grocer & tea dealer, Wyle cop
Elton James, register office, Dogpole
Embrey John, beerseller, Frankwell
Evans, Mrs. Ann, Whitehall terrace
Evans Ann, shopkeeper, Abbey foregate
Evans Arthur, clothes dealer, Princess street
Evans Benjamin, confec. and baker, High st
Evans David, stained glass manufacturer, Wyle cop
Evans Edward, cooper, Abbey foregate
Evans Edward, inspector of weights and measures for South Salop
Evans Edward, cow keeper, Coleham
Evans Edward, accountant, Claremont hill
Evans Edward, schoolmaster, Barker street
Evans Fred., butcher, Double butchers’ row
Evans George, shoemaker and beerhouse keeper, Barker street
Evans George, shoemaker, Abbey foregate
Evans James, tailor and tobacconist, Market street
Evans Jane, vict., Bell Inn, Mardol
Evans John, carpenter and joiner, Kingsland
Evans John, jun., carpenter, builder, brick & tile merchant, & boat builder, Frankwell
Evans John, grocer & tea dealer, Abbey fore
Evans John, tailor, Gullett passage
Evans John, baker and shopkeeper, Double butchers’ row
Evans John, hair dresser and perfumer, and toy dealer, Market street
Evans Joseph, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Evans Margaret, vict., King’s Head, Mardol
Evans Margt., paint. & glaz., St. Julian’s friars
Evans Mary, watch & clock maker, Wyle cop
Evans and Marston, paint. & glaz., High st
Evans Oliver, vict., Bull and Pump, Meol rd
Evans Richard, bricklayer and builder, St. Austin’s priory
Evans Sophia, schoolmistress, St. Michael’s st
Evans, Mr. Thomas, Beckbury terrace
Evans Thomas, shopkeeper, Coleham
Evans Thomas, superintendent registrar, clerk to Atcham union and to lunatic asylum, St. John’s hill
Evans William, vict., Butchers’ Arms, Double butchers’ row
Evans William, cow keeper, Abbey foregate
Fagg Ann, dress maker, Claremont hill
Fallows Richard, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Farlow Samuel, fruiterer & market gardener, Theatre buildings
Farlow Samuel, town marshal and superintendent police officer, Shoplatch
Farmer Edward, plumber, painter, and glazier, Old heath
Farmer, Mrs. Mary, The mount
Farnell Joseph Kirby, draper & silk mercer, Pride hill
Farr Henry, coach builder, High street
Fenna John, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Fenton Elizabeth, stay maker, Benbow pl
Fenton Henry, surgeon, High street
Ferrett Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Fesser Andrew, clock maker, Mardol
Field Francis and Mary, school teachers, St Alkmund’s place
Field Mr., Swan hill
Fletcher Francis, prov. dealer, Claremont st
Fletcher, Rev. Henry, curate of St. Chad’s Claremont bank
Fletcher John, vict., Moulders’ Arms, Castle gates lane
Fletcher, Mrs. Martha, Dogpole
Fletcher William, beerhouse keeper, Double butchers’ row
Flexton Priscilla, victualler, Bridge House, Frankwell
Forcham Thomas, shoemaker, Frankwell
Forcham Richard, Abbey foregate
Ford John, painter and glazier, Barker street
Ford Geo., malster & shopkeeper, Barker st
Forester Eliz., bonnet maker, Claremont st
Forester, Miss Matilda, St. John’s hill
Foulkes Edwin, surgeon, Castle street
Foulkes, Mr. Thomas, Abbey foregate
Forman, Captain George, Bellevue
Fox George, vict., George Hotel, Market st
Frail Mr. John, Claremont hill
France Henry, beerhouse keeper, Castle foregate
France James, whitesmith, Castle gates lane
France John, letter-press printer and general dealer, Mardol
Francis, Mr. James, Bellevue gardens
Franklin George Benjamin, agent to Mottram and Co., hop mer. and brewers, Mardol
Franklin William, hair dresser, bird preserver, and dealer in fishing tackle, Mardol
Fulcher George, schoolmaster (Shrewsbury union), Kingsland
Gabriel James, cabinet maker, Mardol
Gatacre, Mrs. Harriet, Severn bank house
Gates William, butcher, Butchers’ row
Geary, Mrs. Elizabeth, Holywell terrace
Geary Henry, tailor, Swan hill
George William, china warehouse, Wyle cop, agent to Rose and Co., manufacturers
Giles Jane, shopkeeper, St. Alkmund’s place
Giles Rd., watch & clock maker, Shoplatch
Gill George Phillip, surgeon, Milk street
Gill John, market gardener, Beckbury cottage
Girling George, inland rev. officer, Abbey pl
Gittins Ann, grocer & tea dealer, Theatre blds
Gittins Francis, dressmaker, Wyle cop
Gittins Henry, butcher, Mardol
Gittins John, chemist and drug., Wyle cop
Gittins Margt., vict., Swan Inn, Frankwell
Gittins Sarah, schoolmistress, Abbey fore
Gittins Thomas, butcher, Abbey foregate
Gittins William, ironmonger, whitesmith, and brazier, and tin plate worker, Mardol
Gittings William, butcher, Frankwell
Glover Robt., sad. & harness maker, Castle st
Glover Samuel, surgeon, Coton hill
Goodby Hy., vict., Eagle, St. Michael’s st
Gordon George, Esq., solicitor; office, Dogpole; residence, College hill
Goucher George, boot and shoe maker and hosier, Shoplatch
Goucher William, carpenter, Mardol
Gough John, butcher, Pride hill
Gough, Miss Mary Ann, Islington
Gough William, currier and leather cutter, Theatre buildings
Grafton Samuel, cooper, Wyle cop
Grafton Thomas, butcher, Pride hill
Gray Harriet & Caroline, milliners, Cross hill
Gray Richard, hatter, Pride hill
Green Robert, tailor, St. John’s hill
Green Thomas, paviour and clerk to water works company, Old heath
Green Thomas, jun., printer, Old heath
Griffin William, corn merchant, Mardol quay
Griffith Elizabeth, eating house, Castle gates
Griffith Joseph, cabinet maker, Abbey foregt
Griffith William, surgeon, Claremont hill
Griffiths Benjamin, wheelwright, Frankwell
Griffiths Hugh, provision dealer, St. Austin st
Griffiths Jane, schoolmistress, Abbey foregt
Griffiths Mary, beerhouse keeper, Canal blds
Griffiths Samuel, blacksmith, Coton hill
Griffiths Thomas, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Griffiths Thomas, shoemaker, Frankwell
Grindley John, vict., Crown Inn, St. Mary’s st
Grindley Martha, cow keeper, Abbey foregt
Groves John, builder, The Priory; residence, Crescent cottage
Groves Joseph, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Groves Thomas, builder, The priory
Gwynn John, clerk, Chester street
Gwynn Richard, basket maker, Pride hill
Gwyn Thomas Girdler, Esq., The Elms
Hackney Jas., glass & china dealer, Pride hl
Halbrook Thomas, shoemaker, Hill’s lane
Hales Richard, skinner, Chester street
Halford Sarah, dyer, Barker street
Hall John, timber merchant, Abbey foregate
Hall Thomas, silk mercer & draper, High st
Hall William, auctioneer, appraiser, and house agent, Milk street
Hammond Fred., fishmonger, Castle foregate
Hammond Richard, beerhouse, Castle gates
Hammonds Henry, butcher, Frankwell
Hammonds Thomas, butcher, Abbey foregt
Hammonds William, butcher, Frankwell
Hams, Mr. William, Abbey foregate
Hand Anne, vict., Peacock, Islington
Hand Paul, cattle dealer, Quarry place
Hand Sarah, butcher, Butchers’ row
Hanley James, butcher, Castle foregate
Hanmer Chs. Js., boot & shoe mkr., Wyle cop
Hanny James, watch maker, Wyle cop
Hanny Thomas, tea dealer (travelling) St. Alkmund’s place
Harding, Rev. John, incumbent of St. George’s, Mount cottage
Harley, Miss Sarah, The Priory
Harley Mr., Tower place
Harper Wm., chief constable, Claremont st
Harries George, tobacco and snuff manufacturer, and paper dealer, Mardol
Harries George, horse breaker, Coleham
Harris James, boot and shoe maker, New st
Harris John, butcher, Coleham
Harris John Kent, shopkeeper, Hill’s lane
Harris Joseph, pork butcher, Wyle cop
Harris Samuel, agricultural implement maker, Barker street
Harris Thomas, hosier, and agent to Scotland Life Association, Pride hill
Harris Thomas, confec. and baker, Castle st
Harris Wm., draper & silk mercer, Pride hill
Harris Mr. William, Kingsland
Harrison John, saddler and harness maker, Shoplatch
Harrison Samuel, baker, Castle Foregate
Harrison and Kempster, saddler and harness makers, Shoplatch
Harrison, Mrs. Elizabeth, Monk’s well ter
Harker George, pump maker, Belvedere cottage
Hartshorn James, accountant, Dogpole
Harvey Thomas, patten and last maker, Barker street
Harvey Susanh., vict., Talbot Top, Swan hill
Harvey William, boot, shoe, and last manu., Pride hill
Harwood, Miss Ann, Frankwell
Harwood Thomas, vestry clerk, accountant, and house agent, Abbey foregate
Harwood, Mr. Thomas, St. George’s place
Hassall John, shopkeeper, St. Michael’s st
Hasswell James, furniture broker and copper plate printer, Hill’s lane
Hatton Charles, market gardener, Abbey fore
Hay George E., professor of music, Hill’s ln
Hay Thomas William, watch & clock maker, High street
Haycock Edward, Esq., architect and county surveyor, The Priory
Haycock Jas., vict., Golden Lion, Frankwell
Haycock Robert, coal, slate, & lime merchant Castle foregate; residence, Dogpole
Haynes Francis Mason, baker and confec., Wyle cop
Haynes John Edward, tailor, Wyle cop
Hayward Samuel, vict., Raven and Bell, and posting house, Wyle cop
Harwood Thomas, shoemaker, Gullet passage
Hazledine John, Esq., coal merchant, Wyle cop; residence, Moreton villa, Coleham
Hazleton Mr. John, St. Julian’s friars
Healing Robert M., grocer and tea dealer, Frankwell
Healing William, provision dealer, Frankwell
Heath John, tailor and Woollen draper, Pride hill
Heath Mrs. Margaret, Castle street
Heathcoate John Nigel, surgeon, Council house court
Heighway Mrs. Ann, Spring terrace
Heighway Martha and Son, grocers, tea dealers, and hop and seed merchants, Castle street
Hemmings Henry, grazier, Dorsett’s barn
Henshall and Co., salt merchants, John Brown, agent, Castle Foregate
Henshaw Thomas Northage, writing master, Grammar school, Pride hill
Herbert Daniel, coachman, Abbey Foregate
Herbert Mr. Mark, Abbey foregate
Hewett James, accountant, St. Julian’s friars
Hewlett George, tailor & shopkeeper, St. Michael’s street
Hewlett Martha and Elizabeth, coffee and dining rooms, High street
Hewlett William and Son, cabinet makers, Milk street
Hicks Christopher, Esq., solicitor Wyle cop
Hicks Henry, Esq., solicitor, Trinity terrace
Hickman Mary, milliner, Wyle cop
Higgins Corbett, shoemaker, Chester street
Higgins Wm., Esq., solicitor, Claremont hill
Higley Samuel, boot & shoemaker, Coleham
Hilditch Miss, Bellevue
Hilditch Thomas, grocer and cheese factor, Pride hill
Hiles John, professor of music, Swan hill
Hill Rev. Edward, (Independent), Benbow terrace
Hill Mrs. Hannah, Monks’ well terrace
Hill John baker, Longden Coleham
Hill Hon. William Noel, Reabrook lodge
Hilton Rev. John, Wesley an new connexion, Claremont street
Hinmers Elizabeth, schoolmistress, Cross hill
Hinton Richard, patten maker, Mardol
Hitchcock Richard, shopkeeper, Mardol
Hitchins Joseph, corkcutter, High street
Hodges Thomas, tailor, Cross hill
Holbrook James, basket maker, Coleham
Holland Richard, locksmith and bellhanger, Shoplatch
Holmes Joshua, shopkeeper, Chester street
Holmes Wm., beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Home Mr. Samuel, Cross hill
Homer Mr. William, Kingsland
Horton Ed., boot & shoemaker, Claremont st
Horton Rebecca, milliner, High street
Hotchkiss William, farmer, Meol road
How Misses Mary and Christiana, Monk’s well terrace
How William Wybergh, Esq., solicitor, Near well house, Abbey Foregate
How Rev. William, Near well house
Howell Henry, boot & shoemaker, Mardol
Howell Henry, tailor and draper, High street, residence Abbey Foregate
Howell Thomas, gentleman, High fields
Howell Thos., vict., Dolphin, Dolphin road
Howell Thos., beerhouse keeper, St. Mchl. st
Howells Thos., blacksmith, Castle Foregate
Howells Thos., whitesmith, Castle Foregate
Hudson Wm., brush manufacturer, Mardol
Hughes Edward, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Hughes Edward, wine and spirit merchant, Corn market, residence Belmont
Hughes Edward C., butcher, Fish street, residence Princess street
Hughes Henry, shoemaker and shopkeeper, Coleham
Hughes John, Esq., Dogpole house
Hughes John, maltster, corn miller, and seed & corn mercht., The Glen, Frankwell
Hughes John, hair dresser, Frankwell
Hughes John, shoemaker, Bridge street
Hughes John, shoemaker, St. John’s row
Hughes Maria, bonnet maker, Peacock pas.
Hughes Richard, shoemaker, St. John’s hill
Hughes Robert, clothes dealer, Princess st
Hughes Robert, blacksmith, Abbey Foregate
Hughes & Son, boot & shoemakers, Shoplatch
Hughes Thomas, painter & glazier, Dogpole
Hughes Thomas, bricklayer, Frankwell
Hughes Thomas, boot and shoemaker, and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Hughes Thomas, shoemaker, Frankwell
Hughes Wm., grocer & tea dealer, Pride hill
Hughes Wm., maltster, St. Julian’s Friars
Hulett, victualler, Unicorn Inn and posting house, Wyle cop
Hulme Edward, hairdresser, Castle gates
Hulme Henry, painter, Castle foregate
Hulme Samuel, hair dresser and perfumer, High street
Hulme Mr. William Lang, Abbey Foregate
Humphreys Elizabeth, circulating library, St. Alkmund’s place
Humphreys John, wine and spirit merchant, St. Mary’s street
Humphreys John, tailor & draper, Shoplatch
Humphreys John R., house surgeon, Infirmy.
Humphreys Joseph, bookseller & stationer, &c., Pride hill
Humphreys Mary, grocer, tea dealer, chemist and druggist, hop and seed merchant, and cheese factor, Mardol
Humphreys Wm., shopkeeper, Claremont st
Humphreys T., shopkeeper, St. Michael’s st
Hunt Miss, Council house court
Hunt Mary, coach builder, Wyle cop
Hunt William Morgan Clerk, St. Michael st
Icke James, grocer and tea dealer, Market st
Instone and Son, nurserymen, Sutton lane
Jackson John, carpenter, Abbey Foregate
Jackson Rebecca, dressmaker, Abbey Foregt
Jackson Wm. Simes, Esq., sol., College hill
James Benjamin, tailor, Hill’s lane
James David, cow keeper, Coleham
James Humphrey, farmer, Meol road
James John, baker & shopkeeper, Abbey Frgt.
James Joseph, shoemaker, Frankwell
James Richard, plasterer, Windsor place
Jeffreys Edward Alex., engineer, Coton hill
Jeffreys Dr. Thomas, Castle house
Jeffreys William Egerton, Esq., solicitor, clerk to magistrates and to commissioners for the hundred of Ford, office Castle st., residence Coton hill
Jeffreys Mr. William, Dog pole
Jenks George, ironmonger, Wyle cop
Jenks Sarah, dressmaker, Abbey Foregate
Jennings Mrs. Sarah, Castle street
Jennings Thomas, Esq., Column terrace
Jervis Charles, carpenter, Frankwell
Jervis Elizabeth, dressmaker, Bridge street
Jervis John, vict., White Horse, Frankwell
Jobson Joseph, corn mercht., St. John’s hill
Johnson Rev. Frederick P., Abbey Foregate
Johnson Henry, M.D., Dog pole
Johnson Henry, corn dealer, Wyle cop
Johnson Mrs. Mary, Tower place
Johnstone Rev. Vanden Bempde, M.A., assistant master Free Grammar school
Jones Andrew, farmer, Meol road
Jones Benjamin, shoemaker, Castle Foregt.
Jones Catherine, hosier, Shoplatch
Jones Charles, linen and woollen draper, Mardol
Jones Chas. Griffiths, conf. & baker, Mardol
Jones David, vict., Bull’s head, Castle gates
Jones David, tailor & drap., St. Mary’s st
Jones David, cheese factor and victualler Woodman inn, Coton hill
Jones David and Son, cheesefactrs, New market hall
Jones Edward, hatter, Pride hill
Jones Edward, veterinary surg., Claremont st
Jones Edward, cooper, Mardol
Jones Edward, blacksmith, Beeches lane
Jones Edw., shoemaker, Hazledine’s buildgs.
Jones Eliza, ironmonger and nail manufacturer, Mardol head
Jones Evan, provision dealer, Coleham
Jones Evan, shoemaker, Princess street
Jones Evan, shopkeeper, St. Michael’s st
Jones Frances, dressmaker, Frankwell
Jones Fredk. A., letter press printer, Wyle cop
Jones Griffith, boot & shoemaker, Hills lane
Jones Henry, boot & shoemaker, Coleham
Jones Henry Micholls, surgeon dentist, Mardol head
Jones Mrs. Hannah, Swan hill
Jones Horatio, surgeon dentist, St. John’s hill
Jones James, butcher, Pride hill
Jones James, grocer & tea dlr., Castle gates
Jones James, cooper, Wyle cop
Jones James, brick & tile maker, Kingsland
Jones John, schoolmaster, St. Julian’s Friars
Jones John, cheese factor, New market hall, residence Chester street
Jones John, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Jones John, blacksmith, Raven road
Jones John, carpenter, Swan hill
Jones John, coach builder, Circus yard, residence, Peacock passage
Jones John, victualler, Gullett inn, Hill’s lane
Jones Jos., vict., Barley Mow, Abbey Forgt.
Jones Joseph, vic., Red Lion, Castle Foregate
Jones Joseph, tailor, Frankwell
Jones Joseph, brickmaker, Coleham
Jones Lewis, farmer, Castle Foregate
Jones Louisa, victualler, Leopard, Pride hill
Jones Maurice, grocer, tea dealer, cheese factor, and seedsman, Mardol
Jones Margaret, clothes cleaner, Claremt. st
Jones Margaret, shopkeeper, Castle gates
Jones Margaret, dressmaker, Dog pole
Jones Mrs. Mary, Reabrook view
Jones Misses, bonnet makers, Pride hill
Jones Mrs. B., Abbey Foregate
Jones Mrs. Price, Bellevue
Jones Robert, grocer & cheese monger, Mardol
Jones Richard, schoolmaster (St. Michael’s), St. Michael’s street
Jones Richard, baker, Frankwell
Jones Richard, butcher, Pride hill
Jones Richard, boot & shoemaker, Pride hill
Jones Richard, blacksmith, Frankwell
Jones Richard, confectioner & baker, Milk st
Jones Richard, beerhouse keeper, Meadow pl
Jones Richard, shopkeeper, Chester street
Jones Richard, blacksmith, Bridge street
Jones Samuel, wire worker, Shoplatch
Jones Sarah, cow keeper, Abbey Foregate
Jones Thos., commercial, dining, and coffee rooms, Shoplatch
Jones Thomas, linen & woollen draper, tailor and clothier, Mardol head
Jones Thos., victualler, Nelson’s Arms, St. Austin’s street
Jones Thomas, carpenter & joiner, Pride hill
Jones Thomas, cooper, Mardol
Jones Thos., brazier & tin plate worker, Mardol
Jones Thomas, tailor, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, butcher, Fish street road, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, shoemaker, Claremont st
Jones Thos. Wm., shoemaker, Castle fields
Jones Wm., saddler and harness maker, and trunk and portmanteau manufacturer, 5, High street
Jones William, victller., Sun tavern, Milk st
Jones William, provision dealer, Mardol
Jones William, carpenter, Castle Foregate
Joseph Ths., provn. dealr., Longden, Coleham
Juckes Samuel, ironmonger & nail manufacturer, Mardol
Juson Richard, gentleman, Spring terrace
Keate Henry, surgeon, Claremont hill
Keeling Henry, tailor and victualler, Odd Fellows’ Arms, Barker street
Keeling Joshua, beerhouse k., Castle gates
Kelvey Rebecca, watchmaker, Mardol
Kempster E., saddler & harness maker, Shoplatch
Kennedy Rev. Benjamin Hall, D.D., head master, Grammar school
Kent John, pawnbroker, Shoplatch
Kent Rev. Manoah (Baptist), Abbey Foregt.
Kerry Christina, hosier High st
Ketler John, rag & bone dealer, St. Austin’s st
Kindellon William N., governor of house of industry, Kingsland
Kirkham John, baker & shopk., Castle fore
Knight Mr. James, Holywell cottage
Kough Thomas Harley, Esq., solicitor, Swan hill
Lacy John, gas fitter and brass founder, Fire office court, High street
Lacy John William, printing and writing ink manufacturer, Castle fields
Lambert Henry, corn miller, Kingsland
Langford William Henry, vict., Golden Harp, Claremont st
Lawrence, Mrs. Mary, St. John’s row
Lawson Elizabeth, infant school teacher, New street
Lawson, Mrs. Mary, Wyle cop
Lawson Stewart, travelling draper, Abbey Foregate
Lawson William, wire worker, Frankwell
Leach Thomas, shopkeeper, Castle Foregate
Leake Charles W. and George E., painters and glaziers, Wyle cop
Leake John Hasleham, bookseller, printer, and stationer, &c., Corn market
Leake Thomas, beerhouse keeper, Castle st
Lee Edward, corn dealer, Mardol
Lee George, cabinet maker, Castle street
Lee George, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Legh Edward, agent to Shrewsbury and Shropshire coal company, Canal wharf; residence, Abbey Foregate
Legh John, butcher, Pride hill
Leighton, Rev. William Alport, Luciefelde, Coleham
Le Mercier Nicholas Robert, teacher of dancing, St. Julian’s Friars
Lewin Samuel Lucas, registrar of marriages, Swan hill
Lewis David, printer and beerhouse keeper, Gullet passage
Lewis Edward, vict., Lion Hotel, and posting house, Wyle cop
Lewis Elizabeth, dressmaker, Frankwell
Lewis Francis B., beerhouse, Abbey Foregate
Lewis John, blacksmith, Frankwell
Lewis Rd., grocer & tea dealer, Shoplatch
Lewis Rd., grocer and tea dealer, High st
Lewis Richard, carpenter, Castle Foregate
Lewis William, professor of music, High st
Lewis and Ward, grocers & hop merchants, High street
Linell John, ironmonger, Wyle cop., residence Abbey Foregate
Linell and Jenks, ironmongers and cooking apparatus manufacturers, Wyle cop
Linley Jas., green grocer, Castle Foregate
Lloyd Charles, malster and vict., Plough Inn, Market square
Lloyd Chas., beerhouse keeper, St. Michael’s street
Lloyd George, painter and glazier, Roushill
Lloyd Henry, plumber, Chester street
Lloyd John, silk mercer and draper, Market square; residence, Swan hill court
Lloyd John, vict., Hill’s Arms, Hill’s lane
Lloyd John, vict., Old Trumpet, Mardol
Lloyd John, tailor, Abbey Foregate
Lloyd John, newspaper reporter, Monk’s well terrace
Lloyd John, shoemaker, Hill’s lane
Lloyd Lydia, hair dresser, Castle Foregate
Lloyd Richard, butcher, Fish street; residence, St. Alkmund’s place
Lloyd Thos., carpenter, New st., Frankwell
Lloyd Thomas, tailor, Frankwell
Lloyd Thomas, tailor, Frankwell
Lloyd Thomas, cow keeper, Meol road
Lloyd Wm. Butler, Esq., banker, White hall
Lloyd Wm., painter and glazier, Coleham
Locke Mr. Edward, Milk street
Lockley Mrs. Mary, St. Julian’s Friars
Lomax Mrs., Bellevue
Longmore Rebecca, fancy repository, High st
Lott John, vict., Crow Inn, Abbey Foregate
Louch Chas., soda water manu., Claremont st
Lowe Edward Henry, wharfinger, Severn pl
Loxdale John, Esq., clerk of the peace for the county of Salop, and clerk to lieutenancy of county. Office Shire hall, residence College hill
Loxdale Richard, Esq., solicitor, clerk to magistrates, and clerk to commissioners of assessed property and income taxes. Office Corn market, residence Claremont
Lister Thomas, boot & shoemaker, Castle st
Littlehales, George, engraver & copperplate printer, Dogpole
Lucas Mrs. Martha, Roushill bank
Maddox Edward, vict., Swan Inn, Coleham
Maddox R., linen dra. & silk mercer, Castle st
Maddox Mrs. Theodosia, Quarry view cottage
Maddox Mrs., Green fields
Mallard Edward, paper hanger, Mardol
Manning John, boot & shoemaker, Wyle cop
Manning Josiah, tailor, Castle street
Mansell Mrs. Elizabeth, College hill
Mansell George, beerhouse, Castle Foregate
Mansell John, beerhouse keeper, and boot and shoemaker, Castle Foregate
Mansell Sophia, painter, Mardol
Mansell Wm., vict., Angel inn, Abbey Foregt.
Marsh Chas., agricultural implement maker, Castle fields
Marshall Ann, victualler, Woolpack, Longden, Coleham
Marshall Thomas, accountant, Judith’s Butts
Marston Richard, painter, glazier, and agent to Temperance Provident Institution, Market street
Marston Samuel, gunsmith, Claremont hill
Marston Thos., chemist & druggist, Wyle cop
Martin James, butcher, Fish street
Martin Martha, butcher, Fish street
Martin Mary, farmer, Robertsford
Martin Samuel, butcher, Fish street, residence Belmont
Matthews Chas., beerhouse, Butchers’ row
Matthews John, beerhouse, Chester street
Matthews Joseph, beerhouse, Spring gardens
Mayfield John, inland revenue officer, Bellevue cottage
Mayne Captain D., Woodfield
Meara John Augustine, woollen draper, High street
Mc.Cann Charles, inland revenue officer, Abbey Foregate
Mc.Credie John, cabinet maker, St. Julian’s Friars
Medlicott Wm., vict., Royal Oak, Coton hill
Menlove, Mrs. Harriet, Coton hill
Meredith, Lewis, & Co., grocers, tallow chandlers, & hop & seed merchants, Wyle Cop
Merick John, shoe maker, Grope lane
Merifield John, fly proprietor, Beeche’s lane
Middleton, Miss Anna Maria, Crescent
Miller John, butcher, Butchers’ row
Millward Edward, blacksmith, Meol road
Millward John, blacksmith, and parish clerk of Holy Cross, Coleham
Milnes Edward, assistant surveyor of taxes, White Hall place
Minn Rob., linen manufacturer, Castle Fields
Minshall Geo., vict., Old Wherry, Wyle Cop
Minshall Wm., fishmonger, Pride hill
Minton Thomas, maltster, Beeches lane
Mitton Geo., boot & shoe maker, Castle gates
Mitton John, cooper, Castle gates
Molinaux Jph. B., schoolmaster, Abbey Fore.
Molineux Jane, shopkeeper, Wyle Cop
Molineux Thos., painter & glazier, Wyle Cop
Moody Thomas B., inspector & collector tolls, New Smithfield
Moore James, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Moore Marius Salvator, professor of languages, Cross hill
Moore Wm., working jeweller, Mardol
Moreton Wm. inspector of Shrewsbury and Chester railway, Benbow terrace
Morgan Mrs. Elizabeth, St. John’s hill
Morgan Evan, shopkeeper, St. Michael st
Morgan Mr. Joseph, Barker street
Morgan Mrs., Claremont hill
Morgan Martha Ann, milliner, Barker street
Morgan Morgan, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Morgan Thomas, saddler and harness maker, and licensed to let post horses, Mardol
Morgan Thomas, butcher and vict., Comet, Old Heath
Morgan Wm. Esq., solicitor, Pride hill
Morgan Wm. & Sons, tailors and clothes dealers, Princess street
Morley Hy., wine & spirit mer., Castle street
Morris Ann, vict., Dun Cow, Abbey Foregate
Morris Ann, shopkeeper, Bridge street
Morris Charles, beerhouse, Butchers’ row
Morris Mrs. Emily, St. John’s hill
Morris George, cashier, Old Bank, St. John’s hill
Morris Henry, bankers’ clerk, Corn market
Morris John, carpenter, St. Austin street
Morris Joseph, accountant, St. John’s hill
Morris Richard, hair dresser, Princess street
Morris Richard, shoe maker, School lane
Morris Richard, tailor, The Mount
Morris Stephen, plumber, Castle street
Mottram Geo. & Co., ale and porter brewers, Hills lane, residence St. George’s place
Mottram Jn., hop & seed merchant, Mardol, residence Mount
Mottram Sarah, rope & brush manuf., Mardol
Mountford Thos., coach builder, Dogpole
Muckleston Captain Edward, Quarry place
Muckleston Jn., groc. & tea dealer, Wyle Cop
Muckleston Mrs. Margt., St. Alkmund’s sq.
Muckleston Rd. J., boot & shoe mk., Pride h.
Muckleston Wm., linen and woollen draper, Pride hill
Muir Robert, bank manager, Barker street
Mullinex William, leather cutter & grindery dealer, Milk street
Millinix William, gunsmith, Princess street
Mullins John, dyer, Frankwell
Munday Joseph, painter, Shoplatch
Munford Ed., vict., White Lion, St. John’s h.
Mytton Mrs. Mary, Bellevue gardens
National Provincial Bank of England, Barker street, Robert Muir, manager
Needham Mrs. Francis, Bellevue
Nevett Francis, boot & shoe wareh., High st.
Nevett John, butcher, Butchers’ row
Newcome Miss Elizabeth, Benbow place
Newham Henry, boarding school (diocesan), Swan hill
Newling Mrs. Elizabeth, Abbey Foregate
News Chas., vict., Three Fishes, Fish street
Newton Catherine, schoolmistress, Barker st.
Newton Hy., ale & porter brewer, Circus yard
Niccolls Wm. Owen, wine & spirit merchant, Mardol
Nicholls Charles, Esq., Heath Lodge
Nicholls Charles Barron, flannel merchant, Chester street, residence Quarry Terrace
Nicholls Thomas, wood turner, Castle street
Nickson Miss Elizabeth, boarding school, Cadogan House, The Mount
Nightingale John Thomas, hair dresser & perfumer, High street
Nightingale Richard, linen draper and parish clerk of St. Julian’s, Wyle Cop
North Thos., vict., Mermaid, Shoplatch
Norton Francis Collings, Esq., St. Mary’s ct
Norton Thomas, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Oakley Robert, maltster & hop dealer, Castle Foregate
Oare John, butcher, Mount pleasant
O’Hanlan Mrs. Ann, Claremont bank
O’Hara Henry Lewis, surgeon, Dogpole
Oldroyd Henry John, nuseryman & seedsman High street
Oldroyd Margaret, milliner, Pride hill
Oliver George, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Oliver John, shopkeeper, Longden Coleham
Onions Thomas, accountant and collector of taxes, Cross hill
Onions William, surgeon, Broom villa
Ousley Thos. John, editor and prop. of the Shropshire Conservative, Head of Pride hill.
Owen Ebenezer, dyer, Swan hill
Owen Edward, carpenter, Abbey Foregate
Owen James, school master (Holy Trinity), Coleham
Owen James, shoe maker, Castle Foregate
Owen John Ingram, woollen draper, tailor, and hatter, Mardol Head
Owen John, shoemaker, Claremont hill
Owen Mr. Joseph, Bellevue
Owen Mary, din. & coffee rooms, High street
Owen Owen, baker, Castle Foregate
Owen Samuel, accountant, Claremont place, residence Mount Pleasant
Owen Sarah, vict., London Coffee House, Dog pole
Owen Thos., shoemaker, Longden Coleham
Owen Thos., baker and confec., Castle street
Owen Wm., vict., Bugle Horn, Nackin street
Owen Wm., vict., Compass Inn, Frankwell
Owen William, tin plate worker and brazier, Castle street
Paget Rev. Alfred T., Grammar school
Palin Richard, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Palmer Edward, baker, Frankwell
Palmer Edward and Son, butchers, Mardol
Palmer Joseph, gentleman, Abbey Foregate
Palmer Thomas Fras., gentleman, Abbey Foregate
Pardey Capt. John, Reabrook cottage
Pardon James, artist, College hill
Parker Edward, vict., Seven Stars, Coleham
Parker James, farmer, Weir hill
Parker John, shoemaker, Claremont street
Parker Thomas, butcher, Fish street, residence St. Alkmund’s place
Parker Wm., vict., Park Inn, Abbey Foregate
Parkes Z., mill maker, Frankwell
Parry David, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregate
Parry David, shopkeeper, Frankland
Parry Ed. (manager of Marshall’s factory), St. Michael’s street
Parry Hugh, vict., Bell Inn, Frankwell
Parry Robt., plasterer & modeller, Cross hill
Parry Scarlet LLoyd, Esq., solicitor, Swan hl
Parsons John, manager of goods department of Chester and Shrewsbury rail., Coton hill
Parsons Mary, grocer and tea dealer, Market street
Patchett Wm., station master, Enon cottage
Peach John, grocer and tea dealer, High st
Pearce Ann, butcher, Butchers’ row
Pearson Benjamin, upholsterer and paper hanger, Princess street
Peele Joshua John, Esq., solicitor, treasurer, and deputy clerk of the peace of the county; under sheriff of Shropshire; town clerk of Shrewsbury; sub-division clerk and bailiff of the Royal Free Grammar School, office Guildhall, residence Murivance
Perkins John, shoemaker, St. Austin street
Perrott John, shopkeeper, Claremont street
Perry Wm. Henry, Esq., Pride hill
Peplow Mary Ann & Co., hop, seed, corn and cheese mer., Claremont st, r. Claremont h
Peplow Wm., tailor, Wyle Cop
Phayre John, provision dealer, Mardol
Phillips Chas., Esq., New hall, Abbey Foreg.
Phillips Edward, tailor, St. Alkmund square
Phillips Ed. Benj., wire worker, Shoplatch
Phillips Edwin, confec. and baker, Shoplatch
Phillips James, tailor & wool. drap., High st
Phillips & Jones, wire workers and fancy bird cage manufacturers, Shoplatch
Phillips Mr. John, St. Julian’s Friars
Phillips Thomas, chemist, druggist, and ink manufacturer, Mardol
Phillips Thomas, bricklayer and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Phillips Wm., beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Pickering Jas. Richard, vict., Old Thrashers, Castle Foregate
Pidduck Thomas, surgeon, Pride hill
Pidgeon Henry, chemist and druggist, 45, High street
Pierce John, painter & glaz., Castle Foregate
Pierce Richard, cowkeeper, Holywell Farm
Pigott Mrs. Frances, Castle street
Poole Benjamin, shoemaker, Castle gates
Poole James, boarding school, Rose Mount
Poole John & Son, grocers, tea dealers, and seedsmen, Castle street
Poole Thomas and Samuel, drapers and silk mercers, 9, High street
Poole Thos. Francis, grocer and tea dealer, Castle street
Pool Robert, currier, Mardol
Polehampton Rev. Henry Steadman, curate of St. Chads, Belmont
Powell Benjamin, malt and coffee mill maker, Frankwell
Powell, Mrs. Elizabeth, Benbow place
Powell, Mr. John, Coton hill
Powell Timothy, baker and confec., Mardol
Powell William, linen draper, Mardol
Price David, carpenter, Castle gates
Price Edward, butcher, Abbey Foregate
Price Emily, milliner, Castle street
Price George, pump maker, Frankwell
Price John, solicitor, Wyle cop, residence Coton terrace
Price, Mrs. Margaret, Coton terrace
Price Richard, registrar of births and deaths, & vestry clerk of St. Mary’s, Castle street
Price Sarah, shopkeeper, Coton hill
Price Sylvanus, tobacco pipe manufacturer, Longden, Coleham
Price Thos., vict., The Glove, St. John’s blds
Price Thomas, provision dealer, Abbey Fore
Price Theodore, basket maker, Coleham
Price Watkin, baker, Abbey Foregate
Price William, blacksmith and beerhouse keeper, Abbey Foregate
Price William, wheelwright, Abbey Foregate
Price Mr. William, Mount Field
Prim John, hair dresser, Abbey Foregate
Prinn Richard, shoemaker, Cross hill
Pritchard Ann, baker, Meol road
Pritchard Ann, milliner, Princess street
Pritchard Ann, butcher, Butchers’ row
Pritchard Dan., grocer & tea dealer, Dogpole
Prosser Rev. William, curate of St. Alkmund’s, Belmont
Probert Henry, cabinet maker and upholsterer, Shoplatch
Prune John, tailor, Frankwell
Pugh Edward, carver and gilder, Frankwell
Pughe, Mrs. Elizabeth, Dogpole
Pugh Elizabeth, schoolmistress, Castle Fore
Pugh James, malster and vict., Plough and Harrow, Coleham
Pugh John, baker, Abbey Foregate
Pugh John, tailor, Frankwell
Pugh Robt., painter & glazier, Castle Foregt
Pugh Robert, beerhouse, Castle Foregate
Pugh Sarah, vict., Market Tavern, Pride hill
Pugh Thomas, vict., Fighting Cocks, Castle Foregate
Pugh Wm., painter & glazier, Abbey Foregate
Pursell, Mrs. Ann, Old heath
Purslow Edward, hair dresser and umbrella maker, St. Julian’s friars
Purslow Henry, clothier and furniture broker, Corn market
Purslow William, painter, Barker street
Pyefinch John, chemist & drug., Shoplatch
Randles John, maltster and vict., Cock Inn, Butchers’ row
Randles Robert, beerhouse keeper, Swan hill
Rawlins Gabriel, adjutant South Salopian yeomanry, School court
Rees David, fly proprietor, Coffee house pas
Rees Evan, shoemaker and green grocer, Gullett passage
Rees John, provision dealer, Coleham
Rees, Mrs. Mary, College hill
Rees William, grocer and maltster, Wyle cop
Renolds Thomas, cow keeper, Old heath
Revel Champ, clothes dealer, Princess st
Richard Evans, vet. surgeon, Abbey Fore
Richards Hy., hosier & stay dealer, Wyle cop
Richards, Rev. John, Crescent place
Richards Richard, butcher, Castle gates
Richards Thomas, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregt
Rigby Richard, butcher, Butchers’ row
Roberts Charles, boot & shoe maker, Pride hill
Roberts David & Co., clothes dealers, Pride hl
Roberts Edward, tailor and woollen draper, Butchers’ row
Roberts Edward, shoemaker, Castle Foregate
Roberts Edward, tailor, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Edwards, shopkeeper, Chester st
Roberts Frederick, superintendent of asylum, Kingsland
Roberts Henry, shopkeeper, Abbey Foregate
Roberts John shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Joseph, furniture broker, Bridge st
Roberts Mary, baker, Castle Foregate
Roberts Sigismunda, school teacher, Barker st
Roberts Thos., victualler, Plough Inn, Castle Foregate
Roberts William, fishmonger, Shoplatch
Robinson Ann, pawnbroker, Roushill bank
Roden Samuel, brick and tile maker, John Wilson, agent, Raven road
Rogers Missses Ann & Eliz., Abbey Foregate
Rogers Mrs. Eleanor, Abbey Foregate
Rogers Eliz., provision dealer, St. Mary’s st
Rogers George, vict., Sun Inn, Milk street
Rogers George, gentleman, St. Julian’s friars
Rogers Joseph, grocer and temperance coffee house, Mardol
Rogers William, painter and glazier, St. Alkmund’s place
Rogers William, wharfinger, salt dealer and vict., Seven Stars Inn, Frankwell
Rogerson, Rev. James Jardine, M.A., incumbent of St. Julian’s, Glansevern lodge
Rogerson Robert, schoolmaster (Bowdler’s free school), Beeches lane
Rooke, Mr. Charles, Swan hill court
Rose and Co., china warehouse, William George, agent, Wyle cop
Rowe George, town crier, Roushill bank
Rowland James, whitesmith and beerhouse keeper, The mount
Rowland John L., solicitor, Monk’s well ter
Rowland Misses, milliners, St. Mary’s st
Rowland, Rev. William Gorsuch, incumbent of St. Mary’s, Abbey Foregate
Rowland William, tailor, Roushill
Rushton and Bowdler, joiners & carpenters, Pride hill
Rushton Julia, bonnet maker, Dogpole
Rushton Wm., carpenter, Pride hill, r Dogpole
Ryder Ed., malster and butcher, Old heath
Ryder Elizabeth, hair dresser, Wyle cop
Ryder George H., beerhouse keep., Old heath
Ryder Henry, victualler, Yorkshire House, St. Mary’s Place
Ryder Captain Wm., R. N., Benbow house
Salop Bank (Messrs. Burton, Lloyd, Salt, and How), Princess street
Salt George Moultrice, Esq., solicitor, Belmont; residence, Coton hill
Salt Thomas, Esq., solicitor, Belmont; residence, Quarry place
Salter and Rogers, provision dealers, St. Mary’s street
Salter Hannah, provision dealer, St. Mary’s street
Sandford Folliott, Esq., solicitor, Dogpole
Sandford Humphrey, Esq., councillor at law, Wyle cop
Sandford James Oakes, bookseller, printer, bookbinder, and stationer, 25, High street
Sandys Captain Thomas, Claremont blds
Saunders Joseph Green, hatter, Market st
Savage Mrs., Reabrook view
Saxelby George, woollen draper and tailor, & agent for the Syrian paletot, Castle st
Scammell Uphemia, bordng. school, Wyle cop
Scarth Jonathan, Esq., solicitor, College hill
Scarth Jonathan, gentleman, The Flash
Scoltock Mary, grocer and italian warehouse, Princess street
Scoltock William Poole, secretary and clerk to charity trustees, Offices Guild hall, and Corn market chambers
Selley Matthew, malster, Frankwell
Shakeshaft Mr. John, White Hall place
Sharp Alexander, working jeweller, Milk st
Shaw Elijah, umbrella maker, Castle Foregate
Shaw Mrs. Elizabeth, Dogpole
Shaw Henry, fishing tackle manufacturer and ornithologist, Shoplatch
Shaw John, fishing tackle manufacturer and ornithologist, Wyle cop
Shaw Joseph, glass, china, and earthenware dealer, Wyle cop
Shepherd John, governor of county gaol, The gaol
Sheppard Joseph, tanner, St. Austin street
Sherry Thomas, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Shorland John, shopk., Longden Coleham
Shrewsbury & Ludlow Bank, Messrs. Roche, Eytons, Campbell, and Bayleys, Market sq
Shrewsbury and Welsh Pool Bank, Messrs. Beck, Downward, Scarth, and Bowen, High street
Shropshire and North Wales Fire Office, High street, Edward Elsmere, managing director
Shuker Mr. Joseph, Monks’ well terrace
Simmonds John, vict., Old Wheat Sheaf, High street
Simons John, builder and china dealer, Pride hill
Simpson Deborah, wine and spirit merchant, Mardol
Simpson Hortensius Coates, wool merchant, Hill’s lane and St. John’s hill; residence, College hill
Simpson Rev. Joseph, Abbey Foregate
Simpson Thomas, coach proprietor, Abbey Foregate
Skitt James, veterinary surgeon, Old heath
Small John, bricklayer and builder, Butchers’ row
Smart Mary, fruiterer and fish and game dealer, High street
Smith Andrew, rag and bone merchant, Howard street
Smith Edward, farmer, Fox bank
Smith Edward, registrar office, Barker street
Smith George, carpenter & joiner, Swan hill
Smith James, gentleman, Benbow terrace
Smith John P., manager of goods department for Shropshire union railway, Portland house, Abbey Foregate
Smith Mr. Joseph, Coleham
Smith Rd., painter & glazier, St. John’s hill
Smith Richard, vict., Lion and Pheasant Inn, Wyle cop
Smith Samuel, Esq., Column terrace
Smith Samuel Pountney, architect and surveyor, Severn cottage
Smith Sarah, vict., Golden Cross, Golden cross passage
Smith Miss Sarah, Sutton lane
Smith and Preece, auctioneers, Corn market
Smith Thos., glass & china dealer, Wyle cop
Smith Thomas, stay manufacturer, Castle st
Smith Thos., blacksmith, New st., Frankwell
Smith William, auctioneer, Church street; residence, Trinity terrace, Coleham
Smith Wm., draper (travelling), Cross hill
Smitheman Miss Caroline, Beauchamp
Smout Edward, seedsman and market gardener, Gullett passage
Snook Richard Seymour, road surveyor, Copthorne road
Southam Mr. Thomas, Spring terrace
Southam Thomas, jun., ale, porter, and spirit merchant, and agent to Bass and Co., (Burton ales), Wyle cop
Speake John, shopkeeper, Coleham
Spence James George, ironmonger, &c., Canal wharf house
Stamp Office, Corn market, Edward B. Tipton, distributor
Stanley Mr. Samuel, White hall street
Stant Joseph, builder, timber merchant, stone and marble mason, and brick and tile maker, St. Julian’s friars
Stanton James, hair dresser, Shoplatch
Stanway Mary, malster and vict., Old Bell, Abbey Foregate
St. Albans, Mr. Edwd. Francis, St. John’s hill
Stedman George, painter, Castle gates
Stedman, Mrs. Jane, White hall place
Stedman, Mrs. Jane, Belmont
Stedman Mary, bonnet maker, Castle gates
Stephens John, surgeon, College hill
Stephens Richard, boot and shoe manufacturer, Mardol head
Stevens George, wood turner, Barker st
Stevens William, wood turner, Mardol
Stewart Penelope, tobacconist, Wyle cop
Stinton Henry, baker, Frankwell
Stockdale William, blacksmith, Roushill
Stokes William, Esq., St. John’s row
Stone Richard, shoemaker, St. Austin’s st
Story Wm., solicitor’s clerk, Holy well terrace
Strange Alice, vict., Fox Inn, Princess street
Stuttle William, iron and brass founder, Longden Coleham
Sutton Mrs., Ellen, St. Mary’s court
Swain John, malster, Mardol, and farmer, Coton grange
Swain Richard, malster & shopkeeper, Mardol
Swain Wm., maltster & ironmonger, Mardol
Swallow Chas., beerhouse keeper, Castle Fields
Swinburne, Miss Charlotte Marie, Belmont
Swinnerton Elizabeth, baker, Castle Foregate
Symcock John, vict., Crown and Anchor, Castle Foregate
Taggart Walter, tea dealer (travelling), Wyle cop
Tanner John, saddler and harness maker, and trunk and portmanteau manufacturer, High street
Tanswell James, painter and glazier, St. John’s hill
Tanswell John, carpenter, joiner, and flour dealer, Shoplatch
Tanswell Thos., painter & glazier, Castle st
Taylor George, shoemaker, Frankwell
Taylor George, sieve maker and rag and bone dealer, Chester street
Taylor Isaac, farmer, Monk moor
Taylor John, vict., Nag’s Head, Castle gates
Taylor Robert, shopkeeper, Spring gardens
Taylor Richard, malster and corn merchant, Abbey Foregate
Taylor Richard, jun., hop and seed merchant, Princess street, residence Abbey Foregate
Taylor Richard, painter & glazier, Hills lane
Taylor Rich., maltster & butcher, Old Heath
Taylor Samuel, woolstapler, Hills lane
Taylor Wm., boot and shoe maker, Castle st.
Taylor Wm., tobacco pipe maker, Longden Coleham
Teckoe Ed., vict., Queen’s Head, Mardol
Teece Charles Bowen, Esq., solicitor, and superintendent registrar, Swan Hill, residence St. Austin’s Priory
Teece Miss Jane, St. John’s hill
Tennant Henry, butcher, Fish street
Thacker Mary, vict., London Apprentice, Coton hill
Thacker Abraham, tailor, Frankwell
Thomas Ann, shopkeeper, Longden Coleham
Thomas Charles, linen and woollen draper, Mardol
Thomas David, beerhouse, New st., Frankwell
Thomas Rev. David (Independent Welsh chapel), Mardol
Thomas Edward, shopkeeper, The Mount
Thomas Edward, baker, Abbey Foregate
Thomas Elizabeth, vict., Ship Inn, Bridge st.
Thomas Henry, builder, St. Austin Friars
Thomas James, millwright, Cross street
Thomas John, shoemaker, Coton hill
Thomas John, shoemaker, Abbey Foregate
Thomas John, grocer and tea dealer, Mardol and Pride hill
Thomas John, carpenter, Barker street
Thomas John, superin. of police, Barker st.
Thomas Robert, shoemaker, Frankwell
Thomas Richard, beerhouse, Spring gardens
Thomas Samuel, beerhouse, Raven street
Thomas Wm., shoemaker, St. Michael’s st.
Thomas Mr. William, Islington
Thomas Wm., boot & shoe maker, Castle st.
Thomas William, shoemaker, New street
Thompson James, vict., Cross Guns, New street, Frankwell
Thornes Mrs. Charlotte, Holywell terrace
Thornton Mr. George, Abbey Foregate
Tibnam Wm., bookseller, printer, stationer, bookbinder, and religious tract depository, Wyle cop
Tilston and Co., salt and slate merchants, Canal wharf
Tindall Rev. John (Wesleyan), Swan hill
Timbs Richard, victualler, Eagle and Tun, Castle Foregate
Tipton Miss Anna Catherine, Claremont hill
Tipton Edward Blakeway, stamp distributor and secretary to Salop Fire Office, Corn market
Tisdale Eliz., shopkeeper, New street, Frankwell
Tisdale John, baker, Bridge street
Tisdale Thomas, auctioneer and land and estate agent, Quarry terrace
Tisdale Thomas, civil engineer and architect, and surveyor, office Mardol head, residence Mount Field
Tisdale Wm., hardware dealer and market gardener, Castle Foregate
Tisdale William, cooper, Frankwell
Tittensor John and Richard, cabinet makers and upholsterers, St. Mary’s street
Tombs, Susannah, hosier, Corn market
Tomkins Henry, farrier, Coleham
Tomlins John, basket maker, Castle Foregate
Towers Mr. John, gentleman, Swan hill
Towers Mr. John, postmaster, Sutton cottage
Townsend Mary Ann, schoolmistress, Castle Foregate
Tract Depository, at Mr. William Tibnam’s, Wyle Cop
Trail Dewar, farmer, Coton hill farm
Tregortha Thos., circulating library, Meol road
Troughton Mr. Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Trouncer and Son, ale and porter brewers, Old Brewery, Coleham
Trouncer Thomas William, brewer, Coleham, residence St. John’s hill
Trouncer Wm. Henry, maltster, Frankwell
Tudor Dinah, cooper, Shoplatch
Tudor Miss Elizabeth, Islington
Turner Anna Maria, maltster, Frankwell
Taylor James, shoemaker, Castle Fields
Urwick Miss Ann, The Mount
Urwick Elenor, librarian, St. John’s hill
Upton Mr. Edward, Abbey Foregate
Vane Mrs. Sarah, Benbow terrace
Vaughan Edward, vict., King’s Arms Inn, Claremont street, and proprietor of billiard rooms, Corn market
Vaughan Hannah, shopkeeper, Shoplatch
Vaughan John, carpenter and builder, Claremont street
Vaughan John, vict., Cross Keys, High street
Vaughan Richard, beerhouse keeper, Castle Foregate
Vickers George, coach builder, College hill, residence Coton hill
Wace George George, Esq., solicitor, College hill, residence Bellevue
Wace Hy. Thos., Esq., solicitor, College hill
Wace Richard, Esq., College hill
Wade George, cabinet maker, Wyle Cop
Wade Mrs. Anna Maria, Kingsland villa
Wade Geo., beerhouse keeper, Chester street
Wade James, accountant, Market square, residence Castle gates
Wakefield Rev. John Mort, M.A., assistant master, Grammar School
Walker Geo., hair dresser, St. Mary’s street
Walker George, butcher, Butcher’s row
Walker Wm., hair dresser & toy dealer, Mardol
Walker William, watch and clock maker, Market square
Wall Benjamin, news agent, Mardol
Walmsley John, surgeon, Abbey terrace
Walmsley John, vict., Red Lion, Hadnal road
Walton John, gentleman, Claremont hill
Ward Rev. Anth., (Wesleyan), Benbow place
Ward Rob., confectioner and baker, Wyle Cop
Ward Thos. Cooke, gentleman, Quarry terrace
Ward Thos., grocer & tea dealer, High street
Ward Wm., vict., Wheat Sheaf, Wyle Cop
Ward William Robert, R.N., manager of gas works, Castle place
Wardle William, bookseller, printer, and stationer, Mardol
Warren John, vict., Boar’s Head, Meol road
Wastall Thomas, wood turner, Fire Office court, High street
Watkins, James, Esq., Mardol
Watkins John, baker, Barker street
Watkins John H., baker and shopkeeper, Coton hill
Watkins Matthew, tailor and hosier, Claremont street
Watkis Mrs. Elizabeth, St. John’s hill
Watkis James Buckley, Esq., solicitor, Belmont, residence Abbey Foregate
Watkis Richard, cabinet maker, Hills lane
Watson Joseph, vict., Buckley’s Arms, Abbey Foregate
Watton John, printer, bookseller, bookbinder, stationer, patent medicine vender, and newspaper publisher, St. John’s hill
Weaver Mary Ann, boarding school, Belmont
Weaver Rev. Thos. (Independent), Swan hill
Weaver Wm., vict., Sun Inn, Roushill
Webster James, vestry clerk of St. Chads, Belmont
Westwood Henry, vict., Barge Inn, Wyle Cop
Werter Mr. Thomas, Abbey Foregate
White John, auctioneer, Corn market
White Joshua Pugh, cabinet maker and upholsterer, College hill and Pride hill
White Sarah, tea dealer, Wyle Cop
White Timothy, inspector of weights and measures for borough, and assistant overseer of St. Julian’s, Wyle Cop
Whitehurst John, gentleman, Mount house
Whitfield Christopher, market gardener, Castle Foregate
Whitmore John, refreshment rooms, railway station, residence Castle street
Whitney George & Son, chemist and druggist, High street
Whitney James, bookseller, printer, and stationer, Pride hill
Whitaker Francis, inspector of weights and measures for North Bradford Hundred
Whitwell Francis, surgeon, St. Mary’s street
Whitwell Francis, furrier, St. John’s hill
Whitwell Jas., commer. traveller, New park
Wicks Mary Ann, livery stables, Cross hill, residence St. John’s hill
Wigginton James, paviour, Coton hill
Wightman Rev. Charles Edward Leopold, vicar of St. Alkmund’s, St. Alkmund’s sq.
Wigley Charles, accountant, St. John’s row
Wigley Joseph, banker’s clerk, Princess street
Wigley The Misses, Quarry place
Wilde Peter, bookseller, printer, stationer, and bookbinder, and agent to Anchor Assurance Office, Pride hill
Wilde Thomas, glass & china dealer, Market street
Wildig Henry and Mary, glass, china, and earthenware dealer, Pride hill
Wilding Elizabeth, grocer and tea dealer, Corn market
Wilding James, butcher, Mardol
Wilding Richard, butcher, Pride hill
Wilding William, wool merchant, College hill
Wilkes Clement, grocer and tea dealer, and hosiery manufacturer, Princess street
Wilkes James, shopkeeper, Castle Fields
Wilkes Rd., tailor & woollen draper, Wyle Cop
Wilkes Richard, butcher, Fish street
Wilkins Mary, fly proprietor, Milk street
Wilkinson Robert, flannel merchant, Claremont hill, residence The Mount
Wilkinson Thomas, ironmonger, High street
Williams Edward, surgeon, Mardol
Williams Fred. Ed., shopkeeper, Barker street
Williams John, grocer and tea dealer, and cheese factor, Mardol
Williams Johns, tailor, Castle Foregate
Williams John, tailor, Marine Terrace
Williams John, vict., Coopers’ Arms, New street, Frankwell
Williams John, tailor and woollen draper, Dogpole
Williams John, beerhouse, Barker street
Williams John, shoemaker, Frankwell
Williams Joseph, tripe dealer, Wyle cop
Williams, Mrs. Mary, Abbey Foregate
Williams Mary, clothes dealer, Princess st
Williams Richard, vict., Waterloo house, Abbey Foregate
Williams Richard, beerhouse, Hill’s lane
Williams Richard, beerhouse, Frankwell
Williams Thomas, corn dealer, The mount
Williams Thomas, pump maker, Coleham
Williams William, grocer, tea dealer, cheese and bacon factor, Mardol
Williams William, vict., Crow Inn, Frankwell
Williams William, carrier to Ironbridge and Broseley, Monday and Friday, Wyle cop
Wills George, accountant, White hall place
Wilson Mrs. Harriet, Quarry place
Wilson John, timber merchant, Raven road
Wilson John, tailor, Abbey Foregate
Wilson The Misses, St. Julian’s friars
Wilson Samuel, beerhouse, Roushill
Winstone, Rev. David, chaplain to county gaol, Castle street
Withers Thomas, surveyor of taxes, office, Wyle cop; residence, Oakley cottage
Witts, Miss Aphia, Claremont bank
Wollaston, Mrs. Beatrice, St. John’s hill
Wollaston Chas., gentleman, Claremont hill
Wood Miss Elizabeth, Tower place
Wood Mrs. Elizabeth, Abbey Foregate
Wood Francis, butcher, Frankwell
Wood Samuel, surgeon, The abbey
Wood William, physician, Castle street
Wood Wm. Henry, assistant clerk, County court office, Holywell terrace
Wood William Seward, Esq., Severn cottage
Woodall John, woollen draper and clothier, Mardol head
Woodruff Richard, shoemaker, St. Alkmund’s place
Woodward Chas., brazier & tin plate worker, Pride hill
Woodward Charles, butcher, Butchers’ row
Woodward Mr. Henry, St. Austin’s priory
Woodward John, hop and porter merchant, Bridge street
Woodward Robert, malster and beerhouse keeper, Frankwell
Woodward, Mr. Thomas, Green hill cottage, Frankwell
Worth Fred, Hy., coach builder, Bridge st
Worrall Mary, shopkeeper, Frankwell
Woosnam Elizabeth, milliner, Pride hill
Wycherley George, carpenter, St. Alkmund’s place
Wylie David, engineer, Coton hill
Wynne John, Esq., College hill court
Yardley Rev. Edward, Claremont bank
Yardley Rev. John M.A., incumbent of St. Chad’s Claremont house
Yates Mrs. Sophia, Column villa
Yeomans Thos. Roger, artist, Abbey Foregate
Yerbury Charles, coach builder, College hill
Yerbury and Vickers, coach builders, College hill
Young George, ironmonger and coal merchant, Canal wharf; residence, Abbey Foregate
Young and Spence, ironmongers, brass founders, iron merchants, and agricultural implement makers, Canal wharf
CLASSIFICATION
OF THE
PROFESSIONS, MANUFACTURES, AND TRADES
IN THE
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY.
Academies.
Marked * Boarding Schools.
Allatt’s Free School, St. John’s row, Thos. Bagley, master; Frances Buttery, mistress
* Arrowsmith Louisa Ann, Belmont
* Arrowsmith Mary Elisabeth, College hill court
* Beetlestone George, Hill’s lane
Blue Coat (Bowdler’s) Beeche’s lane, Robert Rogerson, master; & Mary Ann Sharratt, mistress
* Brightwell William, Belmont bank
British, Castle Fields, Thos. Harris
Cooke Mary, Swan hill
* Diocesan School, Swan hill, Henry Newham
Field Francis and Mary, St. Alkmund’s place
Green Ann, Old Heath
Gittins Sarah, Abbey Foregt
Griffiths Jane, Abbey Foregt
Hinmers Elizabeth, Cross hill
Holy Trinity Schools, Coleham, Jas. Owen, master; Martha Clarke, mistress
Hunt Mary Ann, Church st
Infants (St. Chads), Barker street, Sigismunda Roberts
Infants (Castle Foregate), Mary A. Townsend
Infants (Frankwell), Elizth. Lawson
* Jones Jn., St. Julian’s Friars
Knight Clement, Cross hill
National Shrewsbury, Abbey Foregate, Joseph B. Molynaux, master; Mary Ann Williamson, mistress
Newton Catherine, Barker st
Millington School (Frankwell) Francis Cullis, master; Sarah Bishop, mistress
Morris Mary, Swan hill
* Nickson Elizabeth, Cadogan House, The Mount
* Poole James, Rose Mount
Pugh Elizabeth, Castle Foregate
Roberts Ann, Castle Fields
Royal Free Grammar School, Castle gates, Rev. Ben. Hall Kennedy, D.D., head master; Rev. William Burbury, M.A., second master; Rev. John Mort Wakefield, M.A., assistant master; Rev. Alfred Tolver Paget, M.A., teacher of mathematics; Rev. Vanden Bempde Johnstone, M.A. assistant master; Mr. Thos. Amand Bentley, teacher of modern languages; Mr. Thos. Northage Henshaw, writing master
* Scammell, Euphemia, Wyle Cop
St. Alkmund’s, William Donnellan and Martha Badger, St. Alkmund’s pl
St. Chad’s School, Barker street, Edward Evans, master; Jane E. Tanner, mistress
St. Michael’s School, St. Michael’s street, Richard Jones, master; Sophia Evans, mistress
* Weaver Mary Ann Belmont
Accountants.
Bevan Henry, Abbey Foregt
Edwards Thomas, Mardol head
Evans Edward, Claremont hl
Harwood Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Hartshorn James, Dogpole
Hewett James, St. Julian’s Friars
Marshall Thomas, Judith’s Butts
Morris Joseph, St. John’s hill
Onions Thomas, Cross hill
Owen Samuel, Claremont hill
Wade James, Market square
Wigley Charles, St. John’s road
Wills George, White Hall pl
Agents.
See also Fire and Life Office Agents.
Atkin Henry (to Allsop and Co’s. Burton ale), Golden cross passage
Barcley Wm. Jas. (Guiness’ Dublin porter), High st
Burd and Son (land & estate), Abbey Foregate
Davies John (coal), Castle Foregate
Franklin George Benjamin (Mottram & Co., brewers), Frankwell
Haycock Robert (Brymbo Company), Castle Foregate
Legh Edward (Shrewsbury and Shropshire coal company), Canal wharf
Southam Thomas, jun. (Bass and Co.’s Burton ale), Wyle Cop
Agricultural Implement Makers.
Cartwright John, Castle Foregate
Harris Samuel, Barker street
Marsh Charles, Castle Fields
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Architects and Surveyors.
Birch Benjamin, Castle gates
Carline John, Abbey Foregate
Haycock Edward (county), The Priory
Smith Samuel Pountney, Severn cottage
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s Friars
Tisdale Thos., Mardol head
Artists.
Brown Philip, Castle street
Corbel Philip, Belmont
Pardon James, College hill
Yeoman’s Thomas Roger, Abbey Foregate
Attorneys.
Badger Thomas Jeffreys, Swan hill
Bloxham Henry, St. Mary’s place
Cooper and Broughall, St John’s hill
Corser George Sandford, Market street
Craig C. & S., The Crescent
Edwards John Hawley, Pride hill
Gordon George, Dog pole
Hicks and Son, Wyle Cop
Higgins William, Claremont hill
How and Son, Swan hill
Hughes Edward, Dog pole
Jeffreys William Egerton, Castle street
Kough Thomas Harley, Swan hill
Loxdale John, Guild hall
Loxdale Richard, Corn markt
Moore James, Dog pole
Morgan William, Pride hill
Norton Thomas, Dog pole
Palin Richard, Dog pole
Parry Scarlet Lloyd, Swan hill
Peele Joshua John, Guild hall
Price John, Wyle cop
Rowland John Leeche, Monks’ well terrace
Salt and Son, Belmont
Sandford Folliott, Dogpole
Scarth and Jackson, College hill
Teece Charles Bowen, Swan hill
Wace Henry Thomas & George, College hill
Watkis James Buckley, Belmont
Auctioneers, Appraisers, and House and Estate Agents.
Burrey James, College hill
Edwards Thomas, Mardol head
Hall William, Milk street
Smith and Preece, corn market
Tisdale Thos., Quarry terrace, & Shoplatch
White John, Corn market
Bakers.
Ballham James, Coleham
Bayley Edward, Castle Foregate
Blakemore Robert B., Mardol
Boycott Rd., St. Michael’s st
Breeze Sarah, Coton hill
Clinton Henry, Abbey Foregt
Cock John, Coleham
Coggin Jabez, Chester street
Crumpton James, Frankwell
Deakin Edward, Frankwell
Deakin Thomas, Market st
Dean Thomas, Frankwell
Davies Daniel, Castle gates
Davies Walton, St. Mary’s place
Edwards Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Elkes Edward, Pride hill
Evans Benjamin, High st
Evans John, Butchers’ row
Harris Thomas, Castle street
Harrison Samuel, Castle Foregate
Haynes Francis M., Wyle cop
Hill John, Longden, Coleham
James John, Abbey Foregate
Jones Charles Griffiths, Mardol
Jones Richard, Frankwell
Jones Richard, Milk street
Kirkham John, Castle Foregate
Owen Owen, Castle Foregate
Owen Thomas, Castle street
Palmer Edward, Frankwell
Phillips Edwin, Shoplatch
Powell Timothy, Mardol
Price Watkins, Abbey Foregt
Pritchard Ann, Meol road
Pugh John, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Mary, Castle Foregt
Stinton Henry, Frankwell
Swinnerton Elizabeth, Castle Foregate
Tisdale John, Bridge street
Ward Robert, Wyle cop
Watkins John, Barker street
Watkins John H. Coton hill
Bankers.
National Provincial Bank of England, Barker street, Robert Muir, manager
Salop Bank, Princess St., (Messrs. Burton, Lloyd, Salt, and How), draw on Glyn, Halifax, and Co., London
Savings’ Bank, College hill, open on Monday and Saturday, from 11 30 a.m., to 1 30 p.m., Chas. Blount, actuary
Shrewsbury and Ludlow Bank, Market sq., (Messrs. Roche, Eytons, Campbell, and Bayleys), draw on Roberts, Curtis, and Co., London
Shrewsbury and Welshpool Bank, High st., (Messrs. Beck, Downward, Scarth, & Bowen), draw on Masterman, and Co., London
Barristers.
Allnatt Charles Blake, The crescent
Sandford Humphrey, Dogpole
Basket Makers.
Gwynn Richard, Pride hill
Halbrook James, Coleham
Price Theodore, Coleham
Tomlins John, Castle Foregt
Williams Richard, Abbey Foregate
Blacksmiths.
Birch James, Frankwell
Breeze James, Abbey Foregt
Clorley S., St. Austin’s street
Crome Henry, Castle st
Griffiths Samuel, Coton hill
Harris Samuel, Barker street
Howells Thomas, Castle Foregate
Hughes Robert, Abbey Foregate
Jones Edward, Beeche’s lane
Jones John, Raven road
Jones Richard, Circus place
Lewis John, Frankwell
Millward John and Edward, Coleham
Price William, Abbey Foregt
Smith and Jones, Frankwell
Stockdale William, Roushill
Booksellers, Printers, Bookbinders, and Stationers.
Beacall Ann & Eliza, Mardol head
Cadwallader John, 3, High st
Crumpton Joseph, (agent for the sale of poor law books), Mardol
Davies John, 15, High st
Davies Richard, 7, High st
Deaves George (old bookseller only), Shoplatch
Drayton George, Shoplatch
Eddowes and Leake, Corn market
Edwards Edward, Dogpole
Humphreys Joseph, Pride hill
Sandford James Oakes, 25, High street
Tibnam William, Wyle cop
Wardle William, Mardol
Walton John, St. John’s hill
Whitney James D., Pride hill
Wilde Peter, (wholesale), Pride hill
Boot and Shoemakers.
Badger John, Marine terrace
Bather William, Coton hill
Betton William, Frankwell
Blair Charles, Abbey Foregt
Blount Charles, Claremont hill
Boulton Samuel, Chester st
Bryant William, Mardol
Butler William, Castle Foregate
Calcott, John, 4, High street
Cavell Henry, School lane
Chester George, Shoplatch
Chidlow William, Castle fields
Cock John, Abbey Foregate
Cox John, School lane
Davies Charles, Barker st
Davies Henry, St. John’s hill
Davies Joseph, Mardol
Davies William, Wyle cop
Drakewood William, Abbey Foregate
Dyas William, Abbey Foregt
Evans George, Abbey Foregt
Evans George, Barker street
Evans John, Market square
Forcham Richard, Abbey Foregate
Forcham Thomas, Frankwell
Goucher George, Market st
Griffiths Thomas, Frankwell
Halbrook Thomas, Hill’s ln
Hanmer Charles James, Wyle cop
Harris James, New street
Harvey William, and last maker, Pride hill
Hayward Thomas, Gullet passage
Higgins Corbet, Chester st
Higley Samuel, Coleham
Higley Thomas, Ann’s hill
Horton Edward, Claremont street
Howell Henry, Mardol
Hughes Henry, Coleham
Hughes John, St. John’s hill
Hughes John, Bridge street
Hughes Richard, Claremont road
Hughes Richard, St. John’s hill
Hughes and Son, Shoplatch
Hughes Thomas, Mardol
Hughes Thomas, New street
James Joseph, Frankwell
Jones Benjamin, Castle Foregate
Jones Edward, Hazledine’s buildings
Jones Evan, Princess street
Jones Griffith, Hill’s lane
Jones Henry, Coleham
Jones Richard, Princess st
Jones Thomas, Castle fields
Jones Thomas, Claremont st
Lee George, Abbey Foregate
Lister Thomas, Castle street
Lloyd John, Hill’s lane
Manning John, Wyle cop
Mansell John, Castle Foregt
Medlicott William, Coton hill
Meric John, Grope lane
Mitton George, Castle gates
Morris Richard, School lane
Muckleston Rd. J., Pride hill
Nevett Francis, High street
Oliver Geo., Abbey Foregt
Owen James, Castle Foregt
Owen John, Claremont hill
Parker John, Claremont st
Perkins John, St. Austin’s st
Poole Benjamin, Castle gates
Prinn Richard, Cross hill
Rees Evan, Gullet passage
Roberts Charles, Pride hill
Roberts Edward, Castle Foregate
Roberts John, Abbey Foregt
Sherry Henry, Abbey Foregt
Speake John, Coleham
Stephens Richard, (manufacturer), Mardol head
Stone Richard, St. Austin’s street
Taylor George, Frankwell
Taylor William, Castle street
Thomas John, Abbey Foregt
Thomas Robert, Frankwell
Thomas William, Castle st
Thomas Wm., St. Michael street
Thomas William, New street
Tyler James, Castle fields
Williams John, Frankwell
Woodruff Richard, St. Alkmund’s place
Braziers & Tin-plate Workers.
Brayne William, (Executors of), Mardol head
Collier William, Wyle cop
Crumpton Jonathan, Wyle cop
Gittins William, Mardol
Jones Thomas, Mardol
Owen William, Castle st
Linell and Jenks, Wyle cop
Woodward Charles, Pride hl
Brewers.
Davies John, Chester street
Mottram George and Co., Hill’s lane
Newton Henry, Circus yard
Trouncer and Son, Coleham
Bricklayers.
See also Builders.
Bond John, Claremont hill
Edwards Thomas and Son, St. John’s court
Evans Richard, St. Austin’s priory
Hughes Thomas, Frankwell
Phillips Thomas, Frankwell
Small John, Butchers’ row
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Williams John, St. Austin’s street
Brick and Tile Makers.
Boodle and Jones, Belvedere lane
Birch Joseph, Castle gates
Evans John, jun., (dealer), Frankwell
Groves Thomas, White hall place
Jones James, Kingsland
Roden Samuel (John Wilson, agent), Raven road
Stanley Thomas, White hall place
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Williams John, St. Austin’s street
Brush Manufacturers.
Ball William, Wyle cop
Hudson William, Mardol
Mottram Sarah, Mardol
Builders.
See also Joiners & Carpenters, & Stone & Marble Masons.
Birch Benjamin and Joseph, Castle gates
Carline John, Abbey Terrace
Dodson Richard, Abbey Foregate
Evans John, jun., Frankwell
Groves Thomas and John, The priory
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Butchers.
Those with † affixed are country butchers who attend on market days.
Bates Richard, Shoplatch
Bates Richard, Chester street
Bromley Joseph, Castle Foregate
Bromley Margaret, Butchers’ row
Bromley Samuel, Butchers’ row
Bromley Samuel, Fish street
Bromley William, Butchers’ row
† Bromley William, Fish st
Brown Jacob, Pride hill
Brown Sarah, Pride hill
Bull John, Pride hill
† Burgess Thomas, Fish st
Cholton Samuel, Coleham
† Davies Charles, Fish street
† Davies George, Fish street
Davies John, Fish street
† Davies Richard, Fish street
† Davies Thomas, Fish street
† Davies William, Fish street
† Deakin James, Fish street
Dibbin James, Butchers’ row
† Dolphin Edward, Fish st
Dyas Edward, Wyle Cop
Evans Frederick, Butchers’ row
Gates William, Butchers’ row
Gittins Henry, Mardol
Gittins Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Gittins William, Frankwell
Gough John, Pride hill
Grafton Thomas, Pride hill
† Gregory Richard, Fish st
† Griffiths Thomas, Fish st
Hammonds Hy., Frankwell
Hammonds Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Hammonds Wm., Frankwell
Hand Sarah, Butchers’ row
Hanley James, Castle Foregt
Harris John, Coleham
Harris Joseph, (pork), Wyle cop
† Horton Robert, Fish street
Hughes Edward C., Fish st
† Jessop Francis, Fish street
Jones James, Fish street
† Jones John, Fish street
† Jones Joseph, Fish street
Jones Richard, Pride hill
Jones Richard, jun., Wyle cop
† Lee Joseph, Fish street
Legh John, Pride hill
Lloyd Richard, Fish street
† Marsh John, Fish street
Martin James, Fish street
Martin Martha, Fish street
Martin Samuel, Fish street
Matthews Sarah, Fish street
Miller John, Butchers’ row
† Morgan Thomas, Fish st
† Moreton Ann, Fish street
† Moreton Thomas, Fish st
† Moreton Richard, Fish st
† Morris Thomas, Fish street
Nevitt John, Butchers’ row
† Nicholas Henry, Fish street
† Oare John, Fish street
† Owen Martha, Fish street
Palmer Edward and Son, Mardol
† Parks Edward, Fish street
Parker Thomas, Fish street
Pearce Ann, Butchers’ row
† Pigg John, Fish street
Powell John, Fish street
Price Edward, Abbey Foregt
† Price Thomas, Fish street
† Price William, Fish street
Pritchard Ann, Butchers’ row
Rigby Richard, Butchers’ row
Richards Richard, Castle gates
† Roberts Hannah, Fish st
† Ryder Edward, Fish street
† Ryder George, Fish street
† Taylor Richard, Fish street
Tennant Henry, Fish street
† Tudor John, Fish street
† Vaughan Edward, Fish st
† Vaughan John, Fish street
Walker George, Butcher’s row
Wilding James, Mardol
Wilding Richard, Pride hill
Wilkes Richard, Fish street
Wood Francis, Fish street
Woodward Charles, Butchers’ row
Cabinet Makers, Upholsterers, & Paper Hangers.
Bishop John, Wyle cop
Blanchard Joseph, Frankwell
Blower John, Pride hill
Bratton Richard, Wyle cop
Brereton James, Castle street
Brown Edward, Mardol
Burrey and White, College hill, and Pride hill
Davies Brothers, Wyle cop
Evans John, Frankwell
Gabriel James, Mardol
Griffiths Joseph, Abbey Foregate
Hewlett James, Abbey Foregate
Hewlett William and Son, Milk street
Lee George, Castle street
Mallard Edward, (paper hanger,) Mardol
M‘Crede John, St. Julian’s friars
Pearson Benjamin, Princess street
Probert Henry, Shoplatch
Tittensor John and Richard, St. Mary’s place
Wade George, Wyle cop
Watkis Richard, Hill’s lane
Carpenters.
See Joiners and Builders.
Carvers & Guilders.
Brown Edwin, Wyle cop
Davies Evan, Wyle cop
Pugh Edward, Milk street
Cheese Factors.
Blower Timothy, Wyle cop
Caswell James, Mardol
Edgerley Henry, Pride hill
Eccleston John, Frankwell
Hilditch John, Frankwell
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Jones David and Son, New market house, Howard st
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Jones Robert D., Mardol
Peplow & Co., Claremont st
Rogers William, Castle st
Williams John, Mardol
Williams William, Mardol
Chemists & Druggists.
Allen and Benson, Wyle Cop
Arblaster Charles James, Castle street
Blunt Thomas and Henry, Wyle Cop
Broxton Richard, Mardol
Bythell Thomas, Pride hill
Claxton William Dixon, 13, High street
Cross Wm. Gowen, Mardol
Gittins John, Wyle Cop
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Marston Thomas, Wyle Cop
Phillips Thomas, Mardol
Pidgeon Henry, High street
Pyefinch John, Shoplatch
Whitney George and Son, High street
Clog & Patten Makers.
Butler Wm., Castle Foregate
Griffiths Thomas, Frankwell
Harvey William, Pride hill
Hinton Jane, Mardol
Hudson William, Mardol
Clothes Dealers.
Breeze Richard, High street
Cohen Louis, Mardol
Deaves James, Princess street
Evans Arthur, Princess street
Evans John, Gullett passage
Hayward Thomas, Gullett passage
Hughes Robert, Princess st.
Jones Thomas, Mardol head
Morgan & Son, Princess st.
Purslow Henry, Corn market
Revell Champ, Princess st.
Roberts David & Co., Pride hill
Williams Mary, Princess st.
Woodall John, Mardol head
Coach Builders.
Farr Henry, High street
Hunt Mary, Beeches lane
Jones John, Circus yard
Mountford Thos., Dog pole
Worth Frederick Henry, Bridge street
Yerbury and Vickers, College hill
Coach & Car Proprietors.
Merifield John, Beeches lane
Morgan Thomas, Mardol
Mountford Thos., Dog pole
Rees David, Coffee house passage
Salmon Edward, Princess street
Taylor & Son (Stage Coach), Lion yard
Williams Mary, Milk street
Coal Agents.
Davies John (Black park coal), Castle Foregate
Haycock Robert (Brymbo company,) Castle Foregate
Legh Edward (Shrewsbury and Shropshire coal company), Canal wharf
Coal Merchants.
Hazledine & Co., Wyle Cop
Young George, Canal wharf
Coffee & Dining Rooms.
Evans Margaret, Mardol
Griffiths Elizabeth, Castle gates
Hewlett Martha and Eliza, High street
Jones Thomas (Commercial), Shoplatch
Owen Mary, High street
Rogers Joseph (Temperance), Mardol
White John, Corn market
Confectioners.
Blakemore Robert B., Mardol
Brown William, Castle street
Clinton Henry, Abbey Foregate
Crump Vincent, Wyle Cop
Davies Daniel, Castle gates
Davies & Son, Corn market
Deakin Thomas, Market st.
Elkes Edward, Pride hill
Evans Benjamin, High street
Fallowes Richard, Frankwell
Harris Thomas, Castle street
Haynes Francis M., Wyle Cop
Jones Charles Griffiths, Mardol
Jones Richard, Milk street
Owen Thomas, Castle street
Palmer Edward, Frankwell
Phillips Edwin, Shoplatch
Powell Timothy, Mardol
Ward Robert, Wyle Cop
Watkins John, Barker street
Cooking Apparatus Manufacturers.
Easthope William, High st.
Linell and Jenks, Wyle Cop
Coopers.
Davies John, Mardol
Deakin John, Chester street
Evans Edward, Abbey Foreg
Grafton Samuel, Wyle Cop
Jones Edward, Mardol
Jones James, Wyle Cop
Jones Thomas, Mardol
Mansell George, Mardol
Mitton John, Castle gates
Tisdale William, Frankwell
Tudor Dinah, Shoplatch
Copper Plate Printers.
Haswell James, Hill’s lane
Littlehales George, Dogpole
Cork Cutter.
Hitchins Joseph, High street
Corn Factors.
Bickerston Richard, Severn place
Blakeway Richard & William, Castle Foregate
Blower Timothy, Wyle Cop
Cooke Joseph, Abbey Foregt
Griffin William, Mardol quay
Hughes John, The Glen, Frankwell
Jobson Joseph, St. John’s hill
Johnson Henry, Wyle Cop
Lee Edward, Mardol
Peplow Mary Ann and Co., Claremont street
Taylor Richd., Abbey Foregt
Williams Thomas, Frankwell
Corn Millers.
Blakeway Richard & William, Castle Foregate
Cooke Joseph, Abbey Foregat
Hughes John, Abbey Foregt
Lambert Henry, Kingsland
Cow Keepers.
Davies Richard, Frankwell
Edwards Ann, Coleham
Evans Edward, Coleham
Evans William, Abbey Foregt
Grindley Martha, Abbey Foregate
James David, Coleham
Jones Sarah, Abbey Foregate
Lloyd Thomas, Meol road
Pierce Richd., Holywell farm
Reynolds Thos., Old Heath
Curriers & Leather Cutters.
Beacall Henry and Sarah, Castle street
Davies William, Bridge st.
Davies William, Pride hill
Gough William, Theatre buildings
Mullinex William, Milk street
Pool Robert, Mardol
Dyers & Scourers.
Bryan William, Coton hill
Cooke John, St. Alkmund’s place
Crwys William, Swan hill
Halford Sarah, Barker street
Jones Margaret, Claremont st.
Mullins John, Frankwell
Owen Ebenezer, Swan hill
Engineers.
Climie Daniel, Coleham
Jeffreys Edward Alexander, Coton hill
Tisdale Thos., Mardol head
Wylie David, Coton hill
Engraver & Copper Plate Printer.
Littlehales George, Dogpole
Farmers.
Clayton John, Old Heath
Hemming’s Henry (grazier), Dorsett’s barn
James Humphrey, Meol road
Jones Lewis, Castle Foregt
Martin Mary, Robertsford
Parker James, Wair hill
Smith Edward, Fox bank
Swain John, Coton grange
Taylor Isaac, Monk’s moor
Trail Dewar, Coton hill farm
Fellmongers.
See Skinners.
Fancy Repositories.
Longmore Rebecca, High st.
Nightingale John Thomas, High street
Fire & Life Office Agents.
Alliance, Joseph Stant, St. Julian’s Friars
Anchor, Peter Wilde, Pride hill
Argus, George Whitney and Son, High street
Atlas, John Walton, St. John’s hill
Clerical, Medical, and General, John Poole and Son, Castle street
Corporation of London, Thos. Tisdale, Quarry ter.
Crown, Richard Palin, Dogpole
Eagle, Thos. Tisdale, Quarry terrace
Globe, Richard Price, Castle street
Guardian, Henry Pidgeon, High street
Indisputable, James Oakes Sandford, High street
Law, John L. Rowland, Monk’s Well terrace
Legal and General, How and Son, Swan hill
Medical Invalid, Thos. Henry Wace, College hill
North of England, H. C. Simpson, College hill
Norwich Union, Thos. Birch, Belmont
Pelican, Charles B. Teece, Swan hill
Phœnix, John William Bythell, Guildhall
Railway, James Oakes Sandford, 25, High street
Rock, George S. Corser, Market street
Royal Exchange, William Henry Cooper, St. John’s hill
Salop Fire, head office, Corn market, Thos. B. Tipton, secretary
Scotland Life Association, Thomas Harris, Pride hill
Shropshire and North Wales, head office, High street, Edward Elsemere, managing director
Sun, Richard Clarke, Swan hill
Temperance Providence Institution, Richd. Marston, Market street
Yorkshire, Henry Bevan, Abbey Foregate
Fishmongers, Game Dealers, & Fruiterers.
Hammond Frederick, Castle Foregate
Minshall William, Pride hill
Roberts William, Shoplatch
Smart Mary, High street
Fishing Tackle Manufacturers.
Franklin William, Mardol
Shaw Henry, Shoplatch
Shaw John, Wyle Cop
Flannel Merchants.
Nicholls Charles Barron, Chester street
Wilkinson Robt., Claremont hill
Flax Spinners and Linen Thread Manufacturers.
Marshall & Company—The Factory
Fruiterers & Green Grocers.
Baxter Mary, Gullett passage
Brown William, Castle street
Cartwright James, Frankwell
Farlow Samuel, Theatre buildings
Gill John, Beckbury cottage
Hatton Chas., Abbey Foregt
Instone Henry and Son, Sutton lane
Linley James, Castle Foregt
Munshall William, Pride hill
Rees Evan, Gullett passage
Roberts William, Shoplatch
Smart Mary, High street
Smout Edward, (and seedsman) Gullett passage
Tisdale Wm., Castle Foregat
Whitfield Christopher, Castle Foregate
Furniture Brokers.
See also Cabinet Makers.
Blower John, Pride hill
Bratton Richard, Wyle Cop
Hasswell James, Hill’s lane
Hotchkiss Robert, Wyle Cop
Purslow Henry, Corn market
Roberts Joseph, Bridge st.
Glass, China, & Earthenware Dealers.
Downing Enoch and Elijah, Pride hill
Hackney James, Pride hill
Harley Margaret, St. Mary’s street
Littlehales Wm., St. Mary’s street
Rose and Co., Wyle Cop, William George, agent
Shaw Joseph, Mardol
Simons John, Pride hill
Smith Thomas, Wyle Cop
Wild Thomas, Market street
Wildig Henry and Mary, Pride hill
Williams William, Wyle Cop
Grocers, & Tea Dealers.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Barcley William James (and British wine dealer, &c.) High street
Bromley John, Wyle Cop
Budgett William, Pride hill
Day William, Pride hill
Done Robert & Co. (wholesale tea and coffee merchants), Mardol head and Castle Foregate
Drury John (executors of), Pride hill
Eccleston John, Frankwell
Elesmere and Co., Wyle Cop
Evans John, Abbey Foregate
Gittins Ann, Theatre buildings
Healing Robert M., Frankwell
Heighway & Son, Castle st.
Hilditch Thomas, Pride hill
Hughes William, Pride hill
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Icke James, Market street
Jones James, Castle gates
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Jones Robert D., Mardol
Lewis Richard, Shoplatch
Lewis & Ward, 17, High st.
Meredith, Lewis and Co., Wyle Cop and Howard st.
Muckleston John, Wyle Cop
Parsons Mary, Market street
Peach John, 14, High street
Poole John and Son, Castle street
Rees William, Wyle Cop
Rogers Joseph, Mardol
Rushton Daniel, Dogpole
Scoltock Mary (and Italian warehouse), Princess st.
Thomas John, Mardol and Pride hill
White Sarah Ann (tea), Wyle Cop
Wilding Elizabeth, Corn market
Wilkes Clement, Princess st.
Williams John, Mardol
Williams William, Mardol
Gunsmiths.
Ebrall Samuel (maker), Wyle Cop
Marston Samuel, Claremont hill
Mullinix William, Princess street
Hair Dressers.
Those with † affixed are perfumers.
Beddow Richard, Barker st.
Bickley Thos., Castle Foregt
Bottwood George, Castle st.
† Bowdler Thomas, High st.
Butler James, Coleham
Davenhall John, Shoplatch
† Evans John, Market street
Franklin William, Mardol
Hughes John, Frankwell
Hulme Edward, Castle gates
† Hulme Samuel, High street
Lloyd Lydia, Castle Foregate
Morris Richard, Princess st.
† Nightingale John Thomas, 41, High street
Prinn John, Abbey Foregate
Purslow Edward, St. Julian’s Friars
Ryder Elizabeth, Wyle Cop
Stanton James, Shoplatch
Walker Geo., St. Mary’s st.
Walker William, Mardol
Hardware & General Dealers.
France John, Mardol
Tisdale Wm., Castle Foregt
Hatters.
Cooke Wm. Henry, Pride hill
Craston Ed. & Co., Pride hill
Donellan James, Barker st.
Gray Richard, Pride hill
Jones Edward, Pride hill
Saunders Joseph Green, Market street
Hop and Seed Merchants.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Barcley and Co., High street
Heighway and Son, Castle st.
Hughes John, Frankwell
Humphreys Mary, Mardol
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Lewis and Ward, High street
Meredith and Co., Wyle Cop
Mottram John, Mardol
Oakley Robert, Castle Foregt
Peplow and Co., Claremont street
Poole & Son, Castle street
Richards David, Roushill
Scoltock Mary, Princess st.
Taylor Richard, jun., Princess street
Woodward John, Bridge st.
Hosiers & Smallware Dealers.
Butler James, Coleham
Butler Jane, Castle Foregate
Butler Thomas, Castle street
Cooke Wm. Henry, Pride hill
Edwards Edward, Mardol
Goucher George, Market st.
Harris Thomas, Pride hill
Jones Catherine, Shoplatch
Kerry Christiana, High street
Richards Henry, Wyle Cop
Tombs Susannah, Corn mar.
Watkins Matthew, Claremont street
Wilkes Clement, Princess st.
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Anchor, Richard Breeze, Hills lane
Angel, William Mansell, Abbey Foregate
Barge, Henry Westwood, Wyle Cop
Barley Mow, Joseph Jones, Abbey Foregate
Bear, Adam Burton, Fish st.
Bell, Hugh Parry, Frankwell
Bell, Jane Evans, Mardol
Bell, Samuel Dale, Princess street
Bird-in-Hand, Mary Allen, Coton hill
Boar’s Head, John Warren, Meol road
Bricklayer’s Arms, Joseph Watson, Abbey Foregate
Bridge House, Priscilla Flexton, Frankwell
Britannia, Emma Edwards, Mardol
Buck’s Head, James Birch, Frankwell
Bugle Horn, William Owen, Nackin street
Bull, Edward Edwards, Abbey Foregate
Bull’s Head, David Jones, Castle gates
Bull & Pump, Oliver Evans, Meol road
Butcher’s Arms, William Evan’s, Butcher’s row
Castle and Falcon, Richard Edwards, Mardol
Cock, John Randles, Butcher’s row
Comet, Thomas, Morgan, Old Heath
Compasses, Owen Williams, Frankwell
Coopers’ Arms, Jn. Williams, Frankwell
Cross Guns, James Thompson, New street, Frankwell
Cross Keys, John Vaughan, High street
Crow, John Lott, Abbey Foregate
Crow, William Edwards, Frankwell
Crown, John Grindley, St. Mary’s street
Crown and Anchor, John Symcock, Castle Foregate
Dog and Partridge, Richard Bratton, St. Mary’s place
Dolphin, Thomas Howell, Dolphin’s row
Dun Cow, Ann Morris, Abbey Foregate
Eagle, Henry Goodby, St. Michael’s street
Eagle and Tun, Richard Timbs, Castle Foregate
Elephant and Castle, Robert Buttriss, Mardol
Fighting Cocks, Thomas Pugh, Castle Foregate
Fox Inn, Alice Strange, Princess street
George Hotel, George Fox, Market street
Glove Thomas Price, St. John’s buildings
Golden Cross, Sarah Smith, Golden Cross passage
Golden Hart, William Henry Langford, Claremont st.
Golden Lion, Jas. Haycock, Frankwell
Grapes, Samuel Edwards, Castle Foregate
Gullett Inn, John Jones, Hills lane
Hen and Chickens, Ann Edwards, Dogpole
Hill’s Arms, John Lloyd, Hill’s lane
King’s Arms, Ed. Vaughan, Claremont street
King’s Head, Margt. Evans, Mardol
Leopard, Louisa Jones, Pride hill
Lion and Pheasant Inn, Richard Smith, Wyle Cop
London Apprentice, Mary Thacker, Coton hill
London Coffee House, Sarah Owen, Dogpole
Market Tavern, Sarah Pugh, Pride hill
Mason’s Arms, Geo. Wade, Chester street
Mermaid, Thomas North, Shoplatch
Moulders’ Arms, John Fletcher, Castle gates lane
Nag’s Head, John Taylor, Castle Gates
Nag’s Head, Margt. Brightey, Wyle Cop
Nelson Arms, Thomas Jones, St. Austin street
New Inn, Margaret Gittins, Frankwell
Oddfellows’ Arms, Henry Keeling, Barker street
Old Anchor, Thomas Batho, Frankwell
Old Bell, Mary Stanway, Abbey foregate
Old Bush, John Dixon, Abbey foregate
Old Post Office, Geo. Rogers, Milk street
Old Thrasher, Jas. Richard Pickering, Abbey foregt
Old Trumpet, John Lloyd Mardol
Old Wheat Sheaf, John Simmonds, High street
Old Wherry, Geo. Minshull Wyle cop
Park Inn, William Parker Abbey foregate
Peacock, Anne Hand, Islington
Plough, Chas. Lloyd, Market square
Plough, Thomas Roberts, Castle foregate
Plough and Harrow, John Pugh, Coleham
Queen’s Head, Edw. Teckoe, Mardol
Raven and Bell Hotel (and posting house), Samuel Hayward, Wyle cop
Raven Hotel (and posting house), Sarah Dance, Castle street
Red Lion, Joseph Jones, Castle foregate
Red Lion, John Walmsley Hadnal road
Refreshment Rooms, Railway Station, John Whitmore, Castle foregate
Robin Hood, John Batho, St. Michael’s street
Royal Oak, Wm. Medlicott, Coton hill
Seven Stars, William Rogers, Frankwell
Seven Stars, Edward Parker, Coleham
Shrewsbury Arms, William Bowdler, Church street
Ship, Elizabeth Thomas, Bridge street
Spread Eagle, John Daniel, Wyle cop
Sun, William Jones, Milk st
Sun, William Weaver, Roushill
Swan, Margaret Davies, Frankwell
Talbot Tap, Susannah Harvey, Swan hill
Theatre Tavern, Ann Cartwright, Theatre buildings
Three Fishes, Charles News, Fish street
Three Tuns, Joseph Davis, Coleham
Unicorn, John Hulett, Wyle cop
Wagon and Horses, Ann Cadwallader, Pride hill
Waterloo House, Richard Williams, Abbey foregate
Wheat Sheaf, William Ward, Wyle cop
White Hart, John Davies, Mardol
White Horse, John Jervise, Frankwell
White Lion, Edward Munford, St. John’s hill
Woodman, David Jones, Coton hill
Wool Pack, Martha Marshall, Coleham
Yorkshire House, Henry Ryder, St. Mary’s place
Beerhouses.
Alcock John, Frankwell
Artlett James, Spring gardns
Ashley Geo., Barrack passage
Badger Joseph, Kingsland
Badger Samuel, Coleham
Barton Thomas, Bellevue
Bond John, Claremont hill
Brown Ann, Coleham
Deakin Edward, Frankwell
Edisbury Thomas, Castle foregate
Edwards Edward, Castle foregate
Edwards William, Chester st
Embrey John, Frankwell
Fletcher William, Butchers’ row
France Henry, Cattle foregt
Griffiths Mary, Canal buildings
Hammond Richard, Castle gates
Holmes William, Frankwell
Howell Thomas, St. Michl’s street
Hughes Thomas, Mardol
Jones Richard, Meadow place
Keeling Joshua, Castle gates
Leake Thomas, Castle street
Lloyd Charles, St. Michael’s street
Lewis David, Gullett passage
Lewis Francis B., Abbey foregate
Mansell George, Castle foregt
Mansell John, Castle foregt
Matthews Charles, Butchers’ row
Matthews John, Chester st
Matthews Joseph, Spring gardens
Morris Charles, Butchers’ row
Phillips Thomas, Frankwell
Phillips William, Frankwell
Price William, Abbey foregt
Pugh John, Castle foregate
Pugh Joseph, Wyle cop
Randles Robert, Swan hill
Rowlands James, The Mount
Ryder George H., Old heath
Swallow Charles, Castle fields
Thomas David, Frankwell
Thomas Richard, Spring gardens
Thomas Samuel, Raven road
Vaughan Richard, Castle foregate
Williams John, St. Austin’s street
Williams Richard, Hill’s lane
Williams Richard, Frankwell
Wilson Samuel, Roushill
Woodward Robert, Frankwell
Ink Manufacturers.
Lacy John William (printing and writing), Castle fields
Phillips Thomas, Mardol
Iron and Brass Founders.
Lacy John (brass), Fire office court, High street
Stuttle William, Longden, Coleham
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Iron Merchants.
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Ironmongers.
Alltree Jemima and Henry, Corn market
Beacall Richard, Mardol
Bullock Samuel, Frankwell
Davies James and Son, Wyle cop
Gittins William, Mardol
Jones Eliza, Mardol head
Juckes Samuel, Mardol
Linell and Jenks, Wyle cop
Swain William, Mardol
Wilkinson Thomas, High st
Young and Spence, Canal wharf
Joiners and Builders.
Birch Benjamin and Joseph, Castle gates
Evans John, Kingsland
Evans John, jun., Frankwell
Goucher, William, Mardol
Groves Thomas and John, St. Austin friars
Jackson John, Abbey foregt
Jarvis Charles, Frankwell
Jones John, Swan hill
Jones Thomas, Pride hill
Jones William, Castle foregt
Lewis Richard, Castle foregt
Lloyd Thomas, New street, Frankwell
Morris John, St. Austin st
Owen Edward, Abbey foregt
Price David, Castle gates lane
Rushton & Bowdler, Pride hill
Simons John, Pride hill
Smith John, Swan hill
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Thomas Henry, St. Austin street
Thomas John, Barker street
Vaughan John, Claremont st
Wycherley George, St. Alkmund’s place
Lead Merchants.
Burr Brothers, and manufacturers of red, sheet, and pig lead, Wyle cop
Libraries [Circulating].
Davies John, High street
Humphreys, Elizabeth, St. Alkmund’s place
Leake, J. H. Market square
Subscription, St. John’s hill; Elinor Urwick, librarian
Linen Manufacturer.
Minn Robert, Castle fields
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Barron Anthony, Pride hill
Bazeley John, High street and Pride hill
Carden Robert, Mardol
Davies John and Charles, 26, High street
Eddowes George, Mardol
Farnell and Company, Pride hill
Hall Thomas, High street
Harris William, Pride hill
Jones Charles, Mardol
Jones Thomas, Mardol head
Lloyd & Blythe, Market sqre
Maddox Richard, Castle st
Meara John Augustin (woollen), High street
Muckleston William, Pride hill
Nightingale Richard, Wyle cop
Poole Thomas and Samuel, Wyle cop
Powell William, Mardol
Thomas Charles, Mardol
Livery Stables.
Wicks Mary Ann, Cross hill
Maltsters.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Brayne John Gregory, Abbey foregate
Buttriss Richard, Frankwell
Clarke William, Frankwell
Cooke Joseph, Abbey foregt
Davies John, Chester street
Dixon John, Abbey foregt
Ford George, Barker street
Hughes John, Frankwell
Hughes William, St. Julian’s friars
Lloyd Charles, Market square
Minton Thos., Beeches lane
Oakley Robert, Castle foregt
Pugh John, Coleham
Randles John, Butchers’ row
Rees John, Coleham
Rees William, Wyle cop
Ryder Edward, Old heath
Selley Matthew, Frankwell
Stanway Mary, Abbey foregt
Swain John, Mardol
Swain Richard, Mardol
Swain William, Mardol
Taylor Richard, Abbey foregt
Taylor Richard, Old heath
Trouncer and Son, Coleham
Trouncer William, Frankwell
Turner Anne Maria, Frankwell
Woodword Robert, Frankwell
Malt & Coffee Mill Makers.
Parkes Z., Frankwell
Powell Benjamin, Frankwell
Milliners & Dress Makers.
Alltree Ann and Amelia, Windsor place
Barnaby Isabel, Market sqre
Barnett Emma, Frankwell
Bazeley John (silk mercer), High street
Bell The Misses, Wyle cop
Blount Mary, Princess street
Boodle Mary, Reabrook place, Coleham
Burnett Ann and Harriet, Swan hill court
Cotton Ann and Sarah, Princess street
Cross Sarah & Ann, Mardol head
Davies Harriet, Marine terrce
Davies Helen, Dogpole
Davies Mary, Barker street
Davies and Oldroyd, Pride hill
Davies Winifred, Barker st
Deaves Hannah, Shoplatch
Ehn Jane, 38, High street
Gittins Frances, Wyle cop
Gray Harriet and Caroline, Cross hill
Hickman Mary, Wyle cop
Horton Rebecca, High street
Jackson Rebecca, Abbey foregate
Jenks Sarah, Abbey foregate
Jervis Elizabeth, Bridge st
Jones Frances, Frankwell
Jones Margaret, Dogpole
Lewis Elizabeth, Frankwell
Morgan Martha Ann, Barker street
Price Emily, Castle street
Pritchard Ann, Princess st
Rowlands Jane, St. Alkmund’s place
Rowland Misses, St. Mary’s street
Tagg Ann, Claremont hill
Woosnam Elizabeth, Pride hl
Millwrights.
Davies James, Chester street
Thomas James, Cross street
Musical Repository.
Boucher George, Castle st
Nail Makers.
Bayliss James, Frankwell
Beacall Richard, Mardol
Burrows John, Roushill bank
Davies James and Son, Wyle cop
Jones Eliza, Mardol head
Juckes Samuel, Mardol
Young & Spence, Canal wharf
News Agents.
See also Booksellers and Stationers.
Davies David, Mardol
Wall Benjamin, Mardol
Newspaper Publishers and Proprietors.
Eddowes’ Journal (Wednesday), Martha Eddowes, Corn market
Shrewsbury Chronicle (Friday), John Watton, St. John’s hill
Shropshire Conservative (Saturday), Thomas John Ousley, head of Pride hill
Nurserymen & Seedsmen.
Instone Henry and Son, Wyle cop
Oldroyd Henry John, High st
Optician.
Davies Edward, High street
Painters & Glaziers.
Birch Thomas, Belmont
Bower John, St. Mary’s place
Breeze Henry, Castle street
Brown William, Abbey foregt
Cawthorn Wm., Frankwell
Cole Thomas, Wyle cop
Cooke Henry, Cross hill
Evans and Marston, High st
Farmer Edward, Old heath
Ford, John, Barker street
Hughes Thomas, Dogpole
Hulme Henry, Castle foregt
Leake Charles W. and Geo. E., Wyle cop
Lloyd George, Roushill
Lloyd William, Coleham
Mansell Emma, Mardol
Molineux Thos., Bridge court
Munday Joseph, Shoplatch
Pierce John, Hill’s lane
Pugh Robert, Castle foregate
Pugh William, Abbey foregt
Purslow William, Barker st
Rogers Wm., St. Alkmund’s place
Smith Richard, St. John’s hill
Steadman George, Castle gts
Tanswell James, St. John’s hill
Tanswell Thos., Castle street
Taylor Richard, Hill’s lane
Paper Dealers.
Edgerley Henry, Pride hill
Harries George, Mardol
Pawnbrokers.
Kent John, Shoplatch
Robinson Ann, Roushill bank
Patten & Clog Makers.
Harvey Thomas, Barker st
Hinton Richard, Mardol
Perfumers.
Bowdler Thomas, High st
Evans John, Market street
Hulme Samuel, High street
Nightingale John Thomas, High street
Physicians.
Burd Edward, Belmont
Drury Thomas James, Quarry place
Jeffreys Thos., Castle house
Johnson Henry, Dogpole
Wood William, Castle street
Plasterers.
Hughes Thomas, Frankwell
James Richard, Windsor pl
Parry Robert, Cross hill
Small John, Butchers’ row
Plumbers.
Cawthron Wm., Frankwell
Edwards Ann, Claremont st
Edwards John, Mardol
Edwards Richard, Hill’s ln
Farmer Edwards, Old heath
Hartshorn Henry, St. John’s hill
Jones David, Castle Foregt
Lloyd Henry, Chester street
Morris Stephen, Castle st
Printers [Letter Press].
See also Booksellers and Newspaper Publishers
France John, Mardol
Jones Fred. A., Wyle cop
Lewis David, Gullett passage
Professors & Teachers.
Those with * affixed teach music, thus † languages, and thus ‡ dancing.
* Adams William Hay, College hill
† Bentley Thomas Amand, Castle street
† Bourley William V., Castle street
* Brown Philip, Castle st
† Deshormes Francis, U.G., Crescent fields
* Hay George E., Hill’s lane
* Hiles John, Swan hill
‡ Le Mercier Nicholas Robt., St. Julian’s friars
* Lewis William, High street
‡ Mercerot Emma, Abbey Foregate
† Moore Marius Salvator, Cross hill
Pump Makers.
Harper George, Abbey Foregt
Price George, Frankwell
Williams Thomas & Robert, Coleham
Rag and Bone Dealers.
France John, Hill’s lane
Ketler John, St. Austin’s st
Smith Andrew, Canal wharf
Taylor George, and sieve maker, Chester street
Rope Makers.
Cooper William, Castle st
Davies Robert, Frankwell
Mottram Sarah, Mardol
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Dales Richard, Wyle cop
Edson John, & trunk & portmanteau maker, Wyle cop
Glover Robert, Castle street
Harrison and Kempster, Shoplatch
Jones William, & trunk and portmanteau maker, 5, High street
Morgan Thomas, Mardol
Tanner John, & trunk and portmanteau maker, High street
Salt Merchants.
Henshall and Co., Castle Foregate
Rogers William, Frankwell
Tilston and Co., Canal wharf
Shopkeepers.
Dealers in Provisions, Sundries, and Groceries.
Allen Sarah, Coton hill
Arthur Richard, Princess st
Badger Samuel, Coleham
Bates Ann, Castle Foregate
Blower Thomas Joseph, Coleham
Bromley Elizth., Frankwell
Brown John, Castle Foregt
Cooper George, Abbey Foregate
Corbet Walton, Frankwell
Davies Edward, Bellevue
Davies Edward, Coleham
Davies John, Wyle cop
Dyas Edward, Castle street
Dyas Jane, Frankwell
Evans Ann, Abbey Foregate
Evans Joseph, Frankwell
Evans Thomas, Longden, Coleham
Fallowes Richard, Frankwell
Fenna John, Castle gates
Ferrett Elizabeth, Frankwell
Fletcher Francis, Claremont street
Ford Joseph, Barker street
Giles Jane, St. Alkmund’s pl
Griffiths Hugh, St. Austin st
Griffiths Thomas, Castle st
Groves Joseph, Castle gates
Harris John Kent, Hill’s lane
Hassall John, St. Michael’s street
Healing William, Frankwell
Hewlett George, St. Michael’s street
Hitchcock Richard, Mardol
Holmes Joshua, Chester st
Hughes Henry, Coleham
Humphries William, Claremont street
Humphreson Thomas, St Michael’s street
James John, Abbey Foregate
Jones Evan, St. Michael’s st
Jones Evan, Coleham
Jones John, Castle Foregate
Jones Margaret, Castle gates
Jones Richard, Chester street
Jones William, Mardol
Joseph Thomas, Longden, Coleham
Kirkham John, Castle Foregt
Leach Thomas, Castle Foregt
Molineux Jane, Wyle cop
Morgan Evan, St. Michael’s street
Morgan Morgan, Frankwell
Morris Ann, Bridge street
Oliver John, Longden, Coleham
Parry David, Abbey Foregt
Parry David, Frankwell
Perrott John, Claremont st
Phayre John, Mardol
Price George, Frankwell
Price Sarah, Coton hill
Price Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Rees John, Coleham
Richards Thomas, Abbey Foregate
Roberts Edward, Chester st
Roberts Henry, Abbey Foregt
Rogers William, Castle st
Salter & Rogers, St. Mary’s st
Shorland John, Longden, Coleham
Speake John, Coleham
Swain Richard, Mardol
Tanswell John, (flour), Shoplatch
Taylor Robert, Spring Gardens
Taylor Richard, Old heath
Thomas Ann, Longden, Coleham
Thomas Edward, The mount
Tisdale Elizabeth, Frankwell
Vaughan Hannah, Shoplatch
Watkins John H., Coton hill
Wilkes James, Castle fields
Williams Frederick Edward, Barker street
Worrall Mary, Frankwell
Skinners & Fellmongers.
Beddoes John, Frankwell
Hales Richard, Chester st
Soda Water Manufacturers.
Blunt Thomas and Henry, Wyle cop
Edwards Richard, Mardol
Louch Charles, Claremont st
Slate and Tile Merchants.
Chune George and Joseph, Chester street
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Tilstone and Co., Canal wharf
Silversmiths, Jewellers, and Cutlers.
Baker William, Corn market
Bowdler & Barnett, Market st
Moore William, (working), Mardol
Sharp Alexander (working), Milk street
Stained Glass Manufacturer.
Evans David, Wyle cop
Stay Makers.
Driver Ann, St. Alkmund’s place
Ellis Mary, Coleham
Fenn James, Castle street
Fenton Elizabeth, Benbow place
Gordon Elizabeth, Coleham
Smith Thomas, Castle street
Stone and Marble Masons.
Birch John, Coleham
Carline John, Abbey Foregt
Cross James, Raven road
Dodson Rd., Abbey Foregate
Eccleston Thos., Frankwell
Groves Thomas and John, St. Austin’s priory
Jones Arthur, Abbey Foregt
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Barnaby Isabel, Market sq
Blount Mary, Princess st
Davies Ellen, Frankwell
Ehn and Co., 38, High st
Elias Hannah, Barker st
Forrester Elizabeth, Claremont street
Gwynn Mary Ann, Pride hill
Hickman Mary, Wyle cop
Hughes Maria, Peacock pas
Jones Misses, Pride hill
Muckleston Maria, Bellevue
Rushton Julia, Dogpole
Steadman Mary, Castle gates
Weatherby Harriet, Frankwell
Surgeons.
Arrowsmith and Stephens, College hill
Bratton James, Claremont st
Burd and Fenton, Belmont
Clarke Charles Thomas Hughes, Castle street
Clement William Jones, Council house
Crawford David, St. John’s hill
Dickin John, St. John’s hill
Fenton Henry, High street
Foulkes Edwin, Castle st
Gill George Philip, Milk st
Glover Samuel, Coton hill
Griffiths William, Claremont hill
Heathcote John Nigel, Council house court
Humphreys John Robert, Infirmary
Keate Henry, Claremont hill
O’Hara Henry Lewis, Dogpole
Onions William, Broom villa
Pidduck Thomas, Pride hill
Walmsley John, Abbey ter
Whitwell Francis, St. Mary’s street
Williams Edward, Mardol
Wood Samuel, The abbey
Surgeon Dentists.
Jones Henry Nicholls, Mardol head
Jones Horatio, St. John’s hill
Surveyors.
Burd & Son, Hatton house, Abbey Foregate
Chune George and Joseph (timber), Chester street
Groves Thomas and John, St. Austin’s priory
Haycock Edward, (county), St. Austin’s priory
Preece William Goodwin, Corn market
Tisdale Thos., Mardol head
Tailors.
See also Tailors and Woollen Drapers.
Allart George, Frankwell
Armstrong John, Coleham
Barton Thomas, Bellevue
Blair Wm. H., Welsh bridge
Blount Walter, Princess st
Breeze Edward, Frankwell
Chester George, Shoplatch
Davies Rd., St. John’s hill
Evans James, Market street
Evans John, Gullett passage
Geary Henry, Swan hill
Green Robert, St. John’s hill
Haynes John, Wyle cop
Hewlett George, St. Michael’s street
Hodges Thomas Cross hill
James Benjamin, Hill’s lane
Jones Andrew, Meol road
Jones David, St. Mary’s st
Jones Joseph, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, Frankwell
Keeling Henry, Barker st
Lloyd John, Abbey Foregate
Lloyd Thomas, New street
Manning John, St. Mary’s pl
Manning Josiah, Castle street
Morgan William and Son, Princess street
Morris Richard, The mount
Peplow William, Wyle cop
Phillips Edward, St. Alkmund’s place
Prune John, Frankwell
Pugh John, Frankwell
Roberts Edward, Abbey Foregate
Rowland William, Roushill
Thatcher Abraham, Frankwell
Watkins Mathew, Claremont street
Williams John, Marine ter
Williams John, Castle Foregt
Wilson John, Abbey Foregt
Tailors and Woollen Drapers.
Alcock Thomas and Sons, Claremont street
Armstrong William, High st
Breeze Richard, High street
Clayton George, Claremont hill
Heath John, Pride hill
Howell Henry, 42, High st
Humphreys John, Shoplatch
Jones David, St. Mary’s st
Jones Thomas, Mardol head
Owen John Ingram, Mardol head
Phillips James, High street
Roberts Edward, Butcher’s row
Saxelby Charles, and agent to Syrian paletot, Castle st
Wilkes Richard, Wyle cop
Williams John, Dogpole
Woodall John, Mardol head
Tallow Chandlers.
Asterley Samuel, Frankwell
Bromley John, Wyle cop
Jones Maurice, Mardol
Meredith Lewis & Co., Wyle cop
Tanners.
Brayne John Gregory, The priory
Sheppard Joseph, St. Austin street
Tea Dealers.
Done Robert & Co., Mardol head
White Sarah Ann, Wyle Cop
Tea Dealers and Drapers [Travelling].
Andrew James, Wyle Cop
Andrew John, Wyle Cop
Andrew Robert, Coleham
Andrew William, Wyle Cop
Fraser John, Coleham
Gordon Thomas, Coleham
Hanney Thomas, St. Alkmund’s place
Lawson Stewart, Abbey Foregate
Ross Peter, Coleham
Smith William, Cross hill
Taggart Walter, Wyle cop
Timber Merchants.
Blockley William, Longden, Coleham
Chune George and Joseph, Chester street
Drayton John, New street, Frankwell
Hall John, Abbey Foregate
Stant Joseph, St. Julian’s friars
Wilson John, Raven road
Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturer.
Harries George, Mardol
Tobacconists.
Evans James, Market street
Harries George, Mardol
Parsons Mary, Market street
Shaw John, Wyle cop
Stewart Penelope, Wyle cop
Tobacco Pipe Manufacturer.
Taylor William, Longden Coleham
Toy Dealers.
Evans John, Market street
France John, and general dealer, Mardol
Morris Richard, Princess st
Nightingale John Thomas, and fancy repository, High street
Richards Henry, Wyle cop
Walker William, Mardol
Trunk and Portmanteau Makers.
Edson John, Wyle cop
Jones William, High street
Tanner John, High street
Turners in Wood, &c.
Nichols Thomas, Castle st
Stevens George, Barker st
Stevens William, Mardol
Westall Thomas, Fire office court, High street
Veterinary Surgeons.
Breeze Charles, Coton hill
Clay Joseph, Wyle cop
Crowe Henry, Castle street
Jones Edward, Claremont st
Langley & Son, Dogpole
Richards Evan, Castle gates
Skitt James, Old heath
Tomkins Henry, Coleham
Watch and Clock Makers.
Davies Daniel, Mardol
Evans Mary, Wyle cop
Fesser Andrew, Mardol
Giles Richard, Shoplatch
Hay Thomas William, High street
Hanny James, Wyle cop
Kelvey Rebecca, Mardol
Walker William, Market sq
Wharfingers.
Crowley and Co., Canal wharf
Henshall & Co., Canal wharf
Lowe Edward Henry, Mardol quay
Rogers William, Frankwell
Shropshire Union Canal Company, Canal wharf
Wheelwrights.
Davies Edward, Coleham
Drayton Edward, Welsh bridge
Griffiths Benjamin, Frankwell
Jones Thomas, Frankwell
Jones William, Castle Foregt
Owen Thomas, Coton hill
Price William, Abbey Foregt
Whitesmiths and Bellhangers.
Alltree Jemima and Henry, Corn market
Easthope William, High st
France James, Castle gates lane
Gittins William, Mardol
Holland Richard, Shoplatch
Howells Thomas, Castle Foregate
Linell and Jenks, Wyle cop
Rowland James, The mount
Wine & Spirit Merchants, & Spirit Vaults.
Beck Peter and William, Claremont street
Cadwallader William, Castle gates
Cartwright Ann, Theatre buildings
Cripps Gordon H., Claremont street
Cripps Lewis G., High st
Drinkwater Richard, High st
Hughes Edward, Corn markt
Humphreys John, St. Mary’s street
Morley Henry, Castle street
Niccolls William Owen, Mardol
Simpson Deborah, Mardol
Southam Thomas, jun., (spirit), Wyle cop
Vaughan John, High street
Wire Workers.
Lawson William, Frankwell
Phillips & Jones, Shoplatch
Woollen Drapers.
See also Linen and Woollen Drapers, & Tailors & Drapers.
Meara John Augustin, High street
Wool Merchants.
Bains Thomas, David Smith, agent, Hill’s lane
Drinkwater Rchd., Frankwell
Simpson Hortensius Coates, Hill’s lane & St. John’s hill.
Taylor Samuel, Hill’s lane
Wilding William, Circus yd
COACHES.
To Aberystwith—The Royal Mail, from the Lion Hotel, every morning, at four o’clock.
To Aberystwith—The Greyhound, from the Lion Hotel, every morning, at ten o’clock (Sundays excepted); goes through Welshpool, Newtown, &c.
To Aberystwith—The Prince of Wales, from the George Hotel, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at ten o’clock in the morning; goes through Welshpool, Newtown, &c.
To Hereford—The Engineer, from the Lion Hotel, at a quarter to two in the afternoon daily (Sundays excepted); goes through Church Stretton, Leominster, &c.
To Ludlow—The Royal Mail, from the Lion Hotel, daily, at a quarter to five o’clock in the morning.
To Whitmore—The Victoria, to the Railway Station, daily (Sundays excepted), from the George Hotel.
Omnibuses from the Lion, the Raven, the George, and the Raven and Bell Hotels, await the arrival and departure of the trains.
CONVEYANCE BY RAILWAY.
On the Shrewsbury & Chester, the Shrewsbury & Birmingham, and on the Shrewsbury and Stafford Branch of the Shropshire Union Railways. Station: Castle Gates; William Patchett, station master.
OMNIBUSES.
To Ironbridge, from the Unicorn Inn, Benjamin Wright, on Saturday.
To Llandisio, from the Mermaid, John Williams, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
To Much Wenlock, from the Unicorn Inn, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
CARRIERS BY RAILWAY.
To London, Birmingham, and all parts of the kingdom, Pickford & Co., Canal Wharf; James Elledge, agent.
To London, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, &c., Crowley, Hicklin, & Co., from their Warehouse, Welsh Bridge; John Brazier, agent.
Shropshire Union Railway & Canal Co., General Carriers to all parts of the kingdom. Goods Depôt, Castle Foregate; James Smith, agent.
CONVEYANCES BY WATER.
To London, Dover, Liverpool, Hull, &c., Pickford and Co., from the Canal Wharf; James Elledge, agent.
To London, Birmingham, &c., Crowley, Hicklin, & Co., Welsh Bridge; John Brazier, agent.
To Bristol, and all the intermediate places, Henry Lowe, Mardol Quay.
To Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, and all intermediate places, the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, from Commercial Wharf; James Smith, agent.
To London, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, and all intermediate places; Wm. Rogers, wharfinger, Frankwell.
CARRIERS FROM THE INNS.
To Aberystwith—Richard Morgan, from Rogers’ Warehouse, Frankwell, Tuesdays and Fridays.
To Acton Burnell—Richard Onions, from the Barge Inn, on Saturday; and Richard Pascall, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturday.
To Baschurch—John Taylor, from the Mermaid, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
To Berriew—David Davies, from the Old Trumpet, on Wednesdays; and John Pugh, from Rogers’ Wharf, Frankwell.
To Berrington—William Mallett, from the Lion and Pheasant, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Bilston—William Davey, from the Old Trumpet, on Wednesdays.
To Bishops Castle—John Nightingale, from the White Horse, on Fridays; Richard Preese, from the Old Trumpet, Wednesdays and Saturdays; William Hindley, from the Bell, Saturdays; John Bright, from the Red Lion, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Thos. Black, from the Red Lion, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
To Broseley and Ironbridge—Richard Thomas, Abbey Foregate, Tuesdays and Fridays; and William Williams, Wyle Cop, on Mondays and Fridays.
To Buddington—John Jones, from the Mermaid, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Cardington—John Perks and Ellen Corfield, from the Swan, on Saturdays.
To Church Stretton—Benjamin Jones, from the Old Trumpet, Saturdays; William Harley, from the Barge Inn, Saturdays; and John Lea, from his house, Coleham, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
To Condover—Huffer, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Cound—Geo. Taylor, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Dawley Green—Thomas Mansell, from the Old Trumpet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Dorrington—John Blaney, from the Barge Inn, Saturdays.
To Ellesmere—Richard Williams, from the Prince of Wales, Tuesdays and Fridays.
To Grinshill and Yorton—Thomas Gregory, from the Bell Inn, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Habberley—Thomas Bromley, from the Mermaid, Saturdays; and Edw. Houghton, from the Queen’s Head, Saturdays.
To Hadnal and Preston Brockhurst—William Eccleston, from the Bell, Saturdays.
To Hawkestone—Edward Tudor, from the Bull’s Head, Saturdays.
To Hereford—By the carriers to Ludlow.
To High Ercall—John Bates, from the Bull’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Kerry and Newtown—David Jones, from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays.
To Lebotwood—John Williams, from the Lion and Pheasant, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Llanfair—Evan Reese, from Rogers’ Wharf, Frankwell, Wednesdays.
To Llanidloes—Richard Morgan, from Rogers’ Wharf, Frankwell, Tuesdays and Fridays.
To Llanymynech—William Morris, from the Elephant and Castle, Saturdays.
To Ludlow—David Jones, from the Barge Inn, Wednesdays and Saturdays; and John Lea, from his house, Coleham, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Loppington—Charles Brown, from the London Apprentice, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Minsterley—S. Madox, from the White Hart, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; and Samuel Swan and Joseph Hill, from the Castle and Falcon, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Montgomery—Ann Jones, from the Britannia, Wednesdays; John Oliver, from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays; and R. Evans, on Wednesdays, from Lowe’s Warehouse, Mardol.
To Much Wenlock—Richard Thomas, from his house, Abbey Foregate, Mondays; Richard Nicklin, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays; Jeremiah Aston, from the Sun Tavern, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Newtown, Llanidloes, & Aberystwith—Evan Reece, on Wednesdays, and Richard Morgan, on Thursday, from Rogers’ Warehouse, Frankwell.
To Picklescott—James Wild, from the Barge Inn, Wednesdays and Saturdays; Wm. Griffith, from the Seven Stars, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Poole—R. Jones, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from Circus Yard.
To Pontesbury & Minsterley—Thos. Everall, from Rogers’ Warehouse, Frankwell; Thomas Davies, from the Queen’s Head, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
To Preston Brochhurst—Trevor, from the Bull’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Pulverbatch—Richard Dovaston and Philip Morris, from the Spread Eagle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Shawbury—Thomas Richards, from the Mermaid, Saturdays; Thos. Humphreys, from the Bell, on Saturdays.
To Stretford Bridge—Thos. Humphreys, from the Bell, on Saturday.
To Trewerne and Welshpool—Thos. Williams, from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Uffington—Elizabeth Davies, from the White Hart, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Wellington—Edward Thomas, from the Barge Inn, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; and Jackson, from the Lion and Pheasant, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
To Welshpool, and Newtown—Robert Sackett, from Rogers’ and Crowley’s Warehouses, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; and Edward Harris, from the Queen’s Head, on Wednesdays.
To Westbury—John Handley, from the Mermaid, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Weston & Hawkstone—John Phillips, from the Queen’s Head, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Withington—Thomas Leary, from the Yorkshire House, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To Wolverhampton—Frederick Worthington, from the White Hart, Saturdays.
To Worthen—William Downes, from the Elephant and Castle, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.