THE HUNDRED OF CHIRBURY
is bounded on the north by the hundred of Ford, on the south and west by Montgomeryshire, and on the east by the hundred of Ford and Purslow. It is divided into the upper and lower divisions; the former containing 1,783 inhabitants, and the latter 2,956, at the census of 1841. The upper division contains the parish of Chirbury, and part of Church Stoke; and the lower division the parishes of Shelve, Worthen, and part of Hyssington.
CHIRBURY
is an extensive parish and considerable village in the upper division of the hundred of Chirbury, comprising the several townships of Chirbury, Dudston, Hockleton, Marrington, Marton, Middleton, Priestweston, Rorrington, Stockton, Tunberth, Walcot, Wilmington, Winsbury, and Wotherton, which together embrace an area of 11,041a. 1r. 27p. of land. Gross estimated rental, £12,648. 15s. 5d. Rateable value, £11,442. 12s. 6d. Population in 1801, 1,391; 1831, 1,576; 1841, 1,593; 1851, 1,533; at the latter period there were 303 houses. The most considerable landowners are the Earl of Powis; Sir Offley Pembury Wakeman, Bart; George Pritchard, Esq.; Rev. R. H. M. Price; Edward Humphries, Esq.; William Rubbathan, Esq.; and John Davies, Esq. The former owns the whole township of Chirbury, which contains 1,125a. 1r. 16p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,606. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were 56 houses and 278 inhabitants. The village of Chirbury is pleasantly situated in a fertile valley on the confines of Montgomeryshire, eighteen miles and a half south-west from Shrewsbury, and two miles and a half east from Montgomery. Petty Sessions are held here the first Wednesday in each month. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some few, however, are employed in the lead mines and stone quarries in the immediate vicinity. The village is watered by the Camlad stream, which is noted for the excellency of its trout. It is presumed that the place was at one time of more consequence than it is at present, as it gives name to the hundred in which it is situated, and had a castle, erected in the tenth century by Ethelfleda, Queen of the Mercians, with a view to repel the incursions of the Welsh. It is said to have been a strong and stately structure, but no vestiges of it now remain. Chirbury is celebrated as having given the title of Baron to Edward, Lord Herbert. He was made Knight of the Bath at the coronation of James I., and subsequently appointed ambassador to Louis XIII., King of France, to mediate for the Protestants. On his return he was made Lord Herbert, of Castle Island, in Ireland, where he had a large estate. He greatly assisted his majesty in council and arms, and on that account was created a baron of England by the title of Baron Herbert, of Chirbury. He was author of several publications, among which is a life of Henry VIII. Chirbury Priory was of the order of St. Bennett, and founded in the time of King John. In the 9th of Edward I. the prior and convent removed to Snede, the place of their first institution and abode; for Chirbury it seems was represented as a situation not so convenient for celebrating divine mysteries: the religious were to continue the same good offices to the parishioners, and the right of burials and christenings was reserved to the church at Chirbury. This monastery had a grant of the tithes of Montgomery Wood, and of the mill there. At a subsequent period the chapel of Hyssington was given to the prior of Chirbury. On the dissolution of religious houses, King Henry VIII. granted the house, and lands on which it stood, to Edward Hopton and his heirs forever. In the 13th of Elizabeth, the rectory and parsonage of Chirbury, belonging to the late priory, was given to augment the income of the grammar school of Shrewsbury, where it remains at present.
The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of nave, chancel and side aisles, and was formerly a portion of the conventual church of Chirbury priory. It is a commodious structure, having on each side of the nave six pointed arches rising from circular pillars. There is a fine tower at the west end, surmounted by an open-worked battlement, and eight pinnacles. It contains six musical bells, set up in 1808, and partly re-cast from the fine deep-toned priory bell which was formerly used for ringing the curfew. The living is a vicarage, rated in the king’s book at £9. 6s. 8d., now returned at £180.; in the patronage of the corporation of Shrewsbury: incumbent, Rev. James Wilding, M.A. The tithes have been commuted, and £1000 apportioned to the Free School of Shrewsbury.
Charities.—The Free School was founded and endowed by the Rev. Edward Lewis in 1765. The trust property consists of a farm at Hem, in the county of Montgomery, comprising 38 acres of land, and producing a yearly rental of £65. A farm at Meadow Town, in the parish of Worthen, consisting of 41a. 3r. 23p., with suitable premises, let for £35 a year. The school premises consist of a school and residence for the teacher, with a small garden attached, and the master has a salary of £20 per annum. After paying for repairs and other contingencies, the residue of the rent is distributed among ten poor widows, as directed by the donor.
Thomas Edwards, of Rorrington, gave by will 20s. yearly, to be given in bread on St. Thomas’s-day. There are two other bequests recorded on the table of benefactions, one a sum of £10, and the other a rent charge of 20s. per annum, which have long been lost to the poor.
Dudston, a township and small village, is situated about a mile and a half west from Chirbury, and at the census of 1851 had twelve houses and 96 inhabitants. There are 679a. 3r. 12p. of land, the rateable value of which is £786. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land in this township. Rent charge, £93. 11s. 2d.
Hockleton township comprises 487a. 2r. 9p. of land, and is situated about a mile N.E. of Chirbury. The rateable value is £422. 15s. At the last census there were seven houses and a population of 38 souls. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land. The small stream of the Camlad intersects the township. The tithes have been commuted for £49. 10s. 8d.
Marrington, a small rural village a mile and a half south from Chirbury, is situated in a picturesque glen, watered by a small stream. The hills on each side rise to a considerable altitude, and being richly covered with foliage, it forms one of the most romantic dingles in the county of Shropshire, and is the admiration of every visitor. The township contains 1,002a. 3r. 37p. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 15 houses and 77 inhabitants. Rateable value, £801. The Earl of Powis and John Davies, Esq., are the landowners. Rent charge, £65. 14s. 11d. Merrington Hall is an antique structure composed of timber, the property of John Davies, Esq., and residence of Mrs. Helena Forbes.
Marton is a township and pleasant village situate on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, three miles N.E. from Chirbury. The township contains 1,318a. 2r. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,419. The village contains several good residences, and at the census of 1841 there were 64 houses and 273 inhabitants. Rent charge, £133. 11s. 7d. Marton Pool covers 40a. 2r. 37p., of which 27a. 2r. 35p. are in this township, and the rest in that of Wilmington. It is well stocked with various kinds of fish, and is the frequent resort of wild fowl. John Hamer, Esq., is the principal landowner in this township. A neat Independent Chapel was built some years ago by William Nevitt, Esq., of Marton Villa.
Middleton is a village, township, and chapelry, three miles S.E. from Chirbury, comprising 1,247a. 3r. 33p. of land, and at the last census had 31 houses and 156 inhabitants. Rent charge, £55. 14s. 7d. The Church is a neat structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consisting of nave, chancel, and transepts, and has 280 sittings, of which 262 are free and unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the vicar of Chirbury; incumbent, Rev. Robert Edward Warren, M.A. On Middleton hill are some druidical remains, which no doubt originally consisted of twelve upright stones; vestiges of eleven are still to be seen, in an upright position, and about six feet above the surface of the ground. The diameter of the circle is about ninety feet. The National School was built in 1843, and enlarged in 1848. The average attendance of children is about fifty. The principal landowners in Middleton are George Pritchard, Esq., and Mrs. Stokes.
Priestweston is a township in the parish of Chirbury, comprising 1,107a. 2r. 26p. of land, the rateable value of which is £847. 12s. 1d. The village of Priestweston, pleasantly situated three miles S.E. from Chirbury, contains fifty houses and a population of 222 souls. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis, Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., George Pritchard, Esq., David Lloyd, Esq., John Beeman, Esq., and Edward Smith, Esq. Rent charge, £82. 17s. 2d. The Calvinistic Methodists have a small chapel, built in the year 1845.
Rorrington, a small village and township in the parish of Chirbury, four and a half miles east from the church, contains 969a. 0r. 9p. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 23 houses and 111 persons. Rateable value, £532. 12s. 6d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner in this township.
Stockton township is situated two and a half miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 404a. 3r. 14p. of land, the rateable value of which is £547. 15s. It contains eleven houses and 53 inhabitants. Rent charge, £35. 2s. 9d. The Rev. H. Mostyn Pryse and Edward Humphries, Esq., are the landowners.
Timberth township has 257a. 1r. 27p. of land, seven houses and 31 inhabitants, and lies about a mile and a half S.W. from Chirbury. Rateable value, £258. 5s. 6d. Rent charge, £24. 11s. 8d. The land is the property of Earl Powis.
Wilmington is a township with a few scattered houses, pleasantly situated four miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 693a. 1r. 16p. of land, the rateable value of which is £777. 10s. At the census of 1851 there were nine houses and 37 inhabitants. Rent charge, £85. 13s. 10d. A fine sheet of water called Marton Pool covers upwards of forty acres, of which 13a. 0r. 2p. are in this township. The landowners are J. Medlicott, Esq., and Mr. William Rubbathan.
Walcot, a township situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, and about half a mile N.E. from Chirbury, contains 345a. 2r. 1p. of land, and has three houses and a population of 18 souls. Rateable value, £459. Rent charge, £56. 7s. 1d. Edward Humphries, Esq., is the landowner.
Winsbury, a small township a mile and a quarter west from Chirbury, intersected by the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, contains 658a. 1r. 4p. of land, and at the census of 1851 had six houses and 41 inhabitants. Rateable value, £850. Rent charge, £96. 7s. 1d. The land in this township is the property of the Earl of Powis
Wotherton, a small village and township, at the census of 1841 had 18 houses and 95 inhabitants. Rateable value, £756. 13s. 4d.
Post Office.—At Mr. William Gough’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M. and are despatched at 4 30 P.M.
CHIRBURY DIRECTORY.
Bower Edward, blacksmith
Bridgewaters Benjamin, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages
Bridgewaters Saml., blacksmith
Cotterell Richard, shoemakr
Davies Thomas, shoemaker
Evans Samuel, tailor
Fletcher Mr. Geo., assistant overseer
Gough William, shopkeeper and postmaster
Groves Samuel, farmer
Harris Ann, schoolmistress
Langford Jane, farmer, The Hall
Price John, farmer
Pugh Jno. Frederick, schoolmaster (endowed)
Sneade Mrs. Margaret, vict., The Cross
Watts Thomas, farmer
Whittingham Wm., shoemkr
Wilding Rev. James, M.A., vicar, The Vicarage
Williams Henry, shopkeeper, auctioneer, and butcher
Wood Edward, wheelwright
DUDSTON DIRECTORY.
Gardner Humphrey, farmer, Little Moat
Groves Robert, farmer
Harris John, farmer, Great Moat
Jones Matthew Edwd., farmr
Powell Jeremiah, farmer
Smith Philip, farmer
HOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Hughes Richard, maltster and farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer
MARRINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bemand John, farmer
Benson Thomas, shoemaker
Farmer Thomas, farmer
Forbes Mrs. Helena, the Hall
Gittins Thomas, miller
Hurdley Francis, farmer
Makelin William, farmer
Pearce John, farmer, Kingswood
Reynolds William, farmer
Thomas John, farmer, The Bank
MARTON DIRECTORY.
Bemand Richard, farmer
Edwards Matthew, wheelwrt.
Gardner John, blacksmith
Gough Joseph, shopkeeper
Griffiths John, maltster and beerhouse keeper
Griffiths John, farmer
James William, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Rev. John Peter (Independent)
Lewis Richard, farmer
Meddings John, farmer
Morgan Richard, victualler, The Sun Inn
Oliver John, cooper, shopkeeper, and carrier
Phillips Richard, farmer
Preece Mary, farmer
Roberts Samuel, blacksmith
Wilcox Richard and Evan, shoemakers & shopkeepers
MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.
Bromley William, farmer
Gittins John, farmer, Kinton
Mellings Jane & Sons, frmrs.
Preece Vincent, farmer
Price Charles, schoolmaster (national)
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Warren Rev. Robert Edwd., M.A., incumbent
PRIESTWESTON DIRECTORY.
Davies Wm., farmer, Little Weston
Francis John, farmer, Rudge
Gough Thomas, blacksmith
Holloway John, victualler, Red Lion
Mountford John, farmer, Stapeley
Pearce Saml., farmer, Rudge
Poulton Thos., farmer, Over House
Powell Mary, farmer, Lower Aldrees
Prince Thos., farmer, Brook House
Richards Samuel, shopkpr.
Rolands John, farmer
Taylor George T. R., surgeon
Thomas John, farmer, Upper Aldrees
Thomas William, tailor
Ward John, farmer, Little Weston
Ward Thomas, farmer, New House
Williams Thomas, farmer, Hagley
RORRINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bowen William, shoemaker
Corfield John, miller
Gittins Edward, farmer
Parry William, farmer, Rorrington Hall
Powell John, farmer
Roberts Mary Ann, farmer
Stokes John, shoemaker
Whettall John, blacksmith
Whettall Martha, farmer
STOCKTON DIRECTORY.
Croft Richard, blacksmith
Jones William, farmer
M’Cape Rev. Alex., curate of Chirbury
Morris John, miller
Williams Thomas, farmer
TIMBERTH DIRECTORY.
Davis Edward, farmer
WALCOT DIRECTORY.
Humphries Edward, Esq.
WILMINGTON DIRECTORY.
Miller Samuel, farmer
Rubbathan William, farmer
Whettall Thomas, farmer
WINSBURY DIRECTORY.
Farmer Thomas, farmer
WOTHERTON DIRECTORY.
Blockley Edwd., stone mason and quarry master
Chelmick Edward, farmer
Evans David, farmer
Titley William, farmer and gamekeeper
Whettall John, farmer
BROMPTON-WITH-RISTON, OR RHISTON,
is a township in the parish of Church Stoke, six miles north-west by west of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,560 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,168. 18s. 4d. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 119 persons returned as in Brompton, and 10 houses and 71 persons in Riston. Church Stoke parish is situated in the hundred of Cawrse, in Montgomeryshire, excepting the above township. There is a good Inn in the village, called the Blue Bell, situated on Offa’s Dyke, at the junction of the Montgomery, Newtown, Bishop’s Castle and Shrewsbury turnpike roads. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Richard John Davies, M.A.; Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart.; Mr. George Montford: Mr. Lloyd; and Thomas Brown, Esq.
Brompton Directory.—Thomas Barrs, farmer; Samuel Beamond, wheelwright; Richard Blaney, farmer, The Ditches; Edward Davies, farmer, Penyllan; William Davies, farmer and vict., Blue Bell; William Ellis, farmer; Edward Evans, blacksmith; William Lockley, mason; George Montford, farmer, Pentra-heylin; William Pugh, farmer, Wellingwern farm; Evan Watkin, miller and farmer; Stephen Williams, farmer, Lock. Riston Directory.—David Blaney, farmer, Gwarthlow; Richard Griffiths, wheelwright; Samuel Groves, farmer, Rockley; Richard Lewis, farmer, Gwarthlow; Edward Price, farmer, Cœprion Farm.
Mucklewick is a township in the parish of Hyssington, in the Chirbury hundred, the rest of the parish being comprised within the bounds of the county of Montgomery. The village of Mucklewick lies in a valley five miles north of Bishop’s Castle, and at the census of 1851 had 13 houses and 64 inhabitants. The township contains 296 acres of land, exclusive of common lands, the rateable value of which is £292. 18s. 6d. The principal landowners are Richard Tibby, Esq.; R. B. More, Esq.; and Mr. William Llewellyn; besides whom there are several other smaller proprietors. An act of parliament has recently been obtained for the enclosure of the common lands in this township.
The principal residents are Thomas Evevall, farmer; William Llewellyn, farmer; William Mellings, farmer; John Preece, farmer; and Robert Preece, farmer.
SHELVE
is a sequestered parish, situated in the lower division of the hundred of Chirbury, six miles north of Bishop’s Castle, containing about 587 acres of enclosed land, 200 acres of common, and 18¾ acres of glebe; the rateable value of which is £456. 6s. 10d., and gross estimated rental, £507. 4s. Robt. Bernard More, Esq. is lord of the manor and sole landowner. At the census of 1841 there were 14 houses and 69 persons; population in 1801, 71; and in 1831, 71. This manor formerly belonged to the Corbets of Caux Castle, though it is not mentioned in Doomsday book. In the 45th Henry III., Thomas Corbet had the grant of a market here on a Friday, and a fair on the vigil, the day, and the day after the Invention of the Cross. On the Lords Corbet of Caux dying without male issue, in the 24th Edward III., Robert de Harley paid twenty-five marks relief to the king for the fourth part of the barony of Caux, of which Shelve was a parcel. The White Grit and the Bog lead mines are near this township. It is supposed that these mines were worked by the Romans in the time of Adrian; a pig of lead having been found, on which was a Roman inscription. Messrs. Edward Lloyd, Ward, and Company are the proprietors, and Mr. Edward Dickin, manager. The Church, dedicated to All Saints, is a stone edifice, with square tower, in which is one bell. It was built in the year 1839 by Robert Bernard More, Esq. The Rev. Thomas Frederick More, M.A., is the incumbent. A National School was built in the same year by the same benevolent individual, by whom it is also munificently supported.
Directory.—John Beamond, farmer, Benree; William Bennett, underground steward; Edward Dickin, manager, The Lead Works; John Higgins, schoolmaster; Jeremiah Powell, farmer; Thomas Powell, farmer; Thomas Price, farmer, Squilva Farm; William Rawson, farmer; Messrs. Ward and Co., White Grit Lead Mine proprietors and smelters.
WORTHEN
is an extensive parish twelve miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains the townships of Aston Pigott, Aston Rogers, Beachfield, Brockton, Bromlow, Bynweston, Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Heath (Upper and Nether), Hope, Leigh, Meadow Town, Walton, Worthen, Leighton, Rhos Goch, and Trelystan,—the last three townships are partly in Montgomeryshire. The townships of Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Upper and Nether Heath, and part of Hope, are in the Ford hundred. The entire parish comprehends an area of 14,798a. 3r. 31p. of land, the rateable value of which is £11,520. Population in 1801, 1,602; in 1831, 2,290; in 1841, 3,195; and in 1851 here were 701 houses and 3,227 inhabitants. The parish is divided into five parts or districts, namely—Bynweston district, which comprehends the townships of Bynweston, Walton, and Beachfield; Worthen, comprehending the townships of Worthen, Brockton, Aston Rogers, and Aston Pigott; Bromlow district, containing Bromlow, Meadow Town, Leigh, Grimmer, and Hope; the Heath division comprehends Upper and Lower Heath and Habberley Office; and Trelystan district, Trelystan, Rhos Goch, and Leighton. The township of Worthen is situated nine miles N.E. of Montgomery, and contains 707a. 1r. 39p. of land, the rateable value of which is £755. 16s. 6d. In 1841 there were 223 inhabitants, and in 1851 had 48 houses and 240 persons. This division of the parish contains the townships of Worthen, Aston Rogers, Aston Pigott, and Brockton, which together have an area of 3,300 acres of land. The rent charge apportioned to the rector is £461. 2s. 10d. The principal landowner in the township is Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., who is also lord of the manor; the Rev. Charles Awdry, Mr. Joseph Bunts, the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, Mr. Thomas Hughes, Mr. John Inions, Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., Mr. Thomas Morris, Mr. Thomas Vaughan, and Mr. Robert Woodward, are also proprietors. The name of Worthen is derived from Worth, an old Saxon word, signifying an habitation. This manor was part of the portion that fell to Roger Corbet at the conquest. In 30th Henry III. Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren here, and in the 54th year of the same reign he had a market on Wednesday, and a grant of two fairs, one on the eve, day, and day after the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the other on the eve, day, and day after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. Fairs are now held on April 7th, July 7th, and October 6th, for the sale of cattle and merchandise, and on the 2nd of May for the hiring of servants. The fairs are well attended with all kinds of stock.
The Church is an ancient stone edifice, dedicated to All Saints, having a square tower in which is a clock and a peal of six bells. The interior consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel, the various compartments are neatly pewed with oak. The chancel was rebuilt in the year 1761, at the expense of the then rector, and the arch which separates it from the body of the church by the parish. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £28. 14s. 7d., now returned at £1,495 in the patronage of the New College, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Awdry, B.C.L. The tithes of the whole parish amount to £1,194. 14s. 4d., and there are 160 acres of glebe land. There is a free school now building, chiefly at the expense of the rector.
Charities.—Martha Scarlett, by will, dated 1725, bequeathed £100, the interest thereof to be paid annually to six poor widows. Besides the above there are nine other pecuniary gifts recorded on the benefaction table, amounting to £160, making in the whole £260. There are no deeds or documents relative to these bequests in the parish, but it is understood that about £160 was laid out many years ago in the purchase of a farm in Chirbury, which was sold in 1793 for £375, which, with £100 then on private security, was soon after placed out on the Pool and Montgomery House of Industry. The interest of this sum is distributed among the poor at St. Thomas’s-day.
Robert Nicholson left a house and yard in Aston for the benefit of the poor of Worthen parish for ever. In the year 1793 they were sold for £211. 2s., which, after paying the solicitor’s bill, left £204. 11s. clear. This sum was taken by the overseers of the parish (to defray an expense incurred by a new survey and valuation), who pay an annual sum of £10 as interest, which is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
Peter Scarlett also left a rent charge of £3 per annum for the benefit of the poor of the parish of Worthen. John Powell, by will, in 1774, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens £150, in trust, to distribute the interest amongst the poor of the parish.
Aston Pigott is a small township and pleasant village eleven miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 541a. 0r. 16p. of land, the rateable value of which is £495. At the census of 1841 here were 14 houses and 82 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Mr. John Leech Rowlands, Mr. Kennedy Smith, Mr. George Griffiths, and Mr. John Inions. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel here.
Aston Rogers is a small rural township and village ten and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which had at the census of 1851 35 houses and 140 persons. It contains 807a. 1r. 31p. of land, the rateable value of which is £747. 15s. The principal landowners are Captain Clutton, Mrs. Platt, Mr. Kennedy Smith, and Mr. Phillips.
Beachfield is a small township two and a half miles west of Worthen, which contains 597a. 2r. 4p. of land, the rateable value of which is £604. 13s. 9d. At the census of 1851 here were five houses and 23 inhabitants. The principal freeholder is Thos. Nicholls, Esq.
Brockton is a township and well built village thirteen miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, containing 1,114a. 1r. 21p. of land, the rateable value of which is £914. 3s. 6d. Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., is the principal landowner; Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., Mr. Benjamin Broston, Mr. Aaron Davies, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Alexander Hughes, Mr. Joseph Hickman, Mr. Evan Stephen, and several others are also proprietors. In 1851 here were 72 houses and 295 persons.
Bromlow is a scattered township two miles S.W. of Worthen, situated in a bold undulating district, containing at the census of 1851 96 houses and 406 residents. The township contains 864a. 3r. 6p. of land, the rateable value of which is £557. 0s. 6d. The principal freeholders are Mr. B. Betton, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Richard Betton, Mr. John Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Bromley, Mr. Job Davies, and John Eddowes, Esq. Bromlow district comprehends the townships of Bromlow, Grimmer, Hope, Leigh, and Meadow Town, and contains 3,406a. 2r. 19p. of land, the rent charge on which is £282. 2s.
Bynweston is a township and small well built village fourteen and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 998a. 0r. 28p. of land, the rateable value of which is £835. 11s. 6d. At the census of 1851 here were eleven houses and eighty persons. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole proprietor. Bynweston district comprises the townships of Bynweston, Walton, Beachfield, and the Forest of Hayes, and contains 2,112 acres of land, the rent charge on which is paid to the rector of Worthen, and amount to £229. 7s. 3d. annually.
Grimmer is a small township one and a half mile south of Worthen, which in 1851 had eight houses and 39 persons. It contains 382a. 2r. 31p. of land, the landowners of which are the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A., and the Marquis of Bath.
Habberley Office is a scattered township three miles S.E. by S. of Worthen, containing 61 houses and 313 inhabitants in 1841, and 58 houses and 302 persons in 1851. The township contains 1,779a. 2r. 1p. of land, the rateable value of which is £895. 17s. 3d. The Marquis of Bath is the principal landowner. The Earl of Tankerville and the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A., are also proprietors. There are lead mines in this township worked by a company of shareholders.
Hayes, a small township two and a half miles S.W. of Worthen, contains two houses and 13 residents at the census of 1851. The landowners in this township are Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., and the trustees of the late John Edwards, Esq.
Heath Upper and Nether are townships situated about three miles S.E. of Worthen, containing 1,679a. 0r. 32p. of land, a great portion of which is heath and moor land. At the census of 1851 here were 142 houses and 719 persons. The principal landowners are the Marquis of Bath, Earl Tankerville, and Mr. John Rogers. The Batholes and Stiperstone lead mines are in this district. The lead ore obtained at these mines is of a superior quality, and got in large quantities. The works are carried on by Messrs. Jones and Company, who are erecting new offices and powerful engines for the purpose of extending their mining operations. Mr. William Baratt is the resident manager. The Heath division of the parish comprises the townships of Upper and Nether Heath, and Habberley Office, which together contain 4472a. 2r. of land, the tithes of which are commuted for £158. 19s. 6d.
Hope is a chapelry and township in Worthen parish, eight miles and a half N.E. by N. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 664a. 3r. 30p. of land, the rateable value of which is £425. 12s. At the census of 1851 here were 78 houses and 355 inhabitants. The Chapel is a small structure, erected in 1843, and consists of nave and chancel, having a small turret. It is neatly pewed with open benches, and will accommodate 280 persons. In consequence of a grant from the Incorporated Society, 230 sittings are free and unappropriated. The Hope school was built in 1844, by means of a government grant and private subscription. The average attendance of scholars is 80. The principal freeholders are Mr. James Davies, Mr. William Eddowes, and John Arthur Lloyd, Esq.
Leigh is a small township, one mile from Worthen, which contains 868a. 3r. 6p. of land, the rateable value of which is £559. 9s. In 1851 there were seven houses and 29 persons. The Venerable Archdeacon Clive is sole proprietor of the township.
Leighton is a township and well built village, one mile and a half S.E. by S. of Welshpool, containing 1,568 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,792. 8s. 4d. John Naylor, Esq., is the sole proprietor of this township. In 1841 here were 44 houses and 220 persons. The village is situated on the eastern bank of the river Severn, which is crossed by a stone bridge. This estate was purchased a few years ago by its present owner, who has at a great expense drained the land, and erected new homesteads and farm buildings, and is now engaged in building a magnificent mansion. In July, 1851, the worthy proprietor commenced building a new district church, and a parsonage house for the minister. The tithes of this township are commuted for £172, of which sum £100 is given to the incumbent of Leighton. This township is in the county of Montgomery.
Meadowtown is a scattered township, situated between the Hope and Shelve hills, having a population of 131 persons at the census of 1851 and 27 houses. It contains 264a. 2r. 26p. of land, the rateable value of which is £151. 13s. 6d. Mr. J. M. Edwards, Mrs. Wildblood, Mr. Morris, the Trustees of Chirbury School, and Mr. Edward Parry are the principal landowners in this township.
Rhos Goch is a small township, in the parish of Worthen and the county of Montgomeryshire, eight miles and a half north-east of Montgomery. At the census of 1841 here were six houses and 38 inhabitants. It contains 851 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,060. The tithes are commuted for £57. 15s., and apportioned to the Rector of Worthen. John Naylor, Esq., is the principal landowner. Rhos Goch is celebrated for its mineral springs, which are efficacious in the cure of scorbutic complaints. The Beacon Ring, or mountain, is in this township, on the summit of which are the remains of a Roman encampment.
Trelystan is a chapelry and district in Worthen, comprising the townships of Rhos Goch, Trelystan, and Leighton, which comprehend an area of 3,528 acres of land, the rent charge of which is £292. 10s. The township contains 21 houses and 113 inhabitants, and has an area of 1,109 acres of land. Trelystan is situated in the county of Montgomery.
Walton is a small township, two miles and a half west of Worthen, which had at the census of 1851 three houses and twenty three persons. The principal freeholders of this township are Mr. Wm. Thomas, Miss M. Shuker, Sir J. R. Kynaston, Bart., Thos. Howell, Esq., and Mr. Edward Menlove. The township contains 953a. 0r. 3p. of land, the rateable value of which is £601.
Post Office at Miss Woodward’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are despatched at 5 P.M.
WORTHEN.
Awdry Rev. Chs., The Rectory
Bennett Jsh., farmer, Scantley
Bryan Edw., farmer, Leighton
Bunce William, shoemaker
Butler Jno., farmer, The Hall
Downes Arthur, saddler and harness maker
Downes Mr. William
Downes Rd., grocer & draper
Downes Rchd., jun., relieving officer & carrier to Shrewsbury, Wednsy. & Saturday
Gough Geo., c. police const.
Gorner Rbt. plumber & glazier
Green Rev. Mr., B.A., P. C. Trelystan
Howells Thomas, shoemaker
Hughes Alx. farmer, Leighton
Hughes Susannah, farmer, Trelystan
Jacks Job, farmer, Rhos Goch
James David, farmer, Red House, Trelystan
Jones Jno. contractr. & buildr.
Jones Thos. farmer, Trelystan
Maddox Thomas, carpenter
Menlove John, Bank Farm
Morris Mr. Thomas
Naylor John, Esq., Leighton Hall
Passant Wm., Rowens Farm
Poston Rbt. farmer, Shelfield
Preece Philip, farmer, Capsill
Speake William, farmer, Minsterley Bank
Thomas William, joiner
Tomlins Edwd. farmer, Rhos Goch
Tomlinson Rev. Edward, B.A., curate
Trantem Edward, tailor
Vaughan Evan, farmer, Grove Trelystan
Weaver Mr. John
Weaver Wm., farmer & vict., Kynaston’s Arms
Williams Wm., shoemaker
Woodhouse Edward, farmer, Hogstow
Woodward Robt., grocer, draper, maltster, porter agent, and vict., White Horse
Young Alexander, vict. and maltster, Plough, Little Worthen
ASTON PIGOTT.
Cumpston John, farmer
Evans John, farmer
Home Samuel, wheelwright
Kempster Thomas, farmer
Meredith John, wheelwright
Randle Ths. maltster & farmer
Williams John, miller
ASTON ROGERS.
Bromley Thomas, farmer
Croft Thomas, blacksmith
Done Richard Sutton, farmer
Lloyd John, maltster and beer retailer
Owen Richard, farmer
Parry Jno. farmer, The Hurst
Platt Sarah, farmer
BEACHFIELD.
Groves Sarah, farmer
BROCKTON.
Braxton Benjn., wheelwright
Broston Benjamin, farmer
Davies Aaron, shopkeeper
Davies Mr. William
Evans Mr. John
Evans William, wheelwright
Hickman Joseph
Lloyd Edward, wheelwright
Menlove John, farmer, The Bank
Savage Richard, farmer
Stevan Evan, farmer
Timmis Thos. the Hall Farm
Wall William, farmer
Young Thomas, blacksmith
BROMLOW.
Bright Samuel, farmer
Butler John, blacksmith
Eddowes Edwd. Betton Farm
Eddowes John, farmer
Edwards Edwd., shopkeeper
Ellis Thomas, farmer
Hammons Jane, farmer
Jones Thos., farmer, Mincop
Rogers John, victualler, Sun Inn, and shopkeeper
Watkin Evan, farmer
BYN WESTON.
Davies John, farmer
Eddowes Richard, farmer
Jebb Thomas, farmer
Wall Robert, farmer
GRIMMER.
Eddowes John, farmer
Morris John, farmer
HABBERLEY OFFICE.
Bromley William, farmer, Lord’s Hill
Cadwalader Thomas, farmer
Johnson Wm., wood bailiff
Powell Hannah, farmer
Speake William, farmer
Vaughan John, farmer
Williams William, farmer
HAYES.
Corfield Jno. farmer, The Has
Jones Saml., farmer, Hampton Hall
HEATH UPPER AND NETHER.
Rarratt Wm., mine steward, Batholes
Davies Thos., farmer, Snailbeach
Horton, Johnson, Stainsby and Jones, lead mine proprietors, Batholes and Stiperstones
Lakin Jos. farmer, Crow Nest
Passant John, shoemaker, Gravells
Rawson Arthur, mine manager, Snailbeach
Rogers Edward, victualler, Tankerville Arms
Rogers John, victualler and shopkeeper, Gravel mine
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Rogers Wm. farmer, Batholes
HOPE.
Dorricott Richard, carrier
Eddowes Edward, Hogster Farm and Mill
Gough Ths. farmer, Ivy House
Lindley Wm., farmer, Hope’s Gate
Rogers Mary Ann, dress mkr.
Rogers Sarah, school teacher
Williams John, farmer
LEIGH.
Jebb Thos. farmer, The Hall
MEADOWTOWN.
Clare Thos., miner & farmer
Evans Evan, frmr., Whitchley
Gwynne David, cooper
Harrison John, lead mine manager
Higginson Thomas, farmer
Jones William, shoemaker
Powlter Abrm. tailor & carrier
Quilt John, farmer
Reece Cornelius, farmer
Titley Richard, farmer
WALTON.
Brown Richard, farmer
Hilton William, farmer
Menlove Edward, farmer
Menlove John, farmer
Smout Richard, farmer