THE OVERS HUNDRED
Is bounded on the west and north by Stottesden, and on the east and south by Worcestershire. A detached part of it is bounded on the west by Munslow, and on the east and south by Stottesden. It contains the parishes of Bitterley, Burford, Greet, Milson, Neen Solars, and Silvington; and at the census of 1841 had a population of 2.637 souls.
BITTERLEY,
an extensive parish in the hundred of Overs, comprises the chapelry of Middleton, and the townships or Cleeton, Henley, Hill-upon-Cot, and Snitton, which together contain 5,718 acres of land; of which 197 acres are woods, plantations and public roads, and 26 acres in common lands. Rateable value, £6,494. 10s. 10d. At the census of 1801 there were 1,083 inhabitants; 1831, 1,194; 1841, 1,098; at the latter period there were 191 houses. The soil is mostly strong and fertile. On the summit of the Clee hill are vestiges of a Roman encampment; the prospect from this lofty eminence is most extensive and delightful; coal and ironstone are found in abundance, but the mines at present are but little worked. On the lofty height of Titterstone hill a stately and elegant pillar has been erected to the memory of the late Duke of Sutherland. Sir William E. R. Broughton, Bart., is a considerable proprietor of land, and lord of the manor. Sir Charles Corley, Rev. Charles Walcot, Mr. P. Jones, Captain Horton and others are also landowners. Bitterley Court is a good residence, delightfully situated at the foot of the range of Clee hills. The Kington Canal intersects the parish. The houses in Bitterley are scattered, but pleasantly situated four miles north-east by east from Ludlow. The township at the census of 1841 contained 40 houses and 204 inhabitants. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, stands in a sequestered locality, and consists of nave and chancel, with a tower, in which are three bells. It was rebuilt in 1667, and repaired in 1761. The south transept was built in 1848–9, by subscriptions and a grant from the Church Building Society. The church contains some interesting memorials, some of which are of very elaborate workmanship. Among the families remembered are those of Powys, Pardoe, Rocke, Walcot and others. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £16. 16s. 3d.; in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Walcot, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £740; and there are 88 acres of glebe land.
Charities.—The Free Grammar School was founded by Sir John Newborough in 1711, who bequeathed £400, in trust, to purchase an estate in fee simple for the benefit of the master. The property now belonging to the school consists of 38a. 2r. 20p. of land, which produces a yearly income of £42. Sergeant Powis left £50, which was laid out in the purchase of a rent charge of 50s. per annum, issuing out of certain lands, called “The Hales,” now the property of the Rev. Charles Walcot. This sum, with other monies, is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day. The poor have 8s. a year, as the interest of £10, left by Richard Page. Ann Shephard, of Middleton, left by her will the sum of £500, which has been invested in government stock; the dividends are distributed on St. Thomas’s-day.
Cleeton is a township in the parish of Bitterley, three miles east from the church, having in 1841 fourteen houses and seventy inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the principal landowner. Mrs. Lewis, Rev. G. D. Pardoe, and Mr. Crowther are also freeholders.
Henley township in 1841 had six houses and fifty two inhabitants, and is situated two miles south from the church. The Rev. S. J. Knight is the chief landowner.
Middleton is a chapelry and township in the parish of Bitterley, two and a half miles north-east from Ludlow, having 31 houses and 198 souls at the census of 1841. Sir W. E. R. Broughton, Bart., is lord of the manor and owner of the land. The chapel is an ancient structure, built of rubble stone, with a tower of wood. An antique oak screen which divides the nave from the chancel has the date of 1582.
Snitton township lies about two and a half miles east from Ludlow. At the census of 1841 it had 118 houses, chiefly cottages, and 564 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the landowner and lord of the manor. A chapel of ease was built here in 1839. The Rev. John Burleigh James, M.A., is the officiating minister.
BITTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Beddoes William, Warthill Farm
Carter John, Astbach Farm
Cross Miss, boarding school proprietor
Froggatt John, Luppencot Farm
Gardner George, farmer
Green James Haynes, schoolmaster, Endowed Schools
Horton Captain
Nott William, shoemaker
Price Mrs., The Villa
Tomkins Harriet, school teacher
Tomkins William, shoemaker
Vaughan John, Lowbridge Farm
Walcot Rev. Charles, The Rectory
CLEETON DIRECTORY.
Edwards Charles, farmer, Clee Hill
George Anne, vict., Angel Inn
Glover Richard, farmer, Clee Hill
Nash Saml., farmer, Clee Hill
Onslow Thos., Gold Thorn Farm
Pardoe, Rev. G. D., Cleeton Hall
Powell William, farmer
Tunks Richard, farmer
HENLEY DIRECTORY.
Cuyler Sir Chas., The Hall
Hardwick Thos., blacksmith
Knight Rev. S. J., The Villa
Walker Charles, farmer
MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.
Adney John, farmer
Adney William, farmer
Braithwaite Stephen, farmer
Fletcher Edwd., Crow Leasow Farm
Hammonds Thomas, tailor
Hardwick Benjamin, joiner and cabinet maker
Hardwick Wm., wheelwright
Meyrick Samuel, blacksmith
Patrick William, farmer
Ricketts Wm., Torgrove Farm
Swift Joseph, Brookhouse Farm
Wall John, Meason’s Farm
Wilcox Joseph, Hill’s Farm
SNITTON DIRECTORY.
Beniams Edwd., shoemaker
Bray Benjamin, West Farm
Butcher Thos., South Farm
Pardoe Rev. G. D., Longhouse Farm
Reynolds Saml., Hall Farm
BURFORD
is an extensive parish in the Overs hundred, comprising the townships of Burford, Buraston with Whetmore, Nash, Tilsop, Weston, and Whitton, Greet, and Stoke, which have an area of 8,537a. 2r. 19p. of land, of which 312 acres are in hop grounds. Rateable value, £9,875. 18s. 9d. At the census of 1841 there were 212 houses and 1,031 inhabitants; population in 1801, 819; and in 1831, 1,086 persons. The parish is bounded on the south by the river Teme, which is here crossed by a handsome stone bridge of six arches; the river here separates Salop from Worcestershire. The township of Burford is situated one mile west of Tenbury, and contains 1,510a. 2r. 1p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,683. 3s. 3d. In 1841 here were 67 houses and 297 persons; population in 1801, 215; in 1831, 365. George Rushout, Esq., M.P., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. In 1839 springs of strongly impregnated saline water were discovered in the immediate locality of this place. The water is similar to that of Cheltenham, except that there appears to be double the quantity of saline matter in the fluid, one pint of which, on slow evaporation in a shallow vessel, produced an ounce of crystalline salt. The analysis of one of the springs is as follows:—Chloride of sodium 923.52 grains, of calcium 461.9, of potassum 38.63, of magnesium 41.81; sulphate of magnesia 1.57, protoxide of iron 4.82; silica 4.54, and bromine and iodine .84;—total, 1,476.89 grains. Convenient and elegant buildings have been erected for the accommodation of the numerous visitors who frequent the baths. In the immediate vicinity of the baths are several good inns. The situation is remarkably salubrious, and the scenery beautifully picturesque and varied. Coaches from Ludlow to Bewdley, Kidderminster, Dudley, and Birmingham, pass and repass twice a day, calling at the Swan Inn and the Royal Oak Hotel.
The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome stone edifice with a square tower. It contains some interesting tombs and monumental tablets. On the north wall of the chancel is a very elegant tryptych to the memory of Edmund Cornwall, Baron of Burford, who was sheriff of Shropshire in 1580; on the outer part are the representations of the apostles, and in the inner compartment are the figures of Edmund Cornwall, his father and mother, and below a representation of the baron in his winding sheet. He is said to have been 7 feet 8 inches in height. The triptych was painted in 1588, by Melchior Salaboss, better known by the name of Gherardino Milanese. This very beautiful work of art is in admirable preservation, and with two others in different parts of the kingdom are the only triptychs in England. There is a recumbent figure, beautifully carved in oak, to the memory of the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of John of Gaunt, and sister of Henry IV., who died and was buried at Burford in the year 1426. There is also a recumbent figure of wood to the memory of Edmundas Cornewalle. An ancient tomb remembers Elizabeth Devroke, daughter of Sir Walter Devroke, Knight, who lived to see seventeen score and more children raised from her body, she died in 1508; besides which there are various memorials which our limits will not allow us to notice. In the chancel are two beautiful stained glass windows. The organ was the gift of the Misses Rushout, in 1846. The tithes have been commuted for £1,644. 18s. 11½d. The bishop of the diocese has recently divided the parish into three divisions, and assigned to each rector a separate districts, namely—Buraston and Nash chapelry to the rector of the first portion, Whitton chapelry to the second, and the district of the Mother Church to the rector of the third portion. Handsome residences have recently been built for the rectors of the second and third portions. Burford House is a beautiful and commodious structure, the seat and property of George Rushout, Esq., M.P.
Charities.—John Turner, by will, dated 1753, bequeathed £100, the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor of the parish. John Knowles, by a codicil to his will proved in 1814, bequeathed £200, the interest of which was to be distributed to the poor in bread at Christmas and Whitsuntide annually.
Boraston is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village one mile and a half N.E. of Burford, which in 1841 had 41 houses and 199 residents. In this chapelry are the townships of Boraston and Whetmore, which have an area of 1,386a. 0r. 36p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,765. 6s. The principal landowners are John Dalleyway, Esq., Mr. Edward Good, Rev. H. Mac Laughlin, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Edmund Edwards, Mr. John Benbow, and several others. Boraston Chapel is an ancient edifice with a short tower. The tithes are commuted for £470, of which £250. 14s. 4d. is apportioned to the rector of the second portion, and the remainder to the rector of the first portion, Hubert Mac Laughlin, M.A., is the incumbent of the first portion of the parish.
Greet is a small township three miles N.W. by W. of Burford, containing seven houses and 115 persons in 1841. The principal landowners are J. H. Hope, Esq., and Thomas Hodgkiss, Esq.
Nash is a township and chapelry two and a half miles north of Burford, which in 1841 had 23 houses and 115 persons. The chapelry comprises the townships of Nash, Tilsop, and Weston, which have an area of 2,377a. 2r. 35p. of land. The Church is a small structure with a square tower surmounted by a wooden spire. The south window is beautified with stained glass. The tithes are commuted for £560. Nash Court is a handsome brick mansion, the seat and property of George Pardoe, Esq. It is surrounded by beautiful pleasure grounds, and the park is richly timbered. Court of Hill, the ancient seat of the family of Hill, is now the residence of Major Arthur Charles Lowe.
Stoke is a small township four miles N.W. of Burford, containing 23 houses and 115 inhabitants. The principal landowner is P. P. Williams, Esq. Stoke Hall is a handsome residence surrounded with park-like grounds, the seat and property of Philip Penrey Williams, Esq.
Tilsop, a scattered township three and three quarter miles north of Bridgnorth, in 1841 had 61 houses and 226 inhabitants. The principal freeholders are Mr. Benjamin Bridgman and Mr. John Pugh. Tilsop and Nash school was erected in 1846 by voluntary subscriptions; about forty scholars attend.
Weston township, three miles N.W. by W. of Burford, at the census of 1841 had ten houses and 41 residents. The tithes are commuted for £46. 11s. Major A. C. Lowe is the sole landowner.
Whetmore, or Whatmore, is a small town containing seven houses and 24 persons. The principal freeholders are Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Wilks, and George Pardoe, Esq. Captain Rushout, Mrs. Mary Beddoes, and Mr. Foxall, are also proprietors.
Whitton, a chapelry four miles N.W. by N. of Tenbury, embraces the townships of Greet, Stoke, and Whitton, which have an area of 1,582 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £674. 10s. The principal landowners are Mrs. Lucy Botfield, the Ludlow Corporation, and the Rev. Charles Adams. The Church is a plain structure with a square tower. The Rev. Caleb Whiteford, M.A., is the incumbent. The tithes are commuted for £327. Whitton Court, a fine old mansion in the Elizabethan style of architecture, was formerly the seat of the Charlton family. It contains some fine specimens of carved oak.
BURFORD DIRECTORY.
Berrington John, farmer, Venns
Davies and Edwards, brick and tile makers
Davies William, Dean Park
Edwards Edmund, farmer
Edwards Jno., miller & farmer
Giles William, farmer
Grove William Henry, vict., Swan Inn
Holmes Thomas, gentleman, Park Villa
Jones George, Bank Farm
Joyce Rev. J. W., rector
Morris John, farmer, The Lodge
Rushout George, Esq., M.P., Burford House
Smallman Hy., vict., Rose & Crown
Tenbury, Gas Co.’s Office
Tranter John, wine & spirit merchant, vict., Royal Oak Hotel, Commercial and Posting House
Wall Mary, Rockhill Mill
Weaver Wm., Wall House
Webb John, fly waggon proprietor, from Ludlow and Worcester daily.
Williams Philip Penrey, Esq., Stoke Hall
BORASTON DIRECTORY.
Bowden Thomas, cooper
Down Thomas, blacksmith
Good Edmund, miller
Good Edward, farmer
Howells William, mason
Mac Laughlin Rev. Hubert, The Rectory
Meakin Thomas, farmer
Reynolds William, farmer
Rudge Rev. William
Sayer Benjamin, farmer
Smallman Esau, farmer and vict., Peacock Inn
Smallman William, farmer
GREET DIRECTORY.
Griffiths John, farmer
Grove Joseph, farmer
NASH DIRECTORY.
Brown William, wheelwright
Cork John, farmer
Hardwick Vincent, farmer, Hartall
Holt Letitia, farmer, Underhill
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer
Jones John, farmer, Batch
Jones Thomas, farmer, The Shire
Lowe James, farmer, Greenway-head
Lowe Major Arthur Charles, Court of Hill
Morris Joseph, farmer, Shirebourne
Nott Mrs., Hartall
Pardoe George, Esq., Nash Court
Price Wm., farmer, Cliffords
Quaterman John, schoolmr.
STOKE DIRECTORY.
Wall Mary, farmer
Williams Philip Penrey, Esq., The Hall
TILSOP DIRECTORY.
Bridegman Benj., farmer
Pugh John, farmer
Ricketts George, farmer, The Wood
Robinson George, farmer, Cottrills
WESTON DIRECTORY.
Godfrey Benjamin, farmer, The Court
Tantram Thomas, farmer, Old Furnace
WHATMORE DIRECTORY.
Farmers.
Beddoes Mary
Brown Richard
Meakin Richard
Mytton James, & miller
Potts George
Powell William, carpenter
Weaver Joseph
Wilks Mary
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Adams Rev. Charles
Amies Francis, wheelwright
Bill James, farmer, Whiteway Head
Bill John, farmer
Swift John, farmer, Whitton Court
Town Benjamin, shopkeeper and parish clerk
Whiteford Rev. Caleb, The Rectory
Whiteman Saml., wheelwrt.
GREET
is a small but pleasant village and parish, five miles south-east from Ludlow, which contains 1,041 acres of land, of which fourteen acres are in woods and plantations, and 8a. 2r. 15p. in roads and waste. At the census of 1801 there was a population of 90 persons; 1831, 93; and in 1841, 22 houses and 112 inhabitants. Rateable value of the parish, £1,276. 14s. The principal landowners are J. H. Hope, Esq.; P. P. Williams, Esq.; Devisees of the late Mr. Mason; and the Trustees of Ludlow Charities. The Church is a small structure, of unpretending appearance (built of rubble stone), having a small turret. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5, now returned at £170. The patronage is vested in the Hope family; incumbent, Rev. J. C. Bradney, M.A. The tithes of this parish have been commuted, and £161. 5s. 8d. apportioned to the rector of Greet, and £24. 1s. 6d. to the rector of Whetton. The Rectory is a good house, of modern erection, pleasantly situated a short distance from the church. It was built by the present incumbent, on the site of the old rectory, about three years ago. The cost of the structure was upwards of £1,400. The rector has 6a. 2r. 13p. of glebe land. The Rev. Francis Edwards, who died in 1767, left £10 for the benefit of the poor of this parish, the interest of which was formerly paid by the tenant of the Court Farm, at Greet; but it does not appear to have been a charge upon the estate. A voluntary donation of 10s. yearly is now distributed by the Hope family in lieu of it.
Directory.—John Berrington, farmer; Rev. Joseph C. Bradney, M.A., The Rectory; Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin; John Griffin, farmer; John Hardwicke, wheelwright; Richard Mason, farmer, Brick House; Thomas Morgan, farmer, Rock Hill; William Morgan, farmer; Samuel Price, blacksmith; Mary Rawlins, farmer, Stoke; Lydia Smith, farmer, Longlands; Mary Wall, corn miller, Rock Hill; Richard Whiteman, farmer, Bower.
MILSON
is a parish and small rural village, three miles south-west of Cleobury Mortimer, and one mile north-west of Neen Sollars, which in 1851 had 31 houses and 170 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 134; and in 1831, 156; 1841, 160. The parish contains 1,102a. 2r. 39p. of land, the rateable value of which is £934. 13s. 4d. Gross estimated rental, £1,028. 3s. 6d. The principal landowners in Milson are H. G. Mytton, Esq.; Thomas Perry, Esq.; Mr. William Lowe; and Mr. Thomas Jones; besides whom are several smaller proprietors. The Church, dedicated to St. George, is a small structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and small square tower, surmounted by a turret. On the south side of the church-yard is a fine old yew tree. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to the rectory of Neen Savage. Incumbent, Rev. Thos. Hardwicke, D.D.
Directory.—Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D., rector, The Rectory; William Barker, farmer; John Cox, farmer; William English, blacksmith; John Evans, tailor; Thomas Jones, farmer, Upper Langley; William Lowe, farmer, Church House; Edward Palmer, farmer; Francis Penny, farmer, Lay Fields; John Radnor, farmer, Little Down; Edward Smallman, carpenter and wheelwright; John Watters, farmer, Hill House.
NEEN SOLLARS
is a parish and pleasant rural village, in the Hundred of Overs, situated three miles south-west from Cleobury Mortimer, and ten miles east by south from Ludlow. It is intersected by the river Rea, which is crossed a short distance below the village by a brick bridge. In this parish are several hop plantations. It contained at the census of 1851, 40 houses and 218 persons. Population in 1801, 197; and in 1831, 208; 1841, 190. There are 1,916a. 1r. 31p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,732. 14s. The principal landowners are Sir Edward Blount, Bart.; Mr. John Cooke; Mrs. Ann Wall; Mrs. Lucy Botfield; Charles Wickstead, Esq.; Mr. Joseph Mantle; and Mr. Richard Hall; besides whom are several smaller proprietors. The family of the Conynsbys were formerly lords of this manor and residents in the parish. In the church is a monument to the memory of Humphrey Conynsby, Esq., who was born about the year 1567, and commenced his travels in 1594, and for four years remained on the continent, when he returned home a little while, and then took his journey again into Bohemia, Polonia, and Hungary, where for the defence of the Christian faith, he put himself under the banner of Rodulph, the second emperor of the Romans, and was at the siege of Stregonium, in Hungary, against the Turks. Afterwards he visited most of the ancient cities of Greece, and from thence he went to Constantinople, in the reign of Mahomet, the third emperor of the Turks, who, to do him honour, gave him a Turkish gown of cloth and gold; and his mother, the Sultana Ebrita, gave him another rich gown of cloth and silver, and fifty chequins in gold. After a twelvemonths sojourn there, he returned to England; where, after staying a while, he went into Spain, and came back in safety: and again, the fourth time, took his journey from London to Venice, in October, 1610; from which time he was never seen by any of his acquaintances, nor any certainty known of his death. Thomas Hearne, speaking of the descent of the family of Coningsby, informs us that an ancient parchment is preserved by them as a precious relic, on which is written:—
“William de Coningsby
Came out of Brittany,
With his wife Tiffany,
And his maid Manifras,
And his dog Hardigras.”
The Church, dedicated to All Saints, is a cruciform structure, built of stone, with a spire of wood, in which are three small bells. In the south transept is a monument to Humphrey Conynsby, which has already been noticed. In the chancel are two marble tablets to the memories of the Rev. Edward Baugh, M.A., late rector of this parish, dated 1813, and to Margaret Baugh, dated 1802. The living is a rectory, with the curacy of Milson annexed, valued in the king’s book at £13. 2s. 3d., now £550; in the patronage of the Provost and Fellows of Worcester College, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D. The church was formerly annexed to one of the abbeys of Gloucester. There are ninety-eight acres of glebe land.
Directory.—William Bishop, farmer and corn miller; John Cooke, farmer, New House; Benjamin Crow, blacksmith; Thomas Griffiths, tailor; Richard Hall, farmer; Thomas Harris, farmer; Jane Mantle, beerhouse and shopkeeper; Joseph Mantle, carpenter and joiner; John Massey, shoemaker; Pattronella Morris, farmer, Haughton; Thomas Morris, farmer, The Bank; Thomas Moss, farmer; Ann Palmer, farmer; Geo. Parker, farmer; Ann Wall, farmer, Hill Top; James Williams, farmer; William Yates, farmer.
SILVINGTON,
a parish and village in a sequestered situation, between Titterstone and Clee Hills, eight miles north-east of Ludlow, contains 1,120 acres of land, and at the census of 1801 had fifty-eight inhabitants; 1831, thirty; 1841, forty-six; at the latter period there were nine houses. Of the land 170 acres are arable, 254 meadow and pasture, 36 woods, 655 moor land and hills, and 4a. 3r. 20p. in public roads. Richard Betton, Esq., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. The Rev. John Hayton is also a proprietor. This locality has a bold undulating surface, and the soil for the most part is of an inferior quality. The Church is an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Michael, consisting of nave and chancel, and has a square tower, in which are two bells. There is an antique font. The altar was the gift of Edward Mytton, Esq., in 1676: he died in 1683, and was interred in the chancel. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d.; now returned at £120; in the patronage of Richard Betton, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John Hayton. The tithes have been commuted for £50, and there are 31 acres of glebe land.
The principal residents are Richard Betton, Esq.; George Boddy, blacksmith; Thomas Green, farmer; John Hammond, parish clerk; Rev. John Hayton; Richard Palmer, farmer; William Powell, farmer.
THE FORD HUNDRED
is bounded on the north by the Oswestry and Pimhill hundreds, on the west by Montgomeryshire, on the south by those of Purslow and Chirbury, and on the east by the Condover hundred and the liberty of Shrewsbury. It is divided into the Ford and the Pontesbury divisions. The Ford division contains the parishes of Ford, Cardiston, Minsterley, and Westbury; and part of the parishes of Alberbury, St. Alkmund, St. Chad, and St. Julian; and at the census of 1841 had 5,669 inhabitants. The Pontesbury division contains the parishes of Habberley and Pontesbury, and at the same period had a population of 3,436 souls.
ALBERBURY
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Alberbury, Benthal with Shrawardine, Amaston, Bulthey, Eyton, Ford (part of), Rowton, Stanford, Trefnant, Wattlesborough (part of), Winnington, Woolaston, which are situated in Shropshire; and Bausley, Coydway, Crew Green, Criggion, upper and lower, Middleton and Uppington, which are in Montgomeryshire. The entire parish contains 10,780a. 2r. 2p. of land, the rateable value of which is £7,731. This parish is beautifully diversified with picturesque scenery, and watered by the river Severn. At the census of 1841 there were 472 houses, and 1,861 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 1,204: and in 1831, 1,799, Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., Henry Lyster, Esq., and others are joint lords of the manor. Alberbury is a township and pleasant rural village eight miles west of Shrewsbury. In this quarter or district are the townships of Alberbury, Amaston, Benthal with Shrawardine, Eyton, Rowton, and part of the township of Ford, which have an area of 3,104a. 2r. 27p. of land; of which 1,277a. 1r. 20p. are arable, 1,532a. 0r. 16p. are meadow and pasture, 116a. 3r. 13p. are woods, and 67 acres are roads and water. The township, at the census of 1841, had 130 houses and 638 inhabitants. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Lloyd, Esq., and All Souls College are also freeholders. A fair is held on the 8th of August.
The Abbey, of which but little now remains, is situated near the village, and called the White Abbey. It was founded by Fulk, the son of Warine, in the reign of Henry II., and was subject to the Black Monks of Grandmorst, in Limosin. At the suppression of the alien priories it was bestowed on Queen Joan, widow of Henry IV., and after passing through several hands it was granted to the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford. There were formerly a chapel within the site of this abbey, dedicated to St. Stephen, in which were interred the remains of Fulk Warine, its founder.
The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a venerable structure, with a square tower, in which is a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles. The south compartment belongs to the estate of Loton. On the walls are various monuments and tablets to various deceased members of the Leighton family: to Dame Dorothy Leighton, who died in 1638; and to General Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., who died in 1828. The chancel is separated from the body of the church by one arch, and was rebuilt in the year 1845. On removing a tomb-stone in the south wall, the skeleton of a man was found quite perfect, but the coffin and grave clothes all gone. It was placed in a coffin, and interred in the same place. Several of the windows are ornamented with stained glass, and the altar is very beautiful. The patronage of the church is vested in the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford: incumbent, Rev. Richard Webster Huntley, B.A. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s books at £5. 10s. The tithes are commuted for £2,624, and apportioned to the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford, to the dean and chapter of Hereford, and the vicar of Alberbury. The Parochial School was founded and endowed with £3. 6s. 8d. per annum, by the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford: it is principally supported by the neighbouring gentlemen. Loton Park is a handsome brick mansion, the seat and property of Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., surrounded by a park well stocked with deer, and richly diversified with sylvan beauty.
Charities.—On the table of benefactions in the church are the names of twelve several donors, who left £169 for the use of the poor of this parish. This sum is supposed to have been applied in building a school or workhouse, and the yearly sum of £8. 5s. is paid as the interest thereof, which is distributed to the poor on Christmas day. Richard Lyster bequeathed the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be given to the poor. John Asterley in his lifetime gave £10 for the use of the poor of the township of Wattlesborough. John Morgan also left £10, the interest to be given in bread to the poor of this parish.
Amaston is a small township three miles south; Benthal is a township two miles north-east; and Little Shrawardine is a small township two miles and a half north-east, of Alberbury. Bulthey is a scattered township one and a half mile north-west by north of Woolaston, which contains 711a. 3r. 19p. of land; of which 371a. 3r. 19p. are arable, and 340 acres are pasture. Robert Gardner, Esq., is the sole landowner.
Bausley, or Balasley, is a scattered township and district, ten miles north-east of Welshpool, which comprises Upper and Lower Criggion, Crew Green, and Coydway, and has an area of 4,309 acres of land. Rateable value, £1,954. 17s. 7d. The principal landowners are the Rev. F. K. Leighton, who is lord of the manor; John Asterly, Esq.; Mr. Eddowes; Mr. Edward Bufton; Dr. Crawford; Sir Edward Desbrowe, Knt.; Rev. Edward Humphrey; Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; Isaac Swaine; Mr. John Ruscoe; and Mr. Williams. The township contains 1,684 acres of land, and at the census of 1841 there were 78 houses and 352 inhabitants. On the enclosure of Bausley Common, in 1832, the Vicar of Alberbury had allotted to him eleven acres of land, in lieu of small tithes. There are 31 acres of glebe land.
Criggion is a township and chapelry, one mile east of Llandrinio, which at the census of 1851 had 35 houses and 189 inhabitants. It contains 2401a. 2r. 17p. of land, the rateable value of which is £874. 12s. 2d. The tithes are commuted for £220, of which £176 are appropriated to the Fellows of All Souls College, and £44 to the vicar. On the summit of Breidden hill, 1,004 feet above the Severn, is “Rodney’s Pillar,” erected in memory of that brave naval commander. Near the Breidden is the range of hills called Moel-y-Golfa, on which are the traces of an encampment. In this district is a fine bed of coal. The Chapel is a neat structure, built of brick, with a square tower. The Rev. Leicester Darnwell, M.A., is the perpetual incumbent.
Eyton is a small township, one mile east of Alberbury. The Hon. and Rev. R. W. Hill is the proprietor of the land.
Middleton is a township, two miles south-west of Woolaston, which contains 269½ acres of pasture, 426 acres of arable, 43 acres of woods, five acres of roads, and 230 acres of common land, the rateable value of which is £620. 10s. Panton Corbett, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the principal freeholder. Mrs. Williams and Captain Close are also landowners.
Rowton and Amaston is a pleasant township and small rural village, seven miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. At the census of 1811 here were 225 inhabitants, and in 1821 227 inhabitants. Henry Lyster, Esq., is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is also a small landowner. Camden says this is the Rutunium described by Antonious. Rowton was anciently in the possession of the Corbets, and afterwards of the Le Estranges, from whom it passed to William Lyster, who was styled Lord of Rowton. In the year 1482 Rowton Castle was razed to the ground by Prince Llewellyn, at the time the Le Estranges possessed this manor.
Stanford is a township, one mile and a half west of Alberbury. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Mr. Asterley and Mr. Edmund Phillips are also proprietors. Trefnant is a township and small village, two miles and a half south-west by south of Woolaston, which contains 518 acres of land. Rateable value £171. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnall, Mr. Thomas Vincent Potter, Mr. William Meredith, and the Rev. Mr. Cureton. Uppington is a scattered township, three miles and a half south-west by west of Woolaston, containing 968 acres of land, of which 308 acres are in common and woodlands. In 1841 here were 123, and in 1851 167 inhabitants. The principal landowner is Miss Oldnall. Wattlesborough is a township, partly situated in this parish and partly in the parishes of Cardiston and Westbury. Roger Corbet de Watlesburg, in the 56th Henry III. had the grant of a market on Tuesday and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the feast of St. James the Apostle, to be held at this manor. There was formerly a castle here, little of which now remains. Winnington is a township, one mile and a half south-west by south of Woolaston, which contains 1,605a. 3r. 10p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,146. 3s. 10d. Winnington is celebrated as the birth place of Old Parr, who was born at the Glyn, in this township, in the year 1483. When eighty years old he married his first wife, and in the space of thirty-two years had two children, both of whom died young. Being aged 120 years, he became enamoured of Catherine Mitton, whom he married, and had children by her. At the age of 130, a prosecution was entered against him in the Spiritual Court for bastardy, and Parr did penance in Alberbury Church. He lived in ten reigns, and died at Westminster on the 15th of November, aged 152 years. The cottage in which he lived stands in a sequestered spot, near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. Mrs. Oldnell and others are landowners.
Woolaston is a township and chapelry, pleasantly situated eight miles north-east by east of Welshpool, which comprehends the townships of Woolaston, Bulthey, Trefnant, Winnington, Middleton, and Uppington, which have an area of 5,274a. 1r. 17p. of land, the rateable value of which is £4,432. 6s. 6d. This chapelry at the census of 1841 had 126 houses and 609 persons. Woolaston township contains 496 acres of land. The principal landowners are Sir Richard Jenkins, Mrs. H. S. Taber, and Mr. Smith. Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. The Chapel was built in 1783 of rubble stone, and endowed with a grant from Queen Anne’s Bounty, which amounts to £46. 16s. 7d. per annum. There are 20 acres of glebe land. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of Alberbury, and incumbency of the Rev. J. H. A. Harries, M.A. Elizabeth Collins left £10, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this chapelry. Owen George bequeathed £50, 40s. of the interest thereof to pay for six sermons, and 20s. to be given in bread to the poor.
Post Office.—At Wm. Rogers, Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are despatched at 5 P.M.
ALBERBURY DIRECTORY.
Barrett John, farmer & vict., Cross Gates
Bennett John, farmer & vict., Windmill Inn, posting House, Rowton
Bromley Rd., farmer, Eyton
Brown Thomas, farmer and vict., The Dragon
Bruce Donald, butler, Loton Hall
Cooper William, farmer and lime master, Loton
Crane Geo., farmer, Benthall
Davenport Benj., farmer
Davies Mr., farmer, Whattlesborough
Derwas Thos., farmer, Hays
Evans Edward, farmer, Braggington
Evans Griffiths, tailor
Fox William, blacksmith
Gell Daniel, park keeper, Loton
Gittins James, farmer, The Wood
Gittins Jn., farmer, Amaston
Gittins R., frmer, Lower Wood
Huntley Rev. Rd. Webster, vicar, Bloxwell
Jenner Rev. Mr., M.A., curate, Vicarage
Jones Mary, housekeeper, Loton Hall
Kempster Richard, farmer, Little Woolaston
Lee Mrs. Francis, farmer, Rowton
Leighton Sir Baldwin, Bart., J.P., and chairman of Montgomery quarter sessions, Loton Park
Lyster Henry, Esq., Rowton Castle
Mansell Stephen, farmer, Little Shrawardine
Onions William, basket mkr
Parry Thomas, farmer, Whattlesborough
Plunley John, farmer, Hilly House
Plunley Samuel, farmer
Pearce John, police constable
Powlter Richard, grocer & blacksmith, Rowton
Price John, traveller
Rogers Elizth., shopkeeper
Rogers William, postmaster
Teece John, farmer, Red Abbey
Tullock David, farmer
Wilde John, farmer, White Abbey
Wilde Wm., farmer, Hays
BAUSLEY DIRECTORY.
Derwas John, farmer
Derwas Richard, farmer
Evans John, basket maker
Evans Thomas, farmer, Pecknall
France John, farmer, Brimpoeth
Jones John, carpenter and builder
Pritchard Mrs., Brook Cot.
Speake Thomas, farmer, The Hill
Swaine Isaac, farmer, Hill
Wilde John, butcher and farmer
Wilde Richard, farmer, Plas-y-Court
BULTHEY DIRECTORY.
Burley Thomas, farmer
Swaine John, farmer, The Bank
Williams Richard, farmer, The Hall
COYDWAY DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, grocer and beer retailer
Harris Sarah, farmer
Jones Thomas, vict., Hand and Diamond
Jones Thomas, maltster and farmer
Richard George, shoemaker
Richards Thomas, saddler
Swaine Samuel, farmer
Wynne Thos., wheelwright
CREW GREEN DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Davies David, farmer
Downes Richard, farmer
Everall John, farmer
Mansell Mrs.
Payne Charles, farmer and maltster
Pritchard John, farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Ruscoe Abrahm., shopkeeper and beerhouse
Ruscoe Abraham, junior, farmer
Swaine Robert, blacksmith
Turner Joshua, blacksmith
Vaughan Samuel, shoemakr
Vaughan Thomas, saddler & harness maker
Watkin Evan, cooper
Williams John, grocer and provision dealer, & beerhouse, Glen, Newtown
Williams John, cooper and shopkeeper
CRIGGION DIRECTORY.
Brentnall Mrs., The Hall
Brentnall Samuel, farmer
Darwell Rev. Leicester, M.A., Parsonage
Davies Richard, farmer
Ford John, farmer
Gregory Richard, farmer and butcher
Jones John, farmer, Brinford
Morris John, farmer
Morris Mrs., Upper Farm
Owens John, farmer, Coppice
Ridge Francis, farmer
Vaughan William, farmer
Williams Richard, farmer
MIDDLETOWN DIRECTORY.
Harris Rev. John Henry Acton, M.A.
Hughes Mr. Thomas
Jones Isaac, farmer & beerhouse, Bell Isle
Morris Edward, farmer
Parry Thomas, farmer
Parry William, farmer
Poole Robert, machineman
Pritchard Miss, Doves Cot.
Pritchard Srh., vict., New Inn
Thomas Benjamin, gent.
Thomas Stephen, bricklayer and beer retailer
STANFORD DIRECTORY.
Harris James, farmer
Middle John, farmer
Turner Edward, blacksmith
TREFNANT DIRECTORY
Brown John, farmer
Edwards John, farmer
UPPINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dickin Arthur, farmer
Henley Thomas, farmer
Meredith William, miller and farmer
Rogers Thomas, farmer
WINNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, farmer
Davies William, vict., Rose and Crown, farmer and blacksmith
Jasper James, carrier
Jones Evan, farmr., Hargreave
Rogers Ths. Hall, Mill Farm
Rogers William, farmer
WOOLASTON GREAT DIRECTORY.
Pigford Chas., wheelwright
Clemson Thomas, farmer
Cooper Joseph, wheelwright
Eddowes Thomas, farmer
Jones Elizabeth, farmer
Jones Henry, timber merchant, registrar of births and deaths for the Alberbury district
Marsh Walter, tailor
Turner Edward, blacksmith
BICTON AND CALCOTT,
a township and village with a scattered population, three miles and a half west from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 107 houses and 560 inhabitants, The principal landowners are Sir Richard Jenkins; John Lloyd, Esq.; Hon. H. W. Powyes; Dr. Crawford; Colonel Wingfield; Mr. R. B. Blakemore; Mr. T. Wall; and Mr. Matthews; besides whom Mr. Richard Russ, Mr. Samuel Roberts, and others, are proprietors. The Chapel of Bicton is a small structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity; in the patronage of the vicar of St. Chad, and enjoyed by the Rev. Edward Sandford. Bicton Hall is a neat stuccoed house; the residence of the Misses Cotes. There is a school, chiefly supported by voluntary subscriptions. Bickton Heath was enclosed about forty years ago, and is now covered with luxuriance and fertility. The New Connexion Methodists have a chapel here, and a site had been chosen for a new church when our agent visited this township. The Cottage Buildings are a number of cottages on the road leading to the Isle. Several scattered residences near to Montford Bridge are in this township, where there is a small Methodist Chapel. Up and Down Rossal contains upwards of 1,200 acres of land. The Isle is a compact estate of 645 acres; the property of the Rev. Humphrey Sandford. The Severn here makes a great bend, and forms a peninsula, with so very narrow an isthmus as to occasion to be called the Isle of Up Rossal. It acquired the name of Rossal from the circumstance of a family of that name formerly owning the property. The estate was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Richard Sandford, Esq., an officer of the crown, and ancestor of the present proprietor: a family long before possessed of other estates in this neighbourhood. The Isle House is a good residence on elevated ground, commanding pleasing views of the country, occupied by the Rev. H. Sandford, the owner of the estate. Rossal, an ancient brick residence, built in 1077, stands in a sequestered situation, and is the seat of the Dowager Countess Fielding.
The Lunatic Asylum for the counties of Salop and Montgomery, situated at Bicton Heath, is a spacious and handsome structure in the Tudor style of architecture, consisting of centre and wings. It is a brick edifice, with stone finishings, and was built under the provisions of an act of parliament obtained in the 9th of George IV. The buildings and airing yards occupy about four acres of land; and there are eleven acres of gardens and pleasure grounds, laid out with admirable taste, and cultivated by the patients. A terrace has been raised round the kitchen garden, where the females are allowed to walk, which affords a cheerful prospect of the country, and contributes to the comfort and gratification of the patients. The men are employed in useful mechanical trades, attention being paid to diversify the modes of employment and the means of amusement, so as to excite agreeable emotions, and to soften the unavoidable severity of confinement. The establishment will accommodate 220 inmates, and the cost of the structure, with the site and various alterations up to October, 1849, has been £33,537. 16s. 7½d. The interior arrangements are admirably contrived for the convenience and comfort of the inmates, and the whole has a clean, orderly, and well-regulated appearance. The establishment is under the able superintendence of Richard Oliver, M.D.
BICTON AND CALCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bowlker Frances, schoolmistress
Breese Mary, boarding school, Lower Calcott
Cotes the Misses, Bicton Hall
Cotton William, farmer, Montford Bridge
Crawford William, D.D., Bicton House
Edwards Mr. John, Udlington
Edwards Thomas, clerk
Evans John, bricklayer, Calcott
Hill Rev. Francis, Montford Bridge
Hilton Ann, farmer
Jellicoe Christiana Ann, boarding school, Bicton Cottage
Jenkins Miss Frances, Lower Calcott
Lloyd John, Esq.
Lloyd Richard, vict., Four Crosses
Millman John, nurseryman, Calcott
Oliver Richard, M.D., Bicton Asylum
Peters Martha, farmer
Pritchard Mrs. Mary
Roberts Samuel, farmer
Rowlands Philip, blacksmith
Russ Richard, farmer
Wall Thomas, farmer, Upper Calcott
Whitehorn Jno., Nag’s Head, Montford Bdge.
Wilkinson Mr. Robert, Lower Calcott
UP AND DOWN ROSSAL DIRECTORY.
Fielding Ann Catherine, Dowager Countess Ross, Hall
Hilton Robert, farmer, Down Rossal
Sandford Folliott, Esq., solicitor, The Isle Hse.
Sandford Rev. Humphrey, incumbent of Bicton and Edgton, The Isle House
Sandford Humphrey, Esq., barrister-at-law, The Isle House
Spearman Andrew, Esq., Udlington
Tomkies Richard, farmer, The Isle
Whitfield Thomas, farmer, Down Rossal
Williams Robert, corn miller, Isle Mill
Wood Henry, farmer, Isle Park Farm
CROW MEOL,
a township in the parish of St. Chad, on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, two miles west from the former town, at the census of 1841 had 24 houses and 120 inhabitants. The township contains 200a. 3r. 11p. of land, about one half of which is the property of Thomas Brocas, Esq., and the remainder is held by upwards of twenty freeholders. Copthorne House, the residence and property of Thomas Brocas, Esq., is pleasantly situated, and commands a pleasing view of the country. Adjoining the hall a neat chapel has been built by Mr. Brocas, where the ministers of the Wesleyan New Connexion officiate. The principal residents are Thomas Brocas, Esq., Copthorne Hall; Robert Phillips, Esq., Bowbrook House; William Adams, farmer; John Bowdler, tailor; and Francis Pool, farmer.
Onslow is a township four miles west from Shrewsbury, having 10 houses and 76 inhabitants at the census of 1841. The land is the property of Colonel Wingfield, who resides at Onslow Hall, a handsome stuccoed mansion, partly in the parish of St. Chad and partly in that of Pontesbury. A pillar in the kitchen of the hall is the point of separation between the two parishes. The principal residents are Colonel Wingfield, Onslow Hall, and Charles Edward Boore, Richard Vaughan, and John Wood, farmers.
Whitley and Welbach is a township in the parish of St. Chad; four miles west by south from Shrewsbury, having in 1841, 21 houses and 113 inhabitants. A short distance from the bridge at Nobold, the parishes of St. Chad, Condover, and Brace Meole converge. Hooker Gate is a hamlet in this township, consisting of a few cottages and a small Baptist Chapel, near to which collieries were worked till within the last few years. The land is the property of George Jonathan Scott, Esq. The principal residents are Thomas Savage, farmer, Whitley; John Mason, farm bailiff to G. J. Scott, Esq.; John Croft, shopkeeper; and William Juckes, beerhouse.
Woodcote and Horton, a township in the parish of St. Chad, three miles and a half from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 11 houses and 78 inhabitants. The chief landowners are Colonel Wingfield; John Walton, Gent.; Rev. John Yardley; and Mr. Thomas Woodward. The principal residents are Edward Kynaston, farmer; James Large, farmer; Thomas Lloyd, farmer; William Sherratt, farmer; John Walton, Gent.; John Wilding, blacksmith and wheelwright.
CARDISTON,
a parish containing the township of Cardiston and part of Wattlesborough, is situated six miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. It comprises 2,548a. 2r. 13p. of land, of which 2,395 acres are titheable. Rateable value of the parish, £2,692. 5s. Sir Baldwin Leighton is lord of the manor, and the principal landed proprietor; the Rev. Francis Leighton, bart.; Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Lloyd, Esq.; and the representatives of the late John Vaughan are also freeholders. At the census of 1841 here were 76 houses and 372 inhabitants. The parish is bounded on the south by the river Severn, and is intersected by the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. The remaining part of Wattlesborough township is situated in Alberbury parish. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, was rebuilt of stone in the year 1749. The tower and windows were re-edified in 1844, at the expense of Sir Baldwin Leighton, bart., who is patron of the living. Rector, the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £392, of which £267 are apportioned to the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A.; £120 to Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; and £5 to the small impropriators. A yearly sum of 10s. is paid to the churchwardens of this parish on account of Morgan’s Charity, which is distributed among the poor. On the table in the church three other benefactions, amounting to £25, are mentioned, which have been long lost.
Directory.—Richard Bromley, farmer; Richard Dyas, farmer; Thomas Hordley, wheelwright, and shopkeeper; Thomas Evans, coachman; John Lamb, shopkeeper; John Lee, farmer; Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A., The Rectory; John Netherway, painter and glazier; Captain Owen; Thomas Poole, farmer, The Park; Richard Poulter, shopkeeper and blacksmith; Ann Thomas, housekeeper; Richard Weaver, butler.
FORD
is a parish and township, in the hundred to which it gives name, five miles west by north of Shrewsbury, containing 2,140 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,040. 10s. At the census of 1841 here were 66 houses and 309 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 349; and in 1831, 263. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is lord of the manor, and a considerable landowner; the Rev. Robert L. Burton; Henry Gardner, Esq.; Mr. Henry Leey; and Mr. John Baldwin, are also proprietors. The river Severn and the Watling street intersect the parish. Earl Edwin held Ford in the Confessor’s time; and Earl Roger in the time of the Conqueror. In the 14th of Henry III. Henry Andele had a grant of the manor of Ford; and in the 37th year of Henry III. James Aldithele had a grant of free warren here, as had also Thomas Boterel some time after. The manor of Ford continued in the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury, until the year 1824, when the same was sold to Sir Henry Wakeman, Bart., in whose family it now continues. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure, built of rubble stone. The interior is neatly pewed with oak. The chancel is separated from the nave by a screen of oak of antique carving. There is also an ancient stone font. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of G. E. W. Tomline, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John Wason, M.A. It was valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d., now £138. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, A.D. 1291, Ford chapel is estimated at £10. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that Joseph Waring, by will, in 1726, gave to the poor of this parish £10., which produces 10s. yearly.
Directory.—John Baldwin, farmer, Shoot Hill; John Barrett, farmer, maltster, and victualler, Cross Gates; Hy. Brayne, wheelwright; Ths. Breese, shoemaker; Edw. Bufton, shopkeeper and draper; Edwd. Bufton, jun., farmer; Rchd. Clayton, blacksmith; David Evans, farmer; Jno. Gittins, farmer, Ford heath; Joseph Gough, farmer, Ford heath; Rchd. Hughes, shoemaker; Thomas Humphreys, farmer, Chavel; Wm. Jones, shoemaker; Wm. Pugh, shopkeeper; John Quay, shoemaker; George Rogers, farmer; Thomas Rogers, tailor; William Wall, farmer; Joseph Waring, shopkeeper; Rev. John Wason, M.A., The Rectory; William Weaver, carpenter and parish clerk.
Post Office—At Mary Bishop’s. Letters arrive at 5.30 A.M., and are despatched at 6.30 P.M.
HANWOOD GREAT
is a parish and pleasantly situated village four miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 415a. 2r. 21p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,066. 10s. 5d. Gross estimated rental, £1,122. 12s. Sir Offley P. Wakeman is lord of the manor. The principal freeholders are Francis Harris, Esq., R. and W. Blakeway, Rev. Edward Warter, Mr. Nicholl, Joseph Sheppard, Esq., Messrs. Marshalls, Eleanor Hill, and H.D. Warter, Esq. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 167 residents; population in 1801, 264; and in 1831, 288. There are bleach grounds and mills in this parish carried on by Messrs. Marshalls and Co. The Church is built of brick, and has a small wooden turret, in which are two bells. At the east end is a handsome stained glass window, the gift of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq., the patron of the living. There is a stone font dated 1683. The church-yard is nearly surrounded by venerable yew trees. The parish register bears date from the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The tithes are commuted for £237, and there are 32a. 1r. of glebe land. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £3, in the incumbency of the Rev. Edward Warter, M.A., who resides at the rectory, a commodious residence near the church. Mrs. B. M. A. Harries, by will, in 1833, bequeathed to the rector and churchwardens for the time being of this parish the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be distributed amongst the poor inhabitants.
Alltree John, whitesmith, shopkeeper, and parish clerk
Blakeway, Richard, corn miller and farmer
Blakeway Wm., corn miller
Bridge Joseph, grocer and provision dealer
Bromley Mary, gentlewoman
Cotton John, bleach mill manager
Crane John, shoemaker
Edwards Thomas, higgler
Harries Francis Blythe, Esq.
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., Bank house
Hayward Rd., blacksmith
Higginson William, tailor
Hill Mrs. Eleanor
Hullen Eliza, boarding sch.
Jones Ann, vict., The Cock Inn
Jones Thomas, wheelwright
Jones Thomas, shoemaker
Jones Wm., basket maker
Littlehales John, wheelwrt.
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith and shopkeeper
Lloyd Mr. John
Matthews John, farmer
Oakey William, farm bailiff
Phillips Thomas, tailor and draper
Rydar Robert, gentleman
Ward John, shoemaker
Warter Rev. Edward, The Rectory
Yallowley Mary, gentlewmn.
HABBERLEY
is a parish and village in the hundred of Ford, nine miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, pleasantly situated in a bold undulating district, the scenery of which is pleasingly diversified with romantic beauty. The parish comprises 754a. 2r. 19p. of land having mostly a fertile soil, and 335a. 1r. 21p. in hills and common land. 485 acres of the titheable land are arable, 231 acres meadow, 38 woods and water, and five acres in public roads. William Henry Sparrow, Esq., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor; there are also a few smaller freeholders. Population—1801, 104; 1831, 128; and in 1841 there were 27 houses and 125 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,108. 15s.
The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient gothic fabric consisting of nave and chancel, having a wooden turret. It was partly rebuilt and made parochial in the year 1558. The chancel window was restored by the late rector; the floor is covered with encaustic tiles. Among the memorials is a tomb to William Mytton, Esq., who died in 1747. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 0s. 2½d. in the patronage of W. H. Sparrow, Esq., and enjoyed by the Rev. Richard White, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £132, and there are 23 acres of glebe land. The parish register dates from the year 1599.
Edward Corbett, in 1654, charged a messuage and certain land with the payment of 20s. yearly, and directed the interest to be distributed among the poor, especially orphans and poor widows. Only 6s. is now received as Corbett’s benefaction. John Gittins, who died in 1808, left £20, and his widow, Elizabeth, who died in 1819, a like sum, the interest to be given away among the poor of the parish. The produce of these two legacies are now in the Savings’ Bank.
Directory.—Ann Bromley, farmer; Martha Evans, farmer and corn miller; John Everall, farmer; Thomas Highley, blacksmith, wheelwright, and parish clerk; John Onions, beerhouse keeper; Richard Lewis, blacksmith; Mr. Morris, farmer, The Hall; Thomas Pearce, agent to W. H. Sparrow, Esq.; Thomas Rogers, farmer; Rev. Richard White, M.A., The Rectory.
MINSTERLEY
is a parish, nine miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 2,875a. 3r. 7p. of land, the rateable value of which is £3,165. At the census of 1841 there were 168 houses and 914 persons. Population in 1811, 705; and in 1831, 809. Half a century ago Minsterley consisted of only a few farm houses; but since the lead mines have been extensively worked it has greatly increased. The lead ore of this place is found enclosed or covered with a spar, over which is a kind of blue stone or slate, and contains a great quantity of red lead, and a small portion of silver. The Snailbeach mines are situated about a mile from Minsterley, and have been worked for 60 years in a most efficient and profitable manner, without experiencing any stoppage. The shafts are from 300 to 360 yards in depth, and the engine and machinery for crushing the ore are on an extensive scale. There are about 500 miners daily at work, besides others engaged in washing and smelting the ore. Upwards of £2,000 per month is paid in wages. The mines are the property of Messrs. Lovett, Jones, and Company, and under the management of Mr. John Harrison. In the year 1851 a Roman pig of lead was found by some workmen in sinking through a slag heap of smeltings, on which appears the following inscription in raised letters:—
IMP. HADRIANI. AVG.
It is in length twenty inches, and the girth is twenty inches, weighing 173 pounds.
Some years ago, an act of parliament was obtained by several landed proprietors to form a canal to carry the surplus water from Marton Pool to the Severn, which covered upwards of 200 acres of land for several months in the year. Since the cutting of the canal a great part of the land has been reclaimed, and brought into a state of cultivation. The Marquis of Bath is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. The Fair, or “Gentlemen’s Meet,” at Minsterley, is held on July 25th.
The Church is a brick fabric, built about the latter end of the 16th century. It consists of nave, chancel, and has a small wooden tower, in which is one bell. It is neatly pewed with oak, and the reading desk and sounding board are elaborately carved. In the chancel is a tablet, erected by the Snailbeach Company to the memory of their late agent, Mr. John Nealor. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Marquis of Bath, and the rector of the first portion of Westbury, and enjoyed by the Rev. Emilius Nicholson, M.A. The incumbent has a rent charge, derivable from the Cause Castle estate, amounting to £60 per annum. The Methodists have a neat brick chapel here, which was built in 1833. The Free School was erected in 1843, at the joint expense of the Marquis of Bath and several gentlemen belonging to the Snailbeach Company, in compliance with the requisitions expressed in the will of the late John Johnson, Esq., who provided an endowment to establish and perpetuate a day-school for the education of all children resident in the parish. The Snailbeach Mining Company have endowed the school with £40 yearly, and ordered that every miner shall pay to the schoolmaster sixpence every quarter. The school will accommodate one hundred children. The average attendance of the scholars is eighty. Joshua Williams, by will, in 1819, bequeathed an annuity of £20 for the education of poor children in the parish of Minsterley.
Adams Wm., maltster, farmer and vict., Miners’ Arms
Beady George, shoemaker
Beady Tryphena, milliner and dressmaker
Bowen Wm., underground assistant bailiff
Brumbil Thomas, victualler, Angel Inn
Clarke William, wheelwright
Croft Richard, perpl. overseer, Hawkstowbank
Davies David, engineer and mineral draftsman
Davies John, grocer & draper
Dolphin John Lloyd, druggist, draper, grocer, and maltster
Dorrcott Edward, schoolteacher and barber
Dyas Richard, blacksmith
Eddowes Edward, Hockstow Corn Mills and farmer
Eddowes Mrs. Judith, Reabrooks
Evans William, farmer
Everall William, farmer
Griffiths Mrs. Ann, ladies’ boarding school
Harrison John, gentleman, Snailbeach
Hincks Mary, dressmaker
Hincks Thomas, mason
Hughes Thomas, beer retailer
Hughes Vincent, engineer
Hughes Wm., linen weaver, and parish clerk
James Joseph, blacksmith
Jones Edward, shopkeeper
Jones George, tailor
Jones John, schoolmaster
Jones John and Co., Snailbeach Mines
Kempster John, Park Farm
Lee William, saddler and harness maker
Nealor Mr. Edwd., The Hall
Nealor William, Esq.
Nicholson Rev. Emilius, The Rectory
Philpot Jno. & Son, engineers
Powell Thomas, beer retailer
Robinson Thomas, tailor
Speake John, Wood Farm
Thomas Arthur, tailor
Turner John, grocer and draper
Vaughan Edwd., shoemaker
Whitefoot Richd., shoemaker
Whitefoot Thos., shoemaker
Woodhouse Samuel, farmer
Woodhouse Thomas, farmer
PONTESBURY
is an extensive parish containing the townships of Arscott, Asterley, Boycott, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Edge, Farley, Halston, Hanwood (Little), Hinton, Lea, Longden, Newnham, Oakes, Onslow, Plealey, Pontesbury, Pontesford, Sascott, and Siberscott, with the hamlets of Exford’s Green, Ford Heath, Horton, Lea Cross, Longden Wood, Moathall, Pansom, Polmer, Malehurst, Shorthill, and Woodhall, which together comprehend an area of 10,635a. 2r. 13p. of land, the rateable value of which is £14,513. 10s. At the census of 1841, here were 697 houses and 3,311 inhabitants; population in 1801, 2,053; and in 1831, 2,936 persons. Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. A great portion of the labouring population find employment in the extensive lead and coal works of this parish. The township of Pontesbury is situated seven and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, and fifteen and a half miles N.N.E. of Montgomery, and, with the hamlet of Malehurst, contains 1,119a. 1r. 30p. of land. Francis Harries, Esq., is the principal landowner. Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., H. D. Warter, Esq., Colonel Wingfield, Henry Gardener, Esq., T. H. Hope, Esq., and Sir Offley P. Wakeman, and others are also proprietors. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury, which joins the Montgomery road at Brockton, passes through this township. In May, 1811, Pontesbury was visited by a most terrific tempest, when “a cloud burst upon the Stiperstone hill,” and the waters rushed down the acclivities with irresistible force, sweeping away cottages, mills, cattle, and trees, and drowning nine persons. The water being in many places from thirteen to seventeen feet deep.
The Church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was formerly collegiate, having a dean and two prebendaries. The old structure was taken down in 1825, except the chancel, and was rebuilt of rubble stone in the year 1829. At the west end is a lofty square tower containing a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, lofty north and south aisles, and chancel. The living is a rectory divided into three portions, the first portion is in the patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. William Harrison, M.A. The tithes of this portion are commuted for the sum of £780. 6s. There are 21a. 3r. 21p. of glebe land. The second portion is in the gift of Brazen-nose College, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., the tithes of which amount to £774. 11s. 10d., and there are 58a. 2r. 3p. of glebe land. The third portion is in the gift of the present rector, the Rev. William Vaughan, who purchased it from Smythe Owen, Esq., for his life and ten years after. The tithes are commuted for £571. 6s. 4d., and there are 59a. 2r. 36p. of glebe land. The Rev. William Harrison, M.A., also receives £129. 9s. as the impropriator. The Independents have a neat brick chapel, built in 1839, which will accommodate 200 hearers. The Baptists have also a small chapel here. The National School is a spacious brick structure. Charities—It is stated on the table of benefactions that Thomas Davies left £200, John Peers £10, Eleanor Peers £10, and Thomas Higgins, D.D., left £10 the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor. This sum, amounting to £230, was expended in the purchase of 21a. 3r. 2p. of land in 1716, the rent of which is distributed to eight poor widows of this parish.
Arscott is a small township and sequestered village situated two and a half miles N.E. by E. of Pontesbury, which contains 463a. 3r. 5p. of land. The soil is mostly strong. Coal is got in the township. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 127 persons. The tithes are commuted for £93. 15s. 6d., and apportioned to the rector of the second portion. Francis Harries, Esq., is the sole landowner.
Asterley and Inwood is a township and pleasant village, one mile and a half west of the parish church, which at the census of 1841 had 61 houses and 305 residents. The township contains 535a. 3r. 31p. of land. The tithes are commuted, and apportioned to the rector of the third portion, for the sum of £90. 15s. 6d. The principal landowners are Henry Gardner, Esq.; William Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. Everall. Extensive coal works are carried on here. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel.
Boycott is a small township, three quarters of a mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, containing 344a. 2r. 9p. of land. In 1841 here were three houses and 33 persons. The tithes are commuted for £75. 2s. Thomas Baycott, Esq., and Henry Warren, Esq., are the principal freeholders.
Cruckmeole is a township and pleasant rural village four and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 512a. 0r. 13p. of land. At the census of 1841 here were 33 houses and 136 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £114. 17s. The township is intersected by the Reabrook and the Shrewsbury and Minsterley turnpike road. H. D. Warter, Esq., and Francis Harries are the principal freeholders. Cruckmeole Hall is a handsome brick mansion, the property and residence of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.
Cruckton is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village four and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 900a. 1r. 28p. of land. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 155 persons. The tithes are commuted, and £76. 4s. 4d. is paid to the rector of the first portion, to the Rev. Wm. Harrison, as impropriator, £10. 9s. 4d., and to Geo. Tomline, Esq., £7. Francis Harries, Esq., is sole landowner. The Chapel, dedicated to St. Thomas, was built in the year 1839. On the entrance door are two figures of angels carved in oak. It will accommodate 180 persons. This chapel was built for the district comprising the townships and hamlets of Arscott, Sibberscott, Shorthill, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Sascott, Horton, Nox, Onslow, Woodhall, Moathill, Panson, and Little Hanwood, so much of the township of Newnham as is north of Yockleton brook, and for the places on Ford’s Heath. The Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., is patron and incumbent. The Hall, a commodious and handsome mansion in the early English style of architecture, is built of brick, with stone facings, and is the seat and property of Francis Harries, Esq.
Edge township, situated two miles N.W. by W. of Pontesbury, contains 422 acres of land. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 68 persons. The tithes are commuted for £95. 11s. 6d. The executors of the late Mr. Thornes are the principal landowners.
Farley is a small township one mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, which contains 172a. 0r. 10p. of land. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 19 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 3s. 3d. The principal proprietors are Mr. Thomas Inions, and Mr. John Hughes.
Halston is a small township to the S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 275a. 0r. 39p. of land. In 1841 there were three houses and 17 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £78 17s. 9d. W. L. Childe, Esq., is the sole landowner. Hanwood Little is a small scattered township four miles south of Shrewsbury, which contains the hamlets of Moathall, Woodhall, and Pansom, and comprehends an area of 667a. 2r. 37p. of land. In 1142 here were 11 houses and 60 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £133. 13s. 9d. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnell, John Berrington, Esq., and Francis Harries, Esq. Coal is got here in considerable quantities.
Moothall, an ancient half timbered mansion the property of John Berrington, Esq., is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. The interior of the house is of curious workmanship, and has some fine specimens of elaborate oak carving. It is now occupied as a farm residence. Woodhall was built in the year 1684, on the site of a more ancient structure; it is now occupied as a farm house. Hinton is a small rural township one and a half mile north of Pontesbury, which contains 339a. 3r. 13p. of land. In 1841 here were 12 houses and 59 persons. The tithes are commuted for £80. 18s. 3d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner.
Lea is a small township pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Pontesbury to Shrewsbury, which comprehends the hamlets of Crosshouses and Shorthill. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 132 inhabitants. There are 481a. 3r. 21p. of land. The tithes are commuted for £143. 6s. 3d., of which £33. 15s. 8d. is apportioned to the rector of the first portion of Pontesbury, and £109 10s. 7d. to the Rev. William Harrison, as impropriator. The principal landowners are Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., and William Henry Nicholls, Esq. There are several collieries at Shorthill. The National School, situated at Shorthill, was built in the year 1842. It is supported by voluntary contributions and a small charge from each scholar. About ninety scholars attend.
Longden is a chapelry and township six and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which contains 1,604 acres of land, of which Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Walton, Esq., Rev. George Jewdwyne, Samuel Harris, Captain Parr, and Robert Hesketh, Esq., are also proprietors. In 1841 there were 80 houses and 371 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £330. 19s. 2d., one half of which is apportioned to the rector of the second and the other half to the rector of the third portion of Pontesbury. The Chapel is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a donative curacy in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray, M.A. The Independents have a chapel here built of brick. The British School is held in the chapel. About forty children attend.
Newnham is a small township six miles west of Shrewsbury, which with the hamlets of Polmer and Ford’s Heath contains 345a. 2r. 6p. of land. In 1841 here was one house and nine inhabitants. The rent charge is commuted for £79. 14s. 5d. The principal landowners are W. H. Nicholls, Esq., Francis Harries, Esq., and the Rev. F. D. Dimmock.
Nox is a hamlet in Newnham township, situated five and a half miles west of Shrewsbury, which contains five houses and 22 inhabitants. Mr. Richard Lloyd is the sole landowner in this hamlet.
Oakes is a township and scattered village three miles west of Pontesbury, which contains 630a. 2r. 25p. of land. In 1841 here were nine houses and 42 inhabitants. H. D. Warter, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole landowner. The tithes are commuted for £110. 12s. 3d., and £97. 10s. are apportioned to the rector of the first portion, and £13. 2s. 3d. to the rector of the second portion.
Onslow is a small hamlet three and a half miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, which contains 251a. 3r. 20p. of land. In 1841 here were two houses and twelve persons. The tithes are commuted for £54. 4s. 8d. Colonel John Wingfield is lord of the manor and sole landowner.
Plealey is a pleasant rural township and village seven miles S.W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 664a. 2r. 12p. of land. This township had in 1841 43 houses and 212 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £134. 11s. The principal landowners are Dr. Griffiths, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, Joseph Phillips, Esq., Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Richard France, and Mrs. Cross. The Wesleyan Methodists have a neat chapel here.
Pontesford is a township seven miles south of Shrewsbury, containing 387a. 2r. 38p. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 67 houses and 283 inhabitants. The tithe is commuted for £82. 12s. 2d. There are coal, lime, and lead works in this township. The Wesleyan Methodists have a small chapel here.
Sascott, a small township five miles west of Shrewsbury, containing 221a. 2r. 28p. of land, in 1841 had 24 persons and three houses. The tithes are commuted for £52. 6s. 6d. Francis Harris, Esq., is the sole landowner.
Sibberscott is a township five and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, having 147a. 3r. 6p. of land, and in 1841 had one house and nine inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 18s. 1d. H. W. Meredith, Esq., is the sole landowner.
Post Office.—At Mr. Samuel Griffith’s. Letters arrive at 6 A.M. and are despatched at 7 P.M.
PONTESBURY & PONTESFORD DIRECTORIES.
Bennett Isaac, inland revenue officer
Birkenshaw Mr.
Chapman Miss
Croft Mr. Richard, registrar
Deakin William, farrier
Drury Rev. Charles, M.A., The Rectory
Eddowes William, surgeon
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., The Rectory
Heighway Miss, gentlewmn., Upper House
Jones Frederick, Esq., Pontesford Hall
Jones John and Company, Pontesford Works
Jones Mrs. Sarah
Jones Rev. Thomas, Independent minister
Jones Robert Corbet, gentleman
Jones The Misses
Jones Wm., land surveyor
Nicholls Thomas, parish & vestry clerk
Philpot Charles, mine agent
Plimmer Mrs.
Preece Richard, engineer
Rogers Robert, agent, lead works
Rogers Thomas, schoolmr.
Vaughan Mr. John
Vaughan Rev. William, M.A., The Rectory
Ward and Co., Shorthill Colliery
Agents.
Jones William, (land)
Philpots Charles, (coal)
Rogers Robert, (lead)
Blacksmiths.
Elks William
Griffiths John
Boot and Shoemakers.
Breeze John
Hughes John
Bricklayer.
Barber John, and builder
Butchers.
Cross Forrester
Blackmore William
Broxton William
Coal Merchants.
Harries Francis
Jones Frederick
Snailbeach Co., Nagshead Colliery
Whitegrit Co., Shorthill Colliery
Cooper.
Griffiths Edward
Corn Millers.
Blakeway Richard and Wm.
Edwards Patience
Evans Thomas
Farmers.
Croft William, Pontesford
Inions Edward, Red House
Jones Frederick
Jones Henry, New House
Jones John and Company
Morris Edward, Nills
Morris Thomas, Woodhouse
Price Widow
Ward and Company
Wilde Samuel, White Hall
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Griffiths Samuel
Owens Owen & Son, drapers, outfitters, shoemakers, & leather cutters
Roderick John, and druggist
Innkeepers.
Breese Mary, vict., Red Lion
Croft Mary, vict., Seven Stars
Langford John, vict., Nag’s Head Inn
Beerhouses.
Evans Ann
France John
Tipton Edward
Wilde Samuel
Lead Merchants, Miners, and Smelters.
Snailbeach Company
White Gritmines Company
Shopkeepers.
Davies Mary
Jones Hugh
Shevlin John
Saddler.
Brazanor Samuel
Tailors.
Davies Richard
Littlehales Mr.
Powell William
Tomlins William
ARSCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bearcroft Rev. Thos., M.A.
Bridgeman John, farmer
Deakin Thomas, farmer
Nicholls Henry, butcher
ASTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Breese John, blacksmith
Chapman Richd., vict., Wind Mill
Everall Richard, farmer
Gardner Hry, Esq., The Hall
Gardner Messrs., coal masters and farmers
Jones Robert, beerhouse
Lewis William, shopkeeper and joiner
Marsh Henry, shopkeeper
Pritchard John, farmer
Tipton Jacob, mine agent
Wheelding John, wheelwrt.
BOYCOTT DIRECTORY.
Andrews Thomas, farmer
Jones Edward, farmer
CRUCKMEOLE DIRECTORY.
Cumpson Joseph, miller & farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Warter Henry Diggery, Esq., The Hall
Weaver William, farmer
Whittall Thomas, miller
Wilding James, farmer
CRUCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bates John, farmer
Crump Thos., vict., Hare and Hounds, maltster & farmer
Harries Fras., Esq., the Hall
Wilding Henry, Holly Bank
Shepherd Mr. Jph., the Lodge
EDGE DIRECTORY.
Jackson George, assistant overseer and collector
Pugh William, farmer
Thornes George, gentleman, The Grove
FARLEY DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Inions Thomas, farmer
HALSTON DIRECTORY.
Bennett Thos., underground bailiff
Blowet Benj., Shorthill farm
Glover Joseph, farm bailiff
Lee Mr. farmer
Ward & Company, farmers
HANWOOD LITTLE DIRECTORY.
Crapper and Proctor, coal-masters, Moathall colliery
Gibbs William, farmer
Passant Jas., Woodhall farm
Savage Thos., Moathall farm
HINTON DIRECTORY.
Everall John, farm bailiff to Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart.
Parry John, Esq.
LEA DIRECTORY.
Baldwin John, farmer, Shorthill
Bowen John, farmer
Davies Richard, wheelwright
Diggery John, machine mkr.
Edwards John, machine mkr.
Hudson William, vict., the Cross, and farmer
Lashbrook Richard, National Schoolmaster
Rowland David, blacksmith
LONGDEN DIRECTORY.
Bowers William, parish clerk
Casewell Richard, beer retailer, Exford’s green
Crisp Alfred, school teacher
Davies Thos., beer retailer
Deakin Edward, farmer
George Samuel, joiner
Gittins Adams, blacksmith
Harris Mr. Samuel, farmer and maltster
Higley William, wheelwright and beer retailer
Homfray Rev. Edward, M.A.
Jewdwyne Rev. George
Jones Edward, saddler and harness maker
Jones Richard, vict., Tankerville Arms Inn, & farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith
Matthews John, vict., Red Lion, the Wood
Munslow Join, farmer, the Wood
Nicholls Henry, butcher
Preece Joseph, tailor
Richards Edward, bricklayer
Roberts William, cowleech
Sutton John Hart, surgeon
Thomas John, farmer
Thompson Wm., farm bailiff
Timmis Rd., grocer & draper
Tipton Wm., pump maker
Whittall Edward, beerseller
Woodcock Samuel, farmer
MALEHURST.
Issard Thomas, farmer
NEWNHAM AND POLMER DIRECTORY.
Niccolls Wm. Henry, Esq., Newnham house
Skyrinsher John Mytton, Polmer farm
NOX DIRECTORY.
Dillow William, blacksmith
Lloyd Richard, gentleman
Nicholls Thomas, farmer
Tomlins Thomas, wheelwright
OAKS DIRECTORY.
Howells Wm., gamekeeper
Lewis Jeremiah, farmer
Perks Thomas, farmer
Whitehurst Jn., the Hall Farm
Woodcock John, farmer
ONSLOW DIRECTORY.
Vaughan Richard, farmer
Wingfield Col. John, the Hall
PLEALEY DIRECTORY.
Bowers James, shoemaker
Bromley Edward, blacksmith
Bromley Richard, farmer
Cross Mrs., the Villa
France Richard, farmer
Hall Mary, farmer
Little Thomas, wheelwright
Peacock George, farmer
Phillips Joseph, farmer
Phillips Mrs., the Cottage
Phillips William, glazier
Wilkinson Thomas, farmer
SASCOTT DIRECTORY.
Evans Robert, farmer
Higginson Thomas, farmer
SIBBERSCOTT DIRECTORY.
France Richard, farmer
France Samuel, farmer
PRESTON MONTFORD, AND DINTHILL
is a township in the parish of St. Alkmund, returned in 1841 as containing 17 houses and 76 inhabitants. Preston Montford is situated four miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and consists of a few scattered houses leading to Montford Bridge. Dinthill is completely severed from Montford, and lies about three and a half miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. It is considered as a distinct township by the parochial officers. Mr. Thomas Hawkins, farmer, Dinthill Hall, is the only resident. The chief inhabitants of Preston Montford are John Bowen, police officer; William Jones, farmer and vict., Swan; John Randles, blacksmith and machine maker; John Thomas, grocer and general dealer; George Whitehorn, vict., Nag’s Head; George Whitehorn, Jun., fish net and shoemaker; Miss Wingfield, The Cottage; Mrs. Wingfield, The Hall.
WESTBURY
is a parish and considerable village situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, nine miles S.W. by S. of the former place, and twelve miles N.E. of the latter. It comprises the townships of Marsh district, Newton, Stretton, Vennington, Wallop, Westbury, Westley, Whitton, Wigmore, Winsley, and Yockleton, which have an area of 18,347 acres of land. Rateable value, £10,810. The woodlands are 197 acres, and roads 67½ acres. Edward William Pembroke Smithe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Colonel John Wingfield and John Michael Severne, Esq., are also considerable proprietors. The rent charge is £1,459. 16s. 5d. Population in 1801, 1,991; 1831, 2,228; and in 1841 there were 314 houses and 2,412 persons. Westbury, anciently written Wesberie, was held in the reign of the Confessor by Ernui, and was free. Roger, the son of Corbet, held of Earl Roger most of that tract of land lying in the hundred of Ford, with parts of Chirbury and Condover hundreds, which in the whole consisted of 39 manors or hamlets, and for his seat he built the Castle of Cause. It is thought that Roger Corbet or his son espoused the cause of his patron, Robert de Belesme, against Henry the I., and upon incurring the king’s displeasure, forfeited his inheritance, which was given to Pain Fitz John. In 2nd Henry III. the king commanded the Earl of Chester to restore to Thomas Corbet the Castle of Cause and all his lands. In 30th Henry III. the said Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren in Cause and two years after, the grant of a fair to be kept on the eve, the day, and the day after, the translation of Thomas the martyr. The site of the castle is lofty and commanding; it stood on an isolated ridge, rising abruptly from a deep ravine on one side, and sloping towards a vast valley bounded by the Stiperstones on the other. The castle is in a state of complete dilapidation. There is a colliery in this township, and bricks and tiles are also made near the village.
The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, has a square tower, in which are five bells. The interior is neatly pewed, and consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel. There are many neat tablets in the church. The living is a rectory divided into the two portions of Westbury in Dextra and Westbury in Sinistra. The former portion is rated in the king’s book at £13. 9s. 4½d., now returned at £643, and the latter at £11. 12s. 8½d., is now returned at £556.
Charities.—John Topp, by deed, dated 1716, left a yearly rent charge of £30 issuing out of certain lands in Vennington, upon trust, to dispose of the same yearly in the education of poor children of the parish of Westbury, and in putting out such children apprentices. Letitia Barnster, by indenture, dated 1726, left for the benefit of the poor of the parish a small parcel of land fourteen yards in length and six yards eight inches in breadth. On this land a school was built in 1736, and a residence for the master has since been built upon land belonging to E. W. P. S. Owen, Esq.
On the tables of benefactions in the church are noticed charities left by twenty several donors for the benefit of the poor, amounting to the sum of £153. 13s. 4d. This sum, with an additional £6. 6s. 8d., was expended in the year 1710 in the purchase of three parcels of land in the parish of Worthen, containing about 17 acres, the rent of which amounted to £43. 10s. per annum at the time the Charity Commissioners published their reports. One-fourth of these rents are distributed in bread to the poor of the parish on Good Friday, and the residue given away on St. Thomas’s day in clothing, fuel, and money, as is most advisable.
Newton is a small township in Westbury parish, one and a half mile N.E. by E. of Westbury, containing twenty inhabitants. Robert Corbet Jones, Esq., is the sole landowner. Marsh is one and a half mile N.E. by N. of Westbury. The principal landowners are Mr. William Howells, Mr. John Turner, and John Wood, Esq. Stretton and the Heath is situated two miles N.E. of Westbury, and contains 290 inhabitants. The landowners in this township are Mr. J. Cadwallader, Mr. S. Dovaston, Mr. R. James, Mr. William Millman, Mr. Timothy Oakley, Mr. Rd. Evans, Mr. Rd. Hughes, and Mr. R. H. Gwynn. Vennington is a township 1½ miles S.W. by W. of Westbury, which contains 313 persons. The Rev. Mr. Parr is the principal landowner. Wallop is a small township containing 77 inhabitants, situated two miles west of Westbury. John Michael Severne, Esq., is the sole landowner. Westley, a township two and a half miles east of Westbury, contains 88 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. R. Butler, Mr. E. Butler, Richard Gardner, Esq., Mr. John Gardner, Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Rogers. Whitton has a population of 38 persons, and Mrs. Topp is the sole landowner. Wigmore township lies two miles N.W. of Westbury, and contains 63 inhabitants. The freeholders are Mr. Edward Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. John Dorricott, Mr. Richard Hillhouse, and Mr. Thomas Randles. Winsley township is situated two miles from Westbury, and contains 15 inhabitants. Mr. John Blakeway Tipton and Mr. John Phillips are the principal landowners. Yockleton is a township containing 231 inhabitants, and situated two miles N.E. of Westbury. The principal landowners are Colonel Wingfield and Thomas Nichols, Esq.
Post Office.—At Thomas Clark’s. Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are despatched at 6 P.M.
WESTBURY DIRECTORY.
Bebb Thos., farmer, Wigmore
Birch Benj., farmer, Forest of Hayes
Corfield Richard, farmer
Clarke Thos., farmer & vict., Red Lion Inn
Clemson Thomas, farmer, Perton Woods
Cureton Rev. William, M.A., Chaplain to the Queen
Darrell Geo., undergrd. agent
Davies Richard, blacksmith and parish clerk
Dickenson Joseph, Esq.
Evans John, farmer, Wigmore
Hanley Wm., pump-maker
Harrison William, farmer and beerhouse, The Wood
Hayman Elzbth., shoemaker
Hayman William, shoemaker
Inions John, frmr., The Hall
Jasper Jas., carrier to Shrewsbury
Jones Sarah, grocer & draper
Mason Richard, stone-mason
Meredith Mrs.
Owen Jeremh., frmr., Sightly
Parr Rev. Thos., The Rectory
Perry Joseph, farmer, Wigmore Hill
Phillips John, Esq., Winsley Hall
Preece John, farmer, Wigley
Pugh John, farmer, Cause Castle
Randalls Thomas, victualler, The Bear, Wigmore
Reese Edward, farmer
Reeves Rev. J. Somerville, M.A., curate
Roberts Jos., farmer, Marsh
Sambrook Chas., mine agent
Sambrook Mrs., The Cottage
Smith John, frmr., Radbrook
Smout Richard, shoemaker
Smout Thomas, linen weaver
Smout Thomas, butcher and farmer
Trantham Edward, tailor
Webster Thomas, shoemaker
Wood John, Esq., Marsh Hall
MARSH DIRECTORY.
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Dolphin Edward, farmer and butcher
Dorricott John, farmer
Edwards Thomas, maltster
Hills Wm., farmer, Irongate
Howell William, blacksmith
Kempster Richard, farmer, Woolaston Little
Perry Thos., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Turner Jno., victualler, Half-way House
Turner John, jun., farmer
Wilde George, shopkeeper
Wilde Sml., farmer, Wattlesborough Heath
Wood John, farmer
NEWTON DIRECTORY.
Pitchard Thomas, farmer
Williams William, farmer
STONEY STRETTON DIRECTORY.
Brazenor Thomas, victualler, Elephant and Castle
Beddoe Robert, blacksmith
Cadwallader John, farmer, Heath
Cooper James, shoemaker
Griffiths Mrs., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Morgan John, farmer
Nicholls Richard, glazier
Oakley Timothy, farmer
Padduck Robert, tailor
Parry John, farmer, Hinton
Pugh George, farmer
Richards Richard, shopkeepr
Tomkins Thomas, farrier
Tomlins Wm., wheelwright
VENNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dorricott Richard, farmer
Evans William, blacksmith
Gittins Samuel, farmer
Habberley George, wheelwright
Hanley John, shopkeeper and carrier
Knight George, farmer
Maddocks John, farmer
Mason Thomas, corn miller, farmer, and beerhouse kpr.
WALLOP DIRECTORY.
Davies John, farmer
Gittins Samuel, blacksmith
Marsh Joseph, farmer, Napps
Morris Wm., farmer, Broomhill
Rydar Richard, farmer, Tilled House
Severne John Michael, Esq., The Hall
WESTLEY DIRECTORY.
Gardner John, farmer
Gardner Richard, coalmaster and farmer
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Brayton Edward, farmer
Dickinson Joseph, farmer
Edwards Thos., frmr., Grange
Palmer Thomas, shoemaker
Parry Joseph, Field Farm
Topp Mrs., Whitton Court
Wilding Matthew, farmer and wheelwright
WINSLEY DIRECTORY.
Corfield William, farmer
Eddowes William, farmer, The Lakes
Morris David, farmer, Forest of Hayes
Nevett William, farmer, The Hem
Parry William, farmer, The Hurst
YOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Beddoe Edward, shoemaker
Bland Joseph, blacksmith
Bromley Thomas, farmer, Lynches
Bromley William, butcher
Bromley William, farmer
Broughall Richard, farmer
Broughall Richd., grocer, &c.
Gittins George, butcher
Gittins Richard, farmer
Meredith John, Bank Farm
Nichols Thomas, Esq., The Hall
Tudor Mrs., The Villa
SHELTON AND OXON,
a small township and pleasant village, with some neat villa residences, two miles west from Shrewsbury, partly in St. Chad, and partly in the parish of St. Julian, at the census of 1841 had twenty-three houses and 100 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert Burton, Esq.; Edward Morris, Esq.; and Sir Richard Jenkins. At this place stands the celebrated Shelton Oak, famed from the tradition that Owen Glendower, in 1403, ascended its branches to ascertain the event of the battle of Shrewsbury. The interior is hollow, and capable of holding a dozen persons. This venerable monarch of the forest, although much decayed, and many of the branches broken off, yet shows vigorous signs of life. The girth, five feet from the ground, is 34 feet 4 inches; and at the base, 44 feet 3 inches.
Directory. Those with * affixed are at Bicton Heath. Miss Ann Burton; * Samuel Cookson, shoemaker; * Stephen Davies, blacksmith and shopkeeper; William Davies, farmer; * George Evans, vict., The Grapes; Edward Evans, pig dealer; William Evans, cow keeper; * Mr. Joseph Lakelin; * Joseph Lloyd, shopkeeper; * Thomas Mansell, tailor; James Martin, butcher, Little Oxon; * Magdalene Morgan, beerhouse; John Morris, Esq., Oxon; Thomas Norton, Esq., solicitor; * John Roberts, joiner and wheelwright; * John Rowlands and Sons, iron and brass founders, engineers, millwrights, and agricultural implement makers; * Mr. William Smith, Zion Villa; * Mrs. Mary Urwick; Francis Walford, Esq.; * John Williams, shoemaker.